Conference trucks::football;1

        Welcome Back to the 'New Football' conference ...
        
        A larger than normal note, due to the conference being in 'File not 
        found' status ...
        
        United lost 1-0 in Tokyo on Monday, to a disputed penalty scored by 
        Carlos Alberto. United came off 2nd best on the plastic surface of 
        the Tokyo dome, and were watched by a 40,000 crowd. United pressed a 
        lot in the 2nd half, but couldn't score. Bottofoga were good on the 
        break, and United finished the stronger side. The return meeting at 
        Elland Road on Friday should be interesting - United won't lose 1-0 
        that night ! Chapman gave the Bottofaga (Brazilian and South American 
        Champions no less) defence and goalie some bad moments, it appears 
        the Japanese ref. gave a little too much protection to the Bottofoga 
        goalie - wait till Friday !
        
        Shizuko Makagawa writes in the Match Day Program in Tokyo :-
        
        Leeds United (England) is a very strong soccer club in England. From 
        1960 to 1970 the club was strong enough to be afraid of all European 
        team.
        
        In 1962 the last foot soccer team manager Mr Don Revi opened up the 
        way of the greatest club.
        
        Main titles were acquired by him who had appointed in the 
        representative manager in England in 1974. In those days the players 
        consists of representative of the England, Scotland Wales, North 
        Ireland with captain Mr Brenam. For the short period they were the 
        2nd class league but last year they ranked first class league after 8 
        years in the 2nd class. Since then this team ranked higher in class 
        and they got 4th rank within their 20 England team last year.
        
        This time this team is directed by MF Stroken, 34 years veteran and 
        very good for dribble and he played two times at the world cups both 
        in Spain in 1982 and Mexico in 1986 as representative to Scotland. 
        Also Mr Makaristar, who joined this year and also representative of 
        Scotland is going to make the game in the middle of the game. At the 
        forefront very tall forward, Mr Chapman become a post and give a 
        precaution to the other team. He is high score man in England league 
        this year.
        
        Cap that Lunchtime O'Booze !!!!
        
        
        Tonight (Wed) United take on the mighty Halifax in the WRSC with 
        their 2nd and youth XI, so Halifax are fancying their chances. A 
        United XI beat Glasshoughton 3-0 last night (Tuesday), Mel Sterland 
        played 30 minutes, his first outing after his double hernia 
        operation. Hodge still has an injury, he will have to fight to get a 
        place in the team, Speed is the likely person to make way, but if he 
        plays well, he will keep his place. Competition for all places will 
        be strong next year. A strong squad is necessary if a serious go at 
        the championship is to be undertaken.
        
        Saturday sees United at Huddersfield Town in the WRSC, their 3rd game 
        in 4 days, and then the big game of Div. 1 at Palace next Saturday.
        
        (Thursday)
        
        United 0 Halifax Town 2 !!!!
        
        Well, it was United's 3 rd team, but Halifax played well and took 
        their chances, I hope they do better in Div. 4 this season than last. 
        Of the United players on display, Snodin, Williams, Whitlow, Davison, 
        Varadi, Wallace and Kerr were known to me, the others were  ??? 
        Sterland came on with 30 mins to go, and then Leeds looked a little 
        better. Davison was substituted after 44 minutes for kicking a 
        Halifax player - silly boy ! Both Halifax goals came in the 1st half, 
        a poor clearance led to the first after 15 mins, and a free kick 
        needlessly given away by Kerr after 35 was converted by a long haired 
        Shayman.
        
        From what I saw last night - Kerr is hopeless, Wallace is too small, 
        especially in long grass, the ball almost knocked him over, he's a 
        bit slow and can't control the ball over well, Sterland is short of 
        match practice, but hopefully has got over his hernia operation.
        
        The pitch was in good order, but the grass was tripping Wallace and 
        Snodin up, the new SE stand looks good. The capacity for the 
        Bottofoga game is 25,000 or so, the SE stand is not quite ready, and 
        some work is being done on part  of the Lowfields terracing.
        
        jb.
        
        

    
    Here's the fixture list.
    
    
    Sat 17 Aug	Crystal Palace		a
    Tue 20 Aug 	NOTTINGHAM FOREST	H
    Sat 24 Aug	SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY	H
    Wed 28 Aug	Southampton		a
    Sat 31 Aug	Manchester United	a
    Tue 3  Sep	ARSENAL			H
    Sat 7  Sep	MANCHESTER CITY 	H
    Sat 14 Sep	Chelsea			a
    Wed 18 Sep	Coventry City		a
    Sat 21 Sep	LIVERPOOL		H
    Wed 25 Sep	League Cup R2 L1
    Sat 28 Sep	Norwich City		a
    Sat 5  Oct	SHEFFIELD UNITED	H
    Wed 9  Oct	League Cup R2 L2
    Sat 19 Oct	Notts County		a
    Sat 26 Oct  OLDHAM ATHLETIC		H
    Wed 30 Oct	League Cup R3
    Sat 2  Nov	Wimbledon		a
    Sat 16 Nov	QUEEN'S PARK RANGERS	H
    Sat 23 Nov	Aston Villa 		a
    Sat 30 Nov	EVERTON			H
    Wed 4  Dec	League Cup R4
    Sat 7  Dec 	Luton Town		a
    Sat 14 Dec	TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS	H
    Sun 22 Dec	Nottingham Forest 	a
    Thu	26 Dec	SOUTHAMPTON		H
    Sat 28 Dec	MANCHESTER UNITED 	H
    Wed 1  Jan 	West Ham		a
    Sat 4  Jan 	FA Cup R3
    Wed 8  Jan	League Cup R5
    Sat 11 Jan 	Sheffield Wednesday	a
    Sat 18 Jan 	CRYSTAL PALACE		H
    Sat 25 Jan 	FA Cup R4
    Sat 1  Feb 	NOTTS COUNTY		H
    Sat 8  Feb	Oldham Athletic		a
    Wed 12 Feb	League Cup SF L1
    Sat 15 Feb	ASTON VILLA 		H
    		(FA Cup R5)
    Sat 22 Feb	Everton			a
    Sat 29 Feb	LUTON TOWN		H
    Wed 4  Mar	League Cup SF L2
    Sat 7  Mar	Tottenham Hotspurs	a
    		(FA Cup R6)
    Wed 11 Mar	Queen's Park Rangers	a
    Sat 14 Mar	WIMBLEDON		H
    Sat 21 Mar	Arsenal			a
    Sat 28 Mar	WEST HAM UNITED		H
    Sat 4  Apr 	Manchester City 	a
    Sat 11 Apr	CHELSEA			H
    Sun 12 Apr	League Cup Final
    Sat 18 Apr	Liverpool		a
    Tue 21 Apr	COVENTRY CITY		H
    Sat 25 Apr  Sheffield United 	a
    Sat 2  May	NORWICH CITY		H
    Sat 9  May 	FA Cup Final
    
    
    jb.
    

    
    Well new conference, new season, new trophies for the cabinet ?
    I'll put my predictions for the new season in after tonights game.

    HW was interviewed on Radio Leeds this morning, and was saying that the
    2 games against Bottafogo have been / will have been very useful for
    the team, playing in a strange stadium against a very skilful side -
    it's preparation for Europe next year ...
    
    The team should be near full strength tonight, Lukic, Fairclough,
    Whyte, Sterland may get a run out in the 2nd half, Dorigo, McClelland,
    Speed, Batty, Strachan, McAllister, Shutt, Chapman, Wallace, Hodge is
    still injured. Subs from Snodin, Varadi, Davison, Williams and Day.
    
    Tomorrow, there is a trip up the M62 to Leeds Road, to play
    Huddersfield Town in the WRSC. Halifax Town are presently leading this
    competition, by virtue of scoring more goals, all teams have 6 points -
    each half counts as a game, and there are an extra 2 points for the
    winner of the whole game ...
    
    jb.

    The latest bit of transfer gossip is Gordon Durie for 2.5 million.
    
    Does the panel agree that transfer fees have gone silly ?
    
    jb.

    Ref: .1
    
    Botafogo are not the South American champions. That honor belongs
    to Colo-Colo Chile.
    
    JC

    Does the panel agree that transfer fees have gone silly ?
    
    Yes.  Over two million for Keith Curle and only 1.7 million for Paul
    Parker seems ludicrous (and 1.2 million for Cascarino!  Liam you need
    you head examined).  It seems that if a first division player is
    transfered the starting price seems to be a million!
    
    Mike M  

    United 2 Bottofoga 1
    
    A very entertaining game, United going 1 up courtesy of Gary Speed
    after 10 minutes, and 2-0 thanks to Chapman, who gave the Brazilian
    defence a hard time. Batty and Bottofoga's star No 7 (name ?) were
    booked, and B's No 7 got a lot of stick - for the Brazlian superman, he
    was cr*p (probably been drinking & $%^&ing the women too much ...).
    Strachan missed a penalty on 7 after Chapman had been mugged in the
    penalty area. Leeds played some really good football, stringing 12
    passes together without the Brazilians touching the ball, this
    frustrated them no end !
    
    Dorigo looked good, Wallace had flashes of excellence - it looks a
    strong team. Sterland came on with 1/2 an hour to go, Chapman is going
    to have a good service this season, and Wallace will be around to pick
    up other stuff, McAllister, Speed and Strachan will be pushing from
    midfield, as will Hodge and Batty - it all looks set for a good season.
    
    Reserve & Youth team news :-
    
    Huddersfield 1 United 0
    
    A scratch United side lost to Huddersfield (div 3 promotion contenders)
    in the WRSC on Saturday. Sterland had another run out, and could be in
    the reckoning for a place against Palace. Other injury news is that
    Kamara is coming good, Shutt is still in hospital (his knee is
    infected), Hodge makes progress (I hope he will be able to play, and I
    hope United have not brought a cripple), Haddock is still injured. I
    expect Wilko will make an offer for a striker soon in the season if the
    goals are not flowing, but it's a matter of seeing what's available and
    at what price.
    
    5 days till the kick off, United are down for an away win at Palace in
    some Pools guides. The start to the season is hard, Palace, Man U,
    Arseanl and Liverpool are played in the first 9 games, we need to get
    results against the likes of them to improve on 4th place. Leeds have
    got one of the strongest squads in the 1st Division, the forthcoming
    season offers a lot of promise. League title ? - Leeds are not yet at
    the same level as the Arse or Liverpool, they are a little behind Man U
    in cup experience, but overall they are better than the other teams in
    Div 1 this season. The Arse, Liverpool and Man U are all involved in
    European competitions this season, so they may take their eyes off the
    League (well Liverpool and the Arse, Man U aren't a title contender
    really), as well as the domestic cups - so increasing the probability
    of Leeds getting some silverware this season.
    
    Interesting times await ....
    
    jb.

    
    Anybody got any info on the Irish branch of the Leeds United supporters
    club?  I think it's based here in Galway.
    
    Gary.

    Prediction for Saturday (as I'm out of the office till next Tue, moving
    you see) :-
    
    Palace 1 	United 3
    Wright 37'	Chappo 12', 56'
    		Wallace 88'
    
    Optimistically, jb.

    
    
    I will be going to the Palace v Leeds match on saturday so if i find
    the time i will try and give an unbiased match report. Well you've got 
    to please the 'sowff laaandeners' phoenetically speaking that is.

    
    
    I will be going to the Palace v Leeds match on saturday so if i find
    the time i will try and give an unbiased match report. Well you've got 
    to please those from 'ooop t'north',  phonetically speaking that is.


    Stuart

    
    There's some doubts that saturday's game will go ahead - the ground
    botch-ups... errrr improvements may not be completed on time.
    
    Paul

    
    Paul beat me to it, but Palace may have to call off their first
    two home games because they haven't finished ground improvements.
    A decision on the games will be taken tomorrow.

    How can anyone justify 2.5 million for groinstrain (Durie to you)?
    How serious an offer is this, or is it paper talk?
    Also, will Leeds finally get serious and let a decent amount of away
    fans in this season...Last season was a joke!!!
    
    Mn.

    
    Oh well. No game on Saturday. Paint hasn't finished drying at Selhurst
    Park. It would be useful if the League deducted a couple of points
    off Palace. Might help at the end of the season.

    The *real* reason that the matches are off is that the closed circuit
    TV in the new police control centre is not fully working. The ground is
    fine.
    
    digustedly yours
    
    Paul
    

    
    Leeds suggested that the game be played behind closed doors but
    the Football League refused. HW was not impressed. Should make
    for an interesting game when they do finally meet. Another alternative
    would have been to play the reverse fixture at Elland Road, I don't
    know why no-one suggested this.

    I read today in the paper that Leeds are to play Aldershot in a
    friendly tomorrow night instead! Anyone got anymore details on this?
    
    The good news was I got a ticket for Saturdays game the bad news its
    not on!
    
    Martin Q

    Mind you I would like to highlight the flexibility of the football
    league fixture computer.
    
    Luton requested no home games early in the season in order to give the
    grass a little more time to bed down.
    What do we get West ham away, and then two home games. Thankfully
    Coventry agreed to Luton's request to switch respective fixtures.
    Crystal Palace and Charlton as they are sharing requested likewise.
    What do Palace get. Home to Leeds first day of the season.
    What do Charlton get Home to Millwall Tuesday.
    
    Thanks Footy League for being so flexible, understanding and down right
    predictable. If it common sense then do the opposite.
    
    Regs Barry.

        
        
        I understand that Leeds have are 12/1 to win the Championship.
        
        They are behind Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United!
        
        

        
        
        Oldham have signed Snodin on a one month loan.
        
        
        S

    Leeds United 3 Aldershot 1
    
    Well, instead of going to Sarff Lunnun and getting 3 points, we had to
    make do with a visit from the mighty Shots - the game was played in
    good humour, and the crowd was about 4,000, about average for a Central
    League match. The first team were playing, Hodge coming on for Speed,
    and Sterland for big John McClelland, who has had a good pre-season,
    and is useful cover. McAllister, Chapman and Wallace scored.
    
    The Crystal Palace cock up showed how poor the League are at running
    their own affairs, and also showed up the ineptness of the ground
    management at Selhurst Park - a docking of points and a hefty fine is
    neccessary. Cancelling the fixture on the Tuesday before the kick off
    is ineptitude of ther highest order. 
    
    Forest are the visitors to the 33,500 capacity Elland Road tonight,
    Hodge and Sterland are passed fit, I expect them to be subs, as they
    are a little short of match practice, McClelland and Speed will start I
    think. It will be a close match, Sheringham will have to be watched,
    but Parker is absent, Forest will miss him. Let's hope Wallace and
    Chapman run rings round Tiler, and McAllister, Strach, Speed pick up
    anything that's loose.
    
    Prediction - 3-1 to United.
    
    jb.

    
    The 'good' news about tonight is that Des Walker will not be playing.
    Without him Leeds' forwards should have a good night.
    
    As for the whole season, I think a realistic target is 3rd in the
    league (which would guarantee us a place in Europe) and a trip to
    Wembley (hopefully in a serious cup competition). I don't think
    Leeds are quite good enough for the league title ... yet.
    
    As for the other clubs, it will be Liverpool's attack or Arsenal's
    defence that will probably win the league. It is more open than it
    has been for quite a while. Man Utd will do well in the league
    initially, but when we reach March/April with them still in the 
    Cup Winners Cup and FA Cup their league form will fade as usual.
    Crystal Palace finished 3rd last season, but have not significantly
    strengthened their squad so they could be a little disappointing
    this time around. Forest and Spurs will finish comfortable in the
    league and have a cup run or two. Everton are still rebuilding, it
    will take Howard Kendall at least another year to get a good side
    together. Teams to struggle are Coventry, West Ham, Luton and possibly
    Wimbledon. I'd be surprised if more than two of those four stay up
    (assuming promotion/relegation will still be allowed come May).
    
    As for Europe, well I think all four clubs will reach the last eight.
    After that we will have to wait and see. If Arsenal reach the league
    stage of the European Cup then George Graham has said it will take
    priority over the League Championship, this is where Leeds and Man Utd
    could get a chance of the title.
    
    Of course Leeds could lose 5-1 tonight and I will be bombarded with
    mail from a certain Everton fan.

>    The Crystal Palace cock up showed how poor the League are at running
>    their own affairs, and also showed up the ineptness of the ground
>    management at Selhurst Park - a docking of points and a hefty fine is
>    neccessary. Cancelling the fixture on the Tuesday before the kick off
>    is ineptitude of ther highest order. 

     I agree it is a cock-up of titanic proportions, but lets get the record 
     straight. Originally , Palace asked for a fixture against a team with
     less away supporters and less of a reputation. This was denied. Then
     Plod came into to play . It was THEIR control room which was not ready
     and it was at THEIR insistence that the fact that the game was going to
     be postponed was kept quiet.


     Stuart

    re -1
    
    Hmm - double cock-up points to the League & Plod - but nobody from
    Selhurst park got in touch with leeds - they learnt about it from the
    BBC !
    
    re -2
    
    3rd will be a good position - HW is on the record of saying Leeds
    United are not as good as Arsenal (yet), and they showed last season
    that man U had more 'big match' experience - Leeds will get this as the
    season wears on, and if they are right behind the leaders (or leaders
    themselves), they stand a chance of a crack at the title, but hopefully
    the Arse and Liverpool (possibly Man U) will have one eye on Europe and
    may let the league slip a little.
    
    jb.

    
    Leeds have drawn Nottingham Forest at home in the 2nd round of the 
    ZDS Cup. The game will be played sometime in October. After last 
    seasons cock-up with two semi-finals in 3 days I'm surprised we
    even bothered entering (Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs and Man Utd did
    not bother).

    
    Tony,
    
    have Everton entered again ? - if so any idea who they're playing ?
    
    Paul

    <<< Note 33.26 by BAHTAT::BLYTHE "Ee bah gum th's trouble at t'mill" >>>
                                    -< Hmm >-

    re -1
    
>    Hmm - double cock-up points to the League & Plod - but nobody from
>    Selhurst park got in touch with leeds - they learnt about it from the
>    BBC !
    

     Jb,

     I thought my previous note explained that it was Plod who said "Don't
     tell anyone". I believe that the Palace were only "allowed" to release
     this information on the Wednesday.

     Now, I know that a lot of people will look at the Totts fiasco a couple
     of years ago. But Palace will probably lose thousands on this one 
     ( even without a fine ), because after last season's placings it had
     "Big Fixture" stamped all over it, now it will probably be reduced to 
      a midweek winter's night , probably when B.R are on strike and the M1
     is reduced to a skating rink.

     Oh well.

     Stuart

     BTW I had a call this morning from a M*FC "supporter" who claims
         that as they are top of the League they will definitely end up
         Champions.  Isn't it a shame when cousins marry.
     

    
    re: back a few
    
    Everton have entered Paul. They are in the 2nd Round draw with a
    home game I think but I can't remember who against.
    
    ...
    
    Just checked for you. It's Oldham at Goodison.

    I was under the impression Leeds had not entered the ZDS this year.
    
    jb.

    
    I thought HW was so mad with what happened last season they had told
    them to get stuffed, but apparently not (unless they forgot to tell
    the organisers - now who else do we know that don't inform people 
    about postponed football games, clue: ello ello, what do we have ere
    then ? no control room ! your nicked sonny !)

    As all has done since 20 Aug, summary so far :-
    
    1-1 vs Sheff Wed home (Hodge)
    1-0 vs Forest home (McAllister)
    4-0 vs Soton away (Speed 2, Strachan 2)
    1-1 vs Man U away (Chapman)
    2-2 vs The Arse home (Chapman, Strachan)
    3-0 vs Man City home (Dorigo, BATTY, Strachan)
    
    Leeds are now in 4th place, and have some easy games , Chelsea a,
    Coventry a, Liverpool h, Norwich a, Palace a coming up, 10 points out
    of these will be a major acheivement, and keep us up there.
    
    Highlights of the season so far have been to 4-0 demolition of
    Southampton - Soton are having a mixed season, but 4-0 away is a hell
    of a good score. Strachan has scored 4 times this season, all from the
    penalty spot - he hasn't missed one yet. Leeds were 2-0 down to the
    Arse, and then picked themselves up off the floor, aided and abetted by
    the Elland Road suppoer. The Arse were lucky to come away with a point
    - shades of the Liverpool game last year. Manchester City were soundly
    beaten 3-0. We were leading Man U 1-0 3 mins before the end of the
    game, but Robson equualised.
    
    Lowpoints of the season so far are to do with injuries, Fairclough was
    injured vs Soton, and will be out till the beginning od October,
    Wallace was injured against Man City, he has a tear in a muscle in the
    groin area, and will be out for 6 weeks at least, he should be back in
    contention by November. Kamara is on the way to recovery, as is Shutt,
    who had an outing vs Blackburn Rovers reserves in the Pontin's league
    on Tuesday night. Haddock is also on the road to recovery.
    
    
    jb.

    The biggest highlight so far this season was BATTY SCORING against Man
    City - his first goal in 160 games since Man City on Boxing Day 1987.
    The Kop went wild !
    
    Batty and Dorigo played for England last night, the first time 2 Leeds
    United players have played for England for 11 years (Cherry and
    Greenhoff were the last pair). Strachan played as Scotland's captain,
    and by all accounts took over as coach and manager in the 2nd half.
    McAllister was in the squad, maybe he was sub (not used). Speed played
    for Wales.
    
    I also went to a meeting of the Football Supporters Association in
    Leeds on Mon, Alan Roberts, the Leeds Admin manager was giving his
    views on the proposed Super League, the Bradford City Admin mgr was
    also there.
    
    It appears the Super League is a device of Tottenham, the Arse, Man U,
    Liverpool and Everton as a first step towards a British League, and
    then a European Super League. The rest of the First Division are being
    pulled along in the wake of it all. The only people getting benefit out
    of this are the lawyers. Current fees will cost each club in the league
    50,000 pounds so far ....
    
    The support is also really appreciated by the players, Dorigo is
    overwhalmed by it, and it is worth a goal start away as well as at
    home! 2000 travelled to Southampton, and 800 Arse supporters made the
    easier trek to Leeds. Sterland was reported to be livid with Sunderland
    lastyear when only 500 tickets were issued to Leeds supporters, he
    played a blinder and scored the winner. The players also get annoyed
    whwn they see Leeds supporters coaches stopped by the Plods - it makes
    them more determined to win. Roberts also said Wilkinson REALLY wanted
    to win something this year. Contrary to other reports, he was 'totally
    gutted' by missing out on a Wembley appearance last year - after the
    Everton game, the whole team went back to the hotel and got totally
    wrecked - not a usual occurence by the way ! All Leeds players have a
    clause in their contract that commits them to 7 hours community work a
    week, on the transfer side, many of the players that have been linked
    to Elland Road 'would not have got in the car park' due to their off
    field commitments and activities. Sheridan was disposed of by Wilko
    because of this, he was often in the Viaduct pub  on Lower Briggate at
    6.15 on a Saturday match night, starting off a Saturday night binge.
    Roberts also touched on the fact that football could start to price
    itself out of the market, he pointed to 1,000 empty seats at Elland
    Road - #17 is too much, some way od giving a limited number of tickets
    to schools / youth groups is being investigated. The Lowfields
    redevelopment will start this summer, it is hoped the Lowfields
    terracing may be retained during this work, else the capacity will go
    down to 24,000 - not enough ! When the rebuilding work is finished, the
    capacity of Elland Road will be 40,000, all seater. The problem of
    making the Kop all seater will be dealt with after the Lowfields
    redevelopment, ground capacity could be made too small if they were
    done at the same time.
    
    jb.
    
    

    re . 33
    
    >> the Arse were lucky to come away with a point
    
    True. But were'nt you lucky that we did'nt bury you in the first half?
    A draw seemed fair reflection from what I recollect being said in here
    a week ago. Ooohhh you're not getting away with it that easy. :-)
    
    Barry.

    To bury a team, you need to get the ball in thae back of the net, it
    was done only once in the first half. A second came along, then Leeds
    started to play, and came back very strongly, the Arse just clinging
    on.
    
    I'm afraid this particular Arse isn't keeping it tight at the back ...
    
    As for what was said a week ago (a long time a week is!), is there
    documentary evidence m'lud ;-)
    
    The Arse have made a poor start and need to pull their socks up.
    However, come November, I expect Div 1 to have Leeds, Liverpool, The
    Arse and the Mancs separated by 2 or 3 points, and for it to stay that
    way, with the Mancs fading out towards the end of the season. The
    championship is wide open this year.
    
    Chelsea away on Sat, this is an all ticket match, but a lot of
    supporters haven't realised this, and ticket sales were only 15,00 the
    other day. Leeds have sold 4,000 of their 7,000 allocation up to Wed
    pm. Leeds normally take 5-6,000 away with them to Saturday matches. A
    win would be good, Chelsea are the top London team at the moment, so it
    won't be easy. A 2-1 win for Leeds is todays prediction.
    
    I'll put team news in whan I hear of any.
    
    jb.

    The Admiral deal has opened more doors to Leeds United on the
    commercial side. Currently English Footballs' hottest property, Leeds
    have to build on their success last season, they must win something / 
    make a major impact else the hot money will go elsewhere. The Japanese
    connection is growing, it is expected that Sony will have their logo on
    Leeds' shirts next season. Negotiations are underway to show live
    matches on US cable TV, before the World Cup, and Satellite companies
    in Europe have sogned up to show live Leeds games. Money is always a
    problem, a lot was taken in seasons, but this does then give rise to a
    cashflow problem later in  the season, so TV money is all important.
    For league games, 150,000 is the going rate, with more from
    advertising. Villa made 1 million when they played (Inter Milan ?) last
    season, Leeds want to be a part of this - success is necessary. The
    Mancs have done English football a favour - there will be 2 UEFA cup
    places up for grabs this year. (Thank you the Mancs). One of these will
    be for Leeds at least !!
    
    jb.

    Forthcoming Cup games involving Leeds United are :-
    
    Wed 25 Sep, away at Scunthorpe in the 2nd round 1st leg of the
    Rumbelows Cup. Leeds United to progress 1 round further than they did
    last time, ie to the final, and win it. The 2nd leg is at Elland Rd on
    Tue 8 Oct, ko 7.45. Scunthorpe beat Leeds in the 2nd div dark days in
    the FA Cup. This is not expected to happen this time ! Incidentally,
    Scunthorpe play in a new stadium, it was used for the England U21 game
    earlier this week.
    
    Tue 22 Oct at 7.45 sees Forest at Elland Road in the ZDS cup.
    Originally, Leeds were not going to enter, due to them having to play 4
    matches in a week last season, 2 of them being ZDS games. Apparentley,
    they have received assurances from the powers that be that this will
    not be the case this time round. We shall wait and see. This won't be
    an easy game, it will be interesting to see what teams HW and Ole Big
    Head send out. My guess it will be the reserves. It is also live on
    Satellite (Skysport I think).
    
    jb.
    

    As Wallace is out for 6 weeks, it is likely that HW will play Speed as
    a striker with Chapman, and Hodge will coem into midfield and start a
    game for the first time this season. John McClelland will continue to
    partner Chris Whyte in the centre of defence, subs will be Wetherall
    and Varadi / Davison.
    
    For those in the UK, there was an interesting programme on Black
    players in football - Great Britain Uninted on C4 last night. There was
    an appreciable amount of exposure to Leedfs United, and Ces Podd, a
    community development officer at Elland Road was interviewed, as were
    Chris Fairclough and Chris Whyte. There is also a group of fans that
    produce 'Marching Altogether - Leeds United fans against Racism', which
    started in 1987. Like all clubs, Leeds has it's fair sghare of fans who
    just abused black players, that is now a thing of the past at Elland
    Road. There were interviews with 3 of the people from MAT, 2 of whom
    are active in the FSA in the West Riding.
    
    Ron Noades came across as a real pratt - I heard (from the MAT lot)
    that Wright and Bright put transfer requests in after hearing Noades'
    remarks...
    
    jb.

    <<< Note 33.39 by BAHTAT::BLYTHE "Ee bah gum th's trouble at t'mill" >>>
                         -< Team / Marchin Altogether >-

    
>    Ron Noades came across as a real pratt - I heard (from the MAT lot)
>    that Wright and Bright put transfer requests in after hearing Noades'
>    remarks...
    
     Agreed - Noades is a pratt. I can't believe that Wright/Bright would
     have put in transfer requests though, because they must have already
     known that Noades is an intellectual dwarf ( I hope am not sounding
     'dwarfist').  

     Wright and Bright ( and the other black players at Selhurst ) do not
     and have not ever received any abuse from Palace fans. Similarly, apart
     from a few dorks ( and which club hasn't got them ), I have never heard
     any racial abuse at the Palace ( although I did call Erik Forcefed (sic)
     a Quisling once).

     Palace had, in Vince Hillaire , one of the first of a handful of black 
     players to gain prominence, and I think that probably halted the rise
     of the racist scum, who followed the club.

     Also at Selhurst there are quite a few black spectators ( no not the
     players McCabe ), and I am happy to be associated with a club that
     attracts a cosmopolitan following, but to re-iterate somewhat shamed
     to be associated with Noades.

     Fair play to Leeds for tackling the problem ( they used to be the N.F's
     number one team for racist chants ) and I like the signs that they have
     put up.

     The one thing that disturbs me about the Policing, is when is an animal
     noise offensive , and can the police discern the difference between 
     racist, antagonistic noises and the sound of good old fashioned braying?
     Did I mention Palace are playing Arsenal tomorrow?

     Stuart
  

    re .40
    re that prog on telly
    
    Stuo - 

    did you noticed that Everton - that supposedly well known racist
    club - were praised for their attempts to stamp out racism at
    Goodison ?
    
    paul
             

Prediction for tomorrow. Win 2-0. We are good against sides who we beat the year
before i.e double over Chelsea last season. Keep up the good work Lukic and
you might even get noticed eventually by Taylor.

			James.

    I can see tomorrows game vs Chelsea to be tight, so I am going for a
    2-1 win for Leeds, with the strong possibility of a 1-1 draw. A win 
    will set us up nicely for Coventry on Wed, and Liverpool on Saturday.
    
    jb.

    Sorry to ruin your weekend.
    
              Chelsea 2  0 Leeds
    
    Stephen
    

    Chelsea 0 Leeds 1
    
    An excellent 3 points away from home, Shutt getting the goal on his
    comeback, that makes it 6 goals in his last 7 games, as he had a
    scoring streak at the end of last season, before his 'incident' in
    Sheffield. A typical Leeds goal, Strachan- Batty - Sterland -
    McAllister - Speed - Shutt - goal, the ball starting in midfield, out
    to the right flank, into the middle, headed on to the left flank,
    cross, header in at far post. Chelsea had more of the game in the first
    half, and Leeds scored against run of play, but they kept going and
    came out winners. Wise had a goal disallowed for offside, and Dorigo
    (who had an abusive reception from the Chelsea lot) cleared off the
    line. Strachan came off with 10 mins to go, he took a knock, and Hodge
    deputised.
    
    Leeds are now 2nd in the table, 5 points behind the Mancs (good away
    win at Soton for them Sat), with a game in hand. The 'Diving Scousers'
    are 3rd, a lucky draw for them, after a Rosenthal Dying Swan Impression
    got them a penalty. Elland Road will be watching for cheating antics on
    Saturday. Coventry City (away Wed) continue to impress, in our last 4
    games, we have played 4th, 2nd, the Arse (waking up at last, 4-1 away
    is an acheivent), and Top. Our next 2 games are vs 4th and 3rd - a hard
    start, but points taken from these teams opens up a gap. The Mancs and
    us are the only unbeaten teams in Div 1 - how long can this be kept up? 
    
    jb.

    
    I was driving back to Basingstoke on Saturday listening to Radio 5
    when they announced Shutt had put Leeds 1-0 up. Then with 10 mins 
    to go Radio 5 announced Chelsea had equalised (oh dear I thought !).
    Then would you believe 5 mins later they announced they had jumped
    the gun and it was still 1-0 ... I don't know how I kept the car on
    the road  :-)

Great Win on Saturday, shows we can now take on anybody and win. Listening to 
the reports Saturday on BBC5 where they made a very uncharacteristic mistake 
of announcing that Chelsea had gotten an equaliser. Some over zealous reporter
I suppose. It made the win all the better thinking that we had lost it. Took 
them over 5 minutes to admit their mistake!

Coventry on Wednesday. Seem to be playing all the big teams at the same time. 
Whats going to happen during Christmas play all the teams in the bottom 5.

Anybody got anything on Strachan i.e he going off quickly after taking a corner
with back trouble?

				James.

    Strachan took a knock, but it is expected he will be OK for Wednesday
    ay Highfield Road. HW was saying at the weekend that his current squad
    was stronger than the one that finished 4th last season, a bit obvious
    really, but HW usually keeps his thoughts to himself. Latest rumours
    concern the possible transfer of Tony Agana/Brian Deane from Sheff Utd, 
    as they have dire financial problems.
    
    jb.

    
    Strachan took a knock??? It looked like he was just a bit tired, he
    wasn't limping at all and Steve Hodge was warming up for quite a while
    before he came on.
    
    Leeds showed they were a class apart from Chelsea, Batty/Strachan
    closing down the midfield well, leaving Chelsea the only option but to
    thump up long balls which were easily contained by Whyte. On the attack
    they put together some promising moves stringing passes all over the
    field.
    
    Bad point about the game, Chapman missed a sitter after a cross was
    headed down by Shutt, that would have sealed the game and not put us
    through the tension of the last 10 minutes.
    
    P.S. Does anyone have the address of the supporters club, as it's not
    easy getting tickets for the games down south, we had to sit quietly in
    with the Chelsea fans!!!
          

    I notice that after Saturdays gave vs Liverpool, Leeds will have played
    8 out of the top 10 div 1 sides (as of now), the exceptions being
    Tottenham and Leeds themselves. The Mancs have played Leeds United out
    of the current top 10, Liverpool haven't played many of the top 10
    either. Now, if this form keeps up ...
    
    A pal of mine was at the Chelsea game on Sat, apparently there was some
    trouble on the Tube as Chelsea fans ambushed Leeds supporters at
    Parsons' Green Tube station. Services were held up for 45 minutes or
    so. There was nothing in the papers, so I assume it was caused by the
    Chelsea nutters. There's no love lost between Leeds and Chelsea, and
    Chelsea have been beaten 3 times on the trot by Leeds, 2-1 and 1-0 in
    London, and 4-1 at Elland Road.
    
    jb.

    
    
    jb,
    
      I was there at the game also on saturday and went for a drink
    afterwards in a bar/restaurant down the road opposite Fulham Rd tube
    about 5.45 p.m.
    
      There were a lot of Leeds/Chelsea fans wearing colours in the place
    discussing and disecting the game, there was no trouble at all until
    about 50 police decided to raid the place.
      They were offensive in asking people to finish their drinks and leave
    their meals. In my opinion this sort of attitude is more likely to
    upset people than deter them, which is what i suspect the police were
    trying to do. who are the real instigators of trouble ???.
    
       On a different subject I got a letter from the ticket office saying
    that they are giving priority for Scunthorpe tickets to fans who went
    to the Southampton game so mine should be here by saturday.
    
      Coventry on Wednesday I shall be there traffic permitting. The sky
    blues have started quite well this season but a win there will be
    necessary to keep the pressure up on Man U who don't have a midweek
    league game this week.
    
    P.C.
    
    

    
    re: police attitudes
    
    I've come across obnoxious policemen causing trouble at several
    football grounds. Although I can sympathise with all the aggro 
    they get, they do sometimes make it worse for themselves with
    their moronic attitude. Not all football fans are yobs. I saw
    the police actually cause a mini riot at Coventry a few years
    ago. 
    
    Coventry had as usual won their last game of the season to stay
    in the 1st Division and the fans as usual had 'invaded' the pitch
    and were singing and dancing on the pitch. The next moment a group
    of mounted policemen charged into the fans ! There were so many on
    the pitch the horses backed off and in doing so trampled on some
    handicapped fans in their wheelchairs at the touchline. Most of
    the ground saw this and a lot more people invaded the pitch intent
    on grabbing the leader of the mounted police. They did in the end 
    manage to pull him off his horse. The next day the local newspaper
    gave the police a real slagging off starting a slanging match with
    the local police chief.

