Leeds Banter Archive January 18 2012

18 Jan 2012 23:19:36
Think its time a few of you had a head shake...

Yes its so annoying that papa smurf wont invest in our team and sells our best players. But im reading fans saying "thats it lets stop supporting leeds". Were not glory chasers like the scum from manchester. Imagine the fans of DARLINGTON FC who are seeing their club about to go under and yet they are still their every week watching their team and supporting them through thick and thin. We have sold a decent player at championship level (and its annoying) but we still have a football club and a bloody good one at that, pick your heads out of your arses and lets get behind the team. I hate bates as much as anyone but its not gonna get us anywhere. Marching on TOGETHER {Ed013's Note - Well said}

I've been shaking my head all season.

18 Jan 2012 23:12:13
Leeds should use the money from the jonny howson transfer to sign keith andrews MOT

18 Jan 2012 22:59:24
7pm tomorrow 19-1-12 billy bremner statue..... Bates out! Already looks like alot will be attending..... love leeds hate bates

18 Jan 2012 21:53:19
The howson saga is a bit strange, he will play 6 month in premier then he be back in championship with norwich. Whereas looking at the players we have on trial, pattison and Jones, and this buck Rogers, look quality.
Delph is twice the player howson is, we all know our central mid needed strengthening, which doesn't say much for howson or Clayton does it ? {Ed013's Note - There will be all sorts of reasons behind Howson going mate and I hope its not greed. I would like to know the wage structure that we have. Give Norwich credit though, they have done well and cant see them getting relegated}

A fickle fan who knows nothing,yes youth poster.how son went because he wanted to try to better himself and secure a better future for his family.we were going nowhere fast and he knows it.he has done the right thing.and as for Norwich coming down is that the same Norwich who are above halfway,playing good football,operating on a small budget ,oh and yes with a manager who can get the best out of average players.if how son had stayed you would be bogging him up.as for Delphi,he may be ok but villa fans just call him the headless chicken.and we wanted to add quality to get us in play offs not just replace quality.absolute garbage.I would bet anyone with hard cash we will not be in play offs....shrew leds

18 Jan 2012 21:37:42
My mate is at Leeds met university and is on a 12 week work experience as a physio. Helped out with rogers medical and been told he expects his permit to be sorted by tomorrow. We are trying to agree terms with pattison and enquirer about lichaj. And the Delphi situation is nearly done just down to him wether he wants to come as bth teams have agreed he can come. Not lying this is the truth....no other news as of yet

It says on MLS Official Website that Rogers permit was granted this afternoon.

Im at leeds met and on the physio degree and i can guarantee no one has gone to leeds on work experiance as they wouldnt have anyone. GO BACK TO SLEEP

Well it must be a different university then because he's definitely there and on a work experience and doing a physio degree

18 Jan 2012 21:18:35
So howson is going
Mcormack looks to be going

All of the following have been linked with moves away:
Clayton
Lees
White
Snodgrass
Becchio

How the **** are we suppose to get promoted when we are selling our better players and keeping people like billy paynter

18 Jan 2012 21:11:00
Would anyone like a bet?
When we don't sign anyone in this transfer window Simon Grayson will say " we tried to get a couple in but for whatever reason it didnt quiet happen" he has said this in every window. Are we betting gents?

And KB will say we made howson a fantastic offer but he wants to play in premiership.well here is a thought ken ,buy some players and they can all play in premiership.

Small point, did not "quiet happen", what?Iam available to help with basic English

18 Jan 2012 20:29:19
well time to start finding the positives now least its not snoddy and howson is a goodish player imo but never a class player easy replaced and mccormack is to inconsistant for me so if we get 4-5 mill for them 2 then thats good buisness if howson was really good he would be going to a better team than norwich fact so chin up guys dont want players that dont wanna be hear just hope grayson signs some good players now for money not frees and loans cos ya get what ya pay for so come on guys we could sign a better player than howson so look past he is a leeds born player cos he is not a leeds player with the club at heart so f*** him easy replaced for me now is the time to support leeds united more than ever cos we are still in the play off race and we dont know who we are gunna sign so heads up lads dont blame grayson back him cos he is doing a great job with whats going on rant over MOT :)

Howson gets injured during Millwall game which we win.
Seven games during injury we win one, draw two & lose four.
Easy replaced.....ok.......let's look forward to playing Huddersfield & one of the Shefs next year then.....depressing.

Abd all thats down to Howson not being in the sde eh,our forwards have been misfiring for weeks,defence fragile,and all this down to Howson eh,get a grip.

18 Jan 2012 19:12:52
who ever said the board deals with leeds transfers is wrong it even said on YEPthe other day that bates said grayson is in charge of their ingoing and outgoing transfers.. is there any more rumours on who could be coming in to eeds ED

If thats the case lets see the 2.5m spent on bringing players in then instead of the free transfers, loans and trialists

Bates's comments are disingenuous. The manager controls the budget but the board determines the budget and Grayson has never been given an adequate budget. He's never even been given the proceeds of player sales.

18 Jan 2012 19:45:57
good luck jonney lad all the best why stay at a club that is going no where. i,m gutted his off but cant fault him. i bet all the people who have been slating him are happy. what is going on at our club ? whos out of the door next why cant we get more money for them mind you thats more money for bates. would,nt shocked if sg walked away i think we should boycott the ipswich game get bates out now

18 Jan 2012 18:45:35
im sad to say this ....but would the last person to leave elland road please turn out the lights

Carnt because Bates has sold the light bulb

18 Jan 2012 18:10:19
So to all LUFC supporters what are we going to about the lies and deceit coming out of our club

Good luck jonny and thanks for ur service dnt blame u wanting to better ur career !! but what it does mean sadley is that our top players like clayton snoddy beccy deep down dnt see us going up in near future thats sad !! and frankly dnt blame u even though it cuts deep to say it !! but we are and always be marching on with whoever !! mot till u die !!

