Douglas optimism for Leeds challenge
Southend United v Leeds United
AMID the disappointment of Leeds United letting a rare lead slip to only claim a point from the trip to Leicester City in midweek, a couple of plusses were largely overlooked.
First, the 1-1 draw with the Foxes meant that Leeds had, for the first time since the opening week of the season, managed to emerge unbeaten from back-to-back games in the Championship.
It does not sound much of an achievement, but in a season when United have largely careered from one morale-sapping defeat to another then the slightest of improvements is cause for celebration at Elland Road.
The second plus, as pointed out to the Yorkshire Post by captain Jonathan Douglas, is that earlier in the season Leeds would more than likely have gone on to lose a game such as the one at the Walkers Stadium.
However, despite woeful defending allowing Iain Hume to cancel out Robbie Blake's opener inside a minute and Leicester going on to create the majority of chances in the second half, United held out for a point.
Ahead of today's relegation showdown with Southend United, Douglas said: "I thought we performed well at Leicester and deserved to score the first goal (through Blake), only to then concede straight away.
"But after that we battled well. We had to defend and that is what we did. It was so important not to lose. Four months ago, we would probably have got beat, so that is a positive."
Buoyed by taking four points from two games for the first time since following a home win over Norwich City with a draw at QPR in August, Leeds make their first trip to Roots Hall knowing victory is paramount.
Midweek wins for Barnsley, Southend and Hull City mean another defeat in Essex today would leave United six points adrift of safety and in grave danger of dropping out of the top two divisions for the first time.
Burnley may be sinking like a stone in the Championship table along with Luton and QPR, but United are starting to run out of games.
The common consensus among supporters is that the fight will be over if they fail to win in Essex.
Douglas said: "Everyone is positive. There is no point in being down about it. There is still a long way to go and we are capable of going on a run. Hopefully, it can start at Southend.
"We are in a difficult position but there is a long way to go. The key is not to look back, but instead look forward.
"It should be a good atmosphere and something that, as footballers, we will all look forward to. Southend will have a good crowd there and we have had a great crowd going to the away games all season.
"We will have to be patient. We know they will give us everything they have got, but if we defend well and play our way into the game we will be okay. We have the players to get a result.
"The great thing is we have players who have played at the very highest level. Everyone knows it is a massive game. It is one we need to win and I am sure we will."
On the battle to avoid relegation to the third tier, Douglas added: "I am someone who doesn't look at the table. It is whatever we do that counts. If we can go on a winning run, we will get out of trouble. And we have the players to do that. At Christmas, we looked doomed so when we pull out (of the bottom three) it will be great. The way it has gone, when we stay up the lads will have a great time."
Douglas recently became United's third captain of the season after both Paul Butler and Kevin Nicholls were removed from the post by Dennis Wise.
It is an honour that the Republic of Ireland international is relishing. He said: "It is something I have always wanted to do. It is a privilege to be captain of Leeds United.
"I just try to and do what I am used to doing, playing and giving 110 per cent. I don't rant and rave or anything like that. I let my football do the talking."
One problem that is looming large for Douglas is a possible three-game suspension with the midfielder having already collected 14 bookings. One more yellow card and the Leeds captain will be forced to sit on the sidelines.
He said: "I have had 14 bookings, but 10 of them have not been deserved. But I won't change my style. If I did that, I would be half the player I am."
Kilde: YP (
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=2129653&SectionID=4883)