    PC Plod usually starts trouble, otherwise what's the point of turning
    out to police a lot of well behaved people ? Anyway, there's overtime
    for dealing with disturbances. My pal was at the Tube, he saw what was
    going to happen, and scarpered fast.
    
    Sterland is doubtful for Wednesday's game at Coventry, he sprained his
    ankle at Chealsea. Strachan has a dack injury, but is expected to play.
    Fairclough has almost got over his ankle injury, it is possible he may
    return against Coventry, John McClelland will then play at right back
    instead of Sterland. Hodge and Wetherall are likely to be on the bench
    (again).
    
    Both the Mancs and Liverpool are playing European games this week, it
    gives leeds a chance to get within 2 points of the top, and 4 points
    away from 3rd place. Now, if we beat Liverpool on Sat, Luton get a
    point at OT, and the score isn't 4-4, then we go top...
    
    jb
    

    
    It's good to hear that Fairclough is almost fit. We'll need him
    on Saturday.
    
    Leeds beating Coventry and Liverpool, and Man Utd drawing with Luton;
    while almost an impossibility would have me leaving the country with
    Leeds top ! 

    Greetings,
    
    Does anyone know when the Crystal Palace match has been
    re-scheduled for?  A friend and I hope to get to the game.
    
    Cheers
    Dust Th'ippy
    
    

    
    I think Jon Blythe said a few notes back it was Oct 1st (fortnight
    today).

Another tough game away ay Coventry and my prediction is we won't lose! Very 
commital statement but I can't make up my mind as to whether we will win or not.
Coventry are playing well and a draw for us wouldn't be disasterous i.e 0-0. 
Leeds drew 1-1 last season at highfield.

A win would of course be a bonus but we can't expect to win every game (-;.
         
                                             
				James.

    Strach will play, he's got over his back injury. Sterland awaits a late
    fitness check. If he doesn't play, then big John McClelland will go
    right back, and Wetherall will start, Fairclough isn't yet fit. Hodge
    and Whitlow are the likely subs.
    
    More xfer rumour, Bull and AN Other from Barnet are reported to be the
    targets of a 1/2 million bid by Wilko.
    
    I'll be happy with a 1-0 win in injury time - I think they can do it,
    but it will be tight. The 3,000 or so travelling supporters will make
    more noise than Coventry though ! I predict a hard-fought 1-0 win to
    Leeds.
    
    jb.

Well my prediction of sorts came to pass. Not a bad result and still unbeaten 
but I understand that Chappie missed a good chance near the end to win the game.

Roll on Liverpool. Hope that Jon Blythe was at the match because we will then 
get an unbiased report of what actually happened at the game. No Leeds injuries 
last night that I understand!


 			James.

    
    Three of us went up last night and saw the game, all agreed that it was
    two points lost, rather than a point gained but then these things
    happen!
    
    Gary Speed took a clattering knock in the first three minutes that he
    was limping from for a few minutes but seemed to run it off for the
    rest of the game, but it was a scare!
    
    Coventry wasted a number of chances from free kicks, crossing about
    three of them out for goalkicks, but put pressure on midway through the
    second half and tested Lukic a number of times. Another disallowed
    goal, the old offside trap certainly keeps you on your toes! 
    
    Another good performance from Leeds, created numerous chances around
    the penalty box, Chapman and Shutt played up front, but both seemed to
    lack pace. Hodge came on with 15 minutes to go inplace of Shutt, with
    Speed taking over up front. Cheeky Free-kick by Strachan, chipped the
    wall but fell just to long for Chapman. Chapman had a free header but
    just put it passed the post with ten minutes to go.
    
    Would tell you more but we had eight pound seats that gave a great
    worms eye view of the game! Still four points from two away games is
    not bad especially with easier fixtures coming up after Saturday.
    
    

    The first Nil Nil of the campaign, but Leeds sould have had 3 points. I
    wasn't at the game, but I was listening to the commentary on Radio
    Leeds. Chapman missed a couple of chances, and Lukic had a good game -
    he was the MoM accoriding to the Evening Post. Speed sprained his ankle
    after falling over the ball, but should be fit for Saturdays sell out
    vs Liverpool. All 32,720 tickets have been sold, so the crowd will be
    over the 32,000 mark - there are always several hundred no-shows !
    
    The build up fot the Liverpool game has started, Leeds have not beaten
    Liverpool in their last 22 meetings - tomorrow will be the day !
    Liverpool did not look too brilliant vs the Finns in the 1st half, but
    then the Finns fell apart. Their defence isn't too clever, but Rush ans
    Saunders will need watching. I wonder what sort of reception Sourpuss
    will get - his players better not try on their cheating antics at
    Elland Road - especially if they are a goal or 2 or 3  or 4 down. The
    team should be that which started against Coventry.
    
    We are now 4 points behind the Mancs, with the same no of games played
    - but ours have been against the Top (bar Soton) teams, and the Mancs vs 
    the  Bottom teams (bar Leeds United), this puts us in good stead for
    our less difficult October and November, Norwich a, Palace a, Sheff U
    h, Notts C a, Oldham h, Wombles a, QPR h, Villa a, Everton h.
    
    The Cup trail starts at Glanford Park, Scunthorpe on Tuesday in the
    Rumbelows Cup, not a walkover - it will be The Iron's Cup Final ...
    
    jb.
    

Name             Height      Prev Club           Birthplace        Birthdate

Goalkeepers

Mervyn Day        6-02       Aston Villa         Chelmsford        26-06-55
Neil Edwards      5-08         -                 Aberdare          05-12-70
John Lukic        6-04       Arsenal             Chesterfield      11-12-60
Antony O'Dowd     6-02       Shelbourne          Dublin            06-07-70 

Defenders

Tony Dorigo       5-10       Chelsea             Melbourne         31-12-65
Chris Fairclough  5-11       Tottenham           Nottingham        12-04-65
Peter Haddock     5-11       Newcastle           Newcastle         09-12-61
John Mcclelland   6-02       Watford             Belfast           07-12-55
Jon Newsome       6-02       Sheff Wed.          Sheffield         06-09-70
Mel Sterland      5-10       Rangers             Sheffield         01-10-61
Ray Wallace       5-06       Southampton         Lewisham          02-10-69
David Wetherall   6-03       Sheff Wed.          Sheffield         14-03-71
Michael Whitlow   5-11       Witton Alb.         Northwich         13-01-68
Chris Whyte       6-01       W.B.A               London            02-09-61

Midfield

David Batty       5-07         -                 Leeds             02-12-68
Simon Grayson     5-11         -                 Ripon             16-12-69
Steve Hodge       5-11       Notts For.          Nottingham        25-10-62
Chris Kamara      6-01       Stoke               Middlesbrough     25-12-57
Dylan Kerr        5-11       Shepherds           Valletta          14-01-67
Gary McAllister   5-10       Leicester           Motherwell        25-12-64
Glynn Snodin      5-06       Sheff Wed.          Rotherdam         14-02-60  
Gary Speed        5-09         -                 Harwarden         08-09-69
Gordon Strachan   5-06       Man Utd.            Edinburgh         09-02-57
Andrew Williams   6-00       Rotherdam           Birmingham        29-07-62

Forwards

Lee Chapman       6-03       Notts For.          Lincoln           05-12-59
Bobby Davison     5-08       Derby Co.           S. Shields        17-07-59
Gary Kelly         -           -                   -                 -
Carl Shutt        5-10       Bristol City        Sheffield         10-10-61
Imre Varadi       5-08       Sheff Wed.          Paddington        08-07-59
Rod Wallace       5-07       Southampton         Lewisham          02-10-69


Hope it is of interest to somebody out there.

				James.

Tomorrow will confirm Leeds as serious challangers for the title with a 
resounding defeat of the 'Pool. I expect them to win 2-0 or 3-0. Leeds have
been waiting a long time for this and will relish it fully. No repeat of the
performance last April going 4-0 down before realising the 'Pool defence was 
extremely fragile and look what happened then. 

We won't make that mistake tomorrow!!

                                 James.

    Bobby Davison has gone to Derby on loan for a month , with a view to a
    permanent trabsfer. This would be his 2nd stint with the Rams.
    
    Leeds to beat Liverpool tomorrow.
    
    jb.

Yes, I have waited a long time to see Leeds bury 'Pool and we certainly did that
on Saturday. Yesterday Liverpool, tomorrow the world.


				James.

    Leeds 1 Liverpool 0
    
    Leeds deserved to win this game, even the use of Ronnie 'Dive Dive
    Dive' Rosenthal in the last 15 mins didn't do anything for Liverpool,
    whose defence looked shakey, midfield lacked punch, and the strike
    force were out of sorts. Leeds did not play to the level they have
    reached previously this season, some of the play was edgy - bearing in
    mind this was the biggest match they have played in the last few years.
    The atmosphere at a sell out Elland Road (32,917) was electric, and the
    noise that greeted Hodge's goal on 25' was amazing. Strachan forced a
    corner, took it on the right, a poor punch by Grobbellar found Dorigo,
    he turned, crossed to Hodge who hammered it into the roof of the net.
    Chapman had an effort cleared off the line by Tanner, Strachan had a
    shot that was brilliantly saved by Grobbellar, and there wer other 1/2
    chances to Chapman and Speed. Speed was playing as a striker, not his
    normal role, and was replaced by Shutt. McClelland and Whyte held firm
    all afternoon, and the Leeds midfield controlled tha game. Batty almost
    gave away a goal whwn he was caught in possession by Saunders, but the
    shot was easily saved by Lukic.
    
    Souness was warned by the ref, the sooner this fool is banished to the
    stand the better - he incenses the crowd and one day may cause
    problems. Plod also told him to sit down and shut up. Grobbellar is a
    clown - his poor clearance led to the first goal, as did Walter's
    dithering, Brucis also nearly lost the ball to Shutt outside the area,
    he made a wild clearance that gave McAllister a clear shot at an empty
    goal - he shot over.
    
    So, Leeds have played most of the top teams in Div 1, Norwich a are
    ext, they are 10th this morning, another hard game, then it's away to
    Palace - who seem to be fading rapidly, Wright and Bright seem to want
    off, no doubt annoyed by Noades. The Mancs thumped Luton 5-0 on Sat,
    the Totts are 3 points behind with a game in hand, but they have had an
    easy start so far. October will be interesting, when the other top
    clubs start playing one another and Leeds play lesser teams - wins for
    us and draws for them.
    
    Away at Scunthorpe on Tue night in the Rum Cup, I predict a win by 3-1
    or something.
    
    jb.

    
    	Well done Leeds (Leeds Leeds) for putting one over on the 'pool.
    	Nice to see George "Liverpool" Courtenay finally having the balls
    	to tell Sourpuss to stop inciting riot, and Ronnie "Klinsmann"
    	Rosenthal failing to con another ref. When was the last time Leeds
    	beat Liverpool ?
    
    	Andy.

    I believe it was 1973.....when they also won the championship.
    
    Gerry

    Tonight's team vs the iron will be the same that started against
    Liverpool. A result and a good performance is expected tinight - a poor
    perfornmance may lead to a player losing his place in the team - there
    is competition for all places now, as it should be in a squad system.
    
    The victory over Liverpool lifted the 18 year hoodoo, but it was also
    the first victory since United came back vs The Arse, The Totts,
    Liverpool and the Mancs - teams that have got to be beaten if Leeds are
    to progress. Players are now proud to pull on the Leeds United shirt
    etc etc.
    
    A prediction for tonight is 4-0, hopefully Chapman will rediscover his
    scoring touch !
    
    jb.

I expect a tight game tonight as this is a big game for them. Remember Leicester
this time last year. Important to win all the same but much tighter than JB 
predicts, 2-0 maybe. Chapman needs the shooting practice as does Shutt. More
importantly no injuries tonight!

                                  James.   

    Scunthorpe 0 Leeds United 0
    
    Not a win - but another clean sheet. Leeds United are 'clear
    favourites' for the 2nd leg at Elland Road in a fortnight. Scunthorpe
    played well, it was their Cup Final, thay hit the bar, and were a
    handful. Leeds had their moments, but all in all, a 0-0 scoreline was
    about fair. Strachan went off injured after 43 minutes, and McAllister
    was given the job of captain for the rest of the game.
    
    The crowd was 8,800 or so, almost a sell out. The crowd will be approx
    14,000 at Elland Road on Tuesday next.
    
    jb.

    
    RE the liverpool game.
    
    I Heard, on good authority that, what kenny courtney said to sourpuss
    was that he couldn,t give him a penalty because liverpool have to be in
    the Leeds half of the pitch and that tora tora tora rosental should
    stop practicing in the semi-circle 8-)8-)8-).
    
    
    
    Liam
     

    Strachan is doubtful for the tough away game at Norwich on Saturday, he
    has hamstring trouble. No other injury worries are reported, so the
    team will probably be Lukic, Sterland, Dorigo, Whyte, McClelland,
    Batty, Hodge, McAllister, Speed, Chapman, Shutt with Whitlow and
    possibly Fairclough on the bench.
    
    Rumours still appear re Brian Deane, I would not be surprised if Wilko
    did go out and buy another striker or two as cover for Chapman and
    Shutt.
    
    jb.

Tomorrows game is another toughie that will show up whether Leeds deserve their
current high flying position. It's a game that will have to be won, as potential
Champions have to go to tough looking opposition and get full points.

I predict a 1-0 win and a 6th clean sheet in a row for Lukic and 8th for the 
season. Hopefully Strachan will play as we seem to be a different team 
( not better ) without him. 

Come on fill up this topic, we don't want to be beaten by arse or Liverpool for 
more notes inputted.

                                 James.

    McAllister is ready to take over from the Skipper tomorrow. Shutt will
    come in as a starter id Strachan is unavailable. Leeds do miss
    Strachan, but leeds United are not a 1 man team. If he isn't playing,
    then McAllister will have to take on the role of playmaker, and lift
    his game. I predict a tough encounter vs the Canaries, but if the lads
    do what they are capable of, then 1-0 to Leeds is my prediction. A win
    tomorrow and Tuesday will do wonders for morale, and really put the
    Mancs under pressure, especially if they drop 2 or more points vs the
    Totts on Saturday (I hope they will draw). If Man U and Leeds are top /
    2nd or (hopefully) t'other way round, with 5 points between the 3rd
    club at the end of Oct, tne the run up to Xmas should be interesting.
    On the other hand ...
    
    jb.

    
    
    Is there any news on when both Wallace and Fairclough will have
    recovered from their injuries?
    
    I think that with Chapman being off form we desparately need a quality
    striker.  The problem is that we don't know if HW has any money left to
    buy players!!
    
    
    S

    Wallace will be out till the end of October. Fairclough is almost fit,
    he will have to wait for a place - McClelland and Whyte are paying very
    well at the moment, the last results have been 0-0, 1-0, 0-0, 1-0, 3-0
    - that's 5 clean sheets in a row. Utd have scored 14 so far in the
    League, Chapman has bagged 2. he needs more goals, but he puts the
    defence in such a state, it leaves more room for the midfield to move
    up and get a few. Our defence had only conceded 4 - that is a very good
    record so far. Let's hope Chappo finds the net a bit more, but I
    wouldn't say he was off form, just not 100% on !
    
    Norwich will not put 3 past Lukic tomorrow, contrary to some
    predictions !
    
    If Lukic keeps another clean sheet tomorrow, it will be a personal best
    for him.
    
    jb.

    
    	Good luck tomorrow lads 8-)
    
    	I think you'll win. But we'll still be out ahead of you after 
    	turning over the Totts. As long as we can both keep infront of
    	the Arse and 'pool.
    
    
    	Andy.

    Norwich 2 Leeds United 2
    
    A good result this, a point at Norwich is not always easy. However, in
    the context of this season, 3 points should have been taken. The Mancs
    got another last gasp winner, but fortunately all around drew or lost
    (there were a lot of 2-2 draws in Div 1 on Saturday).
    
    Norwich opened the scoring in the 2nd half - the first half was
    scrappy, a loose ball being picked up in midfield and Dale Gordon shot
    it past Lukic. Leeds were level 4 mins later, from a cleverly worked
    free kick, Dorigo's shot gave Gunn  no chance. Speed then put Leeds in
    front, only for them to lose the advantage to a 2nd Dale Gordon effort.
    Too many passes were going astray and Norwich took advantage of this.
    Strachan was missed, it is hoped he will be fit for a trip to Selhurst
    Park on Tuesday, another hard game, but hopefully 3 points will come
    out of it.
    
    The Mancs and us are still unbeaten, but the Arse has crept into 3rd
    place, 3 points behind us. The Mancs next 2 games should be
    interesting, Liverpool and the Arse, draws will be OK here. The Totts
    threw their point away by Stewart being sent off yesterday, Liverpool
    struggled against Sheffield Wednesday, and the Arse stuffed
    Southampton.
    
    10 games gone, 5 wins and 5 draws 'Win at Home and draw away =
    championship", early days yet, but the foundation is there (and we've
    played nearly all of the big teams already).
    
    jb.

    Keep making the excuses Jon, it'll be another 17 years before Leeds top
    the 1st division.
    
    [ANd before the avalanche of reminders about the Jubilee boys, I said
    'top' not win]

    
    re: -1
    
    17 years ? OK then, if Leeds fail to top the 1st Division (or the
    Premier Division) between now and 1st October 2008 then I'll buy
    you a drink.  :-)

    Tony! hows Australia? mail me!
    
    Ian.
    
    p.s Leeds were lucky against the pool.

Leeds need to win tonight to keep the pressure up on the filth. With their 
having two tough games coming up, We could be leading next Saturday evening, 
what a thought. So much for 33.81! I predict a good close game with Leeds 
coming up 1-0 in the end. Leeds Forever.

Hope Strachan is back to lead the Troops.

                                  James.

    
    Last nights score 
    
    Crystal Palace 1(Bright 89) Leeds 0
    
    Att:= 18,298
    
    This still leaves the better Utd on top by 6 clear points, and a game in
    hand over leeds.
    
    macca

    
    
    Oh dear, it looks a bit grim, McAllister was substituted due to injury
    and Chris Whyte was limping around for half an hour, four bookings,
    Batty, McClelland,Whyte and Varadi.
    
    Could be a bit dangerous going into a relatively easy part of the
    season with a weakened squad, and losing points to the likes of
    Wimbledon/Luton. 

    I went to the first away Leeds match for many a year on Tue night, the
    fare on offer was well off. Palace managed 2 shots on goal in the 1st
    half, Leeds 1. In the 2nd half, Leeds didn't manage 1, and Palace got a
    winner after 90 seconds of injury time, after a free kick from outside
    the area was headed in from 3 yards by Bright, the marking was very
    poor. This was the worst I have seen Leeds play since the end of the
    89-90 season - they don't travel well to Selhurst Park ! In conclusion,
    the game was crap, Leeds played terribly, and the 1-0 scoreline almost
    was the right result, 0-0 would have been a bonus !
    
    After meeting fellow noters in the boozer, we toddled off on Notwork
    South East to Thornton heath, and legged it through the back streets of
    Sarff Lunnun, and took our place in the Arthur Waite Stand, there were
    a lot lf Leeds fans there, mixing quite happily with the locals - there
    was no aggro at all, something positive ! At the end, the Leeds fans
    were not held back, and everybody was mixing quite happily - that's how
    it should be. The crowd was a respectable 19,000 ish - not bad for
    midweek. 6,500 of these were Leeds United (officially) and there were
    more all over the stadium, but they were very quiet - nowt for them to
    get excited about.
    
    The injury list is growing, McAllister and Whyte are doubtful for
    Saturday, Strach should be back though. Fairclough is out for 2 more
    weeks, Wallace a month, Haddock and Kamara for longer. Varadi isn't top
    of Div 1 quality, Chapman is having a barren spell, Leeds are in need
    of 1 top class striker to bang some more goals in.
    
    Sheff U on Sat, a 'derby' game, it will be tight, especially with our
    injuries. 2-1 to United, I hope it's more....
    
    
    jb.

    Did anyone see 'Standing Room Only' on BBC2 Monday?
    
    There was this wonderful skit on Batty. They highlighted his ability to
    'hoof' the ball out of defence, his ability to constructive passing to
    colleagues (to the goalie from 1/2 way line), and best of all his late
    tackling (on a spectator leaving the ground after the match).
    
    Mmm, perhaps it wasn't a skit........

re -.1

	See note 101


	Al

    Team selection for tomorrow's game against the Blades will be made
    close to kick off, it is expected Strachan will be fit, but thter are
    doubts about McAllister. Hopefully, Tuesday's performance (or lack of)
    will act like a kick up the jacksie, and Leeds will come out fighting,
    and put a few goals in the back of the net. We should still be 2nd at
    the end of play, good results for us would be Arse and Chelsea and the 
    Mancs and Liverpool drawing.
    
    jb.

The game versus Crystal Palace was truly awful on Leeds part. I listened to it 
all on BBC 5 and was amazed at how poorly Leeds played. The amount of 
chances created were counted on one finger and overall there was no sort of 
playmaking that could be considered dangerous on Leeds part. This is not
the sign of a team that is supposed to be challanging for league championships. 
There is a distinct need of a top class play making forward in the team at 
present before too much ground is lost to the leaders. 

Albeit that we have played all the big fish in the pond we have to be capable
of putting away the little ones upto Christmas while the filth draw. Tuesdays
result hopefully is only a pothole on the road to better things so I predict
that tomorrows game will be a much happier affair with a 3 or 4 goal win against
a side that is struggling.


                                 James.

    Leeds United 4 Sheffield United 3
    
    This was definetely a game of two halves ! Leeds started well, and were
    1-0 up after 5 minutes courtesy of Hodge. A Sterland throw from the
    right, poorly cleared by the Blades' defence, hammered in by Steve
    Hodge. The second came from a Sterland free kick, after Phil Kite had
    taken the ball outside his own area. The third was a Sterland penalty
    (there was some argument between Sterland and McAllister who should
    take it) aftrr Dorigo was pushed in the area. 3-0 at 1/2 time, Leeds
    were totally in control, and heading for a cricket score. Every time
    they got the ball, Sheffield were struggling. The Blades couldn't do
    anything right, and Lukic was seldom troubled. Half time came and went,
    I didn't partake of Gastric flu soup or a bottie burger, and Leeds came
    out without McAllister, Whitlow playing instead. Hodge made it 4-0.
    After that, they fell apart, stopped playing, and generally behaved
    like silly b*ggers. McAllister was missed, as he had had a good first
    half, playing on the right side and linking up very well with MoM
    Sterland. Sheffield got a goal back after a free kick - the marking was
    to cosk - just like last Tuesday. Sterland then went off injured, and
    the rot really set in. Fairclough replaced him, but he played at full
    back - not his position, and he isn't match fit. After Hoyland's 1st
    goal, another came from Agana after a god awful back pass from Shutt -
    it's the worst I've ever seen ! The Blades were heartened by this, and
    puilled another one back, a poor Lukic punch was whacked back in. The
    last 7 minutes were 'entertaining' to say the least, real edge of the
    seat stuff, but Leeds hung on for 3 points.
    
    Leeds were without Sterland, McAllister, Strachan, Wallace, Fairclough
    was playing in a strange position. Not a good performance, but the hay
    they fell asleep in the 2nd 1/2 was alarming. HW no doubt gave them a
    good bollocking. As for the Blades, if they had shown the same
    determination and fight in the 1st half they showed in the 2nd, then
    they could have won. If they can carry on in the same vein, they will
    save themselves (again).
    
    Tomorrow is Scunthorpe in the R Cup, I exoect to see a Leeds XI play.
    At least some of them have a week off, due to internatioinals, this
    should give injuries some time to heal. Leeds are due to play a
    testimaonial at York City on Monday 14th, in honour of David Longhurst,
    the York player who died on the pitch some time ago, a stand has been
    erected in his memeory.
    
    jb.

    A Testimonial for Jim Beglin vs Liverpool has been arranged for Aug
    18th 1992, it will be played at Elland Road.
    
    Team news for tonight - Strachan, Whyte, McAllister and Sterland all
    have late fitness checks. It is hoped all will play.
    
    I went to an interesting meeting of the FSA last night, the topic was
    'All Seater Stadia'. The chap speaking to us was from the Football
    Licencing Authority, a Quango set up to implement the Football
    Supporters Act - in this case, it requires all 1st and 2nd division
    grounds to be all seater by 1994, and all 3rd and 4th to be all seater
    by 1999. If the government does change, then the 3rd and 4th may slip a
    couple of years, but Div 1 and 2 is definetely 1994. The FLA officers
    on the ground comprise of 4 coppers, 3 fire officers, 1 architect and
    this chap from Leeds who was the Leeds City Council safety officer -
    responsible for Elland Road, Roundhay Park Pop Concerts and other
    concerts in disused tram sheds. The FLA will look at all aspects of
    ground safety, seating layouts, policing, provision of faclilities -
    especially for away supporters, if the ground doesn't come up to
    scratch, then it won't be given a licence. Expect to see more ground
    sharing schemes in the future, if a small club draws a big one in a
    cup, then expect the game to be played on a bigger neutral ground. Put
    simply, the football supporter in the UK has had a raw deal - there is
    plenty of money for players and frills, but the money will not be spent
    on stadia. If the directors and club officials think they can get away
    with it for much longer, then they have a shock coming their way. If a
    club does not go all seater by 1994, the standing areas will be closed
    down.
    
    All in all, it was an interesting meeting, some people there had not
    realised that all seater stadia were coming. Of course, some clubs will
    try to hike the prices up (one well known one is in Leeds 11, and
    wonders why it can't fill seats at #17 per time ;-) ), Sheffield United
    have led the way here, they have a 10,000 seat Kop, #7 per seat, it is
    80% full, and more families are coming. Whan families do come, then it
    is necessary to have proper facilities, Women's toilets, a decent cafe
    or tea bar etc (Leeds United have the South Stand given over to the
    Family Club which is over-subscribed). Some grounds will be closed down, 
    Oakwell (Barnsley) is a 23,000 capacity stadium, but only 2,000 seats - 
    the rest is open terracing. The Taylor report stated that a 20%
    reduction per year in standing accommodation would be carried out, this
    has not been the case, as this would lead to other problems - eg
    Leeds vs Middlesboro in 1989, 4,000 Boro fans were locked outside and
    they were fighting in the street, due to the capacity being restricted
    at Elland Road in the wake of Hillsborough.
    
    If better stadia come out of this, then it's for the good of us all.
    Football is an entertainment - there are many other things to entertain
    people. More and more live TV coverage of football will come along,
    most Div 1 clubs now receive >50% of their income from TV and
    advertising revenue - Joe Soap on the terrace is going to be less
    important in the future to the clubs - bnut if there aren't any
    punters- there's no game ....
    
    jb.

    PM prediction :-
    
    Leeds 4 Scunthorpe 1
    
    jb.

    
    
    Bobby Davison seems to be the only Leeds striker scoring goals at
    present!  I think he has scored in three consecutive games.
    
    
    Maybe HW should get him back from Derby and stick him up
    front with Chapman!!
    
    S

    Leeds' goals have come from all over this time round, Hodge has 4,
    Dorigo a couple, McAllister, Strachan, Batty, Sterland. Chapman is
    giving the defence a hard time, allowing the midfield to push up and
    score. It would be better if he got scoring again though ...
    
    Davison isn't top of Div 1 standard, neither is Varadi, Whitlow,
    Williams and some others still on the books at Elland Rd. Their
    contracts will not be renewed, though a big squad with experience is
    necessary to overcome injuries etc.
    
    jb.

A win tonight is important as to lose to a 3/4th division team is to say the
least a bit embarassing. A win therefore of 1-0 or 2-0 will be acceptable. I
just hope the Lads have got over the scare on Saturday and have a good 
performance tonight.

Then time for injuries to recover with no league games on Sat. Hopefully will 
have a full squad to pick from again soon.

                            James.

Squeezed through but left it a little late!

    Leeds           3 - 0     Scunthorpe

    Sterland 70 ( pen)
    Chapman  76
    Speed    80

    Win 3-0 on aggregate


                    James.

    
    
    Bobby Davison apparently is having exploratory checks on his knee. 
    Apparently he may have cartilige (sp?) problems.
    
    It could mean a further lengthy lay off for the unlucky striker.
    
    
    
    S

    
    re: Scunthorpe
    
    well at least it was a win, we left it very late last season against
    Leicester at the same stage of the competition. Good to see Chapman
    scored (at last).

Looks like Tranmere in the 3th round of the Rumbelows starting the week 28th
October.

                             James

    Leeds 3 Scunthorpe 'If Typhoo put the 'T' in Britain, who put the $%^&
    in S$%^&horpe ?' 0
    
    It was the late, late show on Tue night, but Leeds' class showed. Leeds
    were without McAllister and Strachan, Williams and Shutt replacing
    them. Kelly, a 17 year old signed from Dublin club Home Farm was sub,
    he came on for 5 minutes at the end. Scunthorpe played well, and
    battled hard, but didn't give Lukic many problems in the 1st half,
    Leeds could have had a couple. The first halk wasn't particulary
    wonderful, and the crowd (14,550) were getting slightly worried (apart
    from the Scunnie lot who were enjoying themselves). In the 2nd half,
    there were more incidents in the 1st 10 minutes then in the first half,
    at both ends. Scunthorpe started to tire 1/2 way through the 2nd half,
    and whwn Hodge was pulled down in the area on 69 minutes, Sterland took
    his penalty well. Chapman added a 2nd, and then Speed a 3rd, both
    shots. Chapman had other chances, as did Shutt, but Chapman scored with
    his hardest chance of the night. Scunthorpe did hit the post with 3
    minutes to go, but it wasn't their night.
    
    All in all, a satisfactory result against inspired opposition, well
    done Scunthorpe.
    
    
    McAllister and Strachan are both doubtful for the Scotland game next
    week, a decision will be made over the weekend if they are fit to
    travel. Fairclough was sub again and Chris Kamara played against
    Liverpool Reserves the other night, so he may be ready for
    consideration of a place in the next few games if the injury situation
    doesn't abate. Davison has had an exploratory operation, but nothing
    untoward has been found, and he will resume training on Monday, with a
    possible permanent move to Derby on the cards.
    
    Tranmere Rovers (TGD) are visitors to Elland Rd on Tue 29 Oct in Round
    3 of the R Cup, not an easy match, but it could have been much worse.
    The only top of Div 1 clash is Coventry vs the Arse.
    
    jb.

    The bad thing about the draw for you Leeds fans is that you can expect
    an outbreak of Cunnovitis in this topic.

    I can't wait.
    
    jb.
    
    PS Is 'Cunnovitis' catching ?

     yes folks it is
     just watch tga and co beat you lot of the park in the next round .
                                                      rgds,
                                                       Tony.
    

    Leeds now have 10 days off, apart from Batty, Dorigo, Strachan and
    MCAllister, who are on international duty. This will be needed, as
    injuries have started to take their toll. Notts C (a) is the next game,
    followed by 3 home games, Nottm F in the ZDS Cup (att 4,000), also live
    on Sky Sports, Oldham in the League, and Tranmere of TGD fame in the
    R Cup. Not as bad a group of fixtures as the past few weeks ! 6 points
    from the league games is expected, as is progression in the 2 Cup
    Competitions. No doubt the Pontin's League sides will be out for Forest
    and Leeds in the Noddy Cup - I wonder for how much longer this
    competition will go on for - I don't expect any Premier League clubs
    will be entering it next year. The R Cup will be harder, Tranmere are
    doing reasonably well in Div 2, but the game at Leeds will be their
    toughest game to date this season.
    
    The R Cup format may have to be changed, the first rounds do not
    generate the crowds like a sudden death game do, if a Div 4 side gete
    beaten in the 1st leg, then nobody will watch the 2nd leg whwn they
    finally get dispatched 6-1 or something. A sudden death affair will be
    better, and allow more smaller clubs to progress, which will give them
    a boost for the rest of the season (a good cup run is make or break to
    some clubs).
    
    jb.

    
    This break has come at a good time for Leeds. Hopefully Strachan,
    McAllister and the other injuries will clear up now. 
    
    I saw the Sheff Utd game on TV over here and Shutt's backpass was
    one of the worst I have ever seen. He was obviously making sure HW
    never picks him for defence, no matter how bad the injury situation !
    
    Leeds fan down under

    Ref: .103
    > The bad thing about the draw for you Leeds fans is that you can
    expect an outbreak of Cunnovitis in this topic.
    
    Not to worry Leeds fans. It appears that short term exposure to 
    Malta sunlight cures the disease.
    
    JC

    United take a 'strong team' to York tonight, to play in a memorial
    match for David Longhurst, the York player who died during a match at
    Bootham Crescent last year. All first teamers bar the Internationals
    (Batty, Dorigo, Strachan, NcAllister and Speed) are expected to play.
    HW is in Birmingham today, chairing the initial meeting of the
    Managers' Association - they are planning to draw up a code of conduct
    to stop managers slagging one another off (or Lunchtime O'Booze
    ghosting the 'story') in the press.
    
    No footy at the weekend - it felt strange ...
    
    jb.

    York 2 Leeds United XI 2
    
    Chapman and Hodge scored.
    
    Bill Fotherby the Leeds United Commercial Manager has been asked to
    serve on a Super league Commitee that are looking into sponsorship, TV
    rights and money extraction from fans. He has a good track record in
    all these !
    
    jb.

    Batty is in the England side vs Turkey, Dorigo loses out to Pearce.
    
    jb.

    Back to the hard Div 1 graft tomorrow, vs Notts County at Meadow Lane.
    Not an easy fixture, but a win is expected, and (hopefully) the Arse
    and the Mancs drawing, it will put us 2 points nearer the top, and 2
    points away from the Arse. On the injury front, only Haddock is a long
    way away from a full recovery, Kamara has had 2 reserve games, Wallace
    is training and will be ready for the reserves in a week, McAllister,
    Strachan and Fairclough are fit, so Wilko will have selection
    'problems' - I expect Fairclough to start and McClelland to sub along
    with Shutt, McAllister, Strachan, Batty and Hodge being midfield with
    Chapman and Speed up front. Whyte, Dorigo and Sterland will start at
    the back.
    
    9 points should be possible from the next 3 league games, Notts C (a),
    Oldham (h) and the Wombles (a).
    
    Friday prediction, 2-1 to Leeds tomorrow.
    
    Tuesday sees the ZDS Cup at Elland Rd, live on Sky, so I'll be an
    armchair attendee (or will I ? - it's much better live). Forest provide
    the opposition, so the game may be taken seriously, 'Ol Big Head
    usually likes to win. A close result is to be expected, with the tie
    possibly going to penalties.
    
    jb.

I expect a win from tomorrows game against Notts County. A 1-0 result would 
do nicely with the BIG GAME ending in a 0-0 draw. As JB said in the last note 
its two points closer the filth and 2 further away from the arse. 

The rest will have done the lads no harm at all. Feels so long since we have 
had a game.


                             James. 

    
    Notts Co  (1) 2   Leeds United  (2) 4
                      Chapman, Hodge, McAllister,
                      Speed (not necessarily in that order).
    
    Good result. To score 4 away from home in the 1st Division is good
    going. It seems the midfield/attack is scoring at will, shame about
    the defence being a bit leaky (I suppose if all the midfielders are
    attacking then they can't be defending as well).
    
    The Man Utd/Arsenal result was a help as well. Still there is a long
    way to go yet ...

    3 points away from home, and 4 goals as well. County took the lead on
    13 minutes, and they were very frantic in the 1st 15 minutes, Gary Lund
    (on the transfer list) was the scorer. Leeds equalised with a Chapman
    header, and then Hodge added a 2nd, making it 2-1 at half time. County
    were quite lively, and Lukic was kept busy. Chapman was subbed at 1/2
    time, he has injured his back. McAllister came on as sub, Whyte got a
    3rd, McAllister a 4th in the first 7 minutes of the 2nd half. By this
    time, the County defence was looking ragged, and they were attempting
    to kick anything that moved, McAllister was stretchered off in the 70th
    minute with a bad ankle injury, Speed also got a knock. County pulled
    one back to make it 4-2, but there was only ever going to be 1 result.
    Further good news came from OT, a 1-1 draw there putting us 2 points
    behind the Mancs, and 4 above 3rd placed Man City. If the Mancs draw at
    Wednesday on Saturday, we go top if we beat Oldham by 3 clear goals.
    
