League One Prediction and analyzis - The Times

[Promotion 2010]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article6736752.ece

Leeds United

Will this finally be the season for the Yorkshire club to start moving up? Having missed out in the play-offs last term, the pressure will again be on Simon Grayson to go one better and win promotion back to the Championship. Leeds can ill afford another season in the third tier and the club’s ability to keep Jermaine Beckford, the prolific goalscorer, could prove key. Patrick Kisnorbo should be a useful signing.

Prediction: 1

[Promotion 2010]

Soccernet:

How the mighty have fallen
By Richard Jolly
(Archive)
August 10, 2009

Automatic promotion: Leeds, Norwich
Play-offs: MK Dons, Charlton, Huddersfield, Bristol Rovers
Relegated: Hartlepool, Yeovil, Stockport, Walsall


Grayson's Leeds are favourites for promotion.
It is rather too convenient to just be chance. As the League One season begins on Saturday, Exeter City, a Conference side 15 months ago, travel to Elland Road. The computer may devise the fixture list, but it can surely be subject to mischievous programming. A mere 119 years after the club's foundation, it is Exeter's first league meeting with Leeds United, who were four divisions above them five years ago. If it is a game that could be subtitled 'how the mighty have fallen', it is a description that could be applied to the entire League One season.

The relegations of Charlton, Southampton and Norwich from the Championship last season, all Premier League clubs in the 2004-05 season, means Leeds are not alone in experiencing a swift decline. It also means at least one will spend the 2010-11 campaign outside the top two divisions and points to a fiercely contested battle for promotion.

Charlton, until recently a byword for stability, have slumped quickest by being demoted twice in three seasons. Southampton and Norwich, who came up together from Division Three in 1960, have both spent the last 49 seasons at higher levels. The lower leagues, however, have a habit of providing unpleasant surprises to those more accustomed to elevated surroundings. Leeds can testify as much: in two previous seasons at this level, they been beaten home and away by Cheltenham and been knocked out of the FA Cup by Histon and Hereford. Such embarrassments may await Charlton, Southampton and Norwich.

But Leeds remain the prize draw. The 2000-01 Champions League semi-finalists managed to attract more than 37,000 to a fixture last season and were forced to delay a pre-season friendly because of crowd congestion. Moreover, they have a strong case to be regarded as the favourites for promotion. They averaged more than two points a game after Simon Grayson replaced Gary McAllister as manager in December and have reinforced their squad this season. Grayson has been restrained in his dealings, but adding the Australian Patrick Kisnorbo to the mid-season acquisition of Richard Naylor suggests Leeds will have height and reliability in a defence that could previously be accused of lacking both.

Just as importantly, Grayson's biggest assets are still at the club. The precocious Fabian Delph has been targeted by Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa, but chairman Ken Bates' prohibitive pricing has ensured the teenager has stayed so far. However, it now seems he will be heading to Villa Park after a fee was agreed. The prolific Jermaine Beckford, who managed 34 goals in 37 starts last season, remains despite a summer on the transfer list. He enters the final year of his contract with the possibility he will end it as the division's top scorer.

Continuity has not been an option for the relegated clubs. Charlton used 39 players last season, many of whom were on loan or have since been released while the only arrivals have been defensive. Norwich have lost Lee Croft and Sammy Clingan, arguably their standout performers last season, but Bryan Gunn has made 10 signings. Central defender Michael Nelson and striker Grant Holt, adding inches at either end of the field to a short team, may be the most significant.

At Southampton, meanwhile, the changes extend to a new owner (Swiss businessman Markus Liebherr) and a new manager (Alan Pardew). A change in fortunes is still more important to a team that begin with a 10-point penalty for going into administration last season. A summer in limbo means Pardew's team is yet to take shape, and the predictable departures of Andrew Surman and David McGoldrick may be followed by those of the highly-paid pair of Marek Saganowski and Grzegorz Rasiak.

Talk of promotion is inevitable, but with reinforcements in both defence and attack probably necessary, consolidation should be the first objective. For each of the bigger clubs to have dropped so far, League One has represented the nadir. Each has secured promotion within three seasons and Sheffield Wednesday's 16th-place finish in 2004 is the lowest to date. Southampton, starting 10 points behind their rivals, may need 85 to secure a play-off place and 60 to prevent a drop into League Two.

Alan Pardew has taken over at Saints.