18 Jan 2012 17:56:32
While mr bates waits for football to implode(which may well happen with banks unwilling to lend anymore and profit related capping being introduced) we are left with the probability that no footballer with any ambition will
A/sign for Leeds- look at all those who turn us down!
B/sign a new contract with Leeds.
C/will ever get promotion in the short/medium term

Meanwhile SG takes the rap- its Harvey and Bates who sort out finances!
People say SG should grow a pair and stand up to ken, look at billy Davies- he moaned and moaned at his forest board during a play-off season , they failed to win and he got the sack, probably due to worsening relations with the board.
SG knows if he does a 'billy' he will lose his job and the club could spiral into doing just as forest have done.
Damned if you do damned if you don't!
Bates should sell the club if he can't afford to make it competitive whilst keeping it on a stable financial footing.
At this rate he will lose the supporters on match day which affects income.

Very good post. Probably the best I have read on here. Captures the ongoing systemic problems at the club that make progress very, very difficult. I accept that Leeds spending prudently is the only way to be sustainable, but even with that in mind, I think that a little more well aimed investment could take us a long way without risking the clubs future. What price, effort and time to identify, nurture and wait for a 'new Howson' ( possibly only to be sold on again) rather than showing a little ambition. I.e making it look like Prem football could be a possibility if he stays at Leeds with backing of the manager and a stable team and b) stretching a little further on the wages. It's false economy to sell EVERY player who doesn't fit a strict wage cap. In the medium/ long term it is stopping progress and the revenue that generates. If Bates cannot fund that progress by making us financially competitive he should think about selling to somebody who could( not an easy task I grant you).

This whole thing stinks! I am extremely suspicious of Bates' motivation in being at LUFC in the first place. Why buy into a club you have always publicly slated and then "invest" money into the infrastructure of a stadium you don't own? If I rented a property, I would not pay for an extension and conservatory. For a hard headed businessman this does not make financial sense. Perhaps he has a deep rooted desire to totally bleed the club dry, flog off every asset and then disappear off into the sunset on his yacht.

I posted first. KB does own the ground as a separate offshore entity- you don't rent a house then change the bathrooms, kitchen and bung on a conservatory!
I think he failed at Chelsea and now is trying it differently at leeds. Truth is he is a pauper in football in today's billionaire terms. He is uninvestable in due to his controlling blunt nature and he is living the high profile dream. Like driving an old Bentley but living on a council estate and not being able to afford to run it properly

18 Jan 2012 17:21:49
Bates out… It’s time to start protesting before and after games… not during. We are Leeds, we get behind the team. But enough is enough, Bate is siphoning money out of our club like there’s no tomorrow. We’ve got one of the highest gates out of (in fact including) the Premiership, and one of the lowest wage bills. The money we’ve received for selling our best players has not been reinvested in the club. We can’t go on like this, it’s a shambles.

Forget protesting. Waste of time. Go on strike. Walk away and start another club, FC United, AFC Wimbledon etc or watch rugby league and amateur football. Much more enjoyable and affordable. Let the owners and mgt enjoy zero revenue and empty stadiums. If a shop ripped you off you would shop elsewhere not go back and support the staff! Football is big business and should be treated as such. Ex-season ticket holder and supporter of 40 years.

I agree, AFC Leeds City. Leeds Utd days were over the day that 'idiot' got us into this financial mess. I am sure the council will be willing to lease a ground for the true fans.

18 Jan 2012 16:55:46
Bates,Grayson and co are a disgrace,they promise us better players then we get rid of our top players, we will never go anywhere under bates,i've had enough i struggle to find the time/cash to go see my beloved team and this is what we get,time to stop attending the games 4 me, my family have surported me in my love of leeds but now it's time i stopped paying though the nose to watchg garbage,bates out grayson out and the rest of the backroom staff too,bates will not see another penny from me,he and grayson feed us full of lies and im sick of it, our club is going backwards fast,leeds forever but no more cash from me,bates out, bates out u robbing old git!!!

Nothing to do with Grayson - managers only sell players on the computer games - not in real life. Talking of lives - go get one....

Fxxk off arse wipe you get a life, grayson continues to have no tactical knowledge our playing style is punt and hope,he has failed to address our defensive problems for far too long now, if we continue our second half of the form of the last couple of years then we will be in real trouble,just cos larry is a fan some feel we should put up with his lack of tactical knowledge,plus the players look like they are not playing for him at all,plus fed up with larry towing the party line with all the promises of quality players he is looking to bring in when the truth of the matter is we will not sign any, he knows this but lies to US the fans who pay to watch this dross, so you carry on backing larry, i am fed up with his bullsxxt.

If i was grayson i would of walked by now. it would be to heart breaking to be the person that gets the blame for ruining the club i love

If you seriously think managers have no control/ say over transfer dealings in and out of the club your as deluded as Ken Bates

If Larry is so inept how come we're only one point off the play offs and how come he's gained more points in relation to his expenditure than any other manager. If I give you £50 and tell you to buy an Aston Martin you'd laugh - it can't be done. Grayson's built the team for nothing and improved our league position every year, just as he did at Blackpool.

Use all the obscene language you like, it doesn't make you any less wrong...