    ZDS Cup Action is next at Elland Road tomorrow (Tuesday), Leeds meet
    Nottingham Forest, it is live on Syy Sport. I don't know what sort of
    team will trot out, but it will be minus McAllister for sure. Another
    good spot on Saturday was Chris Kamara being back in action, he came on
    to sub the sub McAllister, Kamara is a real fighter and committed player.
    
    I hope Leeds can progress to the next round of the ZDS cup, it may not
    be a wonderful competition, but at least United can keep their momentum
    up.
    
    jb.

    McAllister has aggravated the ankle injury that sidelined him for the
    Sheff U, Scotland, Scunthorpe and most of the Notts C games - he might
    be out for another couple of games. Speed (Calf) and Chapman (back
    strain) are also very doubtful. I wonder if Wilko will give Kelly a run
    out against Forest tomorrow ?
    
    jb.

    
    
    
    JB
    
    
    Who is Kelly?
    
    
    S

Should be interesting to see what team HW puts out tonight as the ZDS ( or 
whatever its called now ) cup probably isn't top of his list of things to win 
this season. However he should put out a team good enough to beat Forest and 
give a run to some of our many injured players and even introduce some youngsters
to the fold.

Prediction 3-1 to Leeds.

                        James.

    Kelly is a 17 year old signed from Home Farm of Dublin over the
    syummer. He has emerged as a regular goalscorer in the reserves, and
    may get a run out as sub tonight vs Forest. Chappo and McAllister are
    definetely out, Speed will have a late fitness check. Speed has played
    in the last 87 games without missing 1 (through injury, he has been sub
    on several occasions). Chappo has gone 47 games without missing one.
    Forest will have a bee in their ear from Saturday, so it won't be a
    pushover, I hope for a 2-1 margin, or even 5-4 on penalties a.e.t. Live
    coverage starts on Sky Sport at 7pm, KO is at 7.30pm, the crowd will be
    about 5,000.
    
    League action recommences at Elland Road on Saturday, with Oldham
    Athletic the visitors. Hopefully Chappo and McAllister will be fit.
    
    jb.

    
     I'll wager it wont be as good as the last ZDS cup game on SKY...
    
           The 6-6 draw between Newcastle and Tranmere.
    
    Dave...

    Injury News :-
    
    Strachan faces a late test, as do Speed and Hodge. Other crocks are
    MCClelland, Chapman, McAllister, Varadi and long term Haddock. Wallace
    may return after his groin operation, he's been training, but is short
    of match practice.
    
    On a brighter note, the game at Villa on 23 Nov has been put back to
    Sun 24 Nov, it will be live on ITV's 'The Match' - kick off 3pm.
    
    jb.

    Leeds 1 	Forest 3
    Wallace	Sheringham 2
    		AN Other
    
    The first home defeat of the season. The team was :-
    
    Lukic
    Sterland (Rod Wallace)
    Whyte
    Fairclough
    Dorigo
    Batty
    Newsome (Grayson)
    Kamara
    Shutt
    Speed
    Snodin
    
    Not exactly the first team, and they didn't play well, which wasn't a
    surprise. Missing a midfield of Strachan, McAllister and Hodge and
    Chapman up front tends to take a bit away from the team...
    
    To their credit, Forest played well, soaked up a lot of pressure, and
    scored on the break, and were worth their 3-1 win. A 'crowd' of 6,700
    turned up, I watched it at home live on the box.
    
    Hopefully, the injuries to Chappo and Co. will have cleared up by
    Saturday, and 3 points will be taken from the Oldham game. Leeds' squad
    still isn't as deep as the Arse's or the Mancs, so time and money will
    have to be spent doing this.
    
    Wallace looked good on his comeback, and scored a goal to make it 2-1,
    and Leeds looked OK, but then Forest got a third and the game was out
    of reach. So it's goodbye to the Noddy Cup forever - I don't think it
    will be back next season.
    
    jb.

    re:-1
    	
    	"An other" was none other than......Gary Crosby.
    
    
    M.J.

I expect fully that Leeds will be leading the 1st division tomorrow evening after
we give oldham a good licking 6-2 (-; . The filth will go down to Wednesday who
are having a good season. Anybody know what the current injury list is, it's
nearly as long as Liverpools but look where they are. 

Great to see Wallace score on Tuesday hopefully the first of many this season. He
May solve the problem of a top class striker along side Chappie as long as he 
stays fit.

                          James.

    From what I heard on the Radio this morning, McAllister and McClelland
    are out, Strachan, Hodge and Chapman are expected to be fit enough for
    inclusion in the squad, as is Wallace, who played on Wed night in the
    reserves in the 1-1 draw away at Bolton.
    
    Probable line up is Lukic, Sterland, Dorigo, Whyte, Fairclough,
    Strachan, Batty, Hodge, Speed, Chapman, Wallace. Subs Shutt, Williams
    
    All that matters tomorrow is a win, the bigger the better, and hope
    that our Yorkshire pals down the M1 take 3 points off Man U. 
    
    Other teams in 3rd to 6th place have tough games (apart from the Arse),
    and points could be dropped, it could be that Man U and ourselves open
    up a 5 point gap above the chasing pack.
    
    jb.

    Leeds 1 Oldham 0
    
    Not a good game but LEEDS GO TOP.
    
    For the first time in 17 years, Leeds United lead the Football League.
    The last time they held that position was in 1974, when they won the
    title (that is 7 (seven) years after a certain team South West of
    Leeds over some hills last had that honour). Although the season is
    only a 1/3 over, it is an acheivement. There is still a long way to go,
    but we'll see what happens - all Leeds need to do is keep on winning
    ;-) .
    
    The match itself was a rather dull affair, Oldham proving yet again
    they are a handful, indeed it was Oldham who had the better chances in
    the 1st half, Kilcline having a shot turned onto the bar by Lukic,
    Holden missing a couple. Kilcline had a good game till 70 minutes when
    he scored a super own goal, a McAllister cross was put past Hallworth
    by Kilcline, if he had missed it, Chapman would have had it in.
    Kilcline did a good marking job on Chapman, climbing all over him etc.
    Leeds improved after the goal, and did not look in too much difficulty.
    
    Kamara replaced Speed, who has damaged ankle ligaments, and Strachan
    went off after 80 minutes, replaced by Shutt. Wallace started, but
    wasn't too effective, Hodge may have to have a groin operation, the
    injury list grows and grows.
    
    Kamara could be on his way to Luton for #150,000, the price has been
    agreed, and so have personal terms, but Wilko may want to keep onto him
    for a while till the injury situation improves. Kamara is a popular
    player with the fans, he gives his all and gets stuck in when needed.
    If he does go, then good luck to him, he will help Luton possibly avoid
    relegation !
    
    Tomorrow is Tranmere (and TGD) in the R Cup, I hope Leeds get through
    this hoop, it will be Tranmere's hardest test this season. I expect a
    3-1 scoreline to Leeds.
    
    Wombles away on Sat, a win would be nice. There will be more Leeds fans
    than Wombles, so it could be like a home game. A win will keep us top
    for at least 2 more weeks :-)
    
    jb.

TGA at Elland tonight and he will find out what its really like in the first 
division. Something he will not savour! It easy scoring goals against 2nd and 3th
division nobodies and penalties my granny wouldn't miss but its something else
scoring against class first division outfits. I see Leeds winning 2-0 with Aldo 
not getting a look in, not even his usual penalty diving session.

So much for our injury list lengthening. Where will it end? With the title I 
hope.

                         James.
             

    Hodge is to see a specialist about his groin strain that has been
    troubling him for the last 2 weeks. It is possible he may need an
    operation, thus keeping him out of the team till Christmas. Speed won't
    play tonight, due to an ankle ligament injury, it is possible he hay be
    in contention for Saturday's game vs the Womlles. On the bright side,
    McAllister, Strachan, Chapman, Wallace and Sterland all came through 
    Saturday's game without any further injuries.
    
    Tranmere will be trying their hardest tonight, to beat the team at the
    top of the tree is always a great motivator, but I expect Leeds United
    to be in the hat for the draw tomorrow night. 7-0 or something would be
    nide, but I expect a 2-1 or something close. TGD will need watching, as
    will his scoring partner. If Leeds get 2-0 up quickly, Tranmere could
    cave in, but I doubt it. No more injuries though - the 3 points at
    Wimbledon on Sat is more important !
    
    jb.

    Better news on the injury front - Hodge doesn't need an operation, and
    he could be in contention for a place tonight if he passes a late
    fitness test.
    
    The Mancs note subscribers look to be getting rattled !
    
    jb.

    
    Re .127,
           James,
                You obviously don't know your Aldo history when you
    discount his marvellous achievements both in England and in Spain.
    Aldo had huge success at Liverpool and Spain playing in F.A. cup
    finals, playing and scoring against Real Madrid and Barcelona at the
    Bernabeua and New Camp stadia and if he can't hit the net against a 
    bunch of sheep sh@#$ers at pokey Elland road, then maybe the greatest
    striker that the modern era has seen is in decline.
        Wilkinson had the chance to sign a lethal striker in the summer but
    failed to snap Aldo up and when Leeds fail to finish in the top three,
    they will rue the fact that not signing the great one was their
    downfall because despite his goals last season, Chapman lacks one
    fundamental element that all great strikers need i.e., ability.
    Elland road has seen some fine players of the past( and I don't mean
    the physical plodders of the seventies like Bremner, Giles, Gray,
    Cooper, Lorimar, Madeley) e.g. when Liverpool used to visit there in
    the sixties and seventies before Leeds went back where they belong, the
    second div. but tonight Leeds folk will have another spectacle, the
    presence of THE GREAT ALDO.
    

    Martin,
    
    How do you account for Grimey Sourpuss's failure to snap up TGA and his
    preference of paying megabucks for Saunders? Does GS know something
    about TGA that you don't know (or can't see)?

    Cunno,
    
    	And how do you account for the fact that TGA hasn't scored many
    goals in the second division this year, and Tranmere aren't doing very
    well at all yet!.
    
    Stevo.
    

    
    	Well you did beat Tranny 3-1 last night...but guess who got the 1 ?
    
    	Yup. TGD !! 8-)
    
    	Andy.

Leeds 3      Tranny  1       ( H-T 0-0 )

Chappie 2    TGA 1
Shutt

Seems like Tranny gave us a good work out last night. Took a 2 goal lead and TGA
struck back but Shutt made it safe near the end. BBC 5 said that Tranny could 
have been 3 up at half time if they had a finisher!


                            James.

    HOward WIlkinson could have done a lot worse than signing TGA.
    I believe the great man had a personal preference to return to the
    Liverpool area.   Hitting the 20 mark before end of October in
    all competitions is no mean achievement.  And no Martin isn't standing
    over my head...
    
    Shane

    Leeds 3  Tranmere 1
    Chappo 2 Aldridge
    Shutt
    
    A game of 2 halves this - Tranmere were the better side in the 1st half,
    but couldn't put their chances away. Leeds were very strong 5 minutes
    before the break, after Nixon had been booked, and was rattled. Nixon
    went down feigning injury after collecting a cross with Chapman around,
    he was motionless on the ground, but Shutt tapped the ball out of his
    hands, and he got up very quickly, and the ref booked him. Whyte hit a
    35 yarder that hit the bar, went up for 35 yards or so , which gave
    Nixon time to recover and boot it out again. In the 2nd half, Leeds
    looked a totallly different side, and Tranmere were hanging on, but
    looking dangerous on the break. A Sterland-Chapman combination made it
    1-0 after 68 minutes, a simailar combination made it 2-0 after 81. TGD
    (admittedly one of the better players on the pitch in the first half) then
    made it 2-1, and Tranmere sensed they could make something of the tie,
    but were kept out. Shutt got a 3rd in injury time, he was fouled, but
    instead of wasting time, got up quickly, Strachan threaded a cheeky
    free kick to him, and Shutt slotted it past a bemused Nixon to make it
    3-1.
    
    In the 2nd half, Tranmere missed Steel, who was climbing all over
    Chapman, and once Leeds started getting the ball wide and crossing to
    Chapman, they looked very good.
    
    So into the next round - anybody at home will do. I wonder if Leeds can
    go one step further this year and win it ?
    
    jb.

    Injury News - Hodge aggravated his groin injury last night, it may now
    be he needs an operation .... He collided with Nixon, the Tranny
    goalie. Kamara played instead, and had a good game. Wallace went off
    (knackered) after 80 mins, Williams replaced him. Hodge os doubtful for
    Saturday vs the Wombles.
    
    jb.

    
    
      Jon i believe the draw for the next round is not tonight but live on
    Saint & Greavsie on saturday. Which means i will miss it as i will be
    travelling to the Wombles game @ Selhurst.
    
    On some other injury news Batty had to go into hospital on tuesday due
    to an ankle infection which has turned nasty. Wilko was quite worried
    it might be long term but was informed it would not be.Still it's
    another injury we could do without good job it's occurred at a time
    when we are playing the likes of Wimbledon & QPR. 

    The likes of Wimbledon and QPR (and Tranmere) are not to be taken
    lightly. 90+ minutes of pressure must be applied to them, and no let up
    - else they have a nasty habit of grabbing a late equaliser / winner
    (remember Palace got a winner in the 95th minute od a League match !) I
    suppose 3 points are there for the  taking vs both of them - I hope so.
    The Mancs have a less than easy game vs Sheff Utd on Sat - then a hard
    fixture vs Ateletico Madrid the week after, as well as a less than
    trivial visit by Pompey tonight. 3 points on Sat, and our close rivals
    failing to win please.
    
    I don't watch Saint and Greavsie, if the weather's good, I'll be out
    videoing steam engines, an I might go to The Shay to watch mighty
    Halifax take on the even mightier Burnley.
    
    jb.

    <<< Note 33.139 by BAHTAT::BLYTHE "Ee bah gum th's trouble at t'mill" >>>
                           -< Wombles of Wimbledon >-

>    (remember Palace got a winner in the 95th minute od a League match !) I


     In the words of the late great Maurice Chevalier
    
     "Ah yes, I remember it well"


     Stuart

    Batty has a foot infection, a legacy of his England game 2 weeks ago,
    it has become infected and swollen, and he is receiving antibiotics to
    try to fix it. If it works, he should be playinmg Saturday. Speed is
    also expected to be fit. Hodge isn't, and an operation may be necessary
    (again). 
    
    A low crowd will be at Selhurst on Sat, to see the Wombles get beaten 2
    or 3 - 1. There will be more Leeds United fans there than Wimbledon,
    but there won't be too much atmosphere. Most people will be at home in
    front of the fire watching the Rugby.
    
    So, 2-1 to Leeds on Sat, Sheff U to upset the Mancs by drawing 2-2 at
    Old Trafford, The Arse to bounce back 2-0, Sheff Wed to draw, and Man
    City to lose.
    
    Off to Basingstoke -sur -mer tomorrow.
    
    jb.

    Kamara will be on his way, but Wilko may keep him for a week or two to
    as cover during the current injury crisis. kamara is a good player who
    gives his all, and will be a boost to Luton.
    
    jb.

    
    re Kamara
    
    Teletext at lunchtime claimed he had just signed.
    
    Paul

    I'll listern to Radio Leeds this evening & look in the EP.
    
    jb.

    
    Well I've got my newspaper cutting of the 1st Division table ...
    I just hope that it won't be the year 2008 before I see the
    table like that again  :-)
    
    It's good to see Leeds still winning even with several players
    carrying injuries, but I think it will cost them in the end. Has
    it been decided yet where England's second UEFA Cup slot is going,
    to 3rd in Division 1 or the Rumbelows Cup Winners ?

Re 33.146

I think the the second spot goes to the winners of the Rumbelows cup.

Don't be so unoptimistic about the state of Leeds yet. There is a good squad and
even though there are a few injuries we can still go all the way and prove the
doubters wrong with Leeds on top of the tree come May time. 

Oh ye of little faith.

                              James.

    
    Leeds will not have the staying power to be top of the league come May. 
    The going will prove too tough for them but still, if Liverpool were
    not to win the league, then I would prefer Leeds to win ahead of the 
    Mancs.
     
        Cunno

Re .-1

Thanks your faith is comforting.

                     James.

    
    Wimbledon 0 Leeds United 0
    
    Oh well, off the top. At least we have 2 weeks to get players
    over their injuries. It seems Liverpool and Arsenal are determined
    to leave this seasons fight for the title to Yorkshire & Manchester !
    
    We keep our records against Wimbledon intact, if nothing else;
    
    Never lost to Wimbledon.
    Never conceded a goal against Wimbledon while in the 1st Division.
    
    re: a few back
    I do think it's possible that Leeds will be champions, but I would
    still make one or two other teams more likely to finish top. Having
    said that it would make a change for the title to go to Manchester
    or Yorkshire, after spending the last 10 seasons in Merseyside or
    North London.

    A performance devoid of excitement, energy and passion....
    
    Wombles 0 Leeds 0
    
    HW's words appear avbove. Not a good display, but a point away. HW said
    the team was jaded, and they needed a break. The next game is 16 Nov,
    home to QPR, so some of the players can take a rest.
    
    Batty missed the game, his foot is srill causing him trouble, but he
    should be fit for the England game next Wed. 
    
    Mo Johnstone has been linked with Leeds, Rangers are wanting 2 million,
    but I don't think HW will buy at that price. Merson is supposed to be
    going to Rangers, so maybe Rangers want to offload Johnstone. I don't
    know how he will fit in at Leeds, he is a p*ss artist apparently, not
    the sort of player that HW wants at Leeds.
    
    jb.

   Call me old fashioned, but WTF did they make the game all ticket?


   Stuart

   A casual fan, who supports the Palace who ( stop me if I mentioned this
   before ) beat Liverpool last Saturday.

    If 'W' = what, or why, and 'T' = the ...

    
    
    
    Just read in the Daily Mail that HW feels the players are totally
    'knackered'.  He has told them to not come back to Elland Road until
    Thursday and in fact not even to think about football!.
    
    HW is also quoted as saying that he did not want to enter the ZDS Cup
    but was 'persuaded' by thre officials from the League to do do.  He now
    regrets changing his mind and is I am sure thank ful of being knocked
    out so early.
    
    The article basically slags Leeds off as showing 'precious little'  in
    confirming themselves as First Division leaders.  The title for the
    article is "Strain shows on tired Wilkinson as high stakes fail to lift
    Leeds".
    
    S
    
    

    Leeds have drawn Everton (a) in the R Cup. The tie will be played on
    Wed 4 Dec, we play Everton at home on Sat 30 Dec ! Not an easy game,
    hopefully they will go through to the next round. The draw was a
    shambles, Saint and Greavsie are a couple of %&^%$^%&s.
    
    jb.

    re .157 
    
    For Sat 30 Dec read Sat 30 Nov.
    
    jb.
    

    
    	That's the second comment about the draw, what were these 2 clowns
    up to?
    
    
    		Steve

    R Cup Draw :-
    
    This was live on the ITV 'Saint and Greavsie' football preview show.
    They turned it into a farce, with Jimmy Greaves pulling out a string of
    multicoloured flags half way through, and cracking stupid jokes / inane
    comments throughout.
    
    jb.

    
    As well as all the clowning, did anyone else notice how the teams 
    appeared on the screen before the ball was pulled from the bag.  I
    thought it may have been due to a few post/pre rugby beers that had
    been consumed but alas my companions verified this.
    
    
    Nev.

    Batty is out of hospital, and has been chosen for the England squad,
    along with Dorigo. Batty will probably get a game, Dorigo will be over
    for Pearce. Strachan and McAllister are in the Scotland 'mission
    impossible' squad, and Speed in the Welsh. All the others have got a
    few days off till next Tuesday, but they all have flu jabs on Thursday.
    
    No further news on the Johnstone rumour - I think it was all made up
    anyway, although it was mentioned on Radio 5 and BBC Radio Leeds - not
    normally noted for outlandish reports.
    
    jb.

    Steve Hodge has been banned for 1 game and fined #1,800 for commernts
    made to the ref after the reversal at Crystal Palcce. He felt that the
    free kick awarded was an aberration by the ref, and told him so (or
    words similar ;-) )
    
    No footie at Elland Rd this w/e - that's 2 bare weekends in a few weeks
    - going to b*gger up my Sat afternoon, no jumping up and down at Elland
    Road, or fighting to receive Radio Leeds up in the Dales for the
    commentary.
    
    jb.

    Batty has had to withdraw from the England squad, his infected ankle
    (injury received during the last England game) is not yet right. There
    is renewed speculation in this morning's press that Dean Saunders may
    be on his way to Elland Road at about #3 million, he hasn't got the
    avalanche of goals expected of him at Anfield, or is it the rats
    leaving the sinking ship ? The Leeds United chairman, Leslie Silver,
    denies anything of it, so it could be true ;-)
    
    jb.

I would be shocked it Leeds bought Saunders for even remotely that sort of money.
It would be a momunental mistake as no player is worth $3 million in my humble
opinion. What has he done this year? Scored a few goals, yes, but not the kind 
that a club would pay of telephone numbers for. 

So if he does come and wins the league for us on his OWN, is the league 
championship worth 3 million to a club or what.


                            James.

       Intro: My name is Paul Hogan, honest I was born before he was
    fameous, and although I have only been to three games thus far I
    am becomming a little disheartened with the un-optimistic attitude
    of  my fellow LEEDS noters. I went to see their recent away game with
    Wimbledon and although it was far from a vintage performance i could
    see flashes of true class freom the likes of messers Strachan,
    McAllister, and in particular Chris Fairclough who was as usual
    outstandingly solid in defence and damn near scored with a header from
    a corner. If Leeds can manage to play for 90 mins( as opposed to
    88mins) and not concede late goals then they WILL win the league!
       
         This morning I read of Saunders possibly comming to Leeds,
    anything over 1.8 million will be a waste as there is an abundence of
    top class strikers in the country. I,m glad the Arse and Moanchester
    are out of Europe so they can give us a run for our money with no
    silly excusses.
    
                          Croc.
    
    

    Welcome to the Leeds United note, Paul.
    
    I wouldn't say we were pessimistic, just realistic. Leeds are one or 2
    players short at the moment (striker and a replacement full back to
    cover Dorigo / Sterland), but they have been stratched by injuries and
    fatigue in the last few games. I expect the Div 1 leadership to chop
    and change between us and the Mancs for a few weeks, the Mancs tend to
    be at home when we are away and vice versa. 3 points from QPR in a
    weeks time will be OK, the 2 Mancs are playing one another that day I
    think (Draw), so we could go top again. The other league contenders
    (Mancs, Arse, Liverpool, Sheff Wed, Villa) are not superteams - they
    can be beaten.
    
    jb.

    Leslie Silver has again said Leeds don't want Liverpool cast offs,
    maybe it's a smoke screen, but Leeds were very annoyed by Cap'n Bob's
    (decd) antics, and Saunders' wish to play for a run of the mill 1st
    division team.
    
    jb.

Re .-1 

What did the (decd) Cap'n Bob do for those of us that missed it.


                       James.

    Cap'n Bob.
    
    Leeds bid 3 million for Saunders in the Summer, but Cap'n Bob used this
    as a basis to hike the price up. Leeds then pulled out of the deal,
    eventually Saunders went to the no-hopers of Anfield.
    
    Latest rumour re new striker is McClair, who could be freed by Man U if
    they get Sherarer - or it could be fiction to fill up the back pages of
    the Sunday Gutter Press.
    
    jb.
    

         If Leeds really are in dire need of a top class striker who is
       fast and snoops around the box then why did they put Bobby Davison
       on the transfer list?

    Davison wasn't good enough for Div 1.
    
    jb.
    

    
    
    On the outgoing market :-
    
           It's rumoured that Snodin has gone to Coventry and Williams has
    gone to Port Vale (again).
    
       For those of you that don't know, the Villa v Leeds game (24th Nov)
    is live on the match, probably with either Saint or 'Jimmy- (I'm not
    going to the England 25 year world cup squad Do 'cos i didn't play
    -Greaves' doing some sort of commentary.
    
       I think that it was a pity to see the Mancs and Arsenal go out of 
    European competitions, not from the point of view that i wanted them
    to do well, but in the interest of Leeds i.e. more games means more
    chance of injuries,tired players etc taking it's toll on
    teams wishing to make a serious assault on the championship.Having said
    that Leeds may well be in the same situation next year.
    
    
    
    
    P.C.
    
    

           <<< Note 33.174 by WELSWS::CADD "The only way is up!!!" >>>
                      -< There's only one Bill Wyman!!! >-
    
    In fairness to the old buffoon, get your facts straight. Greaves told
    the organisers that he would not be attending as he never attends
    functions of this type where alcohol is served.
    
    Leeds in Europe? Nah, stick to what you know best. Good luck in the
    ZDS!

    
    
    
    Well depending on the press release that you read from which ever rag,
    you pays your money and takes your choice. Your info is probably as
    distorted as mine,so who is in the right   ???????  Certainly not the
    newpapers !!.  Only the man himself knows eh ???.
    
    P.C.
    
    
    

    I had the misfortune to be in the same room as a tv showing the S+G
    show when I heard the great man say so himself.

    
    
    Prehaps he was enebriated at the time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    
    He lives just down the road from me in Great Baddow (Essex) i should go
    and ask !!!. Maybe he will invite me to his B-B-Q.
    
    P.C
    

    Hodge is suspended, Strachan has a 50/50 chance of playing due to a
    back injury he picked up during training for the Scotland game. Batty
    should play, he played for the reserves in a 5-0 victory at West Brom,
    Varadi got 2 of the goals.
    
    I hope Christmas doesn't come early to Elland Road like it did last
    year, with United giving a 2-0 lead away, and Wegerle got the goal of
    the season. My prediction is 3-1 to Leeds, and Man City to beat Man Utd
    - no doubt that will be the R5 commentary game, and 10,000 trannies
    will be tuned to it towards the end of the game at Elland Road.
    
    jb.

I remember it well going 2-0 up in the corresponding fixture last year and We
gifting them 3 goals to let them win. However that was the kick in the Arse we
needed as Leeds went unbeaten for the next 14 games, upto that debacle at Anfield
on new years day.

Prediction 2-0 with Leeds going 2 points clear tomorrow night. The Lads have had
their rest ands it's back to business again. Goals is all we need as I know that 
We won't concede many. I would like to see Wallace get a few to pay off some of 
the large outlay placed on him during the summer. One goal is simply not enough.


                               James "the believer".

P.S I believe we will win the league.

    The top of the table is starting to look interesting, if MU win
    tomorrow (and assuming we do), then there is 5 points between 2nd and
    3rd - MC or Sheff Wed, they will draw on Sun I think. If MU lose/draw,
    then it's back to the top, but there is still the 2 or 3 points cushion
    over 3rd place. Next Sundays game at Villa will be set up nicely, as
    Villa are going well.
    
    jb.

Leeds          2  -  0        Q.P.R

Sterland      59           att 27,087
Wallace       62

Decent performance but Strachan was quiet. with the filth drawing we are back on 
top by 1 point. Clean sheet number 11 out of 20 games for the defence.

Team

                               Lukic

    Sterland         Fairclough         Whyte          Dorigo

         Strachan      Batty       Mcallister        Speed

                       Wallace      Chapman


With Villa winning their umpteenth game also yesterday, next Sundays game will be
a real test for the lads. 

                                    James.

    Leeds United 2 QPR 0
    
    A dismal grey and cold day in Leeds on Saturday, for those with a
    photographic bent, a camera set at a fortnight at f2 would about
    describe it. During the pre match warm up (several pints of Tetleys, a
    sarnie and a read of the Torygraph sports pages and Yorkshire Post) it
    was decided that Leeds were going to win 2-0, and the Mancs would
    cancel each other out. At the end of the day, this turned out to be the
    case, and the general comments on the bus down to Elland Road confirmed
    this - it was going to be Leeds' day, and they were heading back to the
    top.
    
    The match itself started at 100 mph, Leeds threatening to rip QPR
    apart, but not quite succeeding. Chapman had a chance in the 1st
    minute, but his first touch let him down, then QPR shot up to the other
    end and almost scored themselves. QPR then went quiet, and held on
    grimly. Half time came and went, great quantities of dysentry soup and BSE
    Pies were consumed by some of the less knowledgeable crowd. Sterland
    made it 1-0 on 59 minutes with a 35 yard free kick - taking a 'Mabbutt
    style' deflection and beating Steksjal, 3 minutes later, a hard hit
    corner from Strachan was prodded on by Sterland, and Wallace scrambled
    it over the line making it 2-0, and his first league goal. This time,
    it was going to stay at 2-0, and QPR weren't going to get 3 back and
    win. Leeds never looked like conceding a goal, and their victory was
    complete. 
    
    In all honesty, it wasn't a classic, but it was 3 points, and a
    comprehensive victory. The next game is Villa away on Sunday, live on
    the box, 1st vs 4th, and Villa are going well, 5 straight wins. A
    victory there will be great, and will keep Leeds United at the top of
    the pile. Hopefully, West Ham will do us a favour at Old Trafford on
    Saturday !
    
    Speed was carried off with ankle ligament problems, he was on crutches
    leaving the ground, no news of his injury at the moment though.
    
    jb.

    Speed's injury is a recurrence of the one he got the other week, it is
    expected he will be fit for the Villa game, as will Hodge (groin) and
    Shutt (thigh strain). Wilko will be able to pick from a complete squad
    for the first time in weeks. The only ever presents this season have
    been Lukic, Dorigo and Whyte, Wilko has been able to play an unchanged
    team on 1 occasion.
    
    Sunday's game will be an important one, Leeds winning will put them
    back at the top (it could be the Mancs may get a point on Sat, and will
    go top overnight), but they will be 8 points above 4th place - a nice
    gap could open up. Villa meet Nottm Forest in the ZDS Cup tonight,
    it'll be interesting to see them.
    
    jb.

    
    
    jb,  I thought that the first 20 mins of the game is the best i have
    seen Leeds play all season (only missed 1 game). The passing around
    midfield and out to the wings was excellent. It was a pity the luck
    didn't seem to go our way as we should have been up to 3 by those first
    20 mins. Dorigo was in good form again norrowly missing from about 20
    yds. After that first onslaught by Leeds we let QPR settle, but we were
    patient and waited for our time to come, looking solid in defence
    (McClelland is fit again now isn't he?) with our goal difference getting
    better all the time.
    
    I still feel we need a striker as Chapman is struggling to put the
    goals away this season, 3 in 16 league games is hardly something to
    write home about, whereas Hodge has scored 5 in 5 games. it's not as if
    Chapman isn't getting the service either.
    
    
    Whilst at the game on saturday a Leeds  fan was heard exclamating
       " why are we at the top of the division when we have player in the
    team like that !!!!" to the sight of Varadi missing a sitter at the
    family stand end. Does it matter we are where it counts.
    
    Hope this poxy weather clears up before villa on sunday.
    
    p.c.
    

    True, Chapman isn't putting them in, but he's proving a handful for the
    defenders, alloing the midfield to nip in - goals are coming from every
    position this season - even D Batty Esq ! I hope Chapoman starts
    putting them in, we could do with another striker, but we are top, have
    scored the 3rd highest no of goals. Varadi isn't a top of Div 1 player,
    he's like Davison - scores a lot in the reserves, but isn't too sharp
    for the 1st's. 
    
    This season, the difference is the patience - last season, if the
    initial onslaught didn't bring any rewards, the rest of the game
    didn't, now they are more patient, and will take the chance when it
    presents itself. The next 4 games are a mixed bag, a hard away game at
    the Villa, home and away to Everton in the R Cup, and then away to the
    (probably) bottom team, Luton Town, where we lost last year, and they
    gave us a run for our money at Elland Road. 15 points from the next 7
    matches will do nicely ....
    
    jb.

    Hodge will play tonight in a reserve game vs Everton, to prove his
    fitness for Sundays gave vs Villa.
    
    Villa didn't look too good last night in the Noddy Cup, they had
    several players out injured / resting. They won't be a pushover come
    Sunday, but Leeds could get the 3 points - they need to !
    
    jb.

    It looks like the Leeds Man U game will be moved to Sunday 29 Dec, KO
    at 5.30 to suit the Telly Schedules. If this is a taste of the TV run
    Premier League ....
    
    The West Ham Leeds game is also a prime target for the Live game on New
    Years' Day, KO again 5.30 so as not to clash with any live live games.
    
    jb.

If WHFC do us a favour tomorrow at MUFC, then we could go 4 points clear on 
Sunday evening. What a thought.

It's going to be a tough game with Villa having won their last 5 league games and
they're at home too! However I think that if Leeds fire on all cylinders with 
Strachan hopefully back in real form, then a 3-1 victory isn't out of the 
question.

                              James.

Villa         1   -   4         Leeds

Yorke 67                        Wallace 40
                                Sterland 46
                                Chapman 57,90

Just after watching Leeds take Villa to the cleaners with an extremely impressive
4-1 victory over a poor Villa side. Takes us over MUFC ( 1 point up ) with a 
better goal difference ( could come in important ). Leeds played very well with
Chapman and Strachan playing very well today. Trevor Francis gave the man of the
match to Dorigo who also played well. 

I think people are beginning to wake up to the fact that Leeds could win the 
title. It has become a bit irritating to keep hearing that Leeds aren't among the
leading challangers. Well if top of the heap after 17 games isn't a challanger
and a major force to be reckoned with, then what is?


                         James.

    
    Yes, Leeds were very impressive against Villa and I was so impressed
    with Strachan and McGrath who are showing what they never showed at OT,
    I always knew that the system at OT was faulty.
    A cracking header by Chapman at the end killed off Villa and if the
    Pool are not going to win the title, then I would like to see Leeds go
    all the way.
    
         Cunno 

    
    re: last
    
    well what can I say ? Top again, 4 goals away from home again
    (3rd time this season) and this against the '4th best' team,
    who had won their last 5 or 6 league games on the trot ... and
    the Great Cunno has kindly given us the league title ... :-)
    
    We seem to be getting better at this going top again lark ...
    first it was 17 years, then 3 weeks, now 24 hours  :-)

    Martin,
    
    
    "..if the pool are not going to win..."
    
    
    There's no ifs about it they're gone and very little loss.
    
    
    best wishes,
    
    
    Paul

    I saw 10 minutes of highlights on German TV yesterday and begrudgingly,
    I must admit, that Leeds looked good. (Although Villas defence was
    a awol a few times.) Strachan was brilliant, and proved 'exactly' what 
    he did at Old Trafford, that he's far to good for his current team! ;-)
    
    
    		Steve

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Report from my front room :-
    
    Villa 1 Leeds 4
    
    'We got our bottoms kicked' said Big Ron Atkinson as he saw his side
    taken apart by a rampant Leeds United. 'It was the best they have
    played since I came to Leeds Unites' said Howard Wilkinson. Villa
    applied some early pressure, but a shrewd tactical move by Wilkinson,
    putting Fairclough man to man on Daley, and McClelland played centre
    back with Whyte, allowing Sterland ad MoM Dorigo to push up into
    midfield paid off - Daley hardly got a look in. The deadlock was
    broken on 40, a Chapman header was parried by Sealey, and Wallace was
    were he was supposed to be, and put the ball over the line. Prior to
    that, Sealey had made some very good saves, one from Wallace was
    especially good. Lukic also made a couple of good saves, but Sealey was
    the busier of the two. At half time, the score was 1-0, and Leeds were
    looking good. 
    
    The half time tea and biscuits were duly served, a much better
    proposition that Elland Road BSE pies and dysentery soup.
    
