Denne er lang, men fin, og passer vel best her...
Stephen Clark comment column, Leeds United half term report.By
Stephen Clark
– October 9, 2012http://www.clarkeonenil.co.uk/10/2012/stephen-clark-comment-column-leeds-united-half-term-report/
“Yes Mrs Warnockâ€.
Stephen does the school report style.
The international break is a double edged sword for Leeds United. With the ultra-thin squad having looked out on its feet in recent matches, it’s pretty clear that a rest is required for most of the players. On the other hand, the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers come just as Leeds have found a nice groove, building a decent little run of results which have kept them in touch with the top six.
Whilst the player most in need of a rest, Rodolph Austin, has to shuttle back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean, most of the squad can put their feet up and recharge the batteries as they enjoy a short break from the pressures of Championship football. Although it’s not the school half term holidays for a couple of weeks yet, I thought I would take this opportunity to be teacher and grade the team on their performances so far this season.
Paddy Kenny – The teacher’s pet has made a solid start to his first term at Elland Road. He is becoming as popular with the fans as he is with the staff, and has had some excellent moments. Needs to improve on crosses, but all in all a satisfying start to the year. GRADE B
Lee Peltier – Impressed the staff early on, so much so he was made head boy. However he has failed to live up to his early expectations. He is a very quiet leader, and has failed to convince in his duties. Needs to improve in the coming weeks if he is to succeed GRADE D
Adam Drury – Adam needs to improve his attendance if he is to become a valued member of the class of 2012/13. When he turns up he adds balance to the side, but seems to be susceptible to any ailment that afflicts him. I would like to see more of him before I make a full assessment of his abilities. GRADE C-
Tom Lees – A superb start to the year, which has seen him become a key part of the class. He has improved immeasurably now he has found his rightful position in the centre of defence. His achievements have been recognised nationally, with selection for the England U21’s. We hope his improvement continues for the rest of the year. GRADE B+
Jason Pearce – Jason has justified Mr Warnock’s faith in him with a consistently high standard of performance. His bravery has been much admired, and his commitment to work, even when injured has endeared him to the support. He does have a habit of getting a little careless at times, but if he can cut that out, he has a chance to be a head boy in the future. GRADE A
Rodolph Austin – A very impressive introduction to Leeds. Came with huge expectations based on his previous work in Norway, he certainly has not disappointed. His enthusiasm is impressive as his athleticism. I am sure Rodolph does not know his own strength sometimes, and needs to concentrate on accuracy in his passing and shooting. He could really do with a break as he has looked very tired in the last week of term. GRADE B+
Luciano Becchio – Luciano should be an inspiration to his classmates. Whilst not the best at everything, his effort cannot be faulted. He continues to do all that is expected of him, and there has been a marked improvement in some of his work, particularly his penalties. His English could do with improving, but if he remains to be “f***ing unbelievable†in his other work, we will forgive him. GRADE B+
Luke Varney – Luke has been a massive disappointment. Despite a good start he has declined to such an extent that he has been forced to sit out for the last few weeks. Needs to make a massive improvement in the coming months if he is to make the grade. GRADE E
Jamie Ashdown – Has been living in the shadow of Mr Kenny, but has not let himself down when he has been given the opportunity. He is a useful member of the class. GRADE C
Aidan White – A very inconsistent start to the year. He occasionally produces moments of brilliance (see his work v Everton) but can just as often frustrate with his inability to finish what he starts. If he can concentrate on completing the tasks given to him, rather than rushing his work, we should see a marked improvement in his results – GRADE C
Michael Brown – Michael has shown much improved behaviour and performance this year. There are suspicions that he is looking better because Rodolph is doing much of his work for him, but it cannot be denied that he has been much better than last year. He is still liable to the odd moment of psychotic behaviour, and I can see him being suspended at some point once again this year. GRADE C.
Michael Tonge – An exchange student from Stoke, where he has failed to live up to his early potential, Michael has shown signs of improvement. Despite a difficult start on a trip to Cardiff, he has quietly knuckled down to the task given to him. A superb piece of work on the trip to Bristol shows what he can do if he applies himself. GRADE C
David Norris – Unfortunately his prolonged absence has spoilt what was a decent start. Gained top marks on the first day of the year, before disappearing with injury shortly afterwards. Now he is back, hopefully he can pick up where he left off. GRADE C
Andy Gray – Although it always nice to see old boys return to the class, Andy looks a little out of his depth. It is difficult to see him making much more than a token contribution. GRADE D
El-Hadji Diouf – I think I can speak for everybody when I say we had reservations about taking on this problem child. However EHD has surprised everyone with his outstanding contribution so far. His behaviour has been impeccable and he has turned around most people’s perceptions and is quickly becoming the most popular kid in the class. If he can improve his end product, he will be within spitting distance of the top of the class. GRADE A-
Samuel Byram – This young man has been a revelation. Moved up to the top class earlier than expected he has impressed almost everyone this year. He is a very versatile member of the class, excellent in all departments and has produced the best piece of work so far this season (see his work v Oxford United). He has already attracted the attention of some of the bigger institutions; however we are all very hopeful that he will stay at Leeds for the foreseeable future. GRADE A
Ross McCormack – Ross had made a very good start to the year and we were all sorry to see him subjected to such a vicious assault during our trip to Cardiff. We all hope he makes a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back after Christmas. GRADE B
Patrick Kisnorbo, Paul Green, Danny Pugh, Zac Thompson, Dominic Poleon – Not graded due to insufficient work produced.
COMMENTS – This class have performed above my expectations this year. They are a long way from being the best in the division, but have shown a great amount of effort to get where they are. Hopefully Mr (or is that Mrs? – Ed) Warnock will be given additional resources to improve things by a new board of governors next term to try to achieve the target set of being in the top six.
OVERALL CLASS GRADE 7th/24