Wouldn't have to use bad language if u weren't so insulting by tell me to get a life u cocky tw*t,but tell me are you happy with our defensive record?,i for 1 am not, but larry can't sort it out,he never will, if you think i'm wrong then fine ,thats ur opinion, but i have mine too,and what about the crap he keeps feeding us, if he was one of us he wouldn't lie to us all the time {Ed013's Note - Lads/ladies, stop with the insults and swearing. Things aren't great at the minute and therefore requires the fans to come together and support the club. Bates or Grayson are not bigger than the club, its the fans that keep it going. You are entitled to your opinion and I understand your frustrations}

Ed,sorry for swearing and yes frustrated,but when people tell me to get a life after 38 years of following my beloved leeds everywhere at gr8 expence and time it just gets to me,yes your right no-one bigger then the club,but come on larry has had long enough to sort the defence out,even if he has had little or no cash,surely he could have found a cpl of good defenders by now and got the system right,but he hasn't,and if the players were behind him they would show that on the field,wouldn't they? {Ed013's Note - I agree mate, especially as he was a defender himself. I suppose time will tell. MOT}

If you've been a fan for 38 years (I've been going since Feb 1970 so pretty much the same time) then you'll know that it took Don Revie a long time to build his team - not to mention a lot of money; Allan Clarke was the most expensive player in British history for example. We paid just over £166,000 for Clarke, we paid less than that for Lonergan over 40 years later (100k after Preston messed up on a release clause).

Fans like you would have had Revie out after 3 years, just like some Man U fans wanted Fergie out. Chopping and changing rarely works - look at Forest for example. Grayson needs time and money - then we can judge him properly. He's done well with what he's had.

I agree the defence is a serious problem but whining about Grayson ignores the fact that he's never been given the money. Good defenders are hard to find on frees and loans since young defenders are rarely ready, or their clubs would be keeping them, and the older ones are just not good enough.

Tell me the names of 5 good defenders who were available on a free or loan within our wage budget at the last window and I'll take your point about Grayson not getting in good defenders seriously - same for you Ed - bet you can't though. Grayson's hands are tied and you're missing the point by blaming him.

I shouldn't have insulted you - sorry - but the language is unnecessary no matter what... {Ed013's Note - Good post. If most players had the passion of you 2 then we would be a better team. As for defenders we have to blame some of the coaching that goes on I think}

Yes agree i shouldn't have used the bad language, sorry too, we friends now,lol, been a bad day, hard times 4 us all at moment, hard to see a club you love so much struggling, {Ed013's Note - Marching On Together}

18 Jan 2012 16:53:45
Bolton placed a 4 mil bid for howson and lees. Using the money from cahill sale.
Mccormack to wigan for 1.5mil plus a player , friend says it might be ben watson whos on the bench these days

Another useless ginger Crystal Palace reject like Hopkins only with more teeth!

18 Jan 2012 16:50:33
said it a week ago it,s not who,s coming it,s who is going another 2mil for ken,s pocket

Yes... because that's how businesses are run.

18 Jan 2012 16:38:55
Clubs won't look at players from our club with 18mths or more on there contract, because they know if they wait a year or so until Mr bates offers them pittance to re new they can get them for a fraction of the price,remember beckford,Johnson,gradel,now howson teams will look at the likes of clayton now he's turned contract down teams will now wait cos he won't sign same will happen with snodgrass how many players have re newed there contracts with that stubborn greedy b**tard in charge.BATES OUT BATES OUT GET OUT OF OUR CLUB YOU CHELSEA b**tard GET OUT OF OUR CLUB.

18 Jan 2012 17:00:06
is Sammy clingans agent on this site...ive hardly heard about him but if you read everything written on here...he must be the worlds greatest midfielder

18 Jan 2012 16:22:39
I thinks its about time we got in the real world on here !
Howson has stated that he CANNOT commit to Leeds at this time because its always been an ambition to play in the premiership ! Lets be honest our only real hope of that is if we make the playoffs, but our recent form/displays doesn't give us even hope for that. So do we take the money now or let him walk away for nothing in 6 months. Now Grayson has to show his credability as a manager buy BUYING replacements showing ambition NOT getting loanees or freebies. If he already had a transfer kitty and now has even more, he cannot complain or lay the blame anywhere else other than at his door
Come on Grayson show us your ambition by buying wisely and planning for the future !!

Grayson CAN'T BUY PLAYERS - he's only the manager. Don't you know that? Ed - stop letting people with no knowledge of real football post their dross on here.

I think its bates that as to show the ambition

18 Jan 2012 16:22:25
Bates has started bidding war between Norwich, Bolton, & Everton for Howson price starts at £2mil wonder who is is going to join in as all 3 have placed bids up to £2.7mil

I doubt it,we will be lucky to end up with 1m,and then be told how well the club has done to get such a fee under the circumstances

18 Jan 2012 16:14:26
Rumours floating around,we have Meryvn Day watching sunday league pub football teams

There needs to be demos at Elland Road,pointless as Leeds want to continue in the championship

Bates has got to go

18 Jan 2012 16:10:16
As it looks like Howson is going then we must not let Clayton go without offering him a decent contract. I for one don't believe it is Bates or Leeds fault that Howson is leaving. We don't know what offer he had but his head was turned and wasn't going to sign a new contract. He want's Premiership football and isn't going to get that with Leeds for a least a few years lets be realistic. Now this is Bates fault for not investing you say...but I beg to differ. We have a large squad with plenty of talent to be chasing promotion.

I mean according to sources half our players are good enough to attract Premiership bids, so surely they would be expected to challenge in the Championship!? Lets face it the form of the players has been poor, and I think Grayson has not been able to get the best and full potential out of this squad. Getting money for Howson now is good business...he was not performing well this season and definitely won't be a star in the Prem.

We HAVE to replace him though..Clingan or Delph would be acceptable but a long term replacement preferable not just loans. WE SIMPLY have to sign a couple of defenders!