In any case, as Scunthorpe and Peterborough showed last season, a Premier League past is not required to go up. There is a school of thought that Brentford will emulate Darren Ferguson's team by threatening back-to-back promotions. Millwall, enterprising overachievers, reached the play-offs and could challenge again. Huddersfield, in Lee Clark's first full season in charge and with a sprinkling of promising signings, may be well placed. If Rickie Lambert can manage another 29 goals, Bristol Rovers should be in contention. And Southend, under Steve Tilson's low profile but effective management, have a habit of sneaking under the radar.

Others tend to command more headlines. Pardew excepted, the two most eye-catching managerial appointments are Liverpool alumni. After a one-year sabbatical at Blackburn and on the golf course, Paul Ince is back at Milton Keynes Dons, older and, presumably, wiser. Meanwhile, there is an alternative Anfield midfield at Prenton Park with John Barnes being assisted by Jason McAteer at Tranmere following one of the summer's stranger sagas. Under Ronnie Moore, Rovers were two minutes away from a play-off finish. Moore was offered a new contract, only for it to be withdrawn while the club cited declining gates as a reason for his sacking. It means that, in a division unusually replete with big names, Barnes and McAteer provide two more.

While Leeds start against Exeter and the 2003 and 2004 FA Cup finalists clash as Southampton host Millwall, Barnes visits Yeovil, a non-league club when the Tranmere manager was the finest footballer in the country. He may have taken a tumble over the past 20 years; but the worry is that someone will fall still further this year.

[Asbjørn]

Spørsmål 5 til Rekdal i dette innslaget (spr fra JAH) ca 4:30 ut i klippet...

Har du trua på Leeds i år?

http://webtv.tv2.no/webtv/main.do?treeId=2171&progId=330225

[Pettersen97]

Steike æ misslike når Leeds United får favorittstemple på sæ..
Kunne heller blidd ansedd som en slags outsider, da hadde spilleran garantert bette teinnern sammen for å bevise di dærre journalistan kor feil dæm kan ta..

Men i år e våres år MOT Leeds UNITED!!

[JanPSyse]

Favorittstempel, det medfølgende presset det innehar, og Leeds er to ting som tidligere har gått særdeles dårlig sammen, så jeg bare håper (og tror, litt...) at vi endelig klarer å komme oss opp en divisjon.

Det er jammen meg på tide.

MOT

[Tom S]

LEEDS UNITED

How did they do last year?
Leeds fell disappointingly at the penultimate hurdle losing in the League One play-off semi-final after a campaign in which they were one of the favourites to make the top two. They started the season having lost the previous year's play-off final and under Gary McAllister started reasonably well. However, by December they were knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league Histon and suffered five defeats on the bounce which cost McAllister his job and left Simon Grayson with the proverbial mountain to climb. He almost made it but despite his excellent efforts the season was a failure for the club.
 
Who's the gaffer?
Yorkshireman Grayson has won the hearts and minds of the fans. After McAllister was sacked the former Leeds, Blackburn Leicester City and Aston Villa player picked up a struggling team, instilled them with confidence and made them almost impregnable at home. His calm manner, ability to change games with substitutions and attract players of the stature of Richard Naylor has left fans feeling that the side is in the hands of man who can at the very least bring Championship football back to Elland Road.

Who's the player to watch?
The key man is Robert Snodgrass. Everybody has been talking about whether England Under-21 midfielder Fabian Delph or top scorer Jermaine Beckford will stay or go but Snodgrass was the outstanding man last season. He was brought in by McAllister to play wide and his goals and work rate belied the fact that he was often used from the bench. Under Grayson he has blossomed and United coach Ian Miller believes the former Livingstone player can go all the way to the top.

How will they do?
"Leeds will finish in the top six but will find it very hard to go straight up," says BBC Radio Leeds' Gareth Jones "Each year they seem to be favourites for automatic promotion but no longer are they the biggest spenders in a division which will be even more difficult to escape at the third attempt. Also, the early signs are that the players leaving the club are not being replaced by anything better. Plus if Delph and Beckford go then so do the two most potent weapons at Grayson's disposal. However, he has a decent record in the loan market and that may be the key to adding to a squad which most still expect to challenge for the top honours."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/8140428.stm#Leeds%20United

[Svend Anders]

Hvor er jarle og hb i denne tråden???

SA

[Hallgeir *]

Tippebladet TIPS sier:

1. Leeds  2. Charlton   Playoff: Norwich, MK Dons, Huddersfield og Southend.

[kjelvi]

2009/10 Season - Squad preview
As we enter the final week before the season kicks off, Unofficial LUFC looks at the Leeds squad and gives its verdict on the players, management and our chances this

Casper Ankergren - Goalkeeper
The Danish keeper is entering his third year at Leeds United and will be keen to put last year behind him.  Ankergren found himself o the bench for a number of matches whilst David Lucas took his position near the sticks.  Without doubt, Ankergren is an amazing shot stopper but some nervous handling at times has shown he is not perfect.  The arrival of Higgs will push Ankergren all the way and lets hope it is to his benefit.
Verdict: Sort the handling out and Ankergren could be key.

