Jermaine Beckford pushes for Leeds exit

Riding the crest from the shocking victory over Manchester United, Jermaine Beckford has formally requested a transfer from Leeds. The twenty-six year-old striker is without a contract at seasons end and sought after by a numbers of clubs, including Newcastle.

As per Leeds formal statement:

"Leeds United can confirm that Jermaine Beckford has handed in a transfer request. The transfer request was handed in on Dec 30. By handing in a transfer request it clearly indicates that the player wants to leave Leeds United."

With Newcastle the apparent front-runner, though still well off Leeds rumoured asking price of £3m, Mr. Bates and company are making it known that the striker will not come cheap, further adding in the statement:

"However, that will only be allowed to happen in the event that it is decided to be in the best interests of Leeds United. The best interests of Leeds United involve receiving both an acceptable transfer fee and securing a suitable replacement to ensure his departure does not have an adverse effect on the club's overall aim of securing promotion back to the Championship."

For Leeds, the situation is both a troublesome predicament as well as being inevitable. Jermaine Beckford has been under the looking glass for the last three campaigns and Sunday's performance against Manchester United where he not only scored the matches lone goal but consistently out duelled Wes Brown, reaffirmed the strikers desire to move to the higher ranks. Whilst speculative in nature, one could assume that he is looking ahead with his sights towards Newcastle's successful promotional bid, thus jettisoning him to the Premier League. That aside many will question whether the move on his part is shortsighted and like youngster Fabian Delph, who has rarely seen the pitch since moving to Aston Villa, he would do better staying the course with Leeds.

prepared by J.Davies

Rubin Kazan’s Cristian Ansaldi to join Manchester City

If rumours are accurate, Rubin Kazan’s Cristian Ansaldi is in route to English Premier League side Manchester City with a transfer fee in the range of €4.2m (£6m). Per Russian media outlet Sports-Express (Спорт-Экспресс), the twenty-three year-old left back, who as been highly sought after in the winter transfer market with Benfica, Real Zaragoza and Atlético Madrid vying for his services, will be the first major signing for new manager Roberto Mancini.

Leeds begins road back with defeat of Manchester United

Entering the day, Leeds United visit of Old Trafford to face nemesis Manchester United in the FA Cup offered a cornucopia of story lines. Yet in a magical moment that seems destined to live in the lore of Leeds, the troubled League One side rose up, against the odds and resurrected the hopes and dreams of its faithful for a gallant 1-0 victory over mighty Manchester United.

The fall of once great Leeds has been a tale that has been told countless times, a great warning for all clubs who suffer financial fallout as they tumbled from the lofty perches of the Champions League to the third division of English football. On the opposite side of the equation, Manchester United with its billowing hardware case and array of international stars, were clearly the heavy favourites of the day. However, as situations as these so often go, today was not one for favourites and predictable events, as Leeds found within their claret a bit a magic in route to the victory.

As the day began, Man Utd’s erstwhile leader, Sir Alex Ferguson was clearly aware that his opposition posed an eye towards playing David to their Golaith. Still with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov in the Reds line-up Leeds was dreadfully out-matched, on paper that is. Leeds, too their credit, took a noteworthy opening stance and pushing aside comments of more defensive approach and instead launched forward with the striking tandem of Luciano Becchio and Jermaine Beckford. Tactically the move seemed both noble as an aggressive stance but equally suicidal, as the third division side would be easy pickings for the hosts.