    The 2nd half started as the first one left off - Leeds pressure. No
    hanging onto a 1 goal lead. After 1 1/2 minutes, Leeds got a corner,
    Sterland made it 2-0 with a header. Leeds practice set pieces a lot -
    many of their goals come from them. Leeds continued to press, and Villa
    were outplayed. Chapman made it 3-0 from another well-worked set piece,
    Starchan taking a short corner, making a run into the box, a hard low
    cross was side footed into the net by Chapman. Villa didn't give up the
    ghost (to their credit), and Dwight Yorke pulled one back. McGrath
    (good player, good performance) was booked for a professional foul on
    Wallace, Strachan appeared to ask the ref not to send him off, as
    Wallace wasn't through to goal with nobody to beat, Sealey was still in
    the way. Chapman wrapped it up on 90 with a 2nd.
    
    Leeds seem to keep their good performances for Villa, they were thumped
    4-1 at Elland Road in the R Cup, and 5-2 in the League.
    
    People have now twigged that Leeds are a force to be reckoned with, and
    they play very attractive football. The malelovance that some people
    reserved for Leeds is now starting to fall away, not before time. The
    Revie ghost has at last been laid.
    
    1 point ahead of 1 set of Mancs, 6 points ahead of the others in 3rd
    place. 9 points ahead of Villa in 4th place. Of the top teams, man U
    won, Man C, Arsenal, Sheff W drew. Palace and Villa lost. Leeds and Man
    U are starting to draw ahead, this could set up the 28 Dec game very
    niceley !
    
    jb.

    re. 190 and 192
    
    excellent performance by Leeds but perhaps Martins performance was more
    impressive, in giving his unbiased report of the game!
    i too would prefer to see Leeds win the title than Man Utd, but it
    doesnt mean ive given up on Liverpool yet...
    Ian.
    

    JB,
    
    Like your concluding summary.  I had to remined a few fellow noters
    from 32 this morning that the league table didn't start at Man. United
    being x points ahead of Arsenal -:)  Seems like your paper starts
    at the top also.
    
    Cheers,
    Shane

    Was impressed by Leeds on Sunday, and thought they looked good for a
    long haul at the title...be interesting to see how they look against
    sterner opposition...Villa looked bloody ordinary on Sunday.
    
    I was going to ask a question in this notesfile about Batty, and what
    it was that he did in a game to have people saying he has a long
    international future ahead of him...I decided not to ask this, but look
    at his contribution on Sunday instead.  I was impressed by his display,
    he was everywhere, and seemed to be the fulcrum of a lot of Leeds'
    moves.  Thought the move from the corner, leading to Chapmans header
    was excellent.  Good to see that there are still a few Scots with some
    skill left eg Strachan (full of running as ever) and McAllister.
    Paul

    Wilko looks to have a full squad to pick from on Saturday, the game vs
    Everton will be no pushover, but I expect a 2-1 or a 3-1, Leeds will
    have to watch Johnstone and Quasimodo. The ground should be well full,
    though the recession and Xmas shopping will prevent a sell out, a
    30,000 crowd willing Leeds United on would be nice though.
    
    If results do go Leeds' way, then they could be 3 or 4 points clear on
    Saturday night, and more over 3rd......
    
    jb.

    
    
    Any comments on whether Wilko will be playing the same team on
    saturday?
    
    
    S

An interesting match tomorrow with Leeds going full throttle, Everton stumbling
along. We doubled over them in the league last year with a comfortable 2-0 home 
victory before Christmas. That game was on the box, I think. However 
they got over us in the ZDS cup, agonisingly with a 3-3 result at Elland. 

So in total we played them 4 times last season with 2 wins, a draw and a loss. I
have predicted a large win for Leeds of the order 5-1. This may be in retrospect 
a bit much, but nonetheless I expect that Leeds will dispose of Everton 
clinically to stay tops. A good victory here would set us up for a more difficult 
assignment next Wednesday at Everton in the Rumbelows 4th round.

 
                              James.

    The Man U game scheduled for Sat 28 Dec will now be on Sun 29 Dec, Live
    on ITV.
    
    Leeds have 4 of their next 6 league games at home, a nice run to the
    end of the year. The aways are Luton and Nottingham Forest. If things
    go well, they can get 14 points out of that, but 12 would be excellent
    going.
    
    Hodge played last night in a 0-0 draw at Villa in the reserves, he is
    available for selection. Tomorrow's team selection shpuld be
    interesting, I'll fgo for Lukic, Whyte, Fairclough, Sterland, Dorigo,
    Batty, Strachan, McAllister, Chapman, Wallace, Speed with Hodge and
    McClelland on the bench.
    
    Score, 3-1 to Leeds. Man U held at Palace 1-1.
    
    jb.

    
    Leeds United  (0) 1   Everton  (0) 0
    
    Wallace 87'
    
    Still top but what happened ? Fairclough sent off after 69 minutes
    for retaliation (to what ?) then Wallace scored in his 3rd
    successive game.

    
    
    Who was the last Leeds Player to be sent off?  Was it Strachan?
                                                                   
    Whay action, if any, will Wilko take against Fairclough?  
    
    
    S

    
    	For a generally non-dirty (I was going to say fair..) player like 
    	Fairclough to get sent off you'd expect a cheating little s*ite
    	like Mark Ward to be the cause of it. Silly to cuff him like he
    	did but I'm sure he deserved it. 8-)
    
    	Good win for Leeds....keeps the race going nicely, and both Leeds
    	and United are pulling away from the bunch.
    
    	Andy.
    

    Does anyone have an up to date league table for the 32'ers?
    Welcome to the table toppers topic!
    
    Shane

    Late report, but I was also on holiday yesterday (day trip Xmas
    shopping in Utrecht no less !)
    
    Leeds won, just. Fairclough was sent off by a very poor referee who had
    lost control of the game, after fouling Ward. Ward then punched out at
    Fairclough, who then barged Ward. Ward got a caution, Fairclough sent
    off - very bad refereeing - both players should have received the same
    punishment. Leeds and Fairclough have been given leave to appeal to the
    FA over this, supplying video eveidence.
    
    Everton had enough chances to win, but they couldn't score. Lukic made
    a couple of very good saves, one from Quasimodo and followed up by Beagrie
    was outstanding. Leeds do play for 90 minutes, and on 87, a
    short corner was worked between Strachan (m.o.m) and Whyte, crossed in,
    flicked on by Chapman, Southall missed, Wallace didn't and hammered it
    into the roof of the net. 3 more valuable points ! Southall got a
    wonderful ;-) reception, he was reminded of his waistsize, nationality
    and birth status all in one go (work that out). In all fairness, he had
    a good game, and souldn't be held responsible for the Leeds winner.
    
    With Man C, Palace, Villa drawing / losing, a nice gap is opening up.
    The BBC Sports report was gushing about Mighty Liverpools recent
    amazing run (avoiding defeat in 5 games), but the troubled Reds are 14
    points behind Leeds (I know they have games in hand but we've got the
    points !) The Mancs did well vs Palace, and they have a strong squad
    and are playing well, it looks like a trans pennine tussle looming up!
    
    The game on Wed at Goodison should be interesting. It will be a tight
    affair, and the referee will have to keep it all under control. I
    predict a close result for Leeds, possibly a replay. 2-1 to Leeds,
    another last minute winner !
    
    jb.

    >In all fairness, he had
    >a good game, and souldn't be held responsible for the Leeds winner.
    
    I hold him responsible; he made a pathetic flap at the ball.
    
    Leeds are having a real run of luck at home; they seemed to be making
    hard work of winning; eg Oldham, Sheffield United, Everton -- but the
    sods keep winning; can't last though [can it?]

    Simon,
    
    Of course it can !!
    
    The Everton result went well, but there have been other games away from
    home where Leeds came away with 1 point whwn it could have been 3.
    Liverpool have been the past masters of the 1-0 win with the goal
    scored in the 87th minute whwn the other lot have given up. This
    season, Leeds have played for 90 minutes, and have'nt given up. 
    
    A Trans Pennine title battle now looks possible - better than a Mersey
    London one don't you agree ?
    
    jb.

Leeds were a bit lucky on Saturday but as already said Liverpool in their
day got more than their fair share of results like that. So sour grapes are the
order of the days for those who think that Leeds didn't deserve the victory. 

Tonight is a different story with Everton at home this time! Do Leeds really want
the Rumbelows badly! If they do, then a draw is the least they should be looking 
at tonight. Prediction 0-0 with Leeds to get through on a replay.

                               James.

    Stand News
    
    If the English bid for the 1996 Euro Championships is successful
    (England are favourites at the moment), then 4 grounds will be needed,
    Wembley, Villa Park and Old Trafford have already been decided on, the
    4th will be in the North East / Yorkshire. Hillsborough has been
    discounted, because of the tradgedy there, that leaves St James's Park
    (still open terraces at 2 ends), Roker Park (Decrepit and Sunderland
    are wanting out) and Elland Road (plans in hand to turn it into a
    40,000 all seater stadium). Elland Road looks to be favourite.
    
    The stand work should start in May, Lowfields seating season ticket
    holders will be dispersed around the ground. Capacity will be 25,000
    next season, all of these being season ticket holders.
    
    For some games, the visitors enclosure seats will be sold to Leeds
    United fans, the first game this will happen for will be the Soton game
    on Boxing day. Stewards and Police are not expecting any trouble.
    
    jb.

    re .last
    
    Probably the only time you'll get European football at Elland Road 8-)
    
    Stew.
    

    
    Rumbelows Cup 4th Round
    
    Everton    (1) 1  Leeds United   (2) 4
    
                      Speed, McAllister,
                      Wallace 2
    
    What a result ! Here's hoping it's Peterborough at home rather than
    Man Utd away in the next round. Another 4 goals away from home, and
    it's 5 goals from 4 games for Wallace now.
    
    I hope it doesn't go to their heads too much, they have Luton away
    on Saturday - the last time Leeds won a league game there Don Revie
    scored !

    
    	Leeds blasted Everton last night in another display of power
    	football. Once again McAllister and Strachan ran the midfield 
    	for long periods, and despite going a goal down thanks to a rare
    	slip by Lukic totally destroyed an ineffectual Everton side 
    	lacking ideas in the middle and punch up front.
    
    	Leeds are certainly banging in the goals at the moment, and anyone
    	who thought Leeds and Manchester United were going to blow up
    	after 20 games or so had better start thinking again - both these
    	sides look like dominating the domestic honours this season whilst
    	a host of others look for any sort of consistancy. It promises to
    	be an exciting season for followers of both these clubs.
                                       
    	Andy.

    Toffees 1 Leeds United 4
    
    Everton got well and truly beaten last night. They went ahead on 20
    with an Atteveld goal, Lukic got a hand to it, but it ballooned into
    the net. Speed got an equaliser on 28, and Chapman made it 2-1 after
    37, hammering in a low cross from Sterland. I was at the opening of our
    Customer Centre in Lawnswood (with Mr Maguire Diddlying), it was 1-1
    when I left. I had just got home, put on the Radio, and Wallace got the
    3rd. I thought it was a replay when he got the 4th ! There were
    highlights on YTV at 10:40 - Leeds looked very impressive, and were
    quite different from the team out on Saturday. Starchan went off on 84,
    to be replaced by Hodge - he had taken a slight knock, but is expected
    to be OK for Saturday's trip to relegation favourites Luton.
    
    The Mancs got through a tricky tie against t'Latics, Tottenham fluked a
    win. For the next round, anybody at home will do - we can also beat
    anybody away.
    
    jb.

What a performance last night with Leeds crushing the life out of a poor Everton 
side. We are playing a game right now that will make life very difficult on 
anybody we play either home or away. It seems that our away performances are
overshadowing our home, certainly scoring more away from home than at home. What 
a happy state to be in! Getting the luck and the goals all at the same time.

When is the draw for the next round going to be? Hopefully Peterborough at home.


                                 James.

    
    
      James,
           The draw is on saturday on S & G at 1.10 from across the big
    pond, they are there for the world cup draw on sunday.
    
       Missed another game last night (damn), but heard the commentary on
    radio 5 and saw the goals on the box. No sooner had i said about
    Chapman knocking the goals in does he start supplying the goods.
    
       Luton on saturday with Chris Kamara playing, and there new loan
    goalkeeper Steve Sutton from Forest. We lost there last season but i
    don't think it will be the case this season. My conservative (small c)
    prediction (based on recent away goals) Luton 2  Leeds 7
    
    scorers : Wallace 3, Chapman 3 and Lukic 1 
    
    
    P.C.

With Leeds going so well at the moment it would be a shame to goto Luton tomorrow
and ruin all that good work with anything less than a win. The way we are 
playing at the moment anything other than a comprehensive win would be a big
surprise, but beware complacency. Look what happened to MCFC two weeks ago :-). 

Luton are a poor side and will probably be relegated at the end of the season so 
why can't Leeds help them out, a little, on their quest tomorrow.

Great to see Wallace and Chapman combining where it counts, on the score sheet. I
expect a 3-0 victory tomorrow with Lukic having another clean sheet to add to his
12 already collected this season, from only 23 games. Leeds have won 9 of their
last 10 competitive games ( excluding the Zombies cup games )! 



                                     James.

    I'll go for a 2-0, or a 2-1 if we're unlucky. The team is picked from a
    full strength squad. I expect the same line up as started against
    Everton.
    
    jb.

    
    
    Luton Town   (0) 0  Leeds United  (0) 2
    
                        Wallace, Speed
    
    Assuming I got the goalscorers right this time, that makes
    it 6 goals from 5 games for Wallace. Still top, still have
    Man Utd right behind but the gap grows between 2nd and 3rd.
    
    F.A. Cup draw is interesting to say the least ! Man Utd at
    home which means they have two trips to Elland Road within
    a week.
    
    Any news on the Rumbelows Cup draw ? or have we got Man Utd
    in that as well.

    
    I guess I spoke too soon ! Rumbelows Cup 5th Round draw :
    
    Leeds United  vs  Manchester United
    
    At least we have home advantage in both the Cup games, which
    means three visits to Elland Road for Man Utd in 10 days.

    Luton Town 0 Leeds United 2
    
    'Luton put up a good show, and they aren't the worst team in the First
    Division' said Barclays Manager of the Month for November Howard
    Wilkinson as he saw his impressive Leeds United side dispose of a
    battling Luton Town on Saturday afternoon at Kenilworth Road. Goals by
    Wallace on 68 and Speed on 70 kept Leeds United at the top of Division
    1 by 1 point from their rivals from the damp drizzly and depressing side 
    of the Pennines, who will be playing at Elland Road 3 times in 10 days,
    once in the League (home win), once in the FA Cup (home win) and once
    in the Rumbelow's League Cup (home win).
    
    Well, Leeds and the Mance roll on, and the trailing pack have their
    mixture of wins, draws and losses. The Arse lost again, Liverpool
    continue their mediocrity, Man City fail yet again, Villa come back to
    form and Sheff Wed clinch a last minute winner. The New Year period
    will be interesting to say the least !
    
    jb.

    
    	jb..
    
    	I thought your comment earlier was a ;-) but I guess someone
    	should point out that Shef. Wed. won 3-0 against Chelsea...hardly
    	last-minute stuff there 8-)
    
    	Andy.
    

    re -1
    
    I stand corrected - it was last week vs West Amm that was the last
    minute jobbie. Regarding Chelsea - I will become a temporary Chelsea
    fan for 90 minutes next Sunday Afternoon !!
    
    jb.

Many hours of work went into the compilation of these stats. However, I am 
missing some crowd figures. Could somebody help me out by confirming the 
contents of the statistics?

Few comments worth mentioning

1. Our second half performance is much improved on last season when Leeds 
scored an alarmingly high proportion of their goals in the first half.
Not so this season :-).

2. We have 11 players who have scored this season, already. With 5 players on 
more than 5 goals. This means that even if Chappie or Rod are being well marked 
the danger is far from being contained. Not like for instance some teams that 
rely on literally one player for all their goals. Cue Martin.

3. Lukic has 13 clean sheets out of 24 games. Very good defence and goal keeping.

4. Leeds have had their lean spot this season, around September :-). MUFC
haven't had their yet ;-).


Extract and print in landscape is my suggestion!


   Season record to date of Leeds United F.C in league and Cup competitions.

  Date            Team            W-L F-T  H-T  Crowd  Po Scorers

Tue 20 Aug  NOTTINGHAM FOREST   H  W  1-0  1-0  29457  -  McAllister   
Sat 24 Aug  SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY H  D  1-1  0-0  30260  10 Hodge   
Wed 28 Aug  Southampton         a  W  4-0  1-0  15862  4  Speed 2, Strachan 2 Pens.
Sat 31 Aug  Manchester United   a  D  1-1  1-0  43778  6  Chapman
Tue 3  Sep  ARSENAL             H  D  2-2  0-1  29386  6  Strachan pen, Chapman
Sat 7  Sep  MANCHESTER CITY     H  W  3-0  1-0  29986  4  Dorigo,Batty,Strachan pen.
Sat 14 Sep  Chelsea             a  W  1-0  0-0  23439  2  Shutt
Wed 18 Sep  Coventry City       a  D  0-0  0-0  15488  2  -
Sat 21 Sep  LIVERPOOL           H  W  1-0  1-0  32917  2  Hodge
Sat 28 Sep  Norwich City        a  D  2-2  0-0  15828  2  Dorigo,Speed
Tue 1  Oct  Crystal Palace      a  L  0-1  0-0  ??     2  -
Sat 5  Oct  SHEFFIELD UNITED    H  W  4-3  3-0  28362  2  Hodge 2, Sterland 2 pen.
Sat 19 Oct  Notts County        a  W  4-2  2-1  12964  2  Chapman,Hodge,Whyte,McAllister
Sat 26 Oct  OLDHAM ATHLETIC     H  W  1-0  0-0  28199  1  O.G.
Sat 2  Nov  Wimbledon           a  D  0-0  0-0   9025  2  -
Sat 16 Nov  QPR                 H  W  2-0  0-0  27087  1  Sterland,Wallace
Sun 24 Nov  Aston Villa         a  W  4-1  1-0  23666  1  Wallace,Sterland,Chapman 2
Sat 30 Nov  EVERTON             H  W  1-0  0-0  30043  1  Wallace
Sat 7  Dec  Luton Town          a  W  2-0  0-0  ??     1  Wallace,Speed.

Cup Competitions

Tue 24 Sep  LC R2 L1 Scunthorpe a  D  0-0  0-0  ??     -
Tue 8  Oct  LC R2 L2 SCUNTHORPE H  W  3-0  0-0  14588  Sterland pen,Chapman,Speed
Tue 22 Oct  ZDS R? NOTTM FOREST H  L  1-3  0-2  ??     Wallace
Tue 29 Oct  LC R3 TRANMERE R.   H  W  3-1  0-0  18266  Chapman2,Shutt
Wed 4  Dec  LC R4 Everton       a  W  4-1  2-1  25467  Speed,Chapman,Wallace 2

===

Scorers

                       League                Cup             Total

Chapman                   5                   4                9
Wallace                   4                   3                7
Speed                     4                   2                6
Hodge                     5                   0                5
Sterland                  4                   1                5
Strachan                  4                   0                4
McAllister                2                   0                2
Dorigo                    2                   0                2
Shutt                     1                   1                2
Whyte                     1                   0                1
Batty                     1                   0                1
O.G.                      1                   0                1

                        -----               -----            -----

                         34                  11               45



                                James.

P.S
The only statistic worth its salt is the one we currently possess that of 
having most points in the first division. 

Talking about the odds of things happening re. the cup draws.

I estimate that the odds in Leeds drawing MUFC in both cups
at home was a massive

                      1764/1

Its a pity that MUFC will have no interest in any further 
odds, once we get our teeth into them that week.


                      James.

    re -1,
    
    1764/1 ?
    
    I heard Elton Welsbey(sp) say on the match last Sunday that it was
    50,000/1 . Sounds a bit suspect, but then, so is last remark about
    leeds beating the mancs.
    
    greg
    

For the league leaders note to be so quiet is unnatural. Anybody got
any comments to make on the list I compiled a few days back. Is it 
OK and correct.


                          James.

    re .230
    
    Interesting stuff.
    
    The ticket allocations for the manc games have been agreed, 2,500 for
    the League (as everybody gets) and 6,500 for the 2 Cup games, the
    Family Stand members will be relocated to the West Stand. If there is a
    replay, Leeds United will get 9,500 tickets. The singing of the
    'Aeroplane Song' has been banned at Elland Road, anybody caught singing
    it will be banned from the ground for life. This also applies to doing
    aeroplane impersonations, and chucking gliders and inflatable
    aeroplanes around the kop (about time too !). This is in bad taste, and
    it only 'spurs' the Mancs on.
    
    Talking of Spurs, they are at Elland Road on Saturday, it is almost a
    forgotten match because of the talk surrounding the 3 match marathon in
    January. Lineker may play, so our lot will have to be on their guard.
    I'll fo for a 3-1 victory. 30,000 fans are expected, even though it is
    less than 2 weeks before Xmas, the team are playing well and at the top
    of the tree, and can go 4 points clear (even if it's only overnight,
    then every Leeds United fan will support Chelsea for 90 minutes +
    injury time and 1/2 time time.) For the Tott's gane, Fairclough will be
    missing, he is starting a 3 match ban for his dubious dismissal vs
    Everton.
    
    jb.

    
    
    Re -.1
    
          jb, i have a customer whose husband writes for Red Issue the Man U
    fanzine. I would like to make a few comments after flicking through
    this months issue.
    
       I believe that it is a good thing that the Leeds staff have taken
    the action that they have over the 'Aeroplane song', but it must be
    said that when i read in that fanzine Man U fans should sing 'Always look
    out for motor neurone disease' i find the credibility of the opposition a
    little dubious??. The remarks in both fanzines, (Red Issue and The
    Square ball) may be taken more seriously by the less intelligent 'FAN'
    which could lead to the rather more ugly side of our game coming to a
    head in the near future.
       
        When will the writers of these fanzines realise that to some people
    the articles thay are writing are pure poison, and can only serve to
    prolong the disharmony within the fans of the game. I sincerely hope
    that no Man U fans do turn up at Elland Rd with 'Blow up skeletons' (a
    dig at the great Revie) because poor taste bans should be applicable to
    all fans, there are NO exceptions. Hope I don't sound too serious (just
    before  crimbo), but i think that these things have to be aired and
    where better than in notes
    
    
       James, the gate for the Palace game away was 18,298. Hope this is of
    use to you.
    
    
    
    P.C.
    
    
    
    
     

    Man U will be bringing some of their stewards with them to stop any
    nonsense that may break out. If the manc fans start playing silly
    buggers they too will be ejected and charged. Elland Road now has a
    very sophisticated CCTV system that will make identification of
    offendors easy. It is hoped there will be no repetition of Manc
    'Executive Club' guests throwing coins at the Leeds Kop - if there are
    any idiots wanting to do this from the 'Captain's Lounge' they better
    remenber they are right next to the Police Control Centre !
    
    I expect common sense will prevail, and there won't be any trouble,
    apart from the dozen or so drunks that are always found at any sporting
    occasion (esp 'Wugger')
    
    jb.

    > I expect common sense will prevail, and there won't be any trouble,
    > apart from the dozen or so drunks that are always found at any sporting
    > occasion (esp 'Wugger')
    
    ill bet there wont be a streaker though!
    :-0
    
    Ian.
    

    
    re: Fairclough
    
    Although he will be missed in the next 3 games, especially against
    Forest next week (away as well), at least he will be available for
    the first game vs Man Utd. HW may use him as man-to-man marking on
    Giggs like he did against Daley in the Villa game. It will be
    interesting to see if HW and Ferguson change tactics between each
    game, presumably depending upon the result of the previous game.

    Second String news :-
    
    Davison has had his loan spell to Derby County cut short by the
    recurrence of a knee injury, he will be out for several weeks.
    Williams has gone on loan to Port Vale for a month.
    
    McClelland will take over from Fairclough in the 3 games vs Tottenham,
    Forest and Soton.
    
    The League Cup game on Wed 8 Jan will be live (ko 8.07pm) on YTV and
    Granada - 3 live TV matches in 10 days !
    
    Lineker is expected to play tomorrow after his lay off for personal
    reasons - I'm sure he will get a warm welcome from the Elland Road
    crowd.
    
    jb.

Tottenham at home tomorrow and not such an easy game. They were one of the only
sides last year to beat us at home ( 2-0, September ). I do think that Leeds are
a lot better than Spurs at the moment and will win 2-0 with Wallace chipping 
in another goal or two to the cause. MUFC are starting to get worried as Leeds 
could put them out of all three competitions in 8 days. I get the feeling in 
some of their hysterical notes that they are very worried about this 
Leeds team :-). Roll on the good times. The turkey is getting fat and Leeds are 
going to win the league.

Have got most of the ??'s filled up from my note earlier in the week but I need 
some info on the crowd at the 2nd round away tie at the Scun to be upto date.


                              James.
                

    
    
      James i was there and the gate was 8,392 (not a bad ground).
    
     Leeds are on the tele again on 12/1/92 at home to Sheffield Weds. The
    game has been put back to the sunday. Leeds must be making a few bob
    with all the live performances coming up. I'm beginning to wonder if it
    was worthwhile buying my season ticket as i can see most of the games
    on t.v. (only joking).
    
    
    So the T.V schedule to-date looks like this 
    
            Sunday     29 Dec 1991  Leeds   V   Man U  k.o. 4.00p.m.
            
            Sunday     05 Jan 1992  Leeds   V   Man U  k.o. 3.00p.m.
      
            Wednesday  08 Jan 1992  Leeds   V   Man U  k.o. 8.00p.m (?)
    
            Sunday     12 Jan 1992  Leeds   V  Sheff W k.o. 3.00p.m.
    
    
      Hope this is all correct,I know some smart alec will say so if it
    isn't.
         The Totts tomorrow Lineker may be back in the side. They did beat
    us at home last season , but it was very early on in the season i think
    before we had settled. Three points tomorrow will take us four points
    ahead of Man U overnight at least, with the mancs having to play away at
    the bridge on sunday.I will be at the Leeds game on saturday to see if
    the fans behave themselves???
    
     
    
    P.C.

The game against United on the 8th of JAN apparently kicks off at 8:06..
Its Live on TV only in the Granada and Sheeep Country stations...

Tony

The Leeds V Tottenham game is also on RTE this afternoon so I'm off come 3:00 P.M
Will have to go hungry as that when I go shopping :-( but its worth it to see 
Leeds win again. Probably won't be able to tune into some of the Leeds V MUFC 
games in January if they are only going to be shown on regional stations?


                                James.

    
    
    
    Well we have lost the top slot after Man U won 1-3 against Chelsea.Man
    U now have a better goal difference than us, and a game in hand.
      Leeds relly should have buried Tottenham in the first 20mins of the
    second half, credit to them they soaked up a lot of pressure.
    
        Forest away next week, another tough game thay are playing well at
    home,but we must win to keep the pressure up on the mancs.
    
     I correct my note on t.v. coverage , we play Sheffield Wednesday away
    on 12/1/92.
    
    I must add that not one Leeds fan sang 'that song' from the terraces
    which was very pleasing to see (& hear).
    
    
    P.C.
    
    
     

    Leeds 1 Spurs 1
    
    2 points lost perhaps, but Spurs put up a good show like thwy are
    capable of but never seem to do on occasions. The Spurs goal on 19 was
    due to a cock up in the Leeds defence, Whyte and Dorigo getting
    themselves in a tangle, one of them should have booted the ball out for
    a throw. Leeds played strangely for the first half hour, found
    themselves 1 down, and then played some excellent football, threatening
    to rip Tottenham apart, but never quite managing it. A Thorsvedt fumble
    gave Speed the chance to equalise, which he duly did. The second half
    started with unrelenting Leeds pressure, Whyte fitting the post,
    Wallace the bar, and Tottenham were living a charmed existence, but
    looking very good on the break, the Leeds defence were busy at times,
    and Lukic had to be on his toes.
    
    At the end, a draw was a reasonable result, but it should have been a
    win, but it wasn't a loss ! Man U looked impressive yesterday
    afternoon, they really did get stuck into Chelsea, who did fight back,
    with a bit more luck the game would have been closer. On the evidence
    so far, Leeds and Man U will be swopping places at the top of the
    table fo some weeks to come. Teams below us either didn't play, drew or
    lost. Liverpool could get to within 10 points of Leeds if they beat the
    Skints, but I think that particular run of the mill mid table game
    (live n TV don't ask me why) will end up 1-1 on Wednesday night.
    
    Next game is Forest away - not easy at all, a draw will be good, but a
    win so much better. Soton visit on Boxing Day - a home win there I
    think. Man U have Villa at OT and Oldham away - not easy, 2 draws looks
    a distinct possibility there. The big game will be on 29 Dec at Elland
    Road, the teams will be way ahead of the chasing pack, with more or
    less the same number of points, and a very similar goal difference -
    should be a great game, played in an 'intense' atmosphere. I'm looking
    forward to it.
    
    On the injury front, Sterland picked up a knock, and Dorigo has had to
    withdraw from yhr England B team with a thigh strain, he may also miss
    the Forest game on Sunday (is it live ?)
    
    jb.

    jb,
      Highlights of the Leeds - Spurs game were show here on Dutch T.V. and
    I noticed that Leeds were wearing black armbands, who died ?
    
    
    Tim

    arm bands were in rememberance of Bill Fox, President(?) of the FA. All
    league teams wore armbands this weekend and had a minutes silence
    before the game (well - they did at Chelsea!)

    There was a minutes silence at Elland Road as at all games played this
    weekend. Bill Fox was the League President I think, but like all sports
    administrators of his ilk he was a fossilised dinosaur thsat didn't
    want change, or if there was change, it was to benefit his people and
    no others. Fox also had a dislike for Leeds United, and seemed to use
    his power against them in days gone by. However, the minute's silence
    was observed - it wouldn't have several years ago.
    
    
    jb.

    
    could you TELL at Stamford Bridge?!?
    Ian.
    :-)
    

Saw the game on the box on Saturday and I agree with JB that Leeds were lucky not
to lost and not to win, all in the same breath. I did pick up a few impressions
that don't auger well for the future, unless they are fixed, now.

1. Chapman was described as a "brick wall" by Giles in commentary, as any ball 
that came his way bounced straight back off him into the path of the player 
playing it. It wasn't Chapmans kind of game as he needs to be on the end of 
things rather than trying to create them.

2. The quality of the crosses wasn't as good as we saw at Villa a couple weeks 
back. Also the set plays were too elaborately played. The amount of shots 
outside the box was a bit much. Why not try to play them in a bit more, around 
the box.

3. Leeds were very lucky, twice, in the second half not to concede goals on the 
break. Walsh should have put at least one of them away, as Lineker would have in
the same position.


                              James.

    Spurs pushed the game into midfield, stopping Dorigo and Sterland from
    coming forward, hence less crosses to Chapman. The fact that both
    Dorigo and Sterland picked up injuries dodn't help either. Leeds are
    generally lethal at set pieces, in the last minutes there was a free
    kick on the edge of the Spurs box, the fact that Sterland and Dorigo
    didn't blast it adds credence to the injuries being carried by both of
    them. Still, it was a point more towards the total, and the Mancs are
    only 1 point ahead.
    
    Maybe HW will sign another striker top play alongside Chapman in
    certain games. The team will  have learnt from this display, and the
    goal given away was very soft, and no doubt the subject of some
    interesting discussion at half and full time.
    
    jb.

    As it is getting near Christmas, holidays loom, and also last minute
    closes for Q2 are needed - so I'll be out of the office for most of 
    this week, so I'll post the Festive Predictions here ...
    
    Forest 1 Leeds 2 - Last gasp winner from Wallace
    Leeds 3 Soton 0 - Soton after a long trip are comprehensively walloped
    Leeds 2 Man U 1 - a late winner from a 'Partisan' Elland Road secures
    the points for Leeds taking them 4 points clear at the top, as Man U
    draw vs Oldham and beat the Villa.
    West Ham 1 Leeds 1 - a good draw away from home, but the Mancs win and
    are 2 points behind with a slightly better goal difference.
    
    Setting it up for :-
    
    'The Empire Strikes Back' FACR3 - 1-0 to Leeds
    and
    'The Return of the Jedi' RLCQF
    who promptly goes back accross the M62, beaten 1-0 again.
    
    
    The Arse and Liverpool stutter along, still getting points, but are now
    15 adrift of the top 2.
    
    The Mancs and Leeds slip a bit in Feb, and allow the pack to close to
    within 9 points, but it goes to the wire this time.
    
    The crystal ball then fogs up a bit (just like the weather).
    
    
    Hopefully, there won't be too many injuries, the Leeds squad isn't as
    deep as the Mancs/Arse/Pool, so 3 bad injuries may knacker the season
    up somewhat.
    
    jb.

    
    I saw extended highlights of the Spurs game last night. The
    defence looked all over the place early on but towards the
    end of the 1st half and for most of the 2nd half Leeds looked
    good, especially when moving forward quickly with passes being
    sprayed around the pitch. McAllister had obviously decided to
    shoot every time he was within 25 yards of Spurs' goal. We
    were lucky Lineker wasn't playing though. He wouldn't have
    missed the chances Spurs had on the break.
    
    It will be a big blow if both Dorigo and Sterland are out
    next week, with Fairclough already suspended. Hopefully they
    will both recover. Going by Southampton's performance in
    their first game with Forest they will decimate the Forest
    team tonight or tomorrow (in injuries not in skill). The
    worrying thing is that we've got them only 3 days before the
    first Man Utd game.

    re .252
    
    Yeah, I agree that a few injuries to players could cause Leeds to
    stutter a bit....is there any money available to HW for more players ?.
    
    There was an interesting article in Saturdays Guardian about Lee
    Chapman and in an interview he praises HW as being the only manager who
    has been able to bring the best out in him. He feels he is now a better
    player, and playing the best he has in his career. I think a lot of
    this is to do with the service and support around him..Leeds really do
    appear to have a very strong team spirit, and play accordingly.
    
    Paul 

    Does anyone know .... how many european cups competition finals
    Leeds Utd. have played in (UEFA, Cup Winners, European). I'm 
    interested in finding out the year, the opposition, the place where
    it was played -- and the results of course.  
    
    Thanks in advance,
    Jimmy.
    
    PS Good to see Leeds almost at the top !

    
    well if no-one else does I'll put it the exact details later, but
    from memory
    
    European Cup
    
    1975  Bayern Munich  2  Leeds United  0  in Paris
    
    Cup Winners Cup
    
    1973  A C Milan  1  Leeds United  0  in Greece (think it was Athens)
    
    Fairs Cup (forerunner to the UEFA Cup)
    
    1966-67  lost to 2-0 to a Yugoslav team (I think). 0-2 away then
             0-0 at home (Dynamo Zagreb ?)
    1967-68  Leeds United  1  Ferencvaros (sp) 0
             Ferencvaros   0  Leeds United     0  Won 1-0 on aggregate
    1970-71  Juventus      2  Leeds United     2
             Leeds United  1  Juventus         1  Won on away goals rule
    
    After the 1970-71 Fairs Cup Final the trophy was replaced by the 
    UEFA Cup. The original winners played the last winners for 
    permananet possession.
    
    Barcelona  2  Leeds United  1
    
    Leeds also lost two European Semi-Finals
    
    1965-66 (I think) in the Fairs Cup to Upjest Doza
    1969-70 to Celtic in the European Cup

    The Lowfields Redevelopment has been announced today. The current
    Lowfields Stand will be replaced with a 2 tier all seat stand, with
    Exec Boxes, Catering and Hospitality Suites, and some Office
    accomodation. Work will start in the summer. Ground capacity will be
    cut to 30,000, down from 32,700. There are no plans to ban away
    supporters, but if Leeds supporters can't go to Manchester, they they
    won't be provided for at Elland Road. Man U's announcement of this came
    at a poor time for relations between them and Leeds, as Leeds had made
    great efforts to accommodate Manc fans in the forthcoming Cup games.
    