Personally though I just don't think all is well behind the scenes at Elland road. Too many players unsettled and not signing contracts quickly. Only Lonergan and Snodgrass have performed consistently which is the most worrying thing. For maybe only 2-3 games this season have we really clicked at as a team and shown our potential. That is not good enough! Now that is not BATEs fault, it is the players and manager.

How we have not signed a RB and CB is beyond me..we have good defenders at this club but their confidence must be shaken by being involved in such a poor side at time. Lees has done fantastically well for his first full season and should have been used more sparingly with a decent, solid, experienced defender. Not a loan signing and Kisnorbo who is clearly past it, and lost all his pace and positional sense. I think Grayson has been poor not adding to this defence properly and having to rush in Thompson, white and Lees.

On a brighter note we are only a couple of wins from Play offs and with 3-4 new faces I still believe the best is to come from Leeds this season. If that is not the case then Grayson should be sacked. He has a good enough squad to challenge, as good as Reading, Cardiff, Southampton, Middlesboro etc..they are just a lot more consistent and get the most out of their players. Time to step up Grayson and deliver. Leeds always. MOT

Clayton got 18month left he's not going chill out pal

Good post, his managerial skills defensively have been his main downfall.

What planet u on weve lost beckford johnson gradel now howson probly white n clayton bcoz they r w**k at renewin contracts n offerin a chomp as wages bates is the problem walk up n smell the monaco air

18 Jan 2012 15:45:25
Love to see who we bring and who goes this window!

I can anwser that now mate ... the starting 11 out ... mr bean on a tenner a week in !

18 Jan 2012 15:39:17
I sit here laughing at the current situation we are in, either that or i will cry because it doesn't take a scientist to realise we are slowly going backwards as a football club not forward.

We will never attract good proven players to our club and has people point out Bates is a businessman (correct) but running a club should surely mean the best for the people of the city and the club itself, if your not willing to re-invest in the market KB you need to walk away, most Leeds fans will put up with anything to support our team, but United we will be if no investment from the Gradel, Howson sale etc is put in - i for one will not renew my season ticket until such returns are forthcoming - this does not make me any less of a supporter as others, it shows my passion for where our club belongs - if you and SG tell us promotion is the primary objective for this season, don't feel dejected by the fans if you fail to deliver your end of the bargain

BATES OUT

I think it's the start of Leeds going forward!

I agree with the last comment, I think we are now at a low but suddenly it will all come together and we will start playing good football winning matches and rocketing up the league. I am now going back into my padded cell.

18 Jan 2012 15:32:22
Goodbye howson. You won't be missed. Not sure your up to scratch for prem league action so have fun being a fringe player at best. We just want people who are committed to the team and club despite any off field rubbish. C'mon boys, return us to our rightful place in the top league. Let's get behind the lads and leave the bates stuff and rubbish players behind. MOT

Well said pal I agree with you 100%

Another person slagging off howson cos hes left for ambition and yes more money.wouldnt you.i mean playing in the prem league in a decent footballing team or playing alongside brown and valymeran in a lacking in confidence,terrible footballing team.this isnt me not getting behind team but why slag him off...grow up

Well said, its disappointing but if we do sign andrews thats ok by me and delph

Prob sed the same bout bradley johnson playing quality for norwich bates is the problem n howson was one ov r best players since he got injured r form as dipped

I can remember leeds fans saying Bradley Johnson wouldn't be missed byt he's done alright. And judging from other comments Howson will be a loss for you.

The first post was spot on,Howson is not Premier class,and if we get Delph back the team is improved,the time to start slagging Bates and SG off,is if we bring no-one else in,its crazy,if a dog farts outside Elland Rd its Bates out,FFS,give it a rest.

18 Jan 2012 15:22:29
why are we not looking at hearts players, they have'nt been payed for months. surely they would welcome a move south, the wages maybe crap but at least they would get paid. some good players among them.

Who says we are not?

Not sure but the hearts players have shown loyalty and been playing well for the club, shows that doesn't happen at Leeds now Mr Leeds is going coz he wants more money instead of pulling his finger out and helping his boyhood club, thought he'd be the last out the door but showed he has proved us wrong, suppose money talks so might as well sell snoddy and clayton etc just get a load of crap frees in and loans, wish Grayson and bates would shut up about pushing for premiership, not going to happen, more chance of pushing for the delegation spots

18 Jan 2012 15:20:30
Our saviour kenneth has elevated us too being the Mighty Norwich city`s feeder club, Billy and Don will be turning in their graves.

If they want to play silly money for crap players happy days let them i'm doing cartwheels so happy to be seeing the back of him

Thats two players Norwich have picked up. They will probably renew thier interest in Snoddy next

18 Jan 2012 15:11:59
with half our squad going think this is worrying times for us

It's a good sign a revolution be happy

1 is not half of 11 we've hopefully brought In two players on long term contracts pending a work permit pugh who can play LB and a winger two positions we need to strengthen get a grip

18 Jan 2012 14:51:02
Heard Leeds will.be.getting the full Darlington team has replacments for the team

Well each 1 would play better than Howson thats for sure

18 Jan 2012 14:32:41
cant believe that we are letting players go when we dont have replacements this really is a worrying time for leeds as i said befor if the colnel wont give the manager his backing then we have problems no money to improve contracts no money for players no promotion so here we go in a nutshell my advice to the colnel get your hand in your pocket buy some players who want to play for the famous all white strip and show us the fans that you want this club to sucseed and not just cream of it or are you wait for another rich foriegner to come and bail you out

We do have replacements Howsons not played for ages, so he has been replaced whats your point moron, and leeds have players on trial and other players lined up.