At the opening whistle, Man Utd showed a sense of belonging, if not belief that they would given their fans the victory they hoped for. Yet slowly the tables turned, just ever so slightly at first as the curmudgeonly Leeds eleven began to press forward. Then finally it struck like a watchtower bell at the eighteenth minute, the 74,000 were shocked as Leeds notched what would become the matches lone goal. Remarkably, in a week that featured the first Premier League match in which not a single player born in the England graced the opening line-up, it was Jonny Howson, the hometown hero who turned the screw. With a magnificent long diagonal ball, he found Jermaine Beckford who once again outdistanced himself from statuesque defender Wes Brown and after chesting the ball down, the striker slid his twentieth goal of the campaign under ‘keeper Tomasz Kuszczak. Man Utd rolled-up its well-appointed sleeves and went to work, intent on the equalizer and only moments later Wayne Rooney’s goal bound effort was cleared from the line by veteran Jason Crowe. The thin margin continued and with much talent at Sir Alex’s disposal, he summoned Ryan Giggs in three minutes shy of the hour with Michael Owen not that long after. Pressure ensued in the Leeds end but despite the many efforts, Leeds clung to the lead. As regulation time ended, young Aiden White, eighteen years of age and a product of the Leeds academy was called upon for Andy Hughes as the Whites desperately held the lead. Tension thickened with five minutes of added-time called, surely an equalizer was in the offing but heroics were in store for Leeds ‘keeper Casper Ankergren with a stunning match saving save in the fourth minute. With the final tick of the clock, the white knuckle affair ended and for the 9,000 Leeds supporters who had made their way along the M62 to the Theatre of Dreams, their side resurrected the glory of the past once more in the greatest of fashions.


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Millwall wins opening leg 1-0 against Leeds

Leeds promotion hopes are a morsel steeper now as they fell 1-0 to Millwall in the opening leg at The Den. With Millwall holding the narrow one-goal advantage the second leg of the semi-final returns to Elland Road on Thursday as the Whites look to continue their winning form at home.

For the match there were few surprises as Simon Grayson was definitely looking to button down defensive concerns and it certainly wasn't shy of physical encounters. Unfortunately on the attacking end of the pitch tactical play was highly predictable and the final touch of Jermaine Beckford was definitely absent on the day as he was supplied a number of "can't misses", including a scrumptious back-heel by Luciano Beckford that he should have dispatched into the net. Both Robert Snodgrass and Fabian Delph seemed to be pushed off form with a bit of the physical stuff, a definite clue on how to play the youngsters, particularly Mr. Delph who could have easily been shown a straight red prior to the break.

While it is "possible" to make claim that Leeds had a upper-hand before the break it was a modest one at best as the final touch was far from what is need in these lofty days of May. After the break Leeds was shown susceptible to flanking assaults, most notably via James Henry and failed to counter appropriately or respond in shape, seeming more inclined to return home with a nil draw on the resume. With nineteen minutes remaining a wandering long-ball to the right was latched onto by Gary Alexander, who then crossed into the box with Richard Naylor caught wrong-footed and simply missing in clearing, resulting in none other than Neil Harris pounding the ball into the netting. If there was a sub-plot to the match, it surely is the concern for fan violence to the extent that sections of the stands were closed and they kept attendance below sell-out to ensure control. While for the most part, those concerns were kept under-wraps following the goal a number of Millwall supporters rushed the pitch with Leeds 'keeper Casper Ankergren struck by a fan. That aside, the situation was well under control and a few dozen horsemen made sure of it. Without further mark the match concluded with Leeds needing to fight back on Thursday from a one-goal disadvantage. No need for panic as at home the situation will be of-course, so very different and Elland Road will sing out as only it can.

Leeds v Walsall match preview

Riding a three match winning streak, Leeds visits Walsall Saturday as they continue their race towards promotion. Seventh in the table Simon Grayson's side rests three points behind closest rivals Oldham Athletic and a further two behind, Peterborough United, Scunthorpe United and Millwall all locked with fifty points.

For the match Walsall welcomes back Rhys Weston, Stephen Roberts and Michael Ricketts but are likely without Stephen Hughes who is questionable. Leeds appears fully fit with only long term absences Frazer Richardson and Paul Huntington unavailable.

Given the Leeds manager Simon Grayson stonewalls information on possible lineups, we can assume he'll continue to pair Lee Trundle with Jermaine Beckford and continue to use Bradley Johnson given his solid play.

Manchester City v Stoke City match preview

Following Wednesday's 2-1 victory over Newcastle, Mark Hughes have quietly strung a four match unbeaten streak and are poised at ninth in the table. While criticism rains down on Eastlands from many, the Citizens have made solid moves this transfer season with the additions of Craig Bellamy and Nigel de Jong to their lineup.