    No team news as yet for the Forest game, I expect the same side will
    start, Dorigo could well be fit for Sunday. It will be a hard game,
    hopefully Leeds will win 2-1, and Villa will peg the Mancs back. The
    Scousers have smarmed their way to 4th place, but they are 12 and 11
    points behind the leaders. They need watching though, perhaps Man City
    can beat them on Saturday, as they still look a little fragile.
    
    Peter Lorimer was made bankrupt on Tuesday, he did run the Commercial
    Hotel in Holbeck, 1 mile from the ground, but he is now unemployed.
    
    jb.

    Saw the Leeds - Spurs game on TV over here in Canada on TSN (The Sports
    Network) last Saturday. Great game, Leeds should have won! 
    
    My question is, who supplies the broadcast for these Saturday afternoon
    (or morning where I am) games. TSN never gives any credit to whoever it
    comes from. The commentator is usually Martin Tyler. We get it live,
    same there?
    
    Thanks,
    		Steve (Leeds_fan_since_1970)

    
    re: .256 
    
    Corrections.
    
    1973 CWC Final was in Salonika
    1965-66 Leeds went out in the Fairs Cup Semi-Final to Real
            Zaragoza (0-1 away, 2-1 home no away goals rule so
            replay 1-3, at Elland Road as well !)
    1966-67 Final was against Dynamo Zagreb. Scores were 0-2
            and 0-0.

    Sunday sees Leeds at Forest, and Mr Clough (of 44 days fame). Clough
    has in the past berated Leeds, but now he seems to be seeing the light,
    and had described the current team as 'very good' and the club as
    being 'well run'. It won't be easy against a quick and skilful Forest
    side, but hopefully Leeds can come away with 3 points, a 2-1 scoreline
    being a likely outcome.Chapman goes back to his old club, and he
    usually scores against them. 
    
    Soton on Boxing Day, and then Match no 1 vs the Mancs - let's hope
    there are no injury worries - Fairclough will be available again after
    his 3 match suspension. Batty and Whyte are in danger of being
    suspended for going over the points threshold - one more booking each
    and they'll be banned for 1 match, so they better be careful - Leeds
    need to be at full strength vs the Mancs.
    
    4 wins over the holiday season will be fine, it then leaves Leeds in a
    good position to knock the Mancs out of both Cups !
    
    Merry Xmas to EVERYBODY.
    
    jb.

YAIG today, for those of you that don't know what YAIG means, it stands for Yet
Another Important Game. This is something that Leeds will see alot of this term.

With MUFC not playing yesterday this allows Leeds to step 2 points clear today
with a win at Forest. Not an easy thing but I am hopeful. If we don't win today
it hands the initiative to MUFC as they will be on top with 2 games in hand and
most importantly give them a psychological advantage going into the games with 
us over the Christmas.

lost there 4-3, the last game of last season with Chappie scoring 2 to take his 
total for the season to 31. Leeds will need to play better that against Spurs
last week to beat Forest. We also have to exact revenge for their drubbing of us
in the vitally important Zombies cup in October ;-).

It is on BBC 5 radio for anybody that is interested, although nobody will 
probably read this before the game is over! 

Prediction 2-1 with Chappie and Rod scoring.


                                 James.

    
    Nottingham Forest  0  Leeds United  0
    
    Not a disaster, but Man Utd are now level with 2 games in hand which
    means we really must win next Sunday. Still to reach the halfway
    point in the season with only one defeat is quite an achievement.

    Wilko seemed happy with the point gained at Forest, it's not a
    disaster, not many teams will come away from the City ground with much
    this season. It's a pity we couldn't take all 3 points, but we are
    still 2nd, level on points with the Mancs, albeit with a goal
    difference defecit of 4. The Mancs have a tough away game at Oldham, a
    local derby and all that, a draw will be a good result for them. Leeds
    have Branfoots Choppers at Elland Road - a comprehensive win is now
    needed to make up some of the goal difference. The Mancs have played 2
    games less, but Leeds have the points in the bag. Sheff Wed are playing
    well abnd picking the points up, especially at Hillsborough, where
    Leeds go after their tussle with the Mancs, they are now 9 points
    behind. Liverpool got a last gasp equaliser vs Man City  - a good
    result for Leeds and Man U, Arsenal also had a convincing 4-2 win over
    the erratic Toffees.
    
    A reasonable start to Christmas, another 9 points please !
    
    jb.

    Strachan was injured in the game yesterday, he was replaced by Kelly,
    making his league debut. kelly is a striker who can also play in
    midfield. He last played as sub vs Scunthorpe in the RLC. Strachan has
    aggravated a back injury sustained whilst training on Astroturf at
    Trinity and All Saints College, Horsforth (600 yards from the Digital
    Office), he is doubtful for the Soton game, and more seriously, the
    League game vs Man U next Sunday.
    
    On the Soton side, Ruddock has been put on the transfer list, fined the
    maximum and dropped from the side to face Leeds on Thursday. He was
    sent off for the 2nd time this season, and will start a 3 match ban -
    his 4th this season. A transfer fee in the order of 1/4 million will be
    asked.
    
    jb. 

    
    
>>   <<< Note 33.264 by BAHTAT::BLYTHE "Ee bah gum th's trouble at t'mill" >>>
>>                             -< Injury time ...\\ >-
 
    On the Soton side, Ruddock has been put on the transfer list, fined the
    maximum and dropped from the side to face Leeds on Thursday. He was
    sent off for the 2nd time this season, and will start a 3 match ban -
    his 4th this season. A transfer fee in the order of 1/4 million will be
    asked.                                              ^^^^^^^^^^^
  
    Have Southampton really got this sort of money to bribe someone to take
    Ruddock off their hands ?? :-)
    
    Rob

    re last :-
    
    The transfer fee for Ruddock is 750,000 !
    
    jb.

    
    Going by the way Southampton play these days there will be several
    players injured on Boxing Day. It is probably a good idea not to 
    play Strachan anyway against them. It is critical that he is OK
    for Sunday, just like Man Utd are trying to ensure Robson and Sharpe
    are available. You need a full strength team to beat Man Utd.
    
    The papers over here ran an article yesterday that was taken from 
    the Sunday Times. It talked about how HW had rejuvenated Leeds and
    the part played by Silver and Fotherby. HW also went on to say it
    would be another 2-3 years before he had the squad he wanted and 
    that he would be spending 'a lot more of Mr Silver's money'.

    No decision on Strachan till Thursday morning. I expect he will sit
    this one out, and Hodge will start for the first time in weeks.
    McAllister played well on Sunday, he should be able to cover Strachan's
    absence. It is vital the wee man is available for Sunday's sell-out.
    
    9 points from the 3 Xmas matches are needed, that will set us up
    niceley, the Mancs will get 4 - win vs QPR, and a draw vs Oldham.
    
    jb.

    
    
    When Strachan went off injured on Sunday I was surprised that HW did
    not put on Hodge.  Is Hodge carrying an injury or is he out of favour
    with Wilko?  Surely his experience would have been useful in the last
    ten minutes in helping to secure all three points!
    
    Are there any views on this substitution??
    
    
    S  

    I think HW wanted to blood Kelly so that he can gain some experience -
    he may be needed in the near future !
    
    jb.

    
    
    December 26
    
    Leeds United   (2) 3  Southampton    (0) 3
    
    Hodge 2
    Speed
    
    Poor result, especially when considering Speed put Leeds 3-1
    up with only 17 mins left. Southampton equalised in the 89th
    minute.
    
    December 29
    
    Leeds United   (0) 1   Manchester United   (0) 1
    
    Sterland (pen)
    
    I'll see highlights of this tonight so I'll pass comment
    then. If Sterland took the penalty I presume Strachan
    was not playing (or wasn't on the pitch at the time).

    This Strachan guy? Are we talking about the same player that played
    for Scotland when he was only 17 or 18? If so, he must be close to
    retirement age. Seems like he's been around for ever.
    
    JC

With Leeds having put together a run of 4 draws in a row, MUFC are quickly 
pulling ahead of the pack, or whatever is left of them. Arsenal losing to
Luton and Liverpool also drawing too many games means that it is upto the likes
of City and Sheff Wed to do the chasing behind Leeds. 

We were lucky yesterday not to be put away when it was 1-0 to United, but fair
play to Leeds to stick in there and get back an equaliser. We cannot, however, 
continue to lose points against the likes of Southampton and expect to keep 
championship aspirations. 

More tough games on the horizon against MUFC(2H), West Ham(A) and Sheff Wed(A). 


                            James.

    
    
    West Ham United   1  Leeds United    3
    
    A good away win although HW wasn't impressed with Leeds' performance.
    The report I heard said Chapman got two but didn't name the other
    Leeds scorer. With Man Utd's spectacular result and with Man City,
    Sheff Wed and Arsenal all drawing and Villa losing it was quite a
    good day for Leeds.
    
    I wonder what sort of backlash we will see from Man Utd on Sunday.
    At least this has cancelled out the dropped home points vs Southampton.

    Leeds 3 Soton 3
    
    Christmas came a day late at Elland Road, as Soton were handed a point
    by a strangely uncompetitive and generous Leeds side. No doubt there
    were less than festive words said in the dressing room after the game.
    Hodge got a couple befort 1/2 time, then Soton came back, only for
    Speed to put it at 3-1 with 15 mons to go. Leeds then gave the game
    away, and a 90th minute goal from Soton clinched the point. 2 points
    thrown away, I hope 2 points don't come in important later in the
    season. The fact that the Mancs had won 6-3 away didn't help either !
    
    Leeds 1 Mancs 1
    
    A tough game, as expected. The Mancs played very well, and Webb's goal
    was good, even though there were 1 or possibly 2 Manc playters offside,
    and Whyte had been inpeded. The Mancs then had the chance to make it
    more, but they didn't. Chapman then got an equaliser, but play was
    brought back for a free kick to Leeds - advantage should have been
    played. McAllister made a run into the area on 81, and was brought down
    by a clumsy Pallister - Sterland made it 1-1 from the spot. Strachan
    was suffering from sciatica during the game - so he wasn't his usual
    self, so Sterland took the pen. A 1-1 resulot was fair, but Leeds could
    have taken the 3 points.
    
    West Ham 1 Leeds 3
    
    A good result at Upton Park, Chapman getting 2 and McAllister the other
    one - a real rocket ! West Ham's goal was from a penalty, a careless
    push from Dorigo whan he almost had the ball under control. West Ham
    don't look long in this world I'm afraid. The result from Old Trafford
    brightened the day up though !
    
    Leeds are now top, 1 point clear from the Mancs (who do have 2 games in
    hand), and 9 points clear of 3rd placed Sheff Wed - our next opponents
    in the League. The Mancs are at Elland Road on Sunday for part 2 of the
    Trilogy - a win for Leeds - I hope the Mancs play as well as they did
    against QPR !!!
    
    jb.

    
    
    Does anyone know how many games Batty will miss through suspension?
    
    I understand he will certainly miss the game against Sheff. Wed.
    
    
    S

    Batty will miss the away game at Sheff Wed and the home game vs Crystal
    Palace (if no replays resulting from the manc Trilogy. If there is a
    replay for the FAC or the RLC, it will be at OT on Wed 15 Jan, and
    Batts will miss that instead of the Palace Game.
    
    There were no new injuries over the new year, so the same team should
    start vs the Mancs in the FAC on Sunday.
    
    I just saw a couple of Manc fans at lunchtime, and they were not amused
    by yesterday's performance. One performance like that is barely
    acceptable, another one and the waste products will hit the air
    circulation machinery pdq. If the Mancs are going to fall apart, then
    where better than at Elland Road - twice. I don't think so though, they
    will be a handful, and eager to get out of Whining Fergies way.
    
    jb.
    

    Leeds will be at full strength on Sunday, with Hodge and Shutt on the
    bench. Sterland has a thigh strain and Strachan still has Sciatica, but
    both will play after treatment. For the Mancs, Giggs will start, and
    Kanchelskis and Irwin will play. It will be interesting to see what
    happens, Leeds must not let the Mancs settle on the ball, 2 goals in 5
    minutes will do nicely ;-), and then put the shutters up.
    
    Leeds to go through.
    
    jb.

    I'm sure somebody will report the 2 Manc clashes in here next week -
    I'm in Reading all week, Top Gunning and SWAS/EIS/DS meeting - can't
    wait !
    
    jb.

    <<< Note 33.282 by fBAHTAT::BLYTHE "Ee bah gum th's trouble at t'mill" >>>
                            -< Reading Bound .... >-

>    I'm sure somebody will report the 2 Manc clashes in here next week -
>    I'm in Reading all week, Top Gunning and SWAS/EIS/DS meeting - can't
>    wait !
    
>    jb.


Jb,

Will you be getting the beers in if Leeds win???

Stuart

    
    Well with the second (and least important) of the 'War of the
    Roses' trilogy postponed until the 15th (I think) this means
    Batty will not be playing in that game but will now be 
    available for the Palace league game. It also means Robson
    should be available for the rescheduled date.
    
    I haven't heard the 4th round draw yet. No doubt Leeds/Man Utd
    have drawn Sheff Wed away.

    re-1
    
    John,Southampton are away where ???
    
    confused from skeggie

    
    I would say Southampton are away out of the FA Cup  :-)  regardless
    of who wins the Leeds/Man Utd game(s).

    Anyone out there know how to get from Leeds Central Station to Elland
    Road by bus, local rail, cab or whatever?
    
    An aprehensive FE fan
    

    
    Re .288
    
    I'd take a cab if I was you - it's about three miles from the station
    to the ground and the natives aren't very friendly. Buses run back to
    the city centre from behind the Kop - unless you can get in with the
    police escort, the bus is the only way back...
    
    Paul
    
    PS - it might have changed a bit, it's 10 years since I was there last.

	re .288

	Wasn't Leeds Central station closed about 25 years ago?
	The surviving station being Leeds City?

	Tony

    I thought all Northern Stations were called XXXXXXX Central :-)
    
    All I know is that I'm going where-ever the trains from Kings X come in
    to.
    
    Paul

    
    
    The FA Cup 3rd round game against Man Utd will be shown live by BBC on
    Wednesday 15th January.  The program starts at 7:10pm.
    
    S

    
    
    It seems like Dorigo will be out for a while with knee ligament
    problems.  He will be sorely missed!!!  I feel that it was due to his
    injury that Kanchelskis (SP?) was able to get into the game a lot more.
    
    I think that HW will have to re-think his strategy for dealing with
    Man Utd.  Chapman was basically never allowed to get into the game by
    an impressive Pallister.
    
    Below is my suggestion of the team that Leeds may field against Man Utd,
    next Wednesday.  Any comments on the selection?  
    
    
                                 Lukic
    
     Sterland        Fairclough       Whyte             Whitlow
    
    Strachan         Kelly            McCalister        Hodge
    
                     Wallace          Speed
    
    I think the objective will be to keep the ball on the floor.
    
    
    S
    
    
                          

    Looks like Sterland might be on his way to Liverpool for some 750,000
    to be re-united with Sourpuss. I also read that the replacement from
    the squad would be Danny Wallace!?! Somebody has a sence of humour.
    Leeds to get back to winning ways against Sheffield Wednesday by 2-1.
    United to draw 0-0 with Everton!

    STERLAND!!!
    NO!!!!
    

    
    	..and surely you mean RAY Wallace, who I seem to remember signed
    	for the Peacocks in the same deal that took Rod to Elland Road.
    
    	But on the other hand, we'd be happy to sell you Danny instead!
    
    	Andy.

    
    Sheffield Wednesday   (1) 1   Leeds United   (3) 6
    
    What a way to bounce back after the Man Utd game. Hat-trick for
    Chapman, with goals for Dorigo, Whitlow and Rod Wallace. I don't
    know if Wednesday were still suffering from injuries or the flu
    virus they had last week but this is the best result of the
    season. I don't think Don Revie's Leeds ever managed six in
    an away league game either. It takes Leeds back to the top and
    they now have a better goal difference than Man Utd as well.

       Not quite the scorelines I had predicted but none the less satisfied
    with the nett result. Just been in the Man U. confrence and the wobbles
    have well and truley set in with another very close game going there
    way at home. It was great to see Leeds get such a formidable result 
    without messers Strachan and Batty being involved. I know this will
    invoke replies-we are some 300 behind Man U / Liverpool- but I was 
    glad to see changes in the squad and I also think even more involvement
    from the likes of Kelly,Shutt,Whitlow,McClelland,and especially Hodge-
    how can he even be considered to be left out, have Leeds lost a game 
    whenever he started this season?
    
       It was intresting to see Liverpool starting to fire on all cylinders
    with the narrow victory-I use the word lightly-over Luton, but if you
    want to read something intresting then go into the Liverpool topic and
    look at their 4 last league fixtures, if they win the league it will
    certianly be the hard way.

What a superb display of dominating football!! And without the likes of Strachan
& Batty.

Wednesday didn't even get a look in. Their goal came from about the best trip
I've seen by a molecule of air ;-). I personally believe that the F.A. should be
able to do something after the event. Watson took 2 clear steps after White's
challenge before deciding that he should CHEAT and fake a dive. Personally I 
think he should be fined and suspended for ungentlemanly conduct.

End of gripe.

Now onto the majestic Leeds display. Chapman was devastating. He didn't miss a
header all game, thoroughly deserved his hatrick and subsequent MOM award. 

Wallace didn't stop all game, set up a couple of goals, and deserved his own in
the last couple of minutes.

Come to think of it, not one Leeds player put in anything less than 110% into
their game yesterday, and I hope they can repeat the performance and teach the
Red Devils a lesson on Wednesday.

Leeds to win by the odd goal

Al

    A week's worth to put in -- I've been away from the office for a week,
    I was supposed to be in Reading, but as some pillock crashed into me in
    Leeds last Sunday and bent the front of my car and my neck has gone
    again I didn't get there !
    
    The FA Cup game was postponed - Leeds and district received 1/2 the
    january average rainfall in 12 hours - even my back lawn was
    unplayable! Wednesday's game was characterised by a below par leeds
    performance - they lost to a better side on the night, and with some
    luck it could have been a draw. Dorigo was missed, Sterland and
    Strachan were walking wounded at times (leg and cut shin respectively),
    McClelland was struggling at left back - it wasn't his position and the
    speedy Manc wingers were giving him a hard time. There were 28,500
    there, not a sell out, and it was live, and they are to play again in
    the FA Cup on Wednesday !
    
    The weekends fixtures contained a difficult away trip to Sheff Wed, and
    the Mancs had a less than easy visit from Everton. The Mancs went to
    the top on a temporary basis, before Leeds destroyed Sheff Wed 6-1 at
    Hillsborough, and they were without Strachan and Batty, but Dorigo
    played. The game was excellent, marred by a cheating dive for the
    Sheff Wed penalty, Johnny Giles called the Sheff Wed player a cheat - a
    tag I entirely agree with. Sheff Wed had injuries and some flu
    symptoms, but a 6-1 defeat at home in a local derby and the teams are
    1st and 3rd at the beginning of the weekend's games .... Leeds played
    excellently, and it lifts them for the 3rd game against the Mancs on
    Wed, Strachan is expected to be fit.
    
    Wallace was involved more in the game, and Chapman had lots of crosses
    to convert, which he did 3, Dorigo with a screaming free kick, Mike
    Whitlow with a header and Wallace finished it off. Leeds looked like
    scoring every time they went forward. If they play like this on
    Wednesday ....
    
    Saturday sees Palace at Elland Road, and we don't want a re-run of the
    last 2 games against them - 2 last minute winners. If any of you FE
    fans are coming up, how about a few pints before the game ? Get up to
    Leeds early and we'll have a few pints in the Adelphi - next to
    Tetley's brewery, from there its a 20 minute walk to the ground, or
    take the bus. Directions to the Adelphi from City Station :-
    
    Outside the main station doors, turn right, and walk down New Station
    St, there are building works on your right. Turn Right into Boar Lane,
    and then Right into Lower Briggate. Walk down Lower Briggate, going
    under the railway. Go over the crossraods, and cross the River Aire
    (Leeds Bridge), cross the road, the Adelphi is straight ahead on the
    corner. I usually sit in the 1st room on the right just by the door (a
    creature of habit). Let me know if any of you are coming up.
    
    jb.

    
    What a 'super result.'
    
    JN.

    JB,
    
    How long to walk from the Station to the Ground? (And is it safe for us
    foreigners? :-) ) I'm not sure whether the Spindlewood Gardens Crew are
    driving or training yet.
    
    Paul

    re -1
    
    About 20 to 25 minutes. It is generally safe for 'foreigners', though
    jumping up and down waving Palace scarves, chanting 'Death to Leeds' is
    not recommended ! Give me a shout if you're coming up. (DTN 845-2290)
    
    jb.

    Well, speaking as a non-Leeds supporter who has been starved of english
    football for this season, I was lucky enough to see the match on telly
    yesterday and was well entertained! They utterly demolished Wednesday,
    who are not a bad team at the moment, and they did it with style and
    good aggressive play. All this without Strachan and Batty as well. The
    boy Chapman played brill, all in all a damn good advert for British
    soccer (IMHO). Shame about the dive incident, but Wednesday got their
    just desserts.   After seeing this Leeds must be my tip for the title.
    
    Stevo. 

    All references to the word "S*ccer" must be banned. Purlease, it's
    football. :^)
    
    Barry (in total agreement with the chap who rang up Danny Baker
    on Radio 5 with the same complaint). 
                 

Ok Barry,
    
      Can you explain what Soccer is so please.                  

    
    Saw extended highlights of the game over here last night. What a
    good team performance ! It was Leeds' largest ever away league
    win. However I don't think Pallister and the rest of the Man Utd
    defence will be as generous on Wednesday. This game will also
    silence those critics who still maintain Leeds are a one man
    team - at least in midfield.
    
    All in all it was a happy first return to Hillsborough for HW.
    Any news on injuries for Wednesday or whether Strachan will be
    back ? A good performance on Wednesday could have Batty struggling
    to get back in the side on Saturday. Going by Leeds' current away
    form and Man Utd's current home form it's a shame the game is at
    Elland Road and not at Old Trafford.

    Yes I think Pallister and Bruce may spoil things for Lee(ds) by opting
    to head out the occasional cross.
    
    Paul

    Leeds' biggest away win was in 1930 when they beat Blackpool at
    Bloomfield Road 7-3.
    
    Strachan should be in contention tomorrow, whwther he starts or not is
    up to HW, I expect he will.
    
    jb.

    Err, isn't 6-1 bigger than 7-3?
    
    Leeds are certainly not a one-man team even in midfield. In the league
    match against United (the one with the silly penalty that ended 1-1), I
    thought Speed was brilliant! 
    
    On another note, as far as entertainment is concerned I DO think the
    current Leeds team is better than Revies.
    
    
    		Emelyn Hughes.

re .306
	>>Ok Barry,
    
  	>>Can you explain what Soccer is so please.                  



soccer (sok'er n. [< (AS)SOC(IATION FOOTBALL)]
	same as ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Kind thanks to the >>Rapid Systems>> Collins Pocket English dictionary
from which this has been used without permission.

There you go, good enough? Beats me why anyone went to such lengths to 
establish a name derived, so tenuously, from the word Association. 
Must have had something to do with various other sports called 
football whose patrons stubbornly insisted on calling their throwing
versions after the name of God's own game. Scandalous.

Barry.

p.s. Leeds fans please forgive the gaping rat-hole opening up here. 
Gary, please move this to a general odd's n sods topic if we have one.

    
> Beats me why anyone went to such lengths to 
> establish a name derived, so tenuously, from the word Association. 
    
    The story I once heard goes somewhere along the lines of:
    
    Two young Gentleman students (ca 1860's ???) one a Rugby player, the
    other a Footballer met approaching the sports field. The Rugby player
    inquired:
    
    "Oh, you're going for a game of Rugger"
    
    The other, realising that he was about to be "out-cooled" from a
    prtactician of the rivalling code:
    
    "No, I'm going for a game of Soccer"
    
    
    Now, what if someone would try and provide a similar service for
    American (anabolic) Football.
    
    Stefan

    
>>    Now, what if someone would try and provide a similar service for
>>    American (anabolic) Football.
    
    Stefan

Am(eric)an.

How about "eric"? Just imagine it? "Coming down to the mall Brad".
"No Tom, I'm off for a game of Eric"

:^)

    
    can we move this discussion to note 148.
    
    Gary.

    Well, my little nephew (a goddam yank for christ's sake !) plays
    Soccer. he is coming over to Yorkshire at the beginning of Feb, so
    he'll get taken down to Elland Road to see Football, to see the Villa
    get beat (or more probably and FA Cup 5th round tie).
    
    Strachan should be fit, Wilko then has the (nice) problem of who to
    pick - I expect Shutt will make way for the wee Scot and Shutt and Mike
    Whitlow will be on the bench. I hope Leeds will win this one - then
    honours will be evenly shared between 2 evenly matched teams, currently
    the best in the country.
    
    jb.

I have been away for a while and see what happens. We lose badly to MUFC last 
Wednesday and then chop wednesday into little pieces on Sunday. What a 
rollercoaster.

I am however not very optimistic about tomorrow night as MUFC seem to have the 
measure of us right now. MUFC would never play the way wednesday did on Sunday.
Not in a thousand years would they let Leeds get 4 headers on goal, let alone 
score from them.

At least it proves that Leeds will not lie down and let United have the league on
a plate.

United can have the Cups if they give us the league, I say.

   
                              James.

    
    I thought record scores were measured on margin of victory. For 
    example Leeds list their 1-8 defeat against Stoke City in 1934
    as their biggest defeat but they conceded 9 against Bradford in
    1946 (4-9). It's just as well War games aren't counted as well,
    they lost 0-9 to Newcastle in 1943 - and then won 7-1 in the
    return game 7 days later !
    
    Anyway back to the serious business of trying to beat Man Utd on
    the 8th attempt since our return to Division 1, and trying to win
    our first home game in 5.

    Tonight's game kicks off at 7.10pm - getting to the ground will be fun,
    as the football rush will coincide with the rush hour. A crowd of over
    30,000 is expected, yesterday there were 1,000 tickets still available
    for seats with restricted views.
    
    I hope it isn't foggy tonight, games in the East of the country were
    abandoned / cancelled last night, and its misty now which doesn't auger
    well for tonight, the last thing that we want is another postponement
    (the BBC will then have to show ???).
    
    I hope Leeds will beat the Mancs at the 8th time of asking, a 1-0 will
    be enough - I can't see a 6-1 tonight. Giggs and the Ukranian will have
    to be stopped, but Dorigo and Sterland will be fitter tonight, and
    Strachan should also be playing.
    
    jb.

    2-0 for the reds.
    
    Paul

    
    
     I think Man Utd will be to strong for Leeds tonight so I'll go for
     a 2-0 result to the Manc's, Dorigo will obviously make a differance
     to leeds defence but thats not going to make much differance if
     Giggs is taking the p**s out of Sterland he was given the run around
     by Giggs last week and won't be realishing it tonight. 
    
     Glad to see Sterland managed to get his legs unknotted in time for
     Sundays game against Wednesday.
    
     Read an artical in the paper yesterday which said,
    
     Wilkinson should drop Chapman as in the last two meetings he hasn't
     got a look in against a quality defence, good point!! Chapmans great
     at exploiting poor defenders but up against quality defenders he's
     clueless.
    
     Even so, if it's anything like the other two meetings it should be a
     good game.
    
                               Neil.....
    
                              

    Late News :-
    
    Strachan is doubtful for tonight, he will have a late fitness check.
    Williams is added to the squad for cover.
    
    jb.

I must say LEEDS looked good on Sunday but the REDS tonight are a completely & I
mean COMPLETELY different prospect.

So it's 2 - 0 to the REDS! For Mr Tony Parsons let's call it 3 - 1 to the REDS!

Si...

    
    JB,
    
    what's the weather like in Leeds at the moment - is it worth rushing
    home from football tonight, or is it possible the game could be fogged
    off ?
    
    Paul

    4-2 to Leeds, with Champman getting a hat-trick...
    
    ...Pallister to blame for at least 2 Leeds goals, a blatent trip in the
    penalty area, and losing possesion at the halfway line after a Maradona
    impression went wrong and being hopelessly out of position...
    
    ...Leeds 2-0 up at half-time...
    
    ...Giggs and Kanchelskis to get the mancs goals in the second half and
    bring the score back to 3-2...
    
    ...Champman finishes off the scoring late in the second half after
    Wallace unselfishly squares the ball with Schmeichal(sp??) well beaten.
    
    Not worth going home to watch it now, really, is it??!!?? 8-)
    
    Stew.
    

    It's misty in Horsforth, more fog is expected tonight, but mostly on
    higher ground - ie the match should go ahead at 7.10 pm
    
    jb.

    
    Any chance that this is the live game on SKY Sports tonight ????
    
    
    John

    I don't think it's on live, but there are highlights at 21:00.
    
    
    		Steve

    
    
    There's certainly some FA Cup game on, and the programme starts at
    7pm. Just thought that a 7.10pm kick off was a bit unusual unless
    it's been timed for telly.
    
    John

    
    
    Its live on BBC1
    

    
    Leeds to mullah Man U. all over the park tonight. 
    
    JN.

re -1



No chance! The reds'll give Leeds huge lashie tonight!!!!

                       <<< Note 33.331 by DUCK::NAGLEJ >>>

    
    Leeds to mullah Man U. all over the park tonight. 
    
   Leeds 0 Mancs 1 (Hughes)
   
    Leeds did run the Mancs all over the field but were the unluckiest team
since Liverpool were beaten in the 88 cup final, Arsenal league game in 1989,
semi against Palace in 1990. It was a total travesty of justice. Ledds ran them
off the park for most of the first half but right at the end, Hodge attacks, 
loses possession, the Mancs break down the left, Giggs crosses and Hughes scores
with a header. Chapman had several good chances but the luck never went their
way. He later went off with a bad hand injury after what should have been a 
penalty. If I was the referee in that game, there is no way Utd would be going
to the Dell for the next round.
     Still Leeds can now solely concentrate on the championship and let's hope
that the two cup competitions take their toll on the Mancs. I don't care if 
Utd. won all the cups in the country as long as they don't win the league.

     Disgusted yet again,
                  Cunno

    His eyesight might improve.
    
    Paul

What a great advert for English football. It's a shame there had to be a winner.

Leeds were the better side on the night. They were totally dominant in the first
half having 3 good chances but converting none (2 to Chapman & Hodge 1) mainly
due to the fine keeping by Schmeichel. United scored with their only real chance
of the half, but what a great move, and Giggs cross was inch perfect.

The second half saw the Mancs starting to play in midfield, and this evened out
the game, and from start to finish it was end to end stuff. Both sides had good
chances, the best falling to Leeds with 2 goal-line clearances from Fairclough &
Chapman.

Leeds can feel hard done by after last night. They should be proud of their 
performance, they did everything but score. It was just one of those games.
Credit must go to Man U for their persistence in defence, which gave them
the luck they needed.

I hope Chapman's injury clears up as quickly as possible, it was a nasty fall.
He will be sorely missed up front in the run in to the championship.

Back to winning ways on saturday against Palace. The FE's have been struggling
over the last few weeks, and this should be a perfect opportunity to pay them
back for the only league defeat so far. I put 3-0 in the predictions note, but
now that Chapman's out I reckon it'll be 2-0, Wallace getting both.

Al

    
    
    I am hearing conflicting rumours about Chapman's injury.
    
    Some reports state he will be out for THREE MONTHS!!!
    
    Can someone please confirm if this is true??
    
    
    Deeply Concerned Leeds fan 
    s

    
    Gutted !! Thats all I can say. Credit to Man U. though, their
    only real chance in the game and they took it.
    
    Gary "if in doubt take 'im out" Pallister certainly put one on
    Lee Chapman and should have been booked at least and Leeds should
    have had a penalty. Put it this way, if Chapman had walloped the
    keeper the way he was walloped by Pallister Man U. would have 
    had a free kick.
    
    BTW. Chapman, according to this mornings Daily Mail, has a broken
    wrist and will be out for about three months.
    
    I think MAN United will now go all the way and take the FA cup.
    
    JN.

    Oh well, I got the game right, but the score wrong...
    
    Commiserations to Leeds who played the mancs off the park last night,
    and were totally unlucky to go out...
    
    The Chapman injury is interesting...
    Apparently he's broken a bone in either his wrist or his hand, and will
    be out for 3 months!! Hope this doesn't affect Leed's title
    challenge...
    
    Stew.
    
    

    All this cr*p about Pallister is well out of order. Whitlock dragged
    down Andre, who was through on goal and didn't even get a booking!!!
    
    Leeds should have finished with nine men
    
    Tony

    According to Radio 5 half an hour ago, Chapman will be out for 7 weeks
    with his broken wrist.

    re:- 33.340
    
    Point taken. He should have been sent off after obviously trying
    a rugby tackle.
    
    JN.

    There is already speculation in the papers that Wilco will sign a
    replacement to keep up the championship challenge. Brian Deane from
    Sheffield Untited has been mentioned.
    
    Bad luck last night but an entertaining game. Excellent cross by Giggs
    but I think you have to question Leeds defence a bit.
    
    Should be back to winning ways against the FEs on Saturday.
    
    Martin

    My guess is Dion Dublin, at around 1.5 million.
    
    Tony

    Get yer hands off our Deano ya b*****s !!!

    Now is the time for Wilkinson to make a daring bid for one John Aldridge.
This would be the coup of the season and I think that Wilko will indeed go
for Aldo.

    Cunno.

    re last.
    			Has he woken up yet???!! 

re 33.341
>According to Radio 5 half an hour ago, Chapman will be out for 7 weeks
>with his broken wrist.

This was also on CEEFAX last night. Chapman was operated on on wednesday night,
should be in a cast for about 5 weeks, and Wilko expects him to be back in the
team 2 weeks later.

Will Wilko buy, Loan or stick to what he's got for the 7 weeks?

Al

    Leeds 0 Mancs 1
    
    The better side didn't win on the night this time ! I won't go into
    match reporting, as it has been done to death already. The injury to
    Chappo is a blow, but Leeds are not a 1 man team. Every striker is
    being linked with Leeds at the moment, something may or may not happen.
    
    Chappo will miss out on Palace h, Notts C h, Oldham a, Villa h (but if
    Villa make it to the FA Cup R5 this won't happen), Everton a (live on
    ITV Sunday 23 Feb, KO 3.20), Luton h, he may be back for Spurs a on Sat
    7 March - that's 6 matches at the least, and 8 at the most, and the
    games are aginst not quite top drawer opposition.
    
    Back to the league - a win against Palace will rekindle spirits, and
    then there is a 2 week gap, for rest and contemplation, before Notts
    County at Elland Rd - one of Wilko's old clubs. The Mancs have a tough
    schedule ahead - 3 away games at the 2 Nottinghams and the Arse - is it
    too much to hope a gap appears between Leeds and the Mancs who will be
    distracted by the Cups ? The Scousers are coming on apace, the title
    race isn't over yet.
    
    Leeds are out of the cups, it is a pity they had to meet the Mancs so
    early in the FA Cup, it would have been better to meet them in the
    later stages, but life's a bitch !
    
    Leeds are still top of the league though - that's the real test of a
    team.
    
    jb.

    I would've thought Bobby Davison was the perfect replacement for
    Chapman...
    
    Why waste money buying a replacement???
    
    But, it Wilko decides to buy, then what about an unbelieveably daring
    bid for Alan Smith from Arsenal?? Clive Allen from Chelsea?? Graeme
    Sharpe from Oldham?? The list of possibilities is endless...
    
    Mind you, who'd want to sign for a club knowing that they'd only be in
    the team for 7 weeks, untill Chapman is fit??
    
    Stew.
    

    Tomorrows' team will probably be :-
    
    Lukic
    Sterland
    Dorigo
    Fairclough
    Whyte
    Batty
    McAllister
    Strachan
    Hodge
    Speed
    Wallace
    
    Davison and Whitlow as Subs
    
    Speed will act as the striker, he's pretty good in the air as well.
    Wallace and Strachan will probably play wide. 
    