18 Jan 2012 14:23:15
Anyone else feel pissed off?!

Think today has made it clear that aslong as bates is in charge we are going no where. The man is a crook. We should have used this transfer window to get rid of the deadwood, ie brown, bromby etc. and get some new players in to give us that push we need. Imagine what Clayton is thinking? no wonder talks have "stalled".

I feel happy tbh, i'ts needed to happen and it has so not P-off at all

Anyone else feel happy to be getting £2mill for overrated average player at best? with only 6months left in his contract. I would say well done Ken Bates you have made me happy to know that you are running the club in the right way. Thank you Ken Bates you have reassured me and made me feel happy today.

Wouldnt be suprised if the fee is nowhere near 2 million pound,look at the figures bandied about before Gradel left,think itll be nearer 1 million if that.

18 Jan 2012 14:09:29
whats the bet that snoddy hands in a request a day before or day of transfer window ending and goes to norwich for about 3 mill?

Who cares he's an average player can't even get in Scotland team he's no pace and no stamina, Leeds have been in the championship for long enough it's about time we cleared out the majority of the squad and started again. We need players who are fit, with stamina, who have pace, who can pass, retain possession, tackle, track back, defend who from out squad does that..... er name me names, get em all sold and start again.

Doughnut have you watched snoddy play the guy is a class act hence the interest from a number of prem clubs.MOT

Bottom table prem clubs with more money than sense another he's another Beckford get him sold

18 Jan 2012 13:44:57
selling players and loaning replacements? gunna be screwed next season.

Can the last one out of Elland road please turn off the lights, league 1 here we come again.

It seems Snoddy & Clayton are off to Bolton !! Where does this leave us for saturday ?? Shall we send Ipswich the 3 points and save us all a lot of bother. This is Leeds United what the bloody hell is going on.

Sell player yes Loan players no, unless there is the option to buy, I don’t care about Howson, McCormack, or Snodgrass being sold this window, as long as we bring in permanent signings and build for next year this season was already a right of so we might as well build for next.

18 Jan 2012 13:40:13
window on season tickets for 2012/13 ....... loosing Howson today has made me feel sick, Who’s next ?

It's made me happy in truth really happy, I never rated him as a player and most people around me slagged him of and he is a terrible captain 6months left get him sold

18 Jan 2012 13:33:47
Ideal signings for Leeds -

Billy Sharp
Keith Andrews
Luke Chambers
Fabian Delph
Adam Smith

I know none of these will happen though

Could get all of them if we sold mccormack

Don't want any players in on loan only permanent for me but som ok players on the list

18 Jan 2012 13:04:24
No wonder we got the black away kit, now we truly are the key stone cops.

We got a black away kit to save on the washing

What dirty laundry at Elland road, Never.

18 Jan 2012 12:48:28
no replacment for JH, bates going to play in his place to save on wages

I'm quite glad u posted that on the banter page ed, ffs, lol.

Rather bates than howson bet he could at least tackle!

At least when we concede and the bates out chants start it might actually of been his fault

18 Jan 2012 12:43:23
with Cisse's arrival at newcastle surely sammy ameobi/shola Ameobi/ Leon best is surplus - tone of which coulddd boost our attack? thoughts..?

Not until Cissa and Ba are back from Africa. Could be too late!

18 Jan 2012 12:40:15
nice to have a day without all the Sack Grayson comments!

Sack Grayson it's his fault that the exodus has started he's lost the dressing room, even local boy club captain wants out, Get Grayson sacked now bates ffs or you can have my season ticket back!

Ok you asked for it Sack him, it's a shambles at present.

18 Jan 2012 12:36:58
leeds will be OK as we can now replace the c**p players with some decent players ,its just a shame we had to lose howson but 2 mil can get us some decent players maybe the odd player from the top teams in league 1 which doesn't always mean worse.2 mil + the money from the fringe players we manage to sell wil prob give us 3 mil + to spend in this transfer market

get rid of

rachubka
o'brian
parker
connolly
bromby
paynter
sam


becchio if we get offered 3 mill i would let him leave and leeds could really build a team for next season

Don't forget Brown. anyway nobody wants our fringe players, as they are overpaid and overpriced by other clubs standards. the Howson fee would only be good for paying the dross off.

No player will leave of their own accord,they have to be bought by another club, loaned out, or a deal to be done with the club to terminate the contract they are on,basically that's why we can't get decent players in.

More like 3 million more for bate's ground improvements... and thats the ground we dont own.. and as for decent players we will only sign players on loan.. ones who are not good enough to get in the team they are owened by

Do you really think we'll see the cash reinvested in the squad?

18 Jan 2012 12:23:10
Howson going isn't so bad. He's injured so won't be helping out much more this season and would have gone in the summer for free,cause we aint going up. If this patterson guy is half as good as the video posted on here then lets get him in there. He looks quality and dosen't panic on the ball. Great touch when one on one with the keeper rather than hit and hope...
trixytrev

Ok the loss wouldnt be so bad if we had a lot of quality like him but we havent..and this guy on internet.well lets put it this way i played semi pro and i could make a vid of all my good moments and goals.that would prob mean 5 games out of 120.nobody is going to post vid of all the rubbish are they come on

While i appreciate your response, and totally agree about a best of video.He does show some inteligence both with passing and in front of goal. Lets hope he`s up to the job.
Trixytrev

18 Jan 2012 12:18:16
May I remind some of the hypocritical people on this site that during the first half of the season this site was full of people slagging Howson off and saying get rid, now you are all crying that we are going to get a fee for a player who has been below par for a least a year. Howson is gone he didn't want to commit to Leeds why because he wants premier league football and he doesn't see this happening at Leeds under Grayson management. There’s your answer deal with it people I'm glad he's going I think he is vastly over rated and he has been at the helm of a midfield that has not protected the back four. Bye bye Howson thanks, we'll move on you’ll move on good luck.

