Nevertheless, the emergence of talented youngsters such as Adam Clayton, Aidy White and Tom Lees combined with loan signings, Darren O’ Dea and Danny Pugh and established professionals like Snodgrass and club captain, Jonny Howson suggested that Leeds were not spiralling out of control and did well to paper over the growing cracks surfacing at Elland Road for half-a-season.
Grayson reassured the fans that there was money to spend in January but the sale of Jonny Howson brought tensions between supporters and the board to its highest level under Bates’ administration. As a result of this, protests against the ex-Chelsea chairman have peppered the story of Leeds’ 2011/12 season so far and have disunited the many factions connected with the club.
The loan signing of ex-Leeds trainee, Fabian Delph, and the explanations offered by Bates, Grayson and Howson himself, for the reasons behind the Morley-born midfielder’s departure went some way to appeasing the mounting criticism of the club’s administration. The further loan captures of Andros Townsend and Adam Smith plus the only permanent signing of the American international, Robbie Rogers, are not exactly additions which suggest a reversal of recent fortunes.
Grayson’s sacking, while slightly on the harsh side and notable for being implemented after the transfer window which gives his successor no space to bring in his own players, should mark a new direction for the club. For too long the team have ambled their way through the season and the Leeds fans have waited for a true sense of a bright future.
Leeds lie 4 points off the Play-Offs and with the right management team in place, you sense that the promotion that was demanded at the start of the season may not seem like such a pipe dream anymore. For the club to achieve this they need a manager with promotion credentials, a man who never baulks at a challenge and someone not afraid to mould the team in his image. Belief needs to be restored in the fans and the season is crying out for renewed purpose to advance the Whites’ cause. That man, for the sake of Leeds United, has to be Neil Warnock.
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What a very well written article, very informative. I look forward to reading more from you. 😀 x