    I still expect a win tomorrow, even though Chappo is out, the rest of
    the team look good, Palace don't have a Giggs or a Kanchelkis, so
    Sterland and Dorigo will be able to get forward. There will be more
    shots coming from the midfield tomorrow, due to our target man being
    injured - should be a good game. Palace have 1 or 2 injuries to contend
    with, and we need to avenge the only league defeat of the season.
    
    Fortress Elland Road has been turned into a structure more akin to a
    sandcastle lately (Totts, Soton, Mancs - draws, Mancs 2 losses) is the
    depressing reading. Leeds are playing better away from home at the
    moment - let's hope it's tomorrow whwn they resume their winning ways
    in the league !
    
    jb.

I have been in a very depressed mood for the last two days over Wed evening.
Not alone do we lose by a sheer piece of undivine injustice but we also lose 
Chapman for a possible 6-10 matches. 

It isn't all bad news however as it leaves the way clear for a full tilt at the
championship. Note 33.352 and 33.354 have cheered me up no end with the list of 
matches that Leeds and MUFC have to play in the next few weeks together with the 
team that will be fielded tomorrow is still a very powerful combination. 

Thankfully we don't have to play MUFC again this season as they seem to have the 
hex over us. There is absolutely no way MUFC will be able to keep their interest 
in all three competitions and will crack in something, most likely the 
championship. As the old adage goes it's darkest before the dawn and this is 
our darkest day.

			James. :-))))))

    Group 1
    -------
    SWEDEN
    FRANCE
    YUGOSLAVIA
    ENGLAND
    
    Group 2
    -------
    HOLLAND
    SCOTLAND
    CIS (Commonwealth of Independant States)
    GERMANY
    
    
    Stew.
    

    Stew,
    
    I,m confused - which group are Leeds in?
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    Leeds 1 Palace 1
    
    Another draw against another bogey team !
    
    Leeds wer fortunate not to be 2 or 3 down after 20 minutes - they
    weren't in the game, and whan Thomas whacked in a 20 yarder I wasn't
    surprised. Leeds then woke up, and Fairclough equalised from a flicked
    on by Speed Strachan corner. 1- 1at 1/2 time was about right. In the
    2nd half, Palace were all hands defending and were joined by the post
    and the crossbar. Speed could have had a hat-trick, Wallace a couple,
    bad luck and good defending kept Leeds out, and they dropped 2 points.
    The Mancs did as well, but the Scousers, Man City and Wednesday all
    won, the Scousers are now 9 points behind.
    
    Chapman was missed, its either rejig (the team did play well on Sat,
    but couldn't score) or get the cheque book out. names bandied about
    have been Steve Bull, Brian Deane, Tony Cascarino and Duncan Shearer
    (Swindon and ex-Huddersfield). I think the cheque book will stay
    closed.
    
    The next game is Notts County at home on 1 Feb - 2 weeks rest and
    tactic changing coming up. The Mancs have Villa at OT on Wed - not at
    all easy - come on the Villa !
    
    jb.

    What hapened to .360 and 361??
    
    Paul

    re .360 and .361
    
    I tried to add them, but owing to Disk Quota Exceeded they didn't do in
    (this is a feature - the count should be upped when the txn (adding a
    note) has been completed successfully).
    
    The contents were :-
    
    Kerry Dixon of Chelsea is the latest striker to be linked with Leeds.
    
    Wilko will face a charge of misconduct after being reported by the ref
    after Sunday last's 6-1 hammering of Sheff Wed. The linesman needed
    glasses / white stick ! If found 'guilty' a touchline ban / fine
    awaits.
    
    jb.

    Rather a disturbing policy at Leeds if what I read is true. 
    
    Apparently a small group of alleged neutrals at an Elland Road match were 
    asked to leave the stand at half-time by a steward as they were not 
    cheering for Leeds. 
    
    Is football now only for the fanatics of either team with the neutrals 
    limited to tv?

    
    Re -1, I think it's Farina and he'd be a very good signing.
    
    Gary.

    Farina looks to be coming to Elland Road, initially on loan for an
    extended trial period. HW doesn't go out and just buy any old player -
    they have to fit in. Apparantley there have been dome players who were
    to come to Leeds, but they couldn't come to terms with involvement they
    were expected to have with the community - each Leeds player has 7
    hours per week Community Service written into their contracts.
    
    jb.

 If Leeds have any commonsense, they should make a bid for the best striker
available and that is THE GREAT ALDO. Wilko should forget about that guy
Ferina and buy a striker who is a dead cert to score goals.

        Cunno.

    The words commonsense and Cunno are usually mutually exclusive but I
    totally agree with him here. I am amazed Leeds did not immediately sign
    tga after Chapman's injury. They have nothing to lose, bar a few quid,
    and potentially the Championship to gain.

    Aldridge wanted to come back to Merseyside, as that's where all his
    buddies and family are. With these commitments, he might not be able to
    honour contractural arrangements of Leeds United players - ie community
    service etc.
    
    However, you never know ...
    
    jb.

    
    	jb,
    
    	I'm interested to hear about these "community relations"
    	requirements..
    
    	Excellent idea by the Leeds powers to "encourage" their employees
    	to go out to their paying public and build community links. This
    	is tremendous, and has probably had a lot to do with the Leeds
    	United drive for excellence along side eliminating the unwelcome
    	elements all-to-often publicised in the past. Leeds deserve any
    	and all the success they get. Shame a few more of the "big" clubs
    	don't have a more hi-profile exposure in this way. Leeds are
    	truely a BIG club in more ways than one.
    
    	Andy.

Still no sign of Farina, it is hoped he will turn out for Leeds on Wed 
vs Bayern. He holds an Italian passport, so work permits wont be a 
problem. He is initially here for a week's trial, but this may be 
extended to a loan with view to a transfer.

Andy Williams has gone on a months' loan to Notts County, with 1 
proviso - he doesn't play against Leeds on Saturday. Bobby Davison 
won't be going to Derby County, he says he has been mucked about with 
and may go to WBA on loan.

jb.

    Touche.
    
    Tony

    The Farina deal has fallen through. Aldo still available though!

A different trialist - Kalman Kovac (sp ?) from Hungary (?) is due for 
a week's trial - work permit still to be sorted out.

jb.

    RE: -1 Kalman Kovacs
    
    This is probably the Auxerre forward and ex-Honved Budapest player. He
    is currently out of favour at Auxerre after they bought another striker
    from Brest-Armorique.
    

    
    	re Kovacs..
    
    	..and a good player he is too. Just ask Liverpool! He was largely
    	responsible for the tearing apart of Liverpool when Grabatair
    	saved them earlier on this season in the EUFA away leg in France.
    
    	Andy.
    

Wilko said on Radio Leeds last night that he had been looking at Kovacs 
for some time, even if they bought him now, it would be next season 
before he could play, as work permits etc would have to be sorted out. 
Wilko was also annoyed at all the speculation over Farina, he said he 
wasn't into short term measures, so it looks like the cheque book will 
remain closed for the time being. Chapman is being missed, we'll have 
to see how they get on against Notts County on Saturday, a 
comprehensive home win (long overdue) and the Mancs and the Scousers 
dropping points at the Arse will be the best possible scenario....

jb (temporary Arse supporter).

The game against Bayern looks dodgy - the undersoil heating has been doing 
its work, but fog is another matter. It's been foggy all day, and it is 
expected to be thicker after dark, as well as b**** cold. I may stay in 
and watch the Arse beat the Pool (or will it be an exciting 0-0 draw ?)

jb.

    Leeds 1 Bayern 1
    
    I didn't go in the end, it was b**** cold, and I had to be up early
    this morning (6.5 125 to Brum, I'm in the Sutton Coldfield office this
    morning). Hodge scored for Leeds on 10, a Strachan / Sterland
    combination resulting in a cross to Hodge. Hodge could have had a hat
    trick in 20 minutes, but didn't. Bayern equalised after a silly Whyte
    back pass, and the 2nd half was more practice than anything else -
    Strachan and Batty being replaced by Kelly and Whitlow - Kelly played
    very well, and HW rates him. I wonder if he will see any acion in the
    next few games ? Wallace also played well, he is good onm the flanks
    running at the defenders. Shutt had 20 minutes as well, but the tempo
    of the game was one of a practice by then.
    
    Notts County on Sat, 3 badly needed pointys are at stake, good luck to
    the Arse and Chelsea !
    
    jb.

    
    
      The Leeds v Bayern match started VERY slow (well it was a friendly).
          I was stuck to my seat at half time (due to the cold).
    
       I expected to see Kovacs but it takes about 2 weeks for his EC
    work permit to come through. I agree with jb (-1),Kelly does look a good
    player, has good vision and controls the ball well. Batts was
    substituted at half time due to a dead leg. Huggy gave away a stupid
    goal but what the heck it was only a friendly. Hoeness is in the middle
    of a rebuilding program after his star players moved to Italy mostly.
       One of the Laudrup brothers plays for them and i was impressed with
    his performance.
    
    
    Paul.
    
          Notts county tomorrow (weather permitting), we could go back top
    if the mancs slip up with a draw or lose. 
    
           

    
    
    Leeds United  (1) 3   Notts County   (0) 0
    
    Sterland
    Batty !!!!!
    Wallace
    
    A day for collectors items, first home win since November and
    David Batty scores again - that's twice in one season !
    Back on top as well and HW signs Eric Cantona the 'volatile'
    Frenchman on loan until the end of the season. That's a sensible
    move, no money wasted if he doesn't perform (unlike Graham Taylor
    and his panic buy of Cascarino for Villa two seasons ago in
    similar circumstances).

    A fixture change -
    
    The Sheff Utd (a) game will now be played on Sun 26 April, 12 noon
    kick off.
    
    The League title will already be at Elland Road by then.
    
    jb.

> The League title will already be at Elland Road by then.

John,

I hope for your sake that it happens cos we've seen the above alot lately..!!

Overconfident   or    Very nervous...!!!!

Tony

    What is  left ?
    Oldham a - w	3
    Villa h - w		6
    Everton a - w	9
    Luton h - w		12
    Spurs a - d		13
    Wimbledon h - w	16
    Arse a - d		17
    West Ham h - w	20
    Man C a - d		21
    Chelsea h - d	22
    Liverpool a - l	22
    Coventry h - w	25
    Sheff U a - d	26
    Norwich h - w	29
    
    14 games, 29 points.
    
    jb.

While reading the match report on Sunday I came across a comment about some
enterprising chaps selling "who is Emily Hughes anyhow" T-shirts. Why? 
Was it that he said Leeds didn't have the players to last out the league 
chase or something equally stupifying? 

Re -1. I wonder is it enough points ( 29 from 14 games ) to win the league with. 
It may depend upon how much further MUFC go in the cups. For our sake I hope 
that they have loads of replays and eventually win both of the cups ;-).

Hope this Catona boy is the stuff and not as load of bluff.


                             James.

    re Emlyn Hughes.
    
    He slagged off Leeds in the Daily Mirror before the Manc games - Every
    Leeds side is Evil / All Leeds fans are Neanderthals - that sort of
    thing. It didn't go down too well with Leeds Uniterd, Leeds City
    Council and the Police. Mr Hughes has been written to, and warned the
    next time he says anything like that he will be hearing from Messrs
    Sue, Grabbit and Runne, there might also be a summons in the post for
    incitement.
    
    re -1
    
    Look in the Manc note for a guess of how they will do - I don't think
    there will be a lot in it at the end. Any team finishing above Leeds
    will be Champions. Remember, the Mancs have a 4th round replay, a 2
    leg R Cup semi, and there's still lots of bad weather to come. Maybe
    the Mancs will get to the semis of the FA Cup as well, (after replays
    of course) and get knocked out by Wrexham.
    
    jb.

    
    "Leeds Uniterd"
    
    So, you actually have purpose built shit factories up there ? Wouldn't
    have thought it necessary myself .... 
    
    8-)
    
    Ads.

    For the illiterate amongst us, 'Terd' is spelt 'Turd'
    
    jb.

    
    And for the humourless, "pedantic" is spelt "kiss_my_left_one, buddy"
    
    AJ.

    Cantona will not play in the reserve game vs Bolton at Elland Road
    tonight, he still hasn't acheived Match fitness. It is possible he
    might be sub on Saturday at Oldham.
    
    jb.

    
    Of course it all falls into place ...
    
    10 minutes to go and Leeds trail 2-0, with Man Utd leading 2-1
    against Sheff Wed it seems Leeds are going to be knocked off the
    top. Then on comes super sub and with typical Gallic flair scores
    a hat trick, the final goal being a 50 yard lob from the halfway
    line to keep Leeds on top. Making him sub will ensure all those
    millions of Canal+ viewers will stay tuned until the end of the
    game (and the end of the adverts).

    Anybody know what the odds are on Cantona getting sent off?
    
    
    	Steve

    
    If he gets sent-off (assuming he plays or is a sub) he'll be on
    his way back to France before the classified results !

    Just been in the MUFC confrence for the umpteinth time and there is a
    definate feeling of despondancy creeping into their thoughts. It was
    the best possible result for Leeds, note that I thought it was a great
    game and tough luck to Man U. as I thought they played textbook stuff
    for most of the match, but I'm a Leeds fan through and through and that
    result will depleat energy and moral which is needed now more than
    ever. If one team opens up a gap of more than four points then I think
    that team will win the championship. Now, H.W. has he been clever? well
    I think he has gambled and probably won Leeds the league with the
    signing of Monsieur Cantona as he will add an unperdictable flavour
    to the Leeds team and inadvertantly pepping up the rest of the team
    to compete for places. What will happen to the likes of Shutt who
    intrested Liverpool before Sourpuss got in.

    
    I don't think the Man Utd / Soton result will help Leeds as much
    as if Man Utd had got through. There will be a backlash on Saturday,
    and now Man Utd only have 3 Cup games at the most left. If they
    had got through they could have been playing midweek Cup games
    right through until April. I wish they would keep their poor
    performances for the league (like QPR game) rather than the Cups.
    The same applies to Liverpool, if only the Peterborough and Bristol
    Rovers and Stoke and (was it Port Vale ?) games had been league
    games.
    
    Any team news for tomorrow ? Since Villa are still in the FA Cup
    I presume the league game against them on the 15th is off, which
    will please Lee Chapman, he'll probably be fit when the game is
    finally played. Wonder if he'll make it a hat-trick this time, or
    stick to 2 goals as usual. 

    Wilko wil decide who plays tomorrow before kick off ! Sterland should
    have shaken off the leg injury picked up against Notts County, Cantona
    may or may not play. If he does, Speed will drop to midfield and Hodge
    will be sub.
    
    The game vs Villa next Sat is now a TBA fixture. Leeds tried to move the 
    Easter Tuesday game vs Coventry but Coventry didn't want to, so it
    looks like a blank weekend, or more probably a friendly vs Team T of
    Country C, at home or away.
    
    jb.

Re: -1

I remember reading something a while back about the fact that Leeds will be 
playing Shelbourne in Dublin sometime around the 15th of this month. Can 
anyone else confirm or deny it?

                            James.

    re -1
    
    I haven't heard anything about Shelbourne, but it would make sense,
    they have played Shelbourne a lot in the past, a good crowd will turn
    up (a chance for the substantial group of Leeds O'Fans to go and see
    their adopted team).
    
    jb.

    
    Leeds meet shels next Thursday at Tolka Park.
    
    Gary.

    I hope that 3 points come from the fixture at Boundary park on Sat.
    I'll be in the area, am on the East Lancs Railway between Bury and
    Ramsbottom (Tup's Arse) and pm watching Burnley leather Lincoln and
    remain top of Div 4, so I'll tune in to Radio Lancashire and see how
    things are progressing at OT (lack of Manc progression) and Boundary
    Park.
    
    I'm off now to talk to the Quack on the results of a head
    X-Ray...(honest - no sneaky jokes you lot out there ;-) )
    
    jb.

    
    
    Why exactly has Cantona got such a 'bad' reputation?
    
    S

    
    
    Because he has a reputation of telling the ref and managers exactly what
    he thinks of them, (I don't think Wilko will stand for to much pf that
    though). Besides he believes that a lot of the reports about Cantona
    have been (as usual by the press) blown out of proportion.
    
    
        I will be there @ Boundary Park tomorrow watching with me old dad
    and brother who are season ticket holders at Oldham. Leeds had better
    win or i'm not buying them a pint after the game !!!!!
    
    
        0 - 2 to Leeds with Wallace and Cantona to score on his debut
    
    
      Paul
                                                           

    The 2nd loss of the season, but only the Arse won in the top 1/2 of the
    table - a blow, but not terminal. According to the reports Leeds didn't
    get a look in, Oldham raised their game and the result was about right.
    
    There is a 2 week gap till the next League game, away at Goodison a
    week on Sunday. There was an interesting comment from Trevor Francis in
    the paper this morning, he said the Old Trafford pitch may lose the
    championship for the Mancs - it's so poor, good football can't be
    played. The pitch has to be doused with water to keep it half-playable,
    when it's dry, it's much much worse.
    
    jb.

          
    
    Well we deserved the result on saturday considering the way we played.
    we have now lost 2 matches all season the SAME as MAN U .   The Leeds
    never looked likely to score, the Oldham defence were very solid. The
    midfield for Oldham ran the show feeding the L/H wing and Rick Holden
    who was jinking passed Sterland every time to rain crosses down into
    the Leeds box.
       When we did get the ball we couln't get moving due to Oldham
    Hustling for 90 mins. Our passing was poor marking was bad, but Oldham
    attacked in numbers but on this occasion Royle has seemed to plug his
    defence if there was the slightest hint of a fast Leeds break
    (unlikely!!!).
         The fist goal was well taken as the ball came of the R/H post and
    and poor marking on Henry let him in. The second was down to us again
    pushing up to look for the equaliser. A fast break down the left were
    they new they had been probing all match, produced a cross for Barlow
    to control and put past Lukic at the far post, credit to Oldham who
    outplayed us (I didn't buy my dad a pint in the end (sore loser!!!))
    
    
        Cantona came on in the second half nearly scoring with his first
    touch his next two or three touches were all back heels ??. 
     There were as many press at boundary park to see him as there were at
    Newcastle, when he came out he just went and sat on the bench no
    acknowledgement to the Leeds fans, well that's L'Enfant Terrible
      
     Sterland was subbed for Whitlow in the second half and limped off.If
    he wasn't fit because of his ankle what was Wilko doing picking him to
    pin dowm a winger with pace like Holden???
    
    
      Everton next away live on the box, due to no game next week because
    Villa are in the F.A. cup.  Man U miss a game as well i think as they
    are due to play West Ham. I'd rather be missing home games than away.
    
    
    Paul.. 
      
       

    
    
    
       We now have a game for this saturday, it's against IFK Gothenburg
    the Swedish champions 3.00 o'clock K.O.  The present IFK side contains
    7 players from the Swedish national side.
    
        Batts and Dorigo have been selected for the friendly against France
    next week as has Cantona. I shall be there at that one.
    
         McAllister and Strachan have also been selected to play for
    Scotland in the game against Northern Ireland next week.
    
    
    Paul...
    

        It is good to see six internationals in the Leeds squad, could
    have been seven if Lukic had been given the nod over third place
    cotton. As for Saturdays result I can only hope that thats the worst 
    performance of the season submitted by a lathergic Leeds. Looking at
    the individual performances I would have to be critical of Big Mel
    for not plugging the defence, something he has been guilty of more than
    once this season, now I know the responce willcome charging in that he
    is a player who is capable of winning a game for Leeds, so perhaps he
    should be pushed further upfield to a more threatening position.
    Cantona will gel with the forward line in the near future and I see
    him leading a good front line as does Chapman so a needed victory over
    Everton in two weeks please!
    
    Question- how are the reserves and the Central league team doing?

    Arsenal Bond, Hammers Bond, and now this? I daresay the Newcastle
    version will be called the "(St) James Bond?"
    
    Barry Bond

Leeds were well worth their victory against Shelbourne last night at a cold Tolka
park. There was really only one team in the game and it wasn't Shels! Leeds
possessed much more power, fitness, and finesse on a night which made football 
fairly hard to play because the underground conditions were fairly slippy.

Leeds lined out with a near full strength team 

                              Lukic

            Newsome    Fairclough    Whyte    Dorigo

            Strachan    Batty    McAllister    Speed

                        Cantona    Wallace.

Leeds were never really pushed although it took two goals in the mid part of the 
second half to finally decide the issue. The lads started out brightly with two
goals disallowed within the first twenty minutes. The second by Cantona was ruled
very dubiously off-side. Strachan was tackled awkwardly in the opening stages of 
the game and consequently kept on the peripheral of the game for the rest of the
match. Shels best chances of the game came from a back pass that went 
slightly astray and a good cross that wasn't met by an oncoming forward in time.

The second half started out with a lot of end to end stuff without any real 
penetration. Then, Cantona brought a good save from Byrne Shels keeper but the
follow up should have been put away. Soon afterwards Cantona again shuddered
the post with a piledriver that the keeper hardly saw. We didn't have to wait 
much longer for the goals. 

Number one came from a Strachan corner on the right crossed in, headed on by 
Whyte and it was eventually put away from about 3-5 yards by Fairclough. The 
second goal came soon afterwards ( 6 mins ) with Strachan feeding Speed who put  
a daisy cutter into the left hand corner from about 15 yards. 2-0 and the game 
had ebbed away from Shels. Even with 15 minutes to go, half the crowd started 
to leave. Very disconcerting to the real supporter. Funnily enough Leeds had 
made no substitutions until then so it seemed that they were taking this game 
seriously, to give Cantona a good work out. After the 2 goals Leed made three 
substitutions bringing on Kelly and Curtis, two Irish lads to satisfy the home 
crowd.

I wasn't particularly impressed with Cantona. He was full of the nice touches BUT
seems to be sharp in front of the goal, once he gets his range and shooting boots 
properly fitted. Batty should have been booked as he committed a series of niggly 
fouls/tackles, the usual Batty stuff. Otherwise it was very hard to gauge the 
team performance from a game such as this.

Shels have a well appointed ground which was 90% full last night i.e 9-11 K,
Mostly sitting. Unfortunately, there was no programme provided for the night that
was in it. I hope Shels win the league as they seem to have a well run setup with
a good pitch to play football on. Leeds fans can't seem to get enough of the Lads
as this was their fifth trip since they gained promotion from the second division 
two years ago. Long may it continue and hopefully I will have seen the League 
Champions ( 91-92 ) in action last night.

                              James.

    James,
    is Newsome a new face?
    cant remember seeing him before?
    Ian.
    

    
    	What with? A new set of crayons? 8-)
    
    	Leeds have been getting good crowds at Elland Road all season.

    	Andy.

    Leeds 0 Gothenburg 1
    
    Gothenburg took the lead after 5 minutes, whwn a quick break found
    Leeds asleep. There were about 8,000 fans there, there wasn't much
    atmosphere, and it was a friendly. Leeds looked good at times, Cantona
    hit a post and had one effort well saves by the Gothenburg goalie. The
    Swedes looked good, and would have given Leeds a hard time if the game
    had had any meaning other than a practice match for both teams.
     The last 20 minutes were a little dull, no team wanting to tire
    themselves out or risk injuries.
    
    League action resumes on Sunday, Leeds are away at Everton, it's live
    on ITV. Sterland has shaken off a thigh injury, Speed should be fit
    after a knock received in Ireland but Hodge is out with a recurrence of
    a calf strain. The line up on Sunday should be Lukic, Sterland, Dorigo,
    Whyte, Fairclough, Batty, McAllister, Strachan, Speed, Wallace, Cantona
    and the subs will be choose any 2 from 5, ie Shutt and Whitlow. I
    expect Leeds to carry on with their League TV form, ie win. The others
    in the title race can draw or lose.
    
    jb.

    re 89.40 ...
    
    This topic has been quiet because I've been out of t'office drumming up
    punters for our desktop offerings in Warrington and Edinburgh.
    
    jb.

Re: -1

Well at least this topic is quiet because nothing is happening not like some 
other topics where there is a lot of activity i.e 1 liners but with little 
content. When we have something to say we say it and don't waste bandwidth 
having a full blown conversation over the network ;-)

                               James.

    Everton 1 Leeds 1
    
    Not a great match, Leeds played well enough to get a point and nothing
    else. The Mancs are 3 ahead, possibly (but hopefully not) 6 ahead on
    Wed. The chases either drew or lost, only Wednesday winning, so it's
    Leeds or the Mancs for the title, if it isn't one of those 2, the
    eventual title winners will win the title because Leeds or Man U threw
    it away. Luton on Sat, Chapman could well be back.
    
    jb (off to Jockland again in 10 mins ...)
    

    
    
    Read on Ceefax that Rod Wallace was going to see a Specialist about his
    leg injury.  Didn't say what exactly was wrong or how long he would be
    out.  Anyone have more details?
    
    Steve Hodges Calf injury is persisting.  He will miss the next few
    games and should go in for an operation in the Summer.
    
    Lets hope that the injury list does not increase!!
    
    
    S

    Wallace should play on Saturday, Chapman is doubtful, but could play vs
    Villa. Hodge will have an op at the end of the season, he is also
    doubtful for Saturday.
    
    The bond scheme is to go ahead, the Leeds board are expecting 8,000
    fans to sign up.
    
    Last night's result went OK, it could have been better ! The Mancs face
    a tough away game at Coventry on Sat, a draw would be fine, we play
    Luton on Saturday and Villa on Tuesday, both at Elland Rd, hopefully 6
    points - we need them ! That might put us top by 1 point if the Mancs
    don't win vs Coventry.
    
    Games left are :-
    
    Home				Away
    
    Luton				Spurs
    Villa				QPR
    Wimbledon				Arsenal
    West Ham				Man City
    Chelsea				Liverpool
    Coventry				Sheffield Utd
    Norwich
    
    7h 6a, a little better than the Mancs run in I think.
    
    Home matches must be won, and away matches must consist of at least
    draws with a few wins ! Not easy, but the Mancs don't have it easy
    either, it will be close.
    
    jb.

    
    
      We have taken Tony Agana on a loan swap with Notts County. We have
    given them John Mclelland (i think).  don't know many details or the
    loan period.  
         Prehaps you could shed some light on the deal Jon???
    
      Seems a good move to me to go in for a another striker. Everyone was
    saying that at the BEGINNING of the season we needed strikers and Wilko
    waits till now  !!!  
    
      Luton on saturday, should be tree points in the bag.  Man U got
    another get out of jail free card last night scoring ~2mins from time,
    we are still in touch but it's gonna be close!!!!
    
    
    
    
       Paul...

    Wilko strikes again ! Big John McClelland and Tony Agana have swopped
    clubs for a 1 month period, Agana has been admired by Wilko for some
    time, McClelland will hold the County defence together and maybe keep
    them up. Williams is to stay with County for a further month - could
    Big John and Williams be part of a player exchange deal for Agana ?
    Radio Leeds siad Agana could play on Saturday, Chapman has said he is
    willing to play, and there is also Cantona - Leeds now have a striker
    glut to keep them on track for the championship.
    
    Chris Kamara returns to Elland Road tomorrow, he was a popular player,
    always gave 100% effort, he'll get a good reception but will finish up
    on the losing side.
    
    Hodge is going to have an operation on his troublesome calf, Leeds
    don't seem to have got much out of him this season. Tomorrow's team is
    unclear, but I'll guess :-
    
    Lukic, Sterland, Dorigo, Whyte, Fairclough, Strachan, Batty,
    McAllister, Speed, Wallace, (Cantona, Chapman, Agana), Subs Whitlow and
    one of CC&A or Shutt. All will be revealed on Radio Leeds about 2.30
    whilst I'm on my way from the Adelphi to Elland Rd.
    
    jb.

    Re 430.
    
    Caddy,
        
    "Luton on saturday should be three points in the bag."
    
    Don't be so confident my boy. I reckon the law of averages means the
    Town are going to win away whether they play well or not. It could be
    Saturday.
    
    I'm confident of at LEAST a point. Remember you scrapped home last
    year.
    
    Regards,
    
    Barry. 

    Leeds 2 Luton 0
    
    In the first 15 minutes, Luton were there for the taking, but Leeds
    weren't firing on all cylingers. Dorigo went off injured after 25
    minutes, and Spped had to go to left back to cover - so Leeds lost
    their midfield bite a little. Eric Cantona came on, and he is already a
    favourite with the Elland Road fans. Leeds struggled in the first half,
    but Luton didn't offer too many heart failure moments ...
    
    In the 2nd half, Leeds played poorly to begin with, and Luton had a few
    shots, they should have done better. In a 5 minute purple patch on the
    hour, Cantona missed an open goal, as did Strachan and Chapman.
    McAllister went through, was brought down by Sutton, the ref played a
    good adventage and Eric the Gaul got his first goal for Leeds. Leeds
    then fell asleep again, and 1 goal wasn't going to be enough. Chapman
    magde it 2-0 with the goal of the day.
    
    The Mancs drew, we can go 7 points clear by next Wed ....
    
    Luton weren't that bad, Kamara got a good reception.
    
    jb.

    Wilko is down the smoke today, appearing before an FA Disciplinary
    commitee for alleged comments made to the linesman after Watson cheated
    during Wednesday's hammering in January. Tony Dorigo was apparently the
    target of his criticism, he's injured and can't travel to London and
    therefore can't act as witness. 
    
    Dorigo looks dodgy for tomorrow, Whitlow could deputise. Hopefully,
    another 3 points in the bag before the next 2 away games in London, at
    Spurs and QPR respectively. Now wouldn't 9 points out of these 2 games
    look nice ....
    
    jb.
    

.434>    Spurs and QPR respectively. Now wouldn't 9 points out of these 2 games
.434>    look nice ....
    
	Not even Leeds can manage that!

    re .434 :-
    
    Sorry folks, I was using Oracle Benchmark Logic ;-)
    
    jb.

    He headed the ball on into the area from about 10 meters outside in
    what looked like a typical 50-50 challenge for the ball that he won,
    looks like a very useful buy for Leeds.
    
    Next time watch the TF1 football highlights on Sunday evening JF :-)
    
    -Dom

    Dorigo is struggling to be fit for tonight, Speed may take the left
    back spot again, leaving Cantona and Chapman together up front, with
    Whitlow and Agana on the bench (or Whitlow to start with Cantona and
    Agana on the bench). Whatever happens, the speedy Villa wingers will
    need to be stopped, just like they were at Villa Park, whwn Leeds won
    4-1. Leeds aren't playing as well as then , but I expect a victory
    tonight, they can't go on playing as poorly as they have been for most
    of 1992. Spurs on Saturday, they will get mauled at Feyenoord, they
    might get a draw, but several players will have bits missing, and they
    will be tired - and then they have Leeds, could be another 3 points.
    QPR is the following Wednesday, QPR did the double over us last season,
    so that has got to be avenged - Strachan also got sent off, the first
    time in his career, that might be a draw, but a win would be better,
    putting the pressure on the Mancs.
    
    Wilko's FA disciplinary hearing has been postponed till 16 March,
    Dorigo wasn't able to attend as Wilko's witness. Gary Newbond the ITV
    Match presenter is also to give evidence for Wilko.
    
    jb.

I don't particularly like the idea that if Leeds were to get 9 points from the 
next three games that the league is destined for Leeds, as we will then be 7 pts 
ahead with 3 more games played. Has anybody bothered to see our schedule after 
those three games. Man city, Arsenal and Liverpool all away in five games after
that. 

This league will go down to the final few if not the last game of the season. It
may be too much for some ;-). It does seem that the League is between the two
United's as the rest are too far behind. Come to think of it what are the odds
of neither of the united's winning the league, may be worth a flutter as a loony 
bet!

                             James.

    
    	I reckon that Leeds will either be 1 point ahead or behind the
    Mancs as I think they will drop 6 to 8 points in their next 3 games.
    
    
    
    yours in hope !
    
    	Hass. 

    
    
    jb 
       Did my ears decieve me on saturday or did i hear a slight sound of
    dissent amongst the Leeds fans as Leslie Silver was handing out the
    first 10 bonds to united supporters !!!
    
       I do notice that if you pay for your bond over a 12 month instalment
    period then a lot of the benefits are not given until the bond is paid
    in full. E.G. no #100 discount until 93/94 if you pay by instalments.
      I believe it to be  a good scheme but wonder how many hidden clauses
    may affect the punter in the long run. The sentence :-
     
    "Season Ticket prices fixed at prices set for the 1992/93 season
    adjusted for no more than increases allowing for inflation,any changes
    in taxation or levies imposed by the football authorities."
    
    I notice they put football authorities as they don't actually know WHO
    will be running football next season ...
    
      anyone like to comment on the above ???
    
    
    Paul....
    
    

    Final score
    
    Leeds 0-0 Villa    (Strachan missed a second-half penalty)
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    ps. you lot are doing you damnest to blow it

    Leeds 0 Villa 0
    
    Frantic, Strachan misses a penalty, Leeds down to 9 men due to
    Fairclough and Sterland colliding, Fairclough is replaced by
    McClelland, both Fairclough and Sterland spent the night in hospital,
    they are both doubtful for Saturday. Talking of Saturday, Dorigo,
    Wallace and maybe the Sterland and Fairclough are out, McClelland has
    gone to Notts County on loan - we're looking a bit frail at the back...
    
    We need to win the next 2 games, against the Totters and QPR - both
    away.
    
    jb.

    re -1
    
    If I remember rightly it was Wigan (as per usual :-( )
    
    jb.

    There have been some loan players in lately :-
    
    Cantona from Nimes
    Agana from Notts Co
    
    And some out :-
    
    McClelland to Notts Co
    Mervyn Day to Luton
    Bobby Davison to Sheff Utd
    
    On the injury front, Sterland and Fairclough are fit to play against
    the Totters, Dorigo is out, and Wallace is a doubt, he has a recurrence
    of the shin injury that sidelined him in the earlier part of the
    season. 3 points is needed from tomorrows game, to put some pressure on
    the Mancs.
    
    The title race now looks to be between Leeds and the Mancs, Man City
    and Sheff Wed are too inconsistent, Liverpool have blown it. It will go
    to the last game of the season, I hope the TV companies don't mess
    about with the schedules and Leeds kick off at the same time as the
    Mancs, Leeds are at home vs Norwich, the Mancs play ????
    
    jb.

    > The title race now looks to be between Leeds and the Mancs,
    > Man City and Sheff Wed are too inconsistent,
    
    if you lot werent so inconsistent, youd have an almost unassailable
    lead, as it is, it looks as if YOUVE blown it.
    i hope you havent.
    how is Lee Chapman since his return?
    i saw the goal......
    
    Ian.
    
    

    The way the UTD's are playing at the moment another 10 or 11 0-0 draws
    should secure you a memorable championship.
    
    All Leeds and Man U supporters should be thankfull that the rest of the
    first division doesnt seem interested in winning the championship ;-)
    
    Nigel

    Wallace and Whitlow are added to the fit pool of players, so it's only
    Dorigo that is ruled out tomorrow. The forward line will consist of any
    x from the following, Wallace, Chapman, Agana, Cantona and Shutt.
    
    3 points tomorrow (please !)
    
    Something else, nothing to do with Leeds United, but of possible
    interest to O'Noters is that Huddersfield Town have sacked their
    manager, Eoin Hand, who used to be the Irish Manager if I remember
    correctly. Huddersfield have slumped since the New Year, and are in
    danger of slipping out of the promotion frame in Div 3.
    
    jb.
    

    
    I know this is the wrong topic but re -1, I'm amazed.  Eoin Hand was
    linked with the Sunderland job a few weeks ago.  He seemed to be having
    a great season and I thought the board would stick by him depite a poor
    run.  Is there something else to the story or is it just poor results?
    
    His first job was at Limerick where he won the league and cup in 3
    seasons and we qualified for Europe every season under him.  He missed
    World Cup qualification on goal difference in 1982 but it was all odwn
    hill from there.  He left Limerick under a cloud (sadly most of our
    managers do :-().  Humiliation piled upon humiliation in the next 3
    years as Ireland manager and he finally lost his job after a mauling by
    Denmark at Lansdowne.  Enter Jack Charlton...
    
    He has been in the Huddersfield job for quite a few years without ever
    achieving much.  They looked good this season but faltered.  I hope he
    bounces back.
    