Shane Higgs - Goalkeeper
The 32 year old signed this summer and has impressed when he has appeared in the pre-season.  He could even push to start against Exeter and whilst we have only seen a limited amount of appearances, he has already endeared himself to the fans.
Verdict: A great addition to the squad. Lets hope the good form continues.

Jason Crowe â€" Full/Centre Back or Midfield
Crowe is filling two expensive pairs of shoes in Frazer Richardson and Jonathon Douglas.  His pre-season form has been impressive and he comes with a wealth of experience.  Crowe started his career brightly at Arsenal and manager Simon Grayson is hoping he continues to show the form in pre-season.
Verdict: A competent player who is very committed. The fans will love him

Patrick Kisnorbo - Defender
The Australian Centre back was a regular at Leicester City but fell out of favour last season and found himself restricted to a handful of appearances.  He needs to find his feet quickly at Elland Road where a number of defenders have crumbled under the pressure but another good addition to the squad.
Verdict: Needs to show form

Rui Marques â€" Defender
Marques is now in his fourth season, having established himself a fans favourite, Marques suffered a dip in form prior to Christmas last year when the defence was in tatters. The arrival of Grayson seems to have bolstered his confidence and the old Rui was back in the final stages of the season.
Verdict: Has shown he can wobble but a confident Marques is a natural first choice for the team.

Alan Sheehan â€" Full Back
Sheehan did not enjoy a good start to his Elland Road career and despite a confident spell under McAllister, he has failed to impress so far.  Sheehan seems to be hit a miss from game to game and if he is to push Parker for the Left back slot, he needs to work hard and get a run of form going.
Verdict: Needs to do more to impress

Lubo Michalik - Defender
The Slovakian International did not recapture the form he showed when he initially joined us on loan from Bolton and found himself pushed out to Richard Naylor in the second half of last season.  He has worked hard and impressed in pre-season and may be showing glimpses of the original player the fans loved when Dennis Wise first brought him to the club.
Verdict: The old Lubo will push for a starting place and he could yet establish himself as first choice centre back, but he needs to forget last season.

Ben Parker â€" Full Back/midfield
Parker came through the youth ranks and established himself as first choice left back ahead of Alan Sheehan last year.  The 21 year old has shown he is good attacking the flanks as well as defending deep and everyone is hoping for further progress this year.
Verdict:  Should hold his place at left back. A competent defender

Aiden White â€" Defender
Aiden White broke through the ranks of the youth system to cover at left back last year, and impressed!  He is still young at 18 years old and hopefully he will be developed this year and gradually introduced.  White could potentially go out on loan to gain some valuable experience
Verdict:  One for the future but will be competent if asked to cover.

Richard Naylor â€" Defender
Named club captain again, Naylor is competent and marshals the defence well.  It is no surprise that since his arrival, the defence sorted their problems out.  He should be an ever-present this year, once he returns from minor back surgery that may keep him out of the opening fixtures of the season
Verdict: Steady and reliable.

David Prutton - Midfield
Fell from favour last year after a strong first season in 2007/08 but continued to perform well for the reserves.  He has featured in a limited capacity in pre-season and Grayson may yet find a role for Prutton in the first team.  Few will knock Prutton for his attitude but whether his style of play fits into Grayson’s Leeds United remains to be seen.
Verdict: Could yet leave us scratching our heads as to why he was left out last year, but could also be surplus to requirements

Neil Kilkenny â€" Midfield
Australian born Kilkenny struggled with fitness last year but underwent a minor procedure to aide his breathing over the summer and his role is crucial for the coming campaign.  Kilkenny has divided fans in the past but his passing and creativity is as good as it gets in this division and if he has a good season, Leeds will have a good season.
Verdict:  Key man for Leeds this year.

Jonathon Howson â€" Midfield
Howson established himself as a first team regular under both McAllister and Grayson last term and the product of the Academy has shown he has the skill, flair and vision to succeed.  Playing in the centre of midfield has been a challenge and at times his lack of physical presence over 90 minutes has been noted but with the right players around him, Howson is a real danger man for Leeds.  The absence of Douglas and Delph this year may be telling though.
Verdict: Whether Howson and Kilkenny in the centre is strong enough remains to be seen but with the right role and the right support, this could be Howson’s year, but he needs to step it up.