Tony Pulis' Stoke City are in the fight of their Premier League lives, tied for the bottom of the table with twenty-one points but have consistently put forth a good effort in front of their supporters at Britannia.


Prior to the match, Mark Hughes commented on the need for more consistency and better play away from Eastlands:

“Our away form is not as good as our home form which you can reasonably expect, but we should have picked up more points on our travels given the games we have played.

“We have to look to be positive against Stoke, it’s going to be difficult because they have a real, physical presence. Maybe that was evident on Wednesday night, when at times we struggled when we did not have a big presence up front.

“But we can cause problems in different ways with our movement and technical ability so we’re hopeful we can cause Stoke problems, and get on the track of winning away games in the league.”

“We’ve lost Dunnie’s presence as well, but ahead of the back four we are a little lacking in height – maybe not so great going into a game against Stoke! But we are playing well at the moment, and we need to impose our game on them rather than the other way around.”

For the match, Man City is anticipating both Shaun Wright-Phillips and Pablo Zabaleta to be available after suffering injuries in the prior match while while Stoke will go forward missing Andy Wilkinson and Abdoulaye Faye.

Kieran Trippier and Andrew Tutte honoured

With all the talk of transfers and massive acquisitions, the backbone of Manchester City, its Academy is often forgotten in the media. And although the club will grow and expand, the development of youth in the region pays rich dividends not merely for the club or the sport but true citizenry as well.

Supporters of the Citizens can take great pride in the selection of Kieran Trippier and Andrew Tutte for the Three Lions U19 squad friendly against Spain on February 10. Both players have been instrumental in the success of the Academy’s campaign and honoured with the selection to Brian Eastick’s squad.

Please let me know if others are interested in the backbone of Manchester City.

Everton suffers painful loss

Everton supporters felt heartbreak losing 3-2 to Aston Villa with the winning strike coming off a painful-to-watch last second strike by Ashley Young. In the most peculiar of ways it was almost fitting that the match ended off a defensive blunder just as it had started. Aston Villa took the lead less-than a minute into the match as James Milner laid the ball off to Steve Sidwell who subsequently drove the ball in from twenty meters. Everton picked themselves up and with loyal Goodison Park behind them they fought on till leveling the match at the half hour mark when Mikel Arteta’s free-kick was edged on by Leon Osman to a waiting Joleon Lescott to pummel into the net from a few meters out. The Toffees kept pressuring but nine minutes after the break, the second foul defensive lapse of the match result in ‘Villa taking the lead. In a inexplicable lapse, Phil Jagielka, who has played so brilliantly this year, attempted to pass the ball back towards with Timmy Howard but with his head down he did not realize he had perfectly laid the ball out to Ashley Young to go in all alone. The young English international converted and the complexion of the match changed decidedly as Everton’s forces slowed. With an intense desire to equalize Everton pressed and a few minutes into added time Joleon Lescott with his back to the goal swiveled to strike the ball from close range to the back of the net. Remarkably the match was level and while many would say Everton was deserving of three points, a draw certainly was a very acceptable result all things considered. Yet that was not the end of the tale as in the final seconds of four minutes of added time, a long ball was launched towards Ashley Young, who subsequently turned Joleon Lescott in the wrong direction and launch the ball into the net. Shocked and dismayed Goodison Park was numb as Everton lost 3-2.

Emile Heskey would suit the Toffees

With thirty-year old striker Emile Heskey not renewing his contract Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has alluded that he could very well be available in the January transfer window.

"Emile is out of contract in the summer. It could cost us £3m or £4m if that goes on to the summer so we'll have to see what January brings."

With Yakubu out for the year and James Vaughan undergoing knee surgery this week, Everton is in need of a striker and the English international would fit the bill perfectly. While Victor Anichebe has shown tremendous promise and Jose Baxter has bales of promise, a more experienced striker is a must.

stubborn Magpies hold Middlesbrough to scoreless draw

The Tyne-Tees derby ended in a scoreless draw at a fog-embraced Riverside Stadium. Whilst Gareth Southgate's 'Boro side controlled much of the play after the break, the Magpie's displayed a stubborn defensive side that would not allow the final touch. As per usual (or is it a "given") Republic of Ireland international Shay Given came to the rescue denying Justin Hoyte from point-blank range with sixteen minutes remaining and re-affirming this lofty status as one of best 'keepers in the game today. The match also saw the welcomed return of Mark Viduka and while it might cause a morsel of lineup problems and in my most tactful "festive" manner he is in-need of a bit more fitness work, it will definitely be a major addition to the club.