    Gary.

    Spurs 1 Leeds 3
    
    Another 90 minute performance, but not one of the best according to
    Wilko. Wallace put Leeds 1 up on about the 1/2 hour, and Spurs had some
    good chances. Lineker went off injured after 15 minutes, and Stewart
    was giving the Leeds defence a lot of work to do. Spurs equalised 3
    mins after  the break, and Leeds were on the ropes a little. Sterland
    was replaced by Newsome, who scored 3 mins later, this lifted Leeds.
    Whitlow was then replaced by Eric the Gaul, who almost immediately sent
    an excellent through ball to McAllister who made it 3-1, and Spurs were
    out of it. Leeds' 2 goals came in a 5 minute spell, they can destroy
    any team when they play like that.
    
    QPR on Wed night, they thrashed Man City 4-0 on Sat, we owe them one
    for the double they did last season, Strachan also got sent off, the
    first time in his career.
    
    Leeds are now 2 points clear of the Mancs, but they do have 2 games in
    hand. If Wed's result goes to plan (a win) then it will be 5 points
    clear. The Mancs have to travel to Bramall Lane on Sat, Leeds have the
    Wombles at Elland Rd. Wouldn't it be nice to be 8 points clear by
    Saturday night ?
    
    jb.

    
    Does any one know if Dorigo will be back for tomorrow's game?
    
    S

    
    	Word is he is injured and so will not play. But you never know...
    

    Dorigo has a knee ligament injury, and will not play vs QPR. Sterland
    and Whitlow have both got over leg and groin injuries, so the team that
    started vs Spurs will start vs QPR, Cantona and Newsome are expected to
    be subs. A win is needed (obvious statement).
    
    jb.
    

    RE 60.
    
    Does anyone know if Dorigo will be back for tomorrows game."
    
    
    Where's he gone then. On holiday.
    
    Barry.

Really important game at Q.P.R tonight. A win would be a great boast to the team
and would really engender in them the possibility that they can win the 
championship. Earlier on in the season I mentioned that Leeds have very defined
bogey teams for and against, Q.P.R was one of ours against from last year. They 
doubled over us. We lost 2-0 late last season playing some good footie and 
Strachan I remember getting sent off for arguing with the Ref over a seemingly 
good goal being disallowed when we were 1-0 down. 

Anything less than a win will leave MUFC with THREE games in hand and us being
only a handful of points up. Not even MUFC could fail to overcome that meagre 
gap.

Leeds, Leeds, Leeds.

                            James 

    
     Sterland isn't playing tonight Newsome is starting in his first full 
    league debut. Cantona will be on the bench again.
     
       Hodge returned to Elland road at the beginning of the week after 
    an operation.
    
       We owe QPR for the 2-0 win against us last season.
      Strachan got sent of at that game , I'm off to the game now as it's
    only a few miles from the Welwyn office, i will try and get a match
    report in for tomorrow!!!!!!

Article 12485 of rec.sport.soccer:
Path: hollie.rdg.dec.com!pa.dec.com!decwrl!uunet!mcsun!uknet!stl!stc!tim
From: tim@tcom.stc.co.uk (Bobby Gillespie's Hair)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.soccer
Subject: Spurs-Leeds Match Report
Message-ID: <1992Mar10.152351.5562@tcom.stc.co.uk>
Date: 10 Mar 92 15:23:51 GMT
Sender: news@tcom.stc.co.uk (System Administration)
Organization: BNR Europe
Lines: 94


Tottenham 1      Leeds 3
(Allen)          (Wallace,  Newsome,  McAllister)

Leeds played crap on Saturday overall but of course winning 
is the main thing.  We could have lost by the same margin but 
for the magic of John Lukic.  It was hugely enjoyable 
though,  especially so in view of how worried everyone
was at several moments when it looked as if we were giving
victory to the home side.

They began briskly and took the game to the home side 
with Tottenham reasonably menacing on the break.
There were flashes of the sort of class that Leeds have
displayed on their better days this season towards the 
middle of the second half when they began to control the
midfield and string together passes across the field but
the overall impression was bad.

Wallace scored the first having been given the ball by Batty
via Spurs' Sedgeley,  though based on his performance up 
to that point I was expecting him to hit the hoardings.

Strachan was very good and a joy to watch.  He went close
to scoring at least once and was instrumental in our surviving 
the equaliser (by Allen which came in the first couple of 
minutes of the second half) steadying the lads' nerves 
with the example of his own determination.

Batty was his usual dependable self and also went close
in the second half.  On one occasion he made a great move
down the left but there was no-one available to set up,  and 
it seemed he would have done better to have a go himself.  He 
stoutly won the ball many times when it encroached our box and 
did the right thing,  whacking it right back out again.
Chapman was having an off day, he seemed unable to get himself 
in shooting positions and even lofted a Chapman-size cross to 
the diminutive Wallace at one point,  who watched it fly way over 
his head.

We missed Dorigo a lot,  the left side was lacking its usual 
attack although Whitlow did ok on the whole.

Durie broke through at one point and was one-on-one with
Johnny Lukic but fluffed his chance.  I wasn't worried by him
though.  Stewart created a lot of trouble for Leeds.

The Leeds crowd provided some of the best entertainment,
with most of the singing directed at the current favourite
Eric Cantona.  "Ooh-ah Can-to-na",  "Er-i-ic" and the 
tune to La Marseillaise were just some of the new chants.  
The Tottenham were sedate to say the least.  They appeared
to be so quiet I felt like going over to poke them with a
stick to see if they were alive.

Eric was on the touchline warming up at various points
during the first and second halves and waved at us to huge
cheers,  encouraging the chanting presumably to get the
boss to put him on.  He came on after we had gone 2-1
up in the 70th or so minute and things went blurry.  
The tall young defender Jon Newsome scored from a corner
after just coming on as substitute for Whitlow,  his first
goal for Leeds since joining from Sheffield Wednesday reserves
in the summer.  

When the third goal went in pandemonium broke loose in the
Leeds end and we danced around much to the consternation 
of the plod who gathered behind the goal. I'll miss the
terraces when they go.  It just won't be the same.  McAllister
was the scorer,  and the creator was the man of the day if not
of the match,  M. Cantona (lets be fair,  he was only playing
about 20 minutes.  The away end at White Hart Lane became the 
Parc Des Princes for several minutes.

Walsh was a continual source of problems as he made 
frequent incursions into the Leeds half.  Allen was good
also,  as was Howells.  Spurs should consider themselves 
hard done by really,  although it felt really good to beat them.

Wednesday is more of a concern to me (i.e. the day,  not
Sheffield 6-1 Wednesday,  they're crap) because we face QPR
an extremely good side who are anxious to avoid the
relegation zone.  They beat Man City 4-0 on Saturday so
the players must be at their best to get the vital 3
points to keep us in touch with the title chase.  Man
U have not played a league game for over a week now and
we need to consolidate a bigger lead than two points.

			Tim
--
Levitation's music is like sitting | Tim Kennedy <tim@tcom.stc.co.uk>
on a pillar of salt for 20 years   | Dept 30730 BNR Europe,
and just licking the salt, saying  | Oakleigh Rd South, London N11 1HB, UK.
nothing.   -Terry Bickers          | Sheffield Wednesday 1 Leeds United 6

    >only a few miles from the Welwyn office, i will try and get a match
    >report in for tomorrow!!!!!!
    
    
    	I wonder if you'll still try! ;-)
    
    
    	QPR 4 Leeds 1.
    
    
    	QPR have now scored 4 against, United, City and Leeds!

Despair vb. 

1. (intr.; often foll. by of) to lose or give up hope: I despair of 
(*Leeds*)/his coming. 

2. (tr.) Obsolete. to give up hope of; lose hope in. ~n. 

3. total loss of hope. 

4. A person of thing that causes hopelessness or for which there is no hope: 
(*I despair of Leeds even winnig the league*).

             
                         James.

    QPR 4 Leeds 1
    
    Leeds went 1-0 up after 10 minutes, and had more chances. QPR got one
    back, after a poor corner clearance - Leeds let them back into the
    game, and threw it away in the 2nd half. Looks like they were well and
    truly beaten, it's the largest no of gols they have let in this season.
    I hope they do better on Saturday. At least they are still top, but the
    Mancs have 3 games in hand, and Liverpool are closing - 12 points
    behind with 2 games in hand.
    
    jb.

    
    
    Well what can you say, we had all the chances to go 2 or 3 up in the
    first half but failed to finish. QPR scoed just after Wallace had gone
    off after a clash of heads with Peacock. From there QPR didn't really
    look back, Les Ferdinand had the pace of an out of sorts defence all
    night (Witlow clutching  at his groin from start of game to finish).  
    If he was't fit what was he doing on the pitch against strikers with
    pace like Sinton and Ferdinand. 
    
         Good ball in from the right on 10 mins from Newsome saw Speed jump
    well and head down to bottom left corner of Stejskal's goal.
       Could have had another from McAllisters free kick from just outside
    the 18 yrd box which Steyskal got down really well for.
    
        We were well in to the match up until the 2 goal spree by QPR, the
    first put in from an impossible angle on the right.
       Strachan was constantly coaching Newsome to get back into position
    and i think the lack of our usual defenders lost us the game.
    
      All credit to QPR who kep the ball on the ground and did a lot of
    running off the ball from midfield through the middle. We lost control
    of the midfield with Wilkins spreading the ball all over the place,out
    to the wingers and through the middle. The Whyte incident shouldn't
    have occured, there was no way Huggy was going to get to the ball so why
    put the tackle in.( Will we call back McClelland form Notts county to
    fill in?).
       The Next visitors to QPR are the Mancs late in March, I'd like to
    see how they get on against them the way QPR are playing at the moment.
    
        Wimbledon on saturday and we need to put this defeat and the 
    psychological difference behind us with man u having three games in
    hand. We are still top and thats what counts. Man U are not infallable
    and can drop points as well!!!!!
    
    
    Cheers Paul......
         

                     <<< Note 33.471 by NSDC::SIMPSON >>>


As Untied have to go to Loftus Road, let's call it 2 games in hand - OK?!
    .....
    
    Yes, we all know thet they will fall apart later on ;-)
    
    jb.

re -.1
>>	and Leeds have got someone from Leicester on a months load
>>    (name forgotten).


Ally Maughlin - a 31 year old Midfielder

    Ally Mauchlin looks set to make his Leeds debut tomorrow vs the
    Wombles, Sterland has had a reoccurence of his leg injury, and Mauchlin
    will take preference over Newsome, whose inexperience showed a little
    on Wednesday. Wallace looks set to return, Dorogo is still unfit. Whyte
    will miss the games at the Arse and West Ham at Elland Road. Let's hope
    Wilko can get McClelland back soon !
    
    I hope the Blades do us a favour tomorrow.
    
    jb.

    M.Cantona will be on the bench to start off with. He is popular with
    the Leeds fans, and he is starting to make an impact. Leeds are not
    playing too well at the moment, hopefully this will change tomorrow. It
    remains to be seen whwther he will stay on with Leedsa, I think / hope
    he will, he is a useful man to have in the squad.
    
    jb.

    
    jb,
    good luck to Leeds tomorrow.
    if Man Utd go to the top with 3 games in hand, it could all be over.
    Ian.
    

    re.474.
    
    JB
      In reply to your comment about the Scotish league being equivalant
    to the bottom of the 1st/top 2nd division,I beleive that
    Celtic,Rangers,Hearts and Aberdeen would all be able to hold there
    own against most of the English 1st division clubs,as did Celtic
    against the great (and I use the word great loosly) Leeds team of the
    70's.
    
    
    SQF Jambo

    re -1
    
    I used the term 'overall' deliberatley, the Scots League does have a
    handful of teams that would push Leeds, Man U, Liverpool, The Arse, but
    there are a lot of others that wouldn't.
    
    jb.

    Mancs to regain top spot on goal difference as I predict that Leeds
    will only draw 0-0 and the Mancs to win 2-0!!!

Leeds     5-1     Wimbledon

Chapman 3         who cares
Wallace
Cantona

Keeping the pressure on just about. MUFC were might lucky against a poor Sheff 
Utd team. Keep on winning. We are still on top and at least Europe here we 
come.

                                  James.

Article 12289 of rec.sport.soccer:
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From: M.H.Smith@newcastle.ac.uk (Mark Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.soccer
Subject: Leeds match report
Message-ID: <1992Mar4.110759.14566@newcastle.ac.uk>
Date: 4 Mar 92 11:07:59 GMT
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Leeds  0 Aston Villa 0

att: 29,000 ish

	Leeds missed their chance to regain the lead of the first division
last night but played better, in my opinion, than they had for quite a while.
	There is wierd, nervousness around Elland road, just as I understand 
as at Old Trafford. Although the crowd were really getting behind the team
for the majority of match ( one of the noisest games in recent times - but night
games always help the atmosphere ) there were a few periods when only the villa
fans could be heard singing ( a bloody monotonous one too ) as everyone else
was just too nervous and aprehensive to shout. These periods soon dissolved 
however and the climax to the game was helped by magnificant backing by the fans
	Some may think all this talk about crowd support at Old Trafford and at
Elland Road are irrelevant. Wilikinson obviously does not as in his talks to the crowd before each home match he has regularly pleaded for the fans to get
 behind the team whether playing Luton or Man. Utd. I believe the first team to
get rid of its nervousness, and this will be helped by the fans getting behind
the team always ( even if they are nervous !) will win the Championship and 
probably run away with it. 

	Anyway, on with the match report:-

	The game started frantically as always with the only real chance
coming from a Stachen free kick from 30 yrds which brought a good save from
the recalled Spink. Then, `unlucky Leeds' had another bad piece of luck which
was reminiscent of those which plagued them during the Glory years. Mel Sterland
and Chris Fairclough clashed heads and Sterland was left on the floor. He was 
taken off the pitch for stitches, Wilko as the game was only 5 mins old 
decided not to bring on a sub and switched Whitlow to right back and
brought Speed to left back. The troubles were not over as 5 miutes later
the referee ordered Fairclough off the pitch as he was also bleeding.
So Leeds had nine men with Whitlow switching to full back and Batty filling
the right back position (!!!!).
Fairclough came back after five minutes and Sterland later after 15minutes
off the field. Leeds didn't panic whilst they were short and played sensible
possesion football. Villa didn't have a clean cut chance but quite 
understanndably neither did Leeds. So after effectively losing 15 minutes
play Leeds were temporaily back to normal.

	In the remainder of the half there were chances for both teams. Agana
should have buried a chance as should Regis at the other end. The referee made
a few ridiculous decisions including not sending off Teale. Sterland (I think)
has made a clean break and was running to the edge of the Villa box with a free
run to goal when he was brought to the ground by Teale. It was the most
obvious `professional foul' I'd seen but only resulted in a yellow card.
Dalian Atkinson was by far and away the best Villa player and hit the target
after a good run, but it was given (rightly) offside. Fairclough was still in
trouble after his clash with Sterland and had to be substituted by McLleland
(who was recalled from Notts County on loan after only a few days).

	In the second half, Leeds started to get dominance in midfield and
at some stages it looked as if Villa were playing for the draw. Villa
did have quite a few chances on the break however and Lukic made one excellent
one-on-one save from Atkinson near the end. Leeds however had long period
in and around the penalty box which resulted in about the 65th minute with
a penalty for hand ball. I was obstructed (by a big fat bloke) from a good
view so I can't comment on this descision! However this was irrelevant as
Strach took one of the worst penalties I've seen and Spink had not much more
to do than bend down and gather it. Obvious nerves.

When Cantona came on for the dissapointing Agana the reception was amazing,
(`oh-ah-Cantona' fits quite well don't you think) and his performance was
well worth the reception. The Leeds team are beginning to realise that he
is not (despite his size) a target man and that the ball should be played
to his feet. It was the first time I'd seen him live and I was very impressed.
I think he will do well (and he will try his hardest with the competition
for strikers which is present at the club at the moment).

The game ended with about 15 minutes of continuous bobardment of the Villa
goal with corner after corner and cross after cross comming for Stachen
and Sterland respectively. Cantona had some good shots on goal and had
an appeal for a penalty (which looked good) turned down. The ball was 
cleared off the line numerous times and everything seemed to happen except
the ball getting in the net.

	So it ended 0-0 and Leeds missed the chance to go top.

However I think they have another two matches before Man. Utd. play again
(Spurs, and QPR, away) and if we can lose our nerves (both supporters and
players) and get the points I'm sure Fergie will be rather more than concerned.

		Cheers, 
			Tony Dorigo.

(m.h.smith@dur.uk.ac)

P.S Just because I haven't slagged of the Mancies in this article it doesn't
mean I don't hate the Scum. ( I feel better now !!)

    Leeds 5 Wombles 1
    
    Chapman got his 2nd hat-trick of the season against a reasonable
    Wombles side that were made to look 3rd rate by a Leeds side smarting
    after their thrashing at QPR on Wednesday. The Wombles almost took an
    earl lead with Lukic dropping a cross that moved around in the swirling
    windy conditions (there was also snow, hail, sleet, rain and bright
    sunlight to contend with, the only thing missing was fog, the thunder
    was provided by the Kop). Leeds were 2-0 up thanks to 2 Chapman goals,
    and 3 up thanks to Wallace, given a long time to control and shoot.
    Whan Chapman scored his first, the good news came from Bramall Lane
    that the Mancs were losing. Strachan didn't come out for the 2nd half,
    he was replaced by Shutt, and McAllister ran the show very well. He
    always plays well when Strachan isn't there, Rangers keep off !
    Wimbledon came back , scored, and they were making Leeds look edgy, but
    Cantona capitalised on a mistake by a Womble, and made it 4-1 -
    Pandemonium !!!!!  Radio 5 then said the Mancs had equalised. Chapman
    made it 5-1 after a good Shutt cross, anf then the Mancs go a winner,
    this took the gloss ofthe performance (especially as Schmiecal should
    have been sent off for cheating, and the Mancs got an offside goal).
    
    Whyte is out for the trip to the Arse on Sunday, the Mancs play away at
    Forest and at home to the Wombles before we play, so 2 draws (or better
    still 2 defeats) are needed. The Mancs have to play Forest 3 times in
    the next 5 weeks, they can have a win, a draw and a defeat, as long as
    the win isn't in the league !
    
    Wilko is in London today on his disrepute charge for alleged comments
    made to the ref following the diving incident at Hillsborough in
    January, Dorigo and Elton Welsby the TV man are appearing for him -
    Wilko said he was f'iing and blinding at Dorigo (as befits his normal
    behaviour).
    
    Come on Forest !
    
    Come on Wombles !
    
    jb.

    
    
    JB
                                              
    How many goals has the Chapman/Wallace partnership scored?
    
    
    S

    
    
    Did Cantona play as left back, on Saturday?
    
    He had the number 3 shirt on and I couldn't see whitlow's name in the
    team.
    
    S

    Wallace and Chappo have scored close on 40 goals between them in all
    competitions (from memory, I don't have the exact details to hand).
    
    Cantona did play as No 3, but he wasn't left back - Speed and Newsome
    played as the full backs, Sterland, Dorigo and Whitlow are all injured.
    Dorigo should be OK for the Arse trip, Sterland and Whitlow will need
    operations at the end of the season, they will struggle by till then.
    
    jb.

    Wilko had the case against him 'Not Proven' - ie he's got off the
    alleged swearing at the linesman incident. Instaead, he f's and blinds
    at his players throughout the match.
    
    jb.

As far as my figures go the Chapman-Wallace combination have scored 29 goals in
all competitions including 23 in the league this season.

Leeds have 15 players who have scored this season already, come on Lukic!

                               James.

    A 15 year old named after the entire 1976 Manc squad that won the FA
    Cup that year has signed associate forms for Leeds. He and his dad are
    Manc fans, but he is pleased to be associated with Leeds, the League
    Leaders (thanks Cloughie).
    
    The Arse Sunday, not easy, at least a draw is needed, but a win would
    be sooo much better.
    
    jb.

    
    so whats his full name then jb?
    Ian.
    

    The Manc name is so long I can't remember it, I'll see if it's in the
    EP (Monday's).
    
    Dorigo should play vs the Arse, as should Sterland. Probable back 4 is
    Sterland, Fairclough, Newsome and Dorigo, midfield Strachan, Batty,
    McAllister and Speed, up front Wallace and Chapman, with Cantona and
    (possibly) Whitlow on the bench, or Wilko could go for attack. The
    Mancs losing last night :-) made the QPR debacle a little more
    bearable, the Wombles will present them with tougher opposition than
    they did last week at Elland Rd, a draw (or better still a loss) will
    put the Mancs 1 or 2 points behind, but with only 1 game in hand. A win
    at Arsenal will then put Leeds 4 or 5 points clear (cont P. 94)....
    
    We'll wait and see. Leeds only have 1 more midweek fixture, on Easter
    Tuesday vs Coventry, all other games are Saturdays, 1 a week, so there
    is time for rest and recovery between games. The Mancs can then have
    all the pressure (what happens if the Rum Cup final ends in a draw aet
    ?)
    
    jb.

    Yes, 1977 was the year the Mancs done it, fluking their way past
    Liverpool at Wembley. As for the parents of this poor unfortunate
    lad, obviously a couple of basket cases. 
    
    

    >>As for the parents of this poor unfortunate lad, obviously a 
    >>couple of basket cases.
    
    Aw com'on Barry Margaret Hilda Thatcher O'Hagan aren't you being a bit
    harsh there?
    
    Mike M 
    

    Mike,
    
    Don't know where the Thatcher tag comes from but I do know that
    The Milk Snatcher stole my bottle as a kid. Some wounds never 
    heal. 
    
    barry.
    
    p.s. she was also my MP (Finchley) for a verrrry long time. 

    
    Can you help out this lady directly ? 
    
    JN.
    
    
    
    
            <<< RDGENG::DISK$USER05:[NOTES$LIBRARY]READING.NOTE;4 >>>
                            -< Read about Reading >-
================================================================================
Note 12.686                     Odd questions...                      686 of 686
XNOGOV::KAREN "when you wish upon a star..."          6 lines  20-MAR-1992 09:51
                          -< pure trivia I know, but >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Can anyone settle this?  Does Leeds United have a nickname - ie the same
    as Sheffield Wednesday is known as the owls?
    
    Thanks ;-)
    
    Karen

    
    
    nickname -  	The Yorky Puds

    
    	Yup. -1 has it.

    
    	CRANG!!! Note collision 8-)

    
    re. 'yorkie puds'
    
    thats not what the Barnsley fans call them.
    
    :-)
    
    Ian.
    

    Leeds United are the Peacocks.
    
    Barnsley are known as the Tykes, Manchester United as <censored>
    
    Manchester United could also be called the 'Sergeant Peppers' because
    this famous LP came out in the same year as they last won a League
    Title (1967, 25 (TWENTY FIVE) years ago, quite possibly before some of
    the noters in this conference were born.
    
    jb.

    
    	Careful, jb, we'll be mistaking you for ...shhhhh..you know who..
    
    	Andy.

    Arse 1 Leeds 1
    
    A dour 1st jhalf, both teams cancelling each other out - Leeds always
    seem to play teams whwn they are in form, QPr, Wombles and now the
    Arse. Chapman put Leeds up on 71, after Winterburn was out of position
    - he was complaining in a feeble manner to the ref (whingeing), Wallace
    got the ball, crossed to Chapman who made no mistake, 1-0. Cantona
    forced Seaman into making a very good save, Lukic also saved well, but
    the Arse forwards weren't too good at getting the ball near the goal.
    The Arse equaliser was a good individual goal from Merson, a draw was
    about the right result, although a win would have put more pressure on
    a visibly wobbling man U team, they only scraped a 0-0 vs the Wombles,
    who had been thrashed 5-1 at Elland Rd last Saturday.
    
    Leeds are still 2 points clear of the Mancs, but they have 2 games in
    hand, on of which must be won - the Leeds goal difference is superior
    to that of the Mancs, and Leeds don't have to play on a cabbage patch
    every alternate week. Next week sees No-hope West Ham at Elland Road (3
    points there) and the Mancs must travel to Loftus Road where they will
    be fortunate to get a point, they will probably lose.
    
    jb.

Odds for the league

MUFC   4/9

Leeds  7/4.

Good odds if you are a betting man with MUFC getting only 10 points in the last 
7 games.

It looks like it will be the team that will lose the championship rather than 
win it at this stage of the season.

                                 James.

    	Did anyone think there was a question of off-side about the Leeds
    goal??
    
    KEvin

    > Odds for the league
    
    > MUFC   4/9
    
    > Leeds  7/4.
    
    
    ill have a fiver on Luton, what odds are they?
    :-)
    
    Ian.
    

    
    RE:- Leeds goal.
    
    Chapman was not in an offside position when the ball was played. The
    ball coming in took a deflection off an Arsenal player. 
    
    JN.

    re .508 and other Manc complainants :-
    
    The ref waved play on, Winterburn should have stuck to his task.
    Chapman was not offside when the ball was played, it also took a
    deflection off an Arse player.
    
    The Mancs were VERY fortunate last week to have been playing
    with a goalkeeper for a lot of the game.
    
    jb.
    
    

    	Sorry JN just to understand what you are saying...Do you mean that
    Chapman was not in an offside position because the ball came off an
    Arsenal defender Or that Chapman was simply not in an offside
    position???
    	I thought that when Wallace actually hit the cross,Chapman was
    marginally off BUT it was very very close.
    	Still,about the right result....Both teams were very ordinary with
    Leeds probably the more creative.
    	I hope Winterburn gets severely slated by GG for that incident
    before the goal.

    4/9 and 7/4 - err, not being totally au fait with the comings and
    goings of Turf Accountancy - which is the favourite ?
    
    jb.

    
    4/9 - The Mancs -  you win 4 quid for every 9 quid bet.
    
    7/4 - Leeds - you win 7 quid for every 4 quid bet.
    
    So the Mancs are still the favourites.
    
    paul

    
    The Leeds goal should have disallowed for a deliberate drop kick
    on Winterburn from Batty.
    
             Neil. 

    jb. On Dutch T.V. last night there was an interview with Feyenoord's
    defender John de Wolf, apparently Wilko who watched Spurs v Feyenoord
    was impressed with him. Rumour has it that Leeds are showing interest,
    heard anything about it ?
    
    P.S. could you let me know the remaining home fixtures...I'm planning
    a week's holiday in the near future and would like to go to a game.

    
    You're right Neil. I think we'd all forgotten about that. Winterburn
    got up and started screaming at the ref but play continued.
    
    JN.

If what happened to Saunders v Bristol City has anything to go by, then Batty
could find himself in some trouble with the F.A. over his "challenge" yesterday.

It was a blatant attempt at getting the player, not the ball.

Not a classic match. Both sides canelled each other out well, and a draw was a
fair result. It was the first time I'd seen more than just clips of Cantona, and
he looks like he could be a great buy. He looked a little out of it at times,
but his poke in the first half was inspired, and took a great save from Seaman.

On the other side, Merson had a great game. His long range shot in the 1st was
brilliant, and unlucky not to go in, and the goal was a great piece of
individual play.

Should still be on top this time next week, hopefully by 5 points, but more
probably 4.

	Al

    I haven't heard anything about De Wolf.
    
    Remaining home games :-
    
    Sat 28 Mar, West Ham 
    Sat 11 Apr, Chelsea
    Tue 21 Apr, Coventry
    Sat 2  May, Norwich
    
    Away :-
    
    Sat 4  Apr, Man City
    Sat 18 Apr, Liverpool
    Sun 26 Apr, Sheffield Utd
    
    err winning all of them will do nicely !
    
    Leeds United have been chosen as one of the 2 candidates for Div 1 in
    the Jewson/People awards - Villa are the other - these awards are to
    recognise the way in which football clubs provide for and treat their
    fans, especially families, and how much involvement they have with the
    local community. Leeds have made great strides in the past few years as
    they try to throw off the 'bad boy' image - so far it has succeeded.
    
    jb.

    James,
    
    The Chelsea game is on Sat 11th April !
    
    It would be nice to meet up with other noters, drop me a mail
    (bahtat::blythe, jon blythe @lzo, or my DTN is 7845-2290). I'll be away
    all week beginning the 6th, 4 days in Soton and 1 day off getting over
    the election night 'let's stare at the TV'.
    
    jb.

    
    The run-in :-
    
Mancs' Fixtures 			Leeds' Fixtures		Manc	Manc 
								Defecit games
								in pts  in
									hand
March 28th   Q.P.R. (Away) d   		West Ham  (home) w	4	2

March 31th   Norwich City (Away) w				1	1

April 4th				Mancheter C (away) w	4	2

April  7th   Man City (Home) d					3	1

April 11th				Chelsea (home) w	6	2

April 16th   Southampton (Home) w				3	1

April 18th   Luton Town (Away)  w	Liverpool (away) d	1	1

April 20th   Notts Forest (Home) d				0	0

April 21st				Coventry (home)	w	3	1

April 25th   Liverpool (Away) l					3	0

April 26th 				Sheffield Utd (away) w  6	1

West Ham United (Away) w					3 	0
    
May    2nd   Tottenham (Home) w		Norwich (home) w	3 	0


It could be the title goes to Elland Road on Sunday 26th April, Leeds will be 
6 points ahead of the Mancs, they will have 2 games to play, but they will 
have a poorer goal difference.

jb.

    

    re last
    
    ALso Jon, you go on about United not doing very well at the moment. If
    Leeds are that bloody good, they'd be out of sight by now. Leeds have
    the jitters just like United, but Leeds are fast running out of games
    to for them to get a conclusive and moral destroying advantage.

    'A week is a long time in politics', so a month is 4 times longer.  As
    for the conclusive advantage, maybe this will be a little clearer at
    4.45 on Saturday afternoon, or it will be the same as it is now. This
    one will run and run ... 
    
    Simon, it is Morale rather than moral :-)
    
    Brian - rather than changing my mind I have decided to reappraise the
    situation with reference to changing parameters.
    
    jb.

    
    
      We may well have the jitters  but not to the extent that we feel
    the need to withold our players from doing international duty!!!!
    
    Paul....
    
    
    

    re .527
    
    And should any of them could back injured, that would wipe any smug
    expression of your face.

Article 12962 of rec.sport.soccer:
Path: hollie.rdg.dec.com!news.crl.dec.com!deccrl!decwrl!uunet!mcsun!uknet!stl!stc!tim
From: tim@tcom.stc.co.uk (Bobby Gillespie's Hair)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.soccer
Subject: Re: Arsenal-Leeds : Eye-Witness
Message-ID: <1992Mar23.142856.11704@tcom.stc.co.uk>
Date: 23 Mar 92 14:28:56 GMT
References: <1992Mar22.174125.7011@ulrik.uio.no>
Sender: news@tcom.stc.co.uk (System Administration)
Organization: BNR Europe

The view from the Clock End at Highbury was of a low quality game,  due
mainly to Arsenal's spoiling tactics,  congesting the midfield and relying
mostly on artillery bombardments from Semen (surely he must be trying for
the golden boot this season).  There was none of the style of the televised
game they played at Notts Forest earlier this season.  They were grimly
sticking out for a nil nil draw.  There was some threat from Wright, but
Whyte effectively cancelled him out.  

The Leeds support was strangely muted.  The poor football on view,  added to
the inability of Leeds to pep things up a bit seemed to cast gloom.  Even
Eric couldn't do much in the congestion.  Batty clogged several Arsenal
players.  Strangely enough Chapman has started to play the ball a bit
lately,  it must be Canto's influence.  He lost the ball then tackled it 
back at one point,  then later on set up what could have been the crucial
move of the match. 

He scored something like 20 minutes from full time after Canto had split
the Arsenal defence apart with a superb pass right down the middle.
Shortly afterwards the Arse equalised after continual pressure.  BASTARDS.

However Chapman could have won the game for us,  for during this last few 
minutes he won the ball just on the edge of the area and was in the middle of 
an extremely deft turn when he was brought down.  The referee gave a free
kick and McAllister produced a mighty shot which somehow Semen managed
to hold.

Rodney Wallace seems to have improved his passing a bit.  McAllister was
in excellent form. Strachan seemed low and even blew a corner. He did bring
some cheer when he started haggling with the ref over where EXACTLY the 
free kick was to be taken.

Arsenal have adopted a negative style of football which strangely enough
has not dampened the enthusiasm of the gooners,  who although somewhat
down (27000 odd) on last season still produced an impressive roar
when they got their goal.  They seemed to react to the game much as fans
would at Elland Road,  with passion,  and in this they differ greatly
from their Tottenham rivals,  who closely resemble a graveyard.  Mind you
after we scored the Clock end gooners got a bit threatening (ooh-er!).
They didn't like our repeated chant in high-pitched voices of "red army".
As for the arguments about seating killing atmosphere,  I can report that
we terrace types were outsung by the smaller number of seated Leeds fans 
to our left.  Mind you we had a good old surge when the ball went 
in.

Overall I would say a draw was fair though we could have done with the
points.  I could see Chris Fairclough had decided they were on schedule
the way he was timewasting near the end with Lukic (cheers lads).  

			Tim
--
"I'd slap him over the head with a cushion | T. Kennedy <tim@tcom.stc.co.uk>
until I'd knocked some sense into him"     | Dept 30751 NME, BNR Europe,
	-Sir Geoff Boycott on how he'd deal| Oakleigh Rd South, London N11 1HB.
with the current England Cricket manager.  | LUFC, Yorkshire's No. 1.

    RE .529
    
    An amusing if extremely biased report. Naturally the view from the
    North Bank was slightly different ;-) No mention there of Batty trying
    to kick a hole in Winterburn's chest and Nige's daft reaction which led
    directly to the Leeds goal. Not a great game but I've seen worse and
    the draw was a fair result.

    
    
    
    Re .528    MEEEOOOOWWWWW !!!!!!
    
    
      Paul....

    Hodge played in a reserve game last night, and he should be available
    for selection on Saturday. Peter Haddock also played a part of the
    game, he's well on the mend. 
    
    Strachan looked tired last night, I hope he is OK for Saturday.
    McAllister came on as sub, and made a better impression than some of
    his team-mates. There is still some speculation of a move to Rangers
    for around 3 million - I hope not, Strachan can't go on forever, and
    McAllister plays well when he is running the show rather than Strachan.
    Dorigo played for some of the game vs the Czechs. Batty was Captain of
    the 'B'team on Tuesday night, and had a good game.
    
    West 'am on Saturday, they are bottom and desparate, so they will be a
    handful, a couple of early goals will kill them off, otherwise who
    knows - there will be a noisy crowd there willing Leeds onward. I
    expect 3 points, but it may be a hard-fought 3 points. The Mancs have
    still got to play them, at Upton Park. They will either already be
    down, or even more desparate by then. I expect the Mancs to get at best
    a draw at QPR, they have a poor home record, but are playing well at
    the moment. 
    
    jb.
    

JB,

What happend to Peter Haddock as he was shaping up to be a very good player 
last season?

                            James.

    Leeds 0 West Ham 0
    
    A glaring miss by Chapman meant we didn't get 3 points - at this rate,
    we'll give the Mancs the title, but at least they only drew 0-0, and
    luckily at that ! West Ham played like West Ham - one touch football
    that was good to watch, but they didn't trouble Lukic over much.
    Miklosko in the West Ham goal had a lot more to do and had a fine game.
    The Leeds defence looked a bit at sea at times, Dorigo and Speed were
    the stand in full backs, and they swapped over at half time. Newsome
    was the stand in centre back, and his inexperience showed at times.
    Leeds laid siege to the West Ham goal and should have sewn it up, but
    they didn't, instad the Mancs were left with a chance to overtake us
    which they will do if they win at Norwich, not a happy hunting ground
    for them. 
    
    Sterland is out for the rest of the season, he has an operation
    tomorrow on his injured ankle. Agana is back at Notts County, Mauchlen
    is on a 2nd month's loan from Leicester.
    
    jb.

    Sterland may not be as badly injured as once thought, he goes into
    hospital for an exploratory operation today, he could be back for the
    last 2 games of the season. 
    