Bradley Johnson - Midfield
After a strong finish to the 2007/08 campaign, Johnson found himself surplus to requirements at the start of last year and was shipped out on loan to Brighton where he impressed. When he returned, he found it difficult to break into Grayson preference for a settled squad but looked bright at times when he had his chances.  Johnson can play central or out wide and his preferred role is still not clear.
Verdict: Could be a good year for Johnson if he takes his chance when given.

Andy Robinson - Midfield
The League 1 player of the year 2007/08 failed to get a consistent run in the starting eleven last season, making 34 League appearance but 14 of those were as a sub.  He is established as a fans favourite and always excites with the ball but his overall fitness is questionable.
Verdict: A fans favourite who needs to get into the starting 11 and get a consistent run going.  Will always create danger.

Andy Hughes - Midfield
Quickly establishing himself as Mr Versatile, Andy Hughes played in midfield last season before switching to right-back to cover for the injured Frazer Richardson.  There is no doubting his determination and will give 100% every game but expect him to start from the bench and be used a cover throughout the season.
Verdict: Wish we had 10 more players with his attitude!

Robert Snodgrass â€" Midfield/Forward
Snodgrass became the star performer in the second half of the season and has established himself as a regular in the first 11 and a firm favourite with the fans.  His attacking mindset creates havoc with defences at Elland Road although some of his final balls can go astray.
Verdict: Key player for Leeds this season

Jermaine Beckford â€" Forward
With his future thrown into uncertainty over the summer and the rumours still persisting, it yet remains to be seen if Beckford will still be here by the time the transfer window shuts at the end of August, let alone the January period.  Describing Beckford is simple, he gets goals! The leading scorer last season can play some amazing moves one minute and fail to control the ball the next, but still gets goals! Transfer listed at the end of last season, removed from the transfer list in pre-season, rumours of interest from West Brom and Newcastle â€" new contract discussions?  Will it never end?
Verdict: Crucial for us to keep Beckford this season.  We would not be able to replace his goals.

Luciano Becchio â€" Forward
The Argentinean did everything asked of him in his first full season in English football.  His hard work up front, ability to win headers and 18 goals in all competitions is better than most had hoped for and he should be a regular this term
Verdict: Will cause problems for defences whenever he plays.

Mike Grella â€" Forward
American Mike Grella has impressed in the reserves and pre-season but still has to prove himself in the first team. He is an exciting prospect and expect to see him coming off the bench when goals are needed.
Verdict:  Lets see what you got?  

Enoch Showumni â€" Forward
A blood clot on his lung cut short the tall Nigerians season last term but he is back in pre-season and could become crucial back-up to Beckford and Becchio.
Verdict: No Beckford or Becchio but could yet establish himself at Leeds  

Manager â€" Simon Grayson
Grayson has been here and done it before, taking Blackpool up to the Chamionship.  His arrival at Elland Road also so us amass more points than any other team in that period but it was too late to quality for the automatic promotion spots.  Grayson seem to like a settle squad but is not afraid to make changes in a match and it will be interesting to see how having a full pre-season to work wit the players will affect our style of play and confidence levels.  A mark of a good manager is always how they react when a team goes through a dip in form and we have not seen that yet, and we hope we don’t
Verdict:  The fans are behind him, and need to stay behind him.  

Chairman â€" Ken Bates
There are two ways to view Bates.  No-one can quote comprehend the financial turmoil the club faced when he took over, nor the considerable challenge that lies ahead in re-purchasing Elland Road and Thorpe Arch whilst developing the infrastructure of the business side of the club in general. It as task no one else wanted and to now be turning a profit is a remarkable piece of business however you view it.On the flip side, apparent minimal investment in the team whilst drawing up plans for hotels causes outrage amongst some fans with a shroud of secrecy placed around the finances at Elland Road.Ultimately though, Ken Bates should only be judged on the success he brings on the pitch. For the third year running, we are promised this is our year but at this stage there has again been minimal investment in the team.If it pays off, Leeds get promoted on the cheap and Bates is a hero.If it doesn’t, will Bates have finally worn out the tolerance of the fans?
Verdict: No more excuses for not getting promoted this year.

http://www.thefootballnetwork.net/main/s277/st147692.htm

[Promotion 2010]

Rediger litt da, Kjelvi! 

[kjelvi]

Rediger litt da, Kjelvi! 

ja da masa!

[McMidjo]

Tippebladet TIPS sier:

1. Leeds  2. Charlton   Playoff: Norwich, MK Dons, Huddersfield og Southend.

Da må jeg kjøpe TIPS denne gangen. Alltid morsomt å lese TIPS sine vurderinger, for de har tidligere hatt en tendens til å gjøre helt andre vurderinger enn 'resten av verden'. Ser litt mer oppegående ut denne gangen - ikke bare fordi de har Leeds på topp....