Obafemi Martins can come close to giving Newcastle the lead ten minutes before the break but his shot clanged off the bar to safety. Presumably Gareth Southgate rattled the war drums at the break as 'Boro came out on the attack and dictated much of the play. As expected, Turkish international Tuncay Şanlı was a typical whirlwind creating chances but his efforts went unanswered. Twenty minutes after re-start Mark Viduka was introduced as you might expect "warmly" received by the 'Boro fans where he spent three seasons before coming scooting up the A19. The Melbourne native immediately got himself into the mix and with roughly twenty minutes remaining he looked to be on the end of the scoring drive but his volley was blocked by Austrian international Emanuel Pogatetz. "Mad Dog" Pogatetz, in his normal warm, delightful manner, was all over the pitch today and thwarted a number of glorious Magpie opportunities. Heroics were in-store for Shay Given as he robbed Justin Hoyte with sixteen minutes remaining in what seemed destined to be the go-ahead goal. The final piece of drama was saved for the introduction of Mido into 'Boro's lineup and while the Egyptian international wasn't able to create the winning goal, he appeared to be confident and well on the way to full recovery.

If there was a drawback to the match it is the Obafemi Martins reaction of being substituted by Mark Vidulka as he immediately made his way to the dressing room, ignoring his teammates. Somewhat confidently, I expect Joe Kinnear to deal with the situation with all the charm and suave demeanor we've come to expect.

Newcastle returns action next Saturday as Stoke City visits St James' Park.

and now Steven Taylor?

It seems things are slowly falling in line for the Magpies as along with the return of Mark Viduka, Steven Taylor looks healthy and ready to go for this Saturdays match-up against Middlesbrough at Riverside. The U21 England captain has been out since injuring his groin in the Aston Villa match but may have a bit of a fight for his spot. Joe Kinnear talked of this back-line saying:

"We were up against some of the best players in Europe at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, yet we were well organised. In fact, it was the best I have seen Habib Beye perform since I came here. But really both he and Fabricio Coloccini have done well all season, and Sébastien Bassong showed what a good player he is when he is in his normal central defensive position. And I must say I thought José Enrique handled Joe Cole as well as I have seen anybody do."

Mark Viduka back!!!

Yes its true, the Aussie hit-man might be a part of the squad that will face Middlesbrough at Riverside Stadium this Saturday. With the Magpie's teetering in the dreaded final relegation spot the return of Mark Viduka will have an enormous impact. Joe Kinnear said of his possible return:

"He's not far off it, I can tell you. Obviously he hasn't had games but you might find that he's on the bench on Saturday."

"What we decided to do with Mark was to ask him to try and come back into training."

"We didn't want to hurry him up because we don't want to risk him breaking down again but if he felt like he could come back into the sessions then we were happy for him to do that.

"It was a matter of bringing him back gradually and seeing what he could manage but he's surprised us all.

"He's got better and better as the days have gone on and some of the things he's been doing have been excellent. We'll see how he goes now but there is a chance of him being involved."

"He's a good personality and another one of the leaders that I've got in the squad."

"He's a terrific player to have back in and around the team."