    All this title tittle tattle is gatting to me, perhaps I should follow
    a mid-table team, Norwich for example ;-)
    
    jb.

    Back down to 2nd, albeit temporarily, looks like a good win for the
    Mancs last night. It isn't over yet, the Mancs have got their hectic
    spell to come. the bookies make the Mancs favourites, but it will be
    very close, maybe goal difference could be the 'differentiator'. 
    
    The game at Maine Rd kicks off at 2pm on Saturday, owing to the fact
    there is a Muslim Festival in Moss Side. I'll be listening to the
    radio! The Mancs have a Saturday off, so we could go 2 points clear
    (with the 2 games in hand for the Mancs) if we beat the rapidly fading
    Blues.
    
    jb.

    Hodge scored 2 on Wed night as Leeds Reserves beat Sheff Utd reserves
    3-2, he is pressing for a place in the starting line up vs Man City
    tomorrow. Haddock also played 90 minutes, he came through Ok, althought
    he said he was 'a little tird'. He won't get a look in this season, but
    should be available again for next season.
    
    jb.
    
    ps. I was reading a supplement to the April issue of 'Steam Railway'
    yesterday, it is a well known fact that Steam locomotives were regulary
    working main line trains between Waterloo and Bournemouth after
    Manchester United last won the league.
    
    cunno_in_disguise.

    
    re. -2
    
    I am a little too young to remember when LEEDS last won the title too.
    i wasnt even at nursery school at the time.
    
    Ian.
    

    re 'a little tird' :-
    
    Thr is a problm with this kyboard - it kps forgtting the lettr ''
    
    jb.
    
    

    
    	Don't try and fix it, jb....I like it the way it is!! 8-)
    
    	Andy.

I will be in Leeds for the game versus Chelsea and will be in the west stand. I
am wondering whether any other DEC/LEEDS supporters would like to share a drink 
or something on the morning or evening of the game. I have no idea where I am 
going except that I will be in the ground around 11:00 to look around. Anybody
out there going?

                               James.

    
    
       James,                       
    
               I will be there with another DEC person for that game, 
       we normally go to an Irish owned pub called the Imperial ('bout
    10 mins from ground) ,and get there  between 12-1.00 o'clock,
    could make it sooner if you like??.
      The Peacock tends to get overcrowded but we could meet there if you
    prefer.
         If you would like directions or to meet up then send me a mail
    WELSWS::CADD, CADD@WLO
       That is the weekend of my 30th birthday so should be a good day!!!!!
    
        Off to Maine road tomorrow as my parents live in Manchester. The
    game is kicking off at 14:00 i believe because of a Muslim festival in
    Moss side.A win would keep the championship more exciting, I believe we
    can accept no less than a win to stay in contention.
    
          Whyte is back in the side and Speed is dropping back to cover for
    Mel Sterland who is still out. Cantona should be in the starting line
    up again. Hodge and Newsome I belive will be the subs.
    
    
    Paul..  
    
         
    
    
        

    Paul,
    
    Where's the Imperial ?
    
    jb.

    
    
    Jon ,
         It is in Cemetary Rd up a the hill on the left.
    
    
    p.c.

    Crap Mancs 4 Leeds 0
    
    Oh sh*t - is this the end of the title hopes ? All we can do now is to
    hope the mancs blow up / lose a couple / draw more and we win. I was
    at the Worth Valley Railway on Saturday, so I listened to part of the
    commentary on Radio Leeds - sitting in the Buffet Car supping Timothy
    Taylor's pop - and getting more morbid and depressed as the afternoon
    wore on. Leeds seemed to have the play in the 1st half, but couldn't
    put the ball away, and then they gave up. I hope Man City play the same
    on Tuesday night, they can still make Europe as they play Man U and
    Sheff Wed on Saturday, so they still have something to play for. Leeds
    better start getting results, they must make 2nd place at least safe,
    Sheff Wed are 6 points behind with 1 game in hand.
    
    Things might change on Tuesday night, City could win etc etc etc, then
    the Mancs match marathon starts.
    
    jb.

    Ray Wallace is on his way back from Swansea, there has been an admin
    cock up wrt his registration. There were no injuries on Saturday (only
    to people's pride!), so the same 11 should start against Chelsea, and
    give 'em a good hiding, just like their well-known Prime Ministerial
    fan gets on Thursday.
    
    Come on you Blues etc etc.
    
    When is the replay date for the Rum Cup Final ?
    
    jb.

    David Batty was voted the Executive Club player of the season, Tony
    Dorigo was a close 2nd. The Executive Club is mainly made up of media
    types, ex-players, has-beens and never-weres, but who have money.
    
    All eyes will be on Manchester tonight (cont P.94)
    
    jb.
    

    The Makita Tournamant will be played at Elland Road on 1/2 August.
    Teams involved are Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Sampdoria and Vfb
    Stuttgart.
    
    jb.

    Wilko must decide whether to keep Eric Cantona by the 16th of April. A
    fee in the order of 1 million will be required by Nimes, and there are
    also Eric's personal terms to sort out. Wilko is said to be showing an
    interest in Brian Deane again, it could be that Eric Cantona goed back
    to France and Deane joins Leeds, or they both do !
    
    jb.

    Makita Draw :-
    
    Forest vs Sampdoria 12.30pm Sat 1 Aug
    Leeds vs Stuttgart  3pm Sat 1 Aug
    
    3rd/4th play off 12.30 pm Sun 2 Aug
    final                3 pm Sun 2 Aug
    
    Should be a good curtain raiser to the new season, English League
    Champions, German League Champions, European Champions and ZDS and R
    Cup Holders ! ;-)
    
    jb.

    Re -last
    
    Surely you jest %^)
    
    	It could turn out to be a tournament of 'runners up' :) (or losers)
    
    mac

    Can someone post me all the results.

#define LEEDS_LOGO_width 59
#define LEEDS_LOGO_height 57
#define LEEDS_LOGO_x_hot 0
#define LEEDS_LOGO_y_hot 0
static char LEEDS_LOGO_bits[] = {
   0x00, 0x00, 0x80, 0xff, 0x07, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xf0, 0xff,
   0x7f, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xfe, 0x9f, 0xff, 0x03, 0x00, 0x00,
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   0x00, 0x80, 0xff, 0xff, 0xff, 0x0f, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xfe, 0xff,
   0xff, 0x03, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xf8, 0xff, 0x7f, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00};

A few people have got onto me as to how to print it the logo out or use how to
usefully employ it. So here's how I use it.

It is to be extracted as a text file without any of the headers naming it 
LEEDS_LOGO.XBM.

If you have a graphics converter something like UTOX or XV you can translate the
image into a more suitable format for printing i.e. DDIF for DECwrite.

This image is imported into DECwrite using the link image option! the rest is up
to yourself.

Because it is a low resolution image it is more suitable for use as an ICON on 
your workstation. How you do that is as following

Edit a file in your sys$login directory called DECW$MWM.DAT

and insert a line in it as following 

Mwm*decw$terminal*iconImage:    directory_spec[]leeds_logo.xbm
Mwm*iconImageMaximum:   60x60

Set up the file in the appropriate dir and restart your window manager. This 
should work with any decterms that are created on your workstation. 

Not this will only work if you have a workstation, no VT100's.

The effect is suitably impressive. Everyone on XSTACY will want one I am sure 
:-).

I will make a better resolution image of the logo available some time next week
in my public directory. Stay tuned.

                              James.

James,

Did you make this yourself?
I think the demand on xstacy for leeds logos is a bit low at the 
moment, - got any others?

 - Kev

    Minutes of a meeting of the Leeds United Supporters' Club (Digital
    Branch) held at The Imperial, Cemetry Rd, Beeston, Leeds on Saturday
    last 11the April 1992.

    Present :-

    James Lundon, Paul Cadd, Jon Blythe, Tim Sherlock.
    
    Agenda :-
    
    1.Chances vs Chelsea
    2.Chances of League Title
    3.Why are the Mancs useless ;-)
    4.Other Noters ;-)
    5.Bitter for me, Lager for Paul, Lager Shandy for Tim who was suffering
      from post-Tetley's depression, and James was on Orange.
    
    Items 1 and 2 on the Agenda were passed unanimously, Item 3 was agreed
    on unanimously, unfortunately they beat a tired Forest yesterday, but
    Soton and Lution will get the better of them this forthcoming week.
    Item 4 was touched upon, but the person most talked about (2 sentences)
    isn't doing much at the moment, and is restricting his comments. Item 5
    on the agenda was repeated several times.
    
    The meeting then was declared closed, and the delegates then wobbled off 
    in the direction of Elland Road.
    
    The first half was poor, no team really getting a decdnt shot in, both
    goalkeepers having an easy time of it. The 2nd half started better, but
    it wasn't till 56 minutes that the deadlock was brokern, a Wallace goal
    coming from a Strachan cross passed on by Chapman made it 1-0. Leeds
    kept pressing, and Chapman made it 2-0 on 88, a Cantona flick was put
    in via the post and rebound - scrappy, but it counted. Then came Goal
    of the Season from Eric Cantona - he got the ball on the edge of the
    area, flicked it on one foot and then the other and crashed it past
    Beasant to make it 3-0 in injury time. Leeds went back top, by 1 point.
    Great rejoicing then took place etc....
    
    Cantona is transfwerring to Leeds on a permanent basis, the total cost
    is 1 million, of which 100,000 has already been pain in loan fees.
    
    There are no injuries to worry about, the next game is Saturday at 5.30
    vs Liverpool, I think it's live on the TV in the Yorkshire area at
    least, but I'll have to check that. The Mancs will have played their 2
    games in hand by then, they might get a point at Luton and struggle to
    win vs Soton on their beach.
    
    The Icon is fine James.
    
    jb.
    
    

    My first forage into the Leeds file...
    
    Cantona could prove to be your buy of the season (as Schmeical was
    ours). His goal on Saturday was stunning - a wonderful display of
    individual skill and power. The game could do with more like him.
    
    As for the next couple of weeks, may the best team win....
    
    J

!                   <<< Note 33.560 by MIACT::MASON >>>
!                                -< Cantona >-
!
!    My first forage into the Leeds file...
    
    Welcome to the world of happy noting.
    
    The Mancs have some 'easy' games coming up - Soton still not out of
    relegation trouble, Luton ditto, Forest will be out for revenge, West
    Ham will be down and have no pressure on them, Liverpool are Liverpool
    (ie 3 points 8-| ) and Tottering Tottenham (who could be playing with
    Fatso). Leeds have Liverpool, Coventry who are still not out of the
    mire, Sheffield United who are on form and Norwich - nothing to play
    for but pride. 
    
    "At the end of the day there'll be nowt in it"
    
    jb.
    
        
    

    
    
       Priceless Jon..
    
        What do you think about Wilko putting McAllister at R/B, bit of a
    strange decision.(as was the one that Strachan got when through on
    goal?).
    
       Hope you enjoyed your weekend over here James and you were happy
    with the result.
    
     The 'pool on saturday which i have managed to get a ticket for, lets
    hope we can turn round the result at Anfield from last year (3-0).
    anyone know if McManaman is fit? he can be a bit of a handful.
    
    Jon send us mail if you want to meet up again sometime
    
    
    Paul...
    
     

    re last
    
    McAllister struggled a bit at left back, but in the 2nd half he got
    forward more. The Chelsea player was lucky to stay on the field. If
    Leeds had been 1 down and there was only a couple of minutes to go,
    that sort of refereeing blunder could upset a lot of people. The ref had
    a very poor game.
    
    2 more home games to go, I expect the executives of Tetleys, John and
    Sam Smith, Saml. Webster will be hoping for a good May Day Bank Holiday
    Weekend...............
    
    jb.

Article 13965 of rec.sport.soccer:
Path: hollie.rdg.dec.com!pa.dec.com!decwrl!mips!think.com!wupost!uunet!mcsun!uknet!stl!stc!tim
From: tim@tcom.stc.co.uk (Tim Kennedy)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.soccer
Subject: Leeds News April 13
Message-ID: <1992Apr13.092629.26002@tcom.stc.co.uk>
Date: 13 Apr 92 09:26:29 GMT
Sender: news@tcom.stc.co.uk (System Administration)
Organization: BNR Europe
Lines: 59

Leeds are still working hard to overcome the loss of Mel
Sterland Sex Machine at right back,  but on Saturday again
returned to the top of division one with a 3-0 victory over
Chelsea at Elland Road. 

Wallace got the first in the 56th minute,  set up by a nice
move by Strach who could have tried it himself.  Chapman got 
the less attractive second goal in the final ten minutes and 
Cantona wowed his huge personal following in the 89th minute
by receiving a cross,  controlling it with his chest, knee, and
instep, beating the Chelsea defence and releasing a ferocious drive 
into the far top corner of the net.  He then went straight behind the 
goal and kissed his shirt before the joyous multitudes.

McAllister took Zico's position for the first half but was
eventually superseded by Newsome while he partnered Speed in 
midfield,  substantially improving Leeds' game.

Referee Neil Midgeley astounded an already incredulous footballing
world by not sending off Chelsea defender Clarke for a blatant
foul,  bringing Strach down when he was heading for goal.  Midgeley
is of course reknowned for his eccentric decisions as Pat Nevin will
testify among others.  Anyway Porterfield substituted Clarke straight
away and thus weakened their previously stout defence. 

Cantona is to stay at Leeds which is a very popular decision.  He is
the idol of the Leeds fans who haven't had a player of such class
probably since Tony Currie's wife took him back to QPR in 1978.  This
is not to put down the abilities of Strach,  Macca, Batts and the lads
but Big Eric is very special.
The remaining games of the season are:

Liverpool           Away 19 April telly
Coventry            Home 20 April telly
Sheffield Utd       Away 25 April telly highlights
Norwich City        Home  2 May

Man U have :

Southampton         Home 16 April
Luton               Away 18 April
Notts Forest(h)     sorry no dates
Liverpool(a)        sorry no dates
West Ham(a)         sorry no dates
Spurs(h)            sorry no dates

Four of these games are played in a six day period so they should
stumble with a bit of luck.  West Ham and Luton are desparate to 
avoid relegation (West Ham trashed Norwich 4-0 on Saturday,  and
Luton's scoring record belies their actual ability as a team.)
Plus Gazza is set to play his last game for Spurs at Old Trafford...
Liverpool are bound to lose to them though.

			Tim
--
In 1988 BBC Radio One listeners voted for  | T. Kennedy <tim@tcom.stc.co.uk>
the alltime greatest single.  Way ahead of | Dept 30730 NME, BNR Europe,
Strawberry Fields and Stairway To Heaven,  | Oakleigh Rd South, London N11 1HB.
at no. 1 was I Owe You Nothing by Bros.    | LUFC, Yorkshire's No. 1.

++

                                 James.

I cleaned up the logo a little and have made it available in three formats. All
these are available in

XSTACY::USERS5$:[jlundon.public]Leeds_logo.xbm   ( XBM )     396 blocks
XSTACY::USERS5$:[jlundon.public]Leeds_logo.ddif  ( DDIF )     64 blocks
XSTACY::USERS5$:[jlundon.public]Leeds_logo.gif   ( GIF )      15 blocks

All images are about 500 by 500. Large!

I will post a long match report in the next couple of days on my experiences at
Leeds. Stay tuned.


                                 James.

    The Liverpool game will kick off at 3pm on Saturday according to Ceefax
    last night. I didn't see any reference to TV highlights in the press,
    nobody seems to know !
    
    I see Luton are doing their end of season Houdini act - 7 wins from
    their last 10 home games, with any luck they will beat the Mancs on
    Saturday, with Varadi scoring a hat-trick and Chris Kamara getting 1 !
    
    jb.

          Match report from the Leeds-Chelsea League
                 game of the 11th April 1992
          ----------------------------------------------

          I made my way to Elland Road otherwise known
          as [Mecca] on Saturday 11th  April 1992 for an
          important league game that would decide
          whether Leeds  would stay in the league
          championship race or not. Leeds have had a
          very  good recent record over Chelsea so hopes
          were high that a positive result  would be
          achieved.

          My trip was part of a bi-yearly trip arranged
          by the Leeds supporters clubs  in Ireland to
          Leeds. The previous trip was for the Tottenham
          match last  December :-(. Leeds have four
          separate supporters clubs in the country
          Galway,  Sligo, Cork and Dublin. A total of
          about 80 people were arranged to go to the
          match. Some going by ship and some by plane. I
          decided to go by plane! Flew  into Manchester
          from Galway on Friday evening and then got a
          coach to Leeds.  Stayed in a fairly basic B&B
          near Headingley Cricket ground. If I ever goto
          to  see a cricket game in Leeds I will rent
          out that room as it had a view not  bettered
          by anyone seated in the ground itself. I just
          went to bed excited at  the prospect of
          walking on the holy ground tomorrow and seeing
          my heroes in  action the next day.

          Up early Saturday morning and had breakfast.
          This was going to be a day to  remember as the
          sun started to break through the clouds
          leaving it a somewhat  hazy morning. Got to
          the ground early approx 11:00. Got a mini tour
          of  the Club grounds and dressingrooms.
          Couldn't get into the trophy room as it  was
          to crammed with cups any trophies ;-0. Got a
          few pictures of the ground  while empty. Then,
          somebody said that the players had started to
          come via the  players car park. Chapman was
          one of the first in and was in the dressing
          rooms before 11:00. All the players have to be
          in before 13:00 for a Saturday  game.

          Went to watch a youths game in the training
          ground while waiting for the  players to come
          in. During this time Whyte, Batty, McAllister,
          Speed, Hodge  and Newsome came and went. I got
          my picture with all of the them. No point
          really getting their autographs as they were
          merely scribbles in the furore of  people
          trying to gain access to them. The players
          were all very approachable,  friendly and
          chatty as long as you didn't try and knock
          them down with  enthusiasm. The youth team
          included two Irish internationals Curtis and
          Kelly. Kelly has already played first team
          football this season and was star of the  game
          with some beautiful touches. They won the game
          2-0 to go 7 points ahead  in the Northern
          intermediate league. Barnsley can still
          overtake them but  will have to win their four
          games in hand to go above us. During the game
          I  spoke with the father of no. 6 Walters. He
          spoke of the problems of making it  through
          the youths system and into the pro ranks. He
          described the chances of  his son making it in
          pro football as 40-60 against, even though
          Leeds have  offered him another year in the
          youth stream. He also stressed the importance
          that the Leeds' people put on the need for
          their youth players continuing  their
          education. This is vital as what will a player
          do if he doesn't make it in football?

          Howard Wilkinson came out for a few minutes
          during the youth game. He seems to  wear a
          permanent frown. It must be a very stressful
          job being a manager [Look  at Sourpuss]. He
          too was very cordial as I got his picture. Oh,
          look at the  clock it was already 12:30 and I
          had forgotten that I was due to meet the
          other DECies at the imperial @ 12:00. Made my
          way upto the pub, a good mile  from the ground
          around 12:50. Didn't recognise "Ee bah gum
          th's trouble at  t'mill" [JB] as he was facing
          away from me. Eventually he came upto the bar
          and the rest is history. Paul "Essex Man"
          Cadd, Tim Sherlock [secret noter] Jon and I
          had an official DEC/LEEDS supporters club 
          meeting. Paul must qualify for some
          award for faithful  fans as he makes his way
          up from Essex every second Saturday to see
          Leeds,  Leeds, Leeds. In total he has only
          missed 3/4 games all season either HOME or
          AWAY in all competitions. Wow some supporter!
          He even loses sleep over Leeds  the sign of a
          real fan. Most women never understand how
          important socceer is  to real fans ;*).

          The imperial was by no means packed as the
          lads said it was during the season.  Maybe the
          faithful had given up hope of the league
          coming to Leeds this  season? Strolled down to
          the ground around 14:20. The crowd was
          streaming in  at that stage and the day was
          great for a game of football. Said good luck
          to  the lads and said that I would be back.

          Got to my seat at the top of the west stand
          near the Kop side and had a good  view of the
          proceedings. As for the game itself Leeds
          lined out as thus

                  Lukic

                  McAllister Fairclough Whyte Dorigo

                  Strachan Speed Batty Hodge(Newsome)

                  Chapman Wallace(Cantona)

          V. Jones got a great reception from the crowd
          and he returned it fully. That  was all we saw
          of him except for a few desperate clearances
          in the first half by him. The game started
          very shakily for both sides. Chelsea packed
          the  midfield with Cascarino on his own up
          front. He might as well have been  selling ice
          cream as he would have had more service ;-).
          Leeds played very  poorly with no penetration
          at all from corners, free-kicks or throw ins.
          Many  of these so called well practiced
          movements looked very amateurish with even
          basic throw ins going to Chelsea players
          instead of Leeds players. What was  apparent
          from very early on was the complete stupidity
          of Referee  Midgley who had to put it mildly a
          horrendous game. Fortunately his decisions
          went both ways, but Leeds were probably on the
          receiving end of the more  crucial ones.
          Firstly, when Wallace broke through midway
          through the first half  and seemed to have
          been felled in the penalty area. The Ref.
          played on. He had  a somewhat irritating habit
          or waving his hands around a lot in a manner
          not  dissimilar to an American football Umpire
          which caused as much confusion to  the players
          and the fans as anything else. There should be
          a code of standard  signals which would allow
          the Ref. communicate his decisions as
          effectively as  possible to the players and
          fans.

          Strachan got himself booked in the first half
          for talking back to the Referee.  He was a bit
          lucky in my book to stay on the field at all
          in the second half.  Wise for Chelsea was like
          Rambo marauding around the field taking out
          anybody  he liked as long as it was behind the
          Ref. back, which most times it was. The  best
          chant from the Kop was "what's it like to have
          no home", "Leeds Leeds  Leeds", "We are Leeds"
          and all the usual stuff. Come half time they
          were booed  off the pitch and rightly so. What
          a beautiful day and ruin it with this
          standard of football from a club hoping to
          regain top spot in the first  division. Trying
          to get something hot to eat at half-time was
          next to  impossible as the queues were very
          long. I didn't like the idea of standing in  a
          queue for all half-time and then not get
          served before the game would  restart.

          Wilko must have gave the Lads a good
          rollicking at half-time as I swore that I
          heard him shouting up in the stand at half
          time. They came out in the second  half with a
          more unbeat attitude to the game. Chelsea's 4
          million pound man  Townsend showed a few
          flashes but Chelsea offered little in the way
          of real  opposition. Leeds were playing more
          direct and it soon reaped rewards with
          Strachan breaking down the right wing cutting
          into the penalty area and then  rather than
          taking his own shot cut it in to Wallace who
          was in a better  position Wallace then put the
          ball to the left of Beasant and it was 1-0.
          The  relief was palpable in the crowd. After
          that chance Chelsea had their best
          opportunity but Wise wasted it but hitting
          over the bar. We breathed again! I  felt that
          Leeds have been very soft once they went 1-0
          up, it has happened too  often going 1-0 up
          and then conceding an equaliser within 10
          minutes, this  season. Once that threat blew
          over I was certain that we were going to win.

          What happened next defied the imagination.
          Strachan broke away galloping from his own
          half, Wallace was supporting him, with the
          Chelsea defenders  caught flat footed. Clarke
          took Strachan out from behind as Strachan had
          a clear scoring opportunity. A sending off
          offence. The Ref. did his bit again by only
          flashing a yellow. It was Strachan  that was
          nearly sent off for arguing. I cannot
          understand why professional  footballers push
          the Ref. to a point where they could be forced
          to book  players for arguing over decisions he
          has already made. Luckily, Leeds were  already
          1-0 up or else there *could* have been some
          disquieting scenes if that  scenario had taken
          place with minutes to go and Leeds not
          winning.

          Still 1-0 and jittery. No great performance
          but a win is a win. Had the clock  stopped
          since the 57th minute when we scored as time
          slowed perceptibly? Then  it happened, pure
          bedlam. Hodge had been substituted for Newsome
          and then  Wilko brought on Cantona for the
          last 6 minutes taking Wallace off. Cantona
          was involved in the second goal with Speed
          bringing the ball down the left  wing. Cantona
          playing it off a post and Chapman being on
          hand, sorry on torso  to force it in. It was a
          messy goal but they all count. At that point
          Chelsea  folded like a house of cards. The
          third, the goal we all had come to see,
          scored with a minute to go was a beaut.
          Cantona got the ball in from the right  wing
          and flicked the ball over two defenders heads
          and then crashed an  unstoppable ball past
          Beasants left hand. The place erupted. It was
          goal of  the season *in our eyes anyhow*. And
          it ensured that we would back on top with  a
          superior goal difference to the other team in
          the race. If the game had gone  on another 10
          minutes Leeds would have scored another few
          goals.

          After the match the Irish supporters club made
          a presentation to Jim Beglin  for his upcoming
          testimonial of 208 pounds. I waited around
          after the match  hoping to get my picture with
          the players I missed before the game. I
          achieved that missing only Lukic who avoided
          everyone and Dorigo whom nobody  saw before or
          after the match. They seemed to have slipped
          out a back door.  All the other ran the
          gauntlet of the crowd. Needless to say Cantona
          got the  best reception. When Strachan came
          out he was also mobbed by youngsters and  one
          of the nippers uttered an expletive when
          Strachan wouldn't sign his  autograph quick
          enough. Strachan stared at him and asked him
          what he had  said. The young fellow had
          nowhere to turn and he knew it.

          Visited the supporters shop afterwards. It was
          well stocked but was I thought  a bit pricey.
          Everybody went home happy now waiting for MUFC
          to make the next  stumble and looking forward
          to playing Liverpool at Anfield next Saturday.
          The agony continues and I am beginning to
          believe that the league will be  probably
          decided on the final day of the season when
          Leeds play Norwich at  home with MUFC playing
          Tottenham. Who cares who they play as the
          League is  destined for Leeds this season with
          a bit of luck.


                         James.

    re .567
    
    	An excellent report, reports like these are well worth reading,
    as they are more informal and therefore interesting to read.
    
    
    mac

    I agree

    Good report James - when is your next trip over ?
    
    I've never been on a tour round the ground, but they are available, I
    might get round to it one day.
    
    Here's a synopsis of a Leeds match day :-
    
    Up / Brekker / Faff about, fix this, fix that / Paper, Sandwich / Bus /
    Adelphi / Walk to ground (or bus) / Programme / Bog / Jump up & down /
    Bog / More jumping up and down (repeat n times) / Lift Home / Change /
    Celebrate ......
    
    jb.
    

    jb,
    didnt see any mention of beer in there?
    ;-)
    Ian.
    

    Ian,
    
    It's contained in / Adelphi / (the pub is next to Tetley's brewery on
    Hunslet Road)
    
    jb.

    jb,
    
    sorry, mate, i misjudged you there!
    :-)
    
    Ian.
    

    It's a sunny day in Leeds, so I'll take the afternoon off.
    
    Easter Predictions :-
    
    Liverpool 1 Leeds 2
    Leeds 4 Coventry 0
    
    Mancs 1 Soton 2
    Luton 2 Mancs 1
    Mancs 1 Forest 1
    
    That will do niceley !
    
    Happy Easter to all noters (even including Mancs ;-) )
    
    jb.

	Does .575 indicate that the author has been consuming
	"controlled substances"?

	Tony

    
    JB,
    
    Have you been drinking Tetley's from Liverpool again or have you just
    been drinking. As I remember the frequency for Radio Manchester was 
    around 206-208 MW so you could try that out for some partisan
    commentry.
    
    I hope you have a Happy Easter. Easter still holds fond memories in my
    mind of the time we trounced Leeds 3-1 less that 48 hours after losing
    to the Red Devils in the F.A. Cup Semi-Final replay after extra time.
    Still we are in the Premier League next season when we look forward to
    hitting the back of the Leeds net once more at Boundary Park.
    
    Happy Easter.
    
    Regards,
    	    Gerry.
    

    And more rumours from the U.K
    
    despite slips up by the Mancs on both Saturday and today Leeds look
    unable to take the title.
    
    First a 0-0 draw against the F.A Cup winners elect Liverpool and now 
    apparently it is 0-0 at half-time against relegation contenders
    Coventry.
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    
    Well the final scores were :
    
    Leeds United    2  Coventry City      0
    Manchester Utd  1  Nottingham Forest  2
    
    Leeds go back on top by 1 point with Man Utd still having a 
    game in hand (West Ham away on Wednesday I think).
    
    Unfortunately for Leeds Man Utd's next two games are West Ham
    and then Liverpool (1st division thrashing boys at the moment).

    Saturday :-
    
    No telly match, so I listened on Radio Leeds, and had a good nail
    nibble. Leeds held out well against a Liverpool side playing above
    themselves, and Leeds should have taken 3 points, they had 2 shots
    cleared off the line. Still, a draw at Anfield is better than a defeat.
    The Luton result was also good, and the Mancs were lucky to get a point.
    
    Monday :-
    
    I've been up to the Lakes for the Easter w/e, I went on a tour of
    Morecambe bay on Monday morning - why don't the Mancs move the OT pitch
    1 1/2 miles off Grange-over-Sands, so they can a least have a flat
    sandy pitch, and then they can blame the tide for any results that
    might go against them ? I listened to the Radio 5 commentary on the way
    down to Elland Road, 1-0 to Forest, 1-1 (still good). I went into the
    ground at 4.30, just as I was about to go to my seat, Forest scored -
    the place erupted, one bloke spilt Elland Road Soup down himself but
    seemed happy enough. The final score from OT sent the Kop into
    raptures, which lasted about 10 minutes into the match with Coventry
    when nerves took over and mails were chewed. In the 2nd half,
    Fairclough got the opening goal after a Coventry mix up, and that was
    it, Coventry can't score. Leeds then went all out, Chapman missed his
    usual (almost) sitter, and Coventry were beaten on 81 by a McAllister
    penalty, Strachan was injured by then so didn't take it. No doubt there
    will be a whingeing session by other about it, but McAllister broke
    through, had his shot stopped by Ogrizovich, the rebound came to
    Cantona whose shot was handled on the line. Cantona came on for the
    last 15 minutes, replacing Wallace, and caused general mayhem in the
    Coventry defence.
    
    Leeds go top by one point, they have a superior goal difference (+35 to
    +31), the Mancs have a game in hand, if they don't win it.....
    
    Leeds are now in Europe whatever happens, but it's the European Cup
    they want to be in. No slip-ups now, we don't want the Mancs or
    Wednesday to win the Laegue !
    
    Games left :-
    
    Sunday Sheff Utd away
    Sat next Norwich home
    
    Mancs :-
    
    Wednesday West Ham away
    Sunday Liverpool away
    Saturday next Tottenham home
    
    Looks like the pendulum has swung back in Leeds' favour.
    
    jb.

The Liverpool - Leeds game was shown on R.T.E ( local station ) on Saturday. It
made quite poor viewing in general, but I can say that we deserved nothing and 
Lukic was by far my man of the match for his timely saves. They hit him with a 
few blockbusters but he kept them out. Leeds could have stolen the match at the
death with a Fairclough header which was booted off the line by Houghton. Did 
anybody tell Houghton that Leeds are to win the league. Come on Cunno why didn't 
you have a word in his ear before the game. We were lucky to escape with a point!

Saying that Yesterday was XSTACY!! MUFC doing their usual Heckle and Jeckle 
double act. Eternal thanks to Forest for the large favour done. MUFC's patch,
sorry pitch isn't fit for showjumping let alone play first division football.
Leeds did the business with a good second half performance capped with two goals
to increase our goal difference superiority.

           The is the dream scenario for Leeds to win the league
           =====================================================

Leeds go into the last game of the season 2 points behind with United odds on to 
take the championship. Leeds win their game against Norwich 3-0. Norwich having 
nothing to play for as they are safe from relegation. MUFC look like winning 
their game against Spurs 1-0 but wait super sub Gazza arrives on the pitch with 
minutes to go and with his first touch plays a delightful chip over Schmichels 
head from 50 years to gain a draw for Spurs and the league for Leeds. 

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDs, Champions!

The stuff that Legends are made of. I will tell my grandchildren that I was 
there, if not in body but in mind. It would surpass the Arsenal-Liverpool '89
decider.

JB, Paul, Tim got the photos back. Most of them came out, will send them on in 
due course. The only ones that didn't come out were the ones when Cantona 
scored. Those photos were somewhat blurred??!! 

                          James.

    Lukic, Dorigo and Batty are in the England squad for next weeks'
    internationals vs the CIS, if Leeds are still involved in the
    Championship then they won't be required to play. It's about time Lukic
    was called up into the England set up. Dorigo will have a chance due to
    Pearce being injured, and Batty should have played vs the Czechs as the
    England midfield lacked bite.
    
    If they do play, it means that Leeds beat Sheff Utd, and the Mancs got
    less than 6 points from West Ham and Liverpool - they'll probably get 2
    at best.
    
    jb.

	Grandchildren, James?

	Is there something you'd like to tell us?




	

    
    Leeds beat Sheff Utd and Norwich, pts 82 goal diff to +38
    
    Mancs beat West Ham and Tottenham, draw at Liverpool pts 82 goal diff
    to +34
    
    Sheff Wed beat Palace and Liverpool pts 79 goal diff poor
    
    It's tight, but it could be all over by Sunday teatime.
    
    The TV companies are wanting to stage the Man U and Leeds games
    scheduled for 2 May on Sunday 3 May - this isn't on, why should the
    one-eyed monster get matches moved when safety considerations don't
    (remember 5th May 1990?, FA Cup replays). The championship is now a 3
    way fight, Wednesday could still take it. All matches to start at 3pm
    Saturday.
    
    jb.

    Strachan and Hodge are fighting to be fit for the high noon showdown at
    Bramall Lane, Strachan's sciatica is playing up again, Hodge has a calf
    injury. Hodge will miss the Norwich game anyway, as he has reached 21
    disciplinary points and will serve a 1 match suspension, he was booked
    at Liverpool last Saturday.
    
    I'll listen to the radio commentary tonight, West Ham are as good as
    down, perhaps some of the pressure will be off them, and they can play
    some good football and beat / hold the Mancs to a draw. No doubt that
    cheating little $%$^% Hughes will be diving all over the place, I hope
    he gets sent off.
    
    jb.

    Mr Blythe, I am shocked.
    
    Here was I thinking that you were one of the more intelligent of
    observers...
    
    Mark Hughes may be many things, but to accuse anyone of being a cheat
    is just a touch below the belt. You may not like him very much, fine,
    but less of the offensive stuff please.
    
    As to the championship, I will only affirm what other noters have said
    - its going to be mighty close. The nerves they are a-jangling on both
    sides of the fence. Lets not forget Sheffield Wednesday, who, without
    any pressure on them whatsoever in comparison to the top two, may well
    sneak in and steal the day!
    
    I will be suffering at Old Trafford on the last day of the season,
    watching my heroes and listening to yours on the radio. We can but
    speculate, but come 5pm on Saturday/Sunday (10pm Friday???) we will all
    be put out of our misery.
    
    The best team will win it. Here's to a clean contest...
    
    J
    

    
    
    Jon,James,Tim et al
          Hodge and Hughes are now eligible to play in the last game as the
    league did not give them the required points for getting booked too
    many times, hence not taking them over the 21 point barrier. It would
    have affected Man U more than us i think though.
       Hodge IS fit to play, it was a tactical reason he was left out of the
    squad, Hodge declared himself fit and available to be chosen before
    last saturdays game but Wilko didn't pick him.
    
       I believe that Man U have offered some 620 tickets to Tottenham for
    the last game of the season (what's the capacity 47K 'ish). Their reason
    was that it will be the last time that Man U fans will see the
    Stretford end !!. Tottenham have complained saying that it will be Gary
    Lineker's and possible Fat boy's last game which a lot of Tottenham
    fans would like to go to.
    
        If the title goes to the last game is it fair that Tottenham will have
    virtually no voice at Old Trafford to support their team???
    
      I know that some people will say that on some occasions this season
    Leeds have been accused of being stingy with tickets but not as bad as
    this.
    
    any comments?, should the amount of tickets for away fans be regulated
    more rather than left to the discretion of the home team???
    
    
    Paul....
    
    P.S.   Come on You Hammers...