September 96

30th September

Gray pulls out of Scotland Squad
Winger Andy Gray has pulled out of the Scotland under-21 squad to face Latvia and Estonia with a calf strain.

29th September

Transfer Rumour: Hooydonk for Leeds?
Pierre Van Hooydonk insists he wants to stay with Celtic despite his much publicised bust up with manager Tommy Burns before the old match showdown. Van Hooydonk's wages at Parkhead is believed to be at the centre of the rift that has emerged between the two.
Kids Bid to Rid the Skids
Andy Couzens is convinced Leeds can follow Man United's example (what!) and reap rich rewards if they persevere with their kids. Although Leeds find themselves 4th from bottom after four successive premiership defeats, Couzens believe the youngsters can make a big impact. The midfielder said "you've seen what Man United have done and there is no doubt in my mind that we can do the same."
Graham won't panic buy
"I'm not going to buy quickly and regret it. I would love to bring in new players but It's a big headache. There are a few managers around with more money than me who are desperate to spend it, but the quality we are all after is not available."
(Panic or no panic at this rate it's Division 1 he we come.)

28th September

Graham on Match Of The Day
Graham told his team at half time "they couldn't play any worse."
When asked what the club needed most he replied "points" but emphasised that they had four players aged 20 and under in todays game.
Result
Leicester 1 Leeds 0
Half Time
Leicester 0 Leeds 0

27th September

Brolin
Brolin's agent says that he is keen to talk to Graham when his loan period expires in two weeks about a possible return to Elland Road. (Apparently he is far from match fit.)
Dorigo
Dorigo goes back into full training next week.
Gray
Andy Gray is now the 8th member of the Leeds first team squad to pick up an injury (calf) he is unlikely to play against Leicester tomorrow.

26th September

Brolin update
It would appear that Brolin is staying put in Switzerland, at least until the end of his loan period. (More info when available)
Dorigo on Villa
Former Villa defender Tony Dorigo says "It will be a very tough task against Villa. We are drawn at home, though, and there is the big incentive to take some revenge for our Wembley defeat."

25th September

Villa
Leeds have drawn Aston Villa in the next round of the Coca-Cola Cup
Graham's Pessimism
Speaking about last nights victory against Darlington George Graham said " a lot of people expected a shock and when our coach broke down I thought ‘Oh no here we go.'" The team had to be ferried to the match in minicabs.

24th September

Result
Darlington 0 Leeds 2 (Leeds win 2-4 on aggregate)
Tonight's Darlington match injury list
Hateley is having treatment for an ankle injury. Ian Rush is doubtful (ankle and hamstring.) Tony Yeboah, Lee Bowyer, Tony Dorrigo and John Pemberton are also out. Graham said "We need a couple of quality signings."

23rd September

No Fine
Palmer will serve a one match ban following his sending off on Saturday (shame on Alan Shearer) but he has escaped being fined by George Graham.

22nd September

Poor Referee
George Graham lashed ref Paul Alcock after Palmer's sending off. He said "The referee spoiled the game in the first 45mins. He got better in the 2nd half but the damage was done by then."
Graham on Adams
Speaking on BBC1 during Match of the Day, Graham said he would love Tony Adams to play for Leeds, but thought the Arsenal fans would "Lynch" the board if they let him go.

21st September

Result
Leeds 0 Newcastle 1
Half Time
Leeds 0 Newcastle 0
Palmer sent off 39
Graham wants Adams
George Graham is ready to make a five million pound bid for Arsenal captain Tony Adams according to The Sun newspaper (hmm.) Adams is presently undergoing treatment for alcoholism.

20th September

Rush Out
Ian Rush has been left out of the Welsh squad that will play Holland.
Wilko with the BBC
I have heard (not totally reliable) that Howard Wilkinson intends to take a break from football and join Radio 5 "Live" as a football commentator.

19th September

Foreign players?
George Graham may reluctantly join the rush to import foreign stars. He said "it is possible I will bring someone in from abroad." He expressed concern that England could have problems producing its own home-grown talent.
It'll take time
George Graham admits his plans will take time following the 2-2 draw with Darlington. "I feel it was a patchy performance and there is a lot of work to be done."