Leeds suffers excruciating loss

Leeds suffered an excruciating 2-1 loss at Sixfields against Northhampton in League One action that was a by-product of both over-confidence and the lack of urgency in the attack. Being quite honest, the moment I saw midfield lineup with Jonny Howson and Robert Snodgrass on the bench with the club in a dowdy 4-4-2, the loss was a lock. Leeds lacked punch and came in with a puffed-up ego clattering about how they put up five goals against Northhampton and that they were shooting for six. Well, they fell five short of six goals and with three minutes remaining Nicholas Bignall headed-in Danny Jackman's corner to the back of the net to give Northhampton the victory. Leeds controlled most of the play but Liam Davis gave the home side the lead two minutes before the half-hour mark. Leeds was unable to draw the match level until Jermaine Beckford struck with twenty-one minutes remaining. Leeds fate was however sealed with Nicholas Bignall's goal and so went another three points towards promotion hopes. While redundant this is horrible loss for Leeds and Gary McAllister needs to accept that tactically massive errors are being made and this loss rests firmly on his shoulders. A club of this ability should be ten points clear of Leicester City but instead they are in seventh, six points behind.

Leeds returns to action this Saturday against Histon in the FA Cup.

Wigan defeats Everton 1-0

Wigan defeated Everton at the JJB with David Moyes squad completely unable to finish on one scoring opportunity after another. While Everton lacked the sparked that has been very evident over the recent five match unbeaten streak, they had ample opportunities to score. Poor finishing started at the fifteenth minute by Louis Saha and concluded with a dreadful miss to equalize the match a minute into added time by Timmy Cahill. However the match was decided in the fifty-first minute with Antonio Valencia setting Henri Camara up for the go-ahead goal. Barely looking like the were intent on getting the leveling goal, Everton stumbled around and produced few scoring chances till Tim Cahill thundered a ball over the cross bar in added-time.

Everton manager David Moyes summed up the match perfectly as he said:

"I was hoping for more from us but it was a poor performance."

The Toffees have a chance to get back on track next Sunday as they face surging Tottenham.

oh they really didn't say that

Quite honestly it was a headline that few copy-writers could resist and I honestly have to hand it to him for holding out. However per the Newcastle web-site it was pronounced that "It's a Given, Shay's Best in the League says Joe." How often a title is bigger than an article but for a Monday evening post it certainly is worthwhile. Yet the crux of the article is true because the Republic of Ireland 'keeper has saved the day for the Magpies on many occasions.

Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear gushed:

"He's the best goalkeeper in the league, no doubt. When you need great goalkeepers you need them to react to the unexpected and that first save from Frank Lampard was excellent. He's made another couple of good saves after that and if you're going to get a point at places like Stamford Bridge you need goalkeepers like Shay Given. But we defended fantastically well as a team and I couldn't fault anyone, I'm very proud."

Likewise as proud and yes it's a given.

Toon grab a point at Stamford Bridge

With a constant barrage of attacking forces coming at them, Newcastle head at the last line of defense to deny Chelsea a goal and come away with a well-earned point in a nil draw. The star-studded pure-bred lineup of Chelsea pushed and prodded but could not breakthrough the roll-up-your sleeves grit of Newcastle. Shay Given was called-upon early and often but neither flinch nor fail in keeping the goal clean, starting first with a diving save of Frank Lampard barely eight minutes from the opening whistle. Another seven minutes later the Republic of Ireland repeated his heroics denying Florent Malouda from close range. With Chelsea void of finishing skills today the match went to the break scoreless. With the restart the high-flying Chelsea side came out thirsty to win the match but once again Shay Given, a stingy defense and the resolve of having your back against the wall proved too much.

After the match Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear said:
"It was a magnificent performance and about the best we've played as a team. Shay Given pulled off some great saves but as a team it was as good as it gets.

A great point indeed and further proof of the spirit of the game and the immeasurable nature of determination and pride in wearing the crest.

Man City goes on the attack

Arsenal comes to Eastlands Saturday afternoon in a match that promises to be highly attacking in nature as both clubs are desperately in need of points. The promise of Man City's future burns bright but with only a single point separating them and relegation, its time to pick up the pace. Arsenal on its own end has stumbled its way down the table, with only a single victory after the 4-4 debacle against Tottenham. Last weeks 2-0 loss Aston Villa in a painfully bad display in-front of their loyal fans. And while Arsene Wenger will be ready to attack with both guns blazing, with the loss of Theo Walcott in international duty, their attack will not to be any easier.

On the injury-front Man City are without Joe Hart but Kasper Schmeichel is not only a capable replacement but ready to be a number one at this level. Captain Richard Dunne returns from suspension along with Danny Sturridge from injury but Dietmar Hamann and Gelson Fernandes are questionable.