Ifjor traff de med både Leicester og Scunthorpe (og var vel heller ikke så langt unna når de tippet Leeds på 9.plass), men hadde total skivebom på svært mange andre lag, og har iår som ifjor tydeligvis stor tro på Southend.....

[DenHviteYeboah]

Hyggelig at "ekspertene" tror på laget, men det betyr kumøkk hvis vi taper for Exeter og andre møkkalag,eller spiller uavgjort for den del mot nisselag vi skal knuse....jeg liker absolutt ikke favorittstempel,det har innvirket ganske dårlig på Leeds opp igjennom årene....
Sesongen er lang.Med skader på 4-5 nøkkelspillere har vi etter min mening kun middelmådigheter å sette inn på laget.

[Promotion 2010]

Hyggelig at "ekspertene" tror på laget, men det betyr kumøkk hvis vi taper for Exeter og andre møkkalag,eller spiller uavgjort for den del mot nisselag vi skal knuse....jeg liker absolutt ikke favorittstempel,det har innvirket ganske dårlig på Leeds opp igjennom årene....
Sesongen er lang.Med skader på 4-5 nøkkelspillere har vi etter min mening kun middelmådigheter å sette inn på laget.

Vi får håpe vi ikke får skader på 11 nøkkelspillere da, for da sliter vi! 

[Promotion 2010]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/aug/06/league-one-2009-2010-season-teams-guide

Leeds United

Manager Simon Grayson

One to watch Robert Snodgrass, 21

Leeds look weaker after a summer of very low-key and cheap signings. Grayson, however, is reassuringly calm and shrewd. Clubs in this division still see Leeds as a scalp to be had, a phenomenon they finally showed signs of coping with last spring.

Prediction Possible promotion

[Promotion 2010]

LEEDS UNITED

Manager: Simon Grayson

Position last season: 4th

Ground: Elland Road

Capacity: 39,450

Players in: Jason Crowe (Northampton, free), Shane Higgs (Cheltenham, free), Patrick Kisnorbo (Leicester, free)

Players out: Jonathan Douglas (Swindon, free), David Lucas (Swindon, free), Matthew Edwards (Rochdale, free), Peter Sweeney (Grimsby, free), Frazer Richardson (Charlton, free)

Key man: Robert Snodgrass

Chances: Leeds have targeted a top-two finish after the play-off disappointment in May but cannot afford the kind of slip-ups against the smaller clubs that prevented them from a sustained automatic promotion challenge last season.

Prediction: 2nd

Sky Bet odds: 5/2

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11715_5463505,00.html

[kjelvi]

League One 2009-10 Previews - Leeds United
A third campaign in the third tier for Leeds United after another play-off failure.  Simon Grayson looks to be the right man for the job, although Ken Bates has done little in terms of backing his manager in the transfer market, with the only additions to date being free transfers and a loan signing.
The summer speculation has largely revolved around who would be heading for the exit, with Fabian Delph and Jermaine Beckford being the obvious names in the frame, although the likes of Robert Snodgrass, Neil Kilkenny and Luciano Becchio also have their admirers.
Delph has now left for Aston Villa, so much could depend on how much of the substantial fee received makes its way in Grayson’s direction for new recruits.  If Beckford were also now to depart, Leeds’ bid for promotion could start to look precarious.
Automatic promotion has to be the target and assuming that there are no further departures and that Grayson is given the requisite support from Bates, this season should really see Leeds heading back in the right direction.

MANAGER: Simon Grayson
STADIUM: Elland Road
* IN: Jason Crowe (Northampton Town); Shane Higgs (Cheltenham Town); Patrick Kisnorbo (Leicester City); Michael Doyle (Coventry City â€" loan)
* OUT: Nathan Cartman (out of contract); Chris Ovington (out of contract); Ross Wilkinson (out of contract); Matt Edwards (Rochdale); Lee Booth (out of contract); Sam Jerome (out of contract); Jonathan Douglas (Swindon Town); David Lucas (Swindon Town); Peter Sweeney (Grimsby Town); Frazer Richardson (Charlton Athletic); Luke Garbutt (Everton); Alan Martin (Accrington Stanley â€" loan); Fabian Delph (Aston Villa)

LEAGUE RECORD 2008-09:
HOME   AWAY
W     D       L      F       A       W       D       L      F       A       PTS    POS
17     2       4      49      20      9       4       10     28      29      84      4     

PREDICTION: 1st

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