18 Jan 2012 12:11:25
It just does not add up at Elland Road

Bates said a week ago,Grayson has to get us promoted this season,so sell your best players ?

We sell Howson for 2 million,why not keep him and let him leave for nothing at the end of the season,when we are in the premiership

Make your mind up Bates

How can you expect LEEDS to get promoted

Your a very strange old man

Bates knows Grayson won't get us up Grayson will be sacked, investment in the squad will start next summer under new manager then when we go up no repayment from the Administration days role on the good times people.

Dont call him bates call him master bates

18 Jan 2012 12:04:03
Leeds to be the next Darlington

18 Jan 2012 12:01:06
Howson has obviously made it clear he was going to leave in the summer for nothing. Good decision by the club to get a fee while they can. I've no bitterness towards Howson. Being a pro footballer is a job with a very short time to maximise earnings. He is making what he regards as the best decision for him financially. Helps remind us, it's only the fans who are loyal, nobody else.

But he is a fan, which makes it more gutting. there's something deeply wrong with the setup at the club if even he wants to jump ship.

I agree, unfortunately Leeds and Bates in particular will be slated for letting him go, despite making money out of it, unlike the Beckford fiasco.

Howson wanted out more than Bates wanted him in.

I agree well said finally someone who can see the big picture.

Howson would sign another contract if he thought we had a realistic chance of making the premier league within 2 years...i am sure of it

They earn more in a year than i do in 10, short career my b@llacks short career.

18 Jan 2012 11:59:53
Bates has been at this club way to long and he cannot continue to be here much longer has there will be nowt left of are great club mot without bates?

So why don't YOU buy him out then?

Simples, you don't have the money too, so quit moaning till someone comes along that does?

What would you rather we do?,let him leave for free like the rest,his professed loyalty to Leeds doesnt add up to a can of beans,he wants away so let him,its nothing to do with Bates,he wants premier league football,along with the increased wages,we had no option,so get behind what we have.

Is this Bates who brought us out of administration and stabilised the club? Where we are now has a lot to do with him, but the positive stuff. Before he took over we had Ridsdale who practically destroyed the club, and Krasner who sold all of our assets to pay as much of our debt off as possible.

Anyone calling for Bates head at the moment have very short memories. To be honest, I'd get over it because I honestly dont think he's going anywhere. and why should he? He's got a profitable club who are in a good position.

What would do this club the best all round would be if people stopped getting on the backs of everyone and anyone and started supporting the team. Accept the level of football we play. Accept the wage structure, and just stop moaning.

Expectations are so high that we're gradually turning anyone and everyone off the idea of playing for/managing or buying into this club.

As fans, we're all just too demanding.

18 Jan 2012 11:55:05
It's time to face some facts- no matter who is to blame,Grayson,Bates or players we are not the BIG club we once were - we are a selling club- gone are the days when we could attract or keep big players and challenge for trophies- Norwich are even a bigger draw than us-we won't get in the prem under bates rule and expectations from fans just cause disappointment at every transfer window-I will always be a Leeds fan but I know now that the best I can expect is that we will be a stable championship side at best- we will only get loans and freebies for players and sell our best players until things change - it makes me sad to see our club go this way

Better than if we were fighting off relegation in league one though, or at risk of sinking into administration.

We're in a period of rebuilding, we've just got to be patient. and let things happen. we'll come good in the end. it just may take a few years to get the balance right, that's all. If we finish in a play-off place this season, we'll have improved on last season, which, although not what we wanted, is still an improvement on last.

MOT

Didnt see many upset fans when Bates left Chelsea and look at them now,Bates always said he hated Leeds and look how hes making us suffer now.

18 Jan 2012 11:50:36
Bet Bates is singing all the Scum songs and laughing at Leeds

Just shows what idiot's there are on this site purporting to SUPPORT Leeds United?

Why don't you buy the club out yourself, I'm sure Bates would love to sell it to you and have an easy life....

1st response well said pal well said

18 Jan 2012 11:27:21
It all comes down to money. Leeds under Bates dont want to spend on contracts or transfers. Players will not stay!. If Howson thought we had a chance of top flight and we were prepared to pay he would have stayed. Money!. If the club is run this way we will not go out of business but we will not play football in the premier league. Its not about "living the dream" but having faith. Leeds United is not a stadium Mr Bates its a football team and a set of football supporters and football, playing football. If we cannot keep our best players especially those who come through the youth teams -Then we are a feeder club. Bring them on - Sell them on before they leave!. Beckford, Gradel, Howson.....Lees, White, Snoddy. Faith costs!. MOT

18 Jan 2012 11:22:06
Wow, Glad i'm not a season ticket holder. On a brighter note, lets upgrade another stand and call it Chelsea village.

We might get a Russian Billionaire to buy the club then!

18 Jan 2012 11:07:29
Howson has signed for Norwich, We are a f%#Ki*&g embarrassment, what does that say to the rest of the squad when a player like that goes?What does it say to the fans? even worse, what does it say to all the other young lads coming through on the Leeds Academy conveyor belt. How many more players are going to be sold from under our feet.Weve probably produced more good players in the last 20 years than Fergies had come through at United and look where we are to them..... Disgusted..... Any body with an ounce of ambition will leave this poor excuse for a football team. How do you recover from this???......reluctantly left....my arse.

he will of been skipping out of Elland Road.