Arsenal face a much more troubling situation with William Gallas deciding to air locker room issues in public and rightfully being stripped of his captaincy. Beyond the opera they are without Cesc Fabregas who is in the sin-bin, with Emmanuel Eboue and Theo Walcott out along with Kolo Touré who is doubtful. Couple in a selection of players on international duty, the Gunners are far from one-hundred per-cent and their likely isn't a better time to pick-up three points on them.

Prior to the match Mark Hughes commented:

"We look at their strengths and weaknesses and look for areas we can exploit. At the same time we will concentrate on making sure we don't make the kind of mistakes that we have made in recent matches that have cost us goals"

"That is what you have to disturb. We have to make sure we do not let them get into their stride by imposing our own game on them.

"In many ways we play a similar style and both teams have shown this season that while it gets you results it can at times also leave you exposed.

"At the moment we have not many defensive minded players. There is no point asking the majority of those in my squad to play a pressing game because they would not be very adept at it.

"It makes more sense to give them licence to express themselves particularly in the final third. But we have to be mindful to be more resolute going the other way.

"Tomorrow's game should be a great spectacle. Both teams have an abundance of attacking players and sometimes it is just best to rely on what you are good at. Although we need to be defensively tighter there are moments when attacking wise we are as good as anybody.


With these comments it is very easy to see that we can expect Man City to come out with a very fast-paced agenda and attack the suspect Arsenal defense.

I will report on the match as it concludes.

a chance to climb the table

As the Toffees embark on their visit of Wigan, they must recognize this is an enormous opportunity to climb the table and ultimately a "must-win" match if they are to enter the top-six. To say the first few months of the season has been "unpredictable" is an understatement as amongst a series of pithy performances, somehow through a rather bull-dog approach David Moyes has Everton sitting seventh in the table, with Hull City, Aston Villa and Arsenal within four points above them. With Man Utd visiting Aston Villa and Arsenal facing a troubled Manchester City, the Toffees can close the margin with a win over Wigan.

For myself its hard not to appreciate Wigan to some degree as they typify the fighting spirit of their ex-Manchester United leader, Steve Bruce. As this rather quickly turns into a Steve Bruce tribute post, while they may not pack the punch of a upper-tier club they find a way to get "the tough job done" and are capable of biting back if you give them the opening. Consistency of play has been the problem but don't tell that to Hull City who they shellacked 5-0 earlier in the year. Recent play hasn't seen them wander around a bit but as Newcastle found out last week as they were ready to celebrate a victory, with the slightest opening they can surprise you, which they did with Titus Bramble's late equalizing goal. Their play has been relatively dreary at home and tactical issues will be based heavily upon a curious group of injuries to key players. At this stage, Steve Bruce will is dealing with Amr Zaki, Emile Heskey, Mario Melchiot and Wales international Jason Koumas all facing pre-match fitness tests and will be without Emmerson Boyce to suspension. For Everton, knowledge that Wigan has never defeated them at the JJB or only won once in seven matches will mean little, although it might give them a bit of push to continue the streak. David Moyes is facing his own injury woes with both Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar both questionable but both Tim Cahill and Yakubu will be fully recovered from international duty to take part.

Joey Barton injury update

Newcastle revealed that Joey Barton will be out for the next eight weeks with a tear to the medial ligament of his right knee. The injury occurred in the seventeenth minutes of this weekends match against Wigan at St James' Park following a challenge with Lee Cattermole.

Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear said of the injury:

"It's a major setback for Joey at a time when all the players and everyone at the club is getting behind him and I'm bitterly disappointed for him but he has the character to come through this.

Joe Hart out for upwards of four weeks

Man City revealed that 'keeper Joe Hart is expected to be out for upwards of four weeks with strained ankle ligaments. He injured his ankle early in the Hull City match this past weekend and is expected to be miss UEFA Cup affairs against Schalke 04 and PSG as well as his call-up for England. Goalkeeping duties will now fall to Kasper Schmeichel who looked rock-solid in replacement.