18 Jan 2012 10:58:50
Leeds to sign either Delph or Paterson in time for the game on saturday as Howsons going. If you ask me its not the clubs fault its Howsons. He didn't sign a new contract which shows he isn't very loyal to the club. We can't offer him Premiership football and it saves us getting nothing for him in the summer.

Howson stated in November contract talks were ongoing and he didn't want to leave the club. He also said they should be sorted soon. Let's face it Norwich are no bigger than us and he has decided he has a brighter future there. To me that's Leeds who aren't being loyal to a local kid who wants to play at the highest level with HIS club. Watch the floodgates open. Lees, White, Snoddy, Clayton will be next.

Good post,if he doesnt want to be here get shut,its only a matter of weeks when fans were clamouring for him to be dropped,poor captain,not enough passion,now its the end of the world,if he goes to the premiership hell struggle,I know,lets get rid of Bates and Grayson and get Smith back eh,all our troubles over,we got nowt for better players than Howson recently,get some cash for him and spend it on PLAYERS.

Loyalty at Leeds is when you get the captain (Frazer Richardson) and offer him 1500 pounds less than he's already on. No wonder he left and he was our last UEFA player left (does well for Southampton) - probably same story with Howson

Agreed with what Harvey (and bates) offer in contact talks its no wonder players take up better options when they come along. We try and do everything on the cheap and then we get fed rubbish that the player wants to go, etc. BATES OUT HARVEY OUT

18 Jan 2012 10:55:28
There needs to be a proper inquiry into our club
Bates is continuing to ruin our club

Nobody at Elland Road knows how to deal with contracts

Its a complete shambles

Leave Bates

It takes two to sign a contract. Players are in no rush knowing that they have 12-18 months to sit on it to make their minds up. In the meantime, agents are doing their jobs and seeing what is out there for the player. We have little hope of promotion, if Howson signs a 3-4 year contract suddenly the power is in the clubs hand for 2-3 years. By that time he's 26-27 and looking at his best years spent in a lower league, no prospect of international football, no chance to test yourself against the best players, no medals, no nothing.
Taking all that in to account, would you extend your contract with 18 months left?

18 Jan 2012 10:54:44
What a joke club we have turned into BATES out money grabbing tw@t !

18 Jan 2012 10:51:18
LEEDS UTD are admitting we have no ambition this season to get back in the premier league
and we are happy to sell al our best players again


Beckford gone
Gradel gone
Johnson gone
Howson going
Clayton going
White,Lees,Snoddy

Statement regarding Howson:

Leeds have reluctantly accepted the offer on the basis that the player only has six months of his current contract remaining and has expressed a desire that he would like to play Premier League football at the earliest opportunity

Although Howson is a Leeds lad he was good but not great or versatile. In any other position other than attacking mid field he was too often poor. Given the squad we had/have he was a luxury at times. I have been to almost all the games and in too many he was out to lunch. Blame SG if you like for playing him out of position but the fact remains he needed another two in central mid field to get the best out of him. We haven't got that at the moment. It may be true that Bates is ruining the club by letting players go. There are all sorts of reasons: Lack of ambition, lack of investment, greedy players, Manager losing respect of the players for on and off the field behaviour who knows? We can speculate as much as we like but I dont know when, if ever, we will get the truth. Lets see who comes in and how we do before we completely lose the faith. Havent posted my season ticket renewal yet. I expect I will whatever. MOT

Only thing good about Howson was his great vital goals - 2 against Carlise to get us to Play off final and the first to level us against Bristol Rovers for promotion (that was a great day at ER)- he probably had more, but it's nice to have someone who scores when its crucial to the teams future.

18 Jan 2012 10:50:14
Howson has stalled on his contract for the past year, so I don't see it as a surprise him going. What I was hoping for was the Leeds Board to either give SG support or sack him and get somebody in who they would show support (If there is such a person). Clayton stalling on a new contract and lets be honest what can we offer him? More money? Promotion? If Howson doesn't see Premiership football anytime soon, then what message does that send out to White, Clayton, Lees, etc?

The problem is the same old story,the board are useless at CONTRACTS

18 Jan 2012 10:48:21
All the haters blaming Bates and/or Grayson for Howson's departure seem to forget Howson's role in all this. I loved watching Howson in a Leeds shirt and was one of my favourites, but he clearly wants away from Elland Road from two reasons: 1. Wants to play in Premier League; 2. Wants more money.

Now what would you do as LUFC chairman/manager for a player out of contract in 6 months?

1. Take £2 million now and lose a player currently out injured (Click Agree)
2. Hope that you get promoted to PL in May, and Hope that you are then in a position to offer Howson the money he wants, and then hope that he signs a new contract, hoping that he doesn't leave for nothing (Click Disagree)

18 Jan 2012 10:42:27
Bates
Go on Old man,get rid of Clayton,Snoddy,White,Lee

Bates is a scum fan simple

18 Jan 2012 10:35:00
There's obviously a problem within our club i.e lack of ambition, players not wanting to play for leeds/grayson/bates. If this is the case either bates or grayson needs to go and obviously bates won't sack himself ....

18 Jan 2012 10:29:22
Leeds will neva get promoted while we have bates as chairman and grayson as manager both want to sell all beat player and bring a load of total rubbish loans in and the odd s**t buy leeds will be in championship for nxt 20 years at this rate

18 Jan 2012 10:28:18
It wouldn't surprise me if Howson wasn't injured for the past few months. They were waiting to sell him. Why would anyone buy someone who couldn't pass a medical?

Anyway, we shouldn't have sold him. This is a bad day. I have now accepted the fact, that if anyone bids for Clayton or Lees.........we should expect them gone

Because they see his potential and will proabably sign him on 4/5 year deal just like Carroll with liverpool

18 Jan 2012 10:24:28
jonnys gone, bates continues his slow and painful assault on leeds united. he strokes his cat and chuckles to himself as he plots his next mode of torture. git

18 Jan 2012 10:16:39
Howson going, Clayton might be, what message does this send out to our star players and us as fans, total selling club now cheers bates.

I'm always seeing complaints on here about losing our players for nothing when the contract ends, we're not doing that this time and getting a bit of money for Howson. Good player, sorry to see him go, hope he does well in the premiership. Hope the money is reinvested in the squad.

18 Jan 2012 10:07:48
I am sick on Ken Bates. Just woke up, looked on Sky Sports to see if we have signed anyone, and bang....."Leeds accept bid for Howson"

Is this bloke on a mission to get rid of all our best players and replace them with freebies? He's our Captain man

18 Jan 2012 10:07:00
Worrying time now! Especially now how son is off to norwich . It will be Clayton next then snodgrass. Myself I see this as a disgrace and we should of give how son what he wanted to stay

By what he wanted, you mean premiership football? Not exactly looking likely at the minute is it?

18 Jan 2012 10:04:36
Howson bid from the web feet crew in Norwich has been accepted
Source- Oddschecker.com
Also Warnock is 5/6 on to be next Leeds manager. The wheels are falling off the wagon sir !!

18 Jan 2012 10:01:44
Furious Howson has been sold to Norwich.
Leeds spin on the deal is that he has 6 months left on his deal, and has no intention of staying if Leeds do not get promoted and will leave for free as he cant commit himself to leeds at this moment in time.
IF this is true, I think we are right in getting £2m for him.
However, I would love to hear Jonny Howsons side of the story as he has always been an honest ever commited player and captain for Leeds and he is Leeds through and through.
Who next?
White, Clayton, Snodgrass, McCormack, Becchio, I am now getting worried.
Leeds have become a feeder club.

We heard Howson side 3 months ago when he turned the contract down then said if we are looking like getting promoted he will sign.
Other than White, all those others mentioned have more than just this year left on their contract, so no need to sell in Jan. White we will get money for anyway because of his age if he leaves in the summer. The others it is up to the club to keep or not keep.

18 Jan 2012 09:58:33
Leeds United. R.I.P

18 Jan 2012 09:45:57
What a disgrace Howson is, calls himself a Leeds lad and where's the shirt with pride, he says he wants premiership football at the earlist opportunity, total rubbish he is yet another greedy stuck up git that thinks he is better than he is, what a joke. Loyalty he does not no the meaning of the word, well SG get rid of him and any other greedy git like him. We only ever want players who want to be here. Howsen sod off and i hope that what happened to Beckford happens to you, you are a disgrace.

He knows more what goes on behind the scenes than you. if that is his goal, he must know that the club don't share it, no matter what Bates says otherwise.

Dont be a dick,hes no disgrace.hes getting away from our club which has no ambition,no money and no chance of a prem place.i dont blame him at all for wanting to better himself with a club who like to play football the right way.its gutting but you can hardly have a go at him..shrew leeds

Hes been one of our best performers he deserves his chance in the premier league, bates accepted the offer what does that tell you

18 Jan 2012 09:45:06
Another fustrating day as a whites fan! OS.... Leeds have agreed a fee with Norwich for Jonny Howson! I thought January was a time to strengthen not sell our best players and buy some useless american. We will see you back in a whites shirt when your old and past in Jonny. uncle n***head will probably re-sign you when your a free agent and crap! HATE BATES LOVE LEEDS

How do you know Rogers is useless? No wonder players want to leave when fans get on players backs before they have kicked a ball.

18 Jan 2012 09:40:04
On the OS - Leeds have reluctantly accepted a bid for Jonny Howson!

What a joke our club really is! Hear this time and time again and the next to leave will be clayton, snoddy and the rest! We will soon be a very very average championship side competing with the likes of Coventry and derby for 12th position.

Bad times ahead

We're currently 11th, so I would suggest that we already are in that position.

Doubt it coz coventry are off down lets face it

18 Jan 2012 09:39:10
Can you imagine the phone call from BATES"Simon were playing crap you've only managed 4 points from 15 and now were 11th in the table there's only one thing do do we'll have to sell Howson so you can get 2or3 S**t loan players in". Tell you what were on the slide and to sell our Captain speaks volumes of the ambition of the club.

18 jan 2012 09:36:34
so sad to hear jonny howson is leaving.
adam clayton's contract talks stall.
leeds will not even make the play offs.
simon grayson will be gone after the
ipswich game.what players leeds have
are only average ones.in this situation
ken bates to be blame for not giving funds
to simon to buy players.all simon is doing
now is bring in loan players just to try and finish the season off.mot

18 Jan 2012 09:34:33
What the f*** are we doing selling howson especially as we are light in midfield nothing seems to suprise me these days with bates at the helm he is just making a total joke of our club selling all our prise assets

18 Jan 2012 09:25:54
Howson has been sold, I'm sure more to follow, Now then fellow Grayson and Bates defenders does this deal of selling our captain give an indication that the club us moving forward.

18 Jan 2012 08:59:47
Why would norwhich buy a player injured for 3 months yet? Plus SG always said we didnt have to sell.? Does this mean maybe we got out calculations wrong? :(

Somerset White!

I think you will find he has not being injured

18 Jan 2012 08:15:30
I dont belive that Howson are of to Norwich! Howson will stay in to the summer. For the last transfer updates, follow me on twitter.. "DanielJohansen9"

Try looking at the club website.

18 Jan 2012 07:57:01
Guys & girls

Do not believe anything The Sun prints. If you do then you need to have a long look at yourself.

MW

How about what the OS says?