18th September

Result
Leeds 2 Darlington 2

17th September

Hateley set for another month.
QPR manager Stewart Houston has agreed to let Mark Hateley stay on loan for another month to ease Leeds striker problems.

16th September

O'Leary new Leeds assistant
Republic of Ireland hero David O'Leary has been appointed assistant manager to George Graham. Graham revealed that O'Leary, who played under him at Arsenal, had aided in persuading the Scot to take the Leeds job last week. He told Leeds clubcall: "David told me what a wonderful club this was and if it was successful it would be absolutely massive." O'Leary spent twenty years at Arsenal and ended his playing years at Elland Road. George Graham will give David O'Leary a free hand to run the Leeds first team while he tours the continent looking for new talent for the club. "He will hopefully give me the backing and wonderful service I need. I have worked with David for eight years at Arsenal," said Graham. "I know if I am away, hopefully looking at players, David can take over. He knows exactly what is expected of him. He will put my ideas across and say what I believe."
Houston confirmed as QPR boss
Houston is the new boss at QPR, Leeds await his decision on wether the loan period on Mark Hateley can be extended.

15th September

Graham anger over penalty decision
George Graham was angry when his side were denied a penalty in the 2-1 defeat by Coventry. Leeds were refused a spot-kick when Carlton Palmer appeared to be tripped inside the box. "Everyone saw it was a penalty" he said.
Graham slams rumours
New Leeds boss George Graham has hit out over claims that he was paid a retainer by the club to keep himself available at the start of the season. Graham was upset at a newspaper story alleging that he was offered 100,000 pounds by Leeds and he lashed out after watching his side lose 2-1 at Coventry. The report claimed Leeds wanted Graham waiting in the wings in case things did not work out for Wilkinson. But Graham said "I emphatically deny it. Its absolute nonsense."
(If this is true, can't say I'm surprised)

14th September

Result
Coventry 2 Leeds 1
Houston set for Rangers
Rumour persists that Stewart Houston now seems likely to head for QPR.

13th September

Houston could go to QPR
Houston might be on his way to the vacant managerial post with QPR, once again raising the possibility of O'Leary becoming assistant manager.
Houston to team up with Graham
Speculation is mounting that Arsenal care-taker boss Houston has quit the club to join up with GG at Leeds.
Brolin set to make Leeds comeback
Brolin could be on his way back to Elland road. Graham hopes to speak to him soon.
Injury list
Graham faces his first match against Coventry hit by a crippling injury list Yeboah, Deane, Dorigo, Bowyer, Kelly and Palmer are all likely not to play.
Hateley set for another month
Mark Hateley is staying for another month, his loan spell was due to run out after the Coventry game.

12th September

Rush staying put
Leeds skipper Ian Rush will be staying at Elland Road giving his full support to George Graham.
Rush said "I have to look at my situation in a different light now and take the opportunity to learn playing under George Graham."
Ian Rush has the long term aim of managing Wales.

11th September

Grahams first day in charge
George Graham could raid his old club to offer Arsenal caretaker-boss Stewart Houston the chance to become his assistant. Former Leeds centre back David O'Leary is also said to be in the running.

The Blades are looking to sign Ian Rush if he turns his back on the new regime at Leeds United. The ex-Liverpool striker has a get out clause if Howard Wilkinson went.

Graham says he is in no rush to enter the transfer market. He initially wants to assess the players already in the squad.

10th September

Graham New Leeds Boss
The days of speculation are finally over (1) George Graham is the new Leeds boss. David O'Leary has rejected suggestions that he is poised to join him in a managerial double act.
Graham red hot favourite
George Graham is now the red hot favourite to replace Howard Wilkinson. The scot lives in the same Hampstead apartment block as Richard Thompson, a director of the Caspian Group which took over Leeds in the summer. He could be in control for the visit to Coventry this weekend. Unconfirmed reports suggest that he is already inside Elland Road having talks.

9th September

George Graham cancels TV appearance
George Graham has cancelled an appearance with ITV sport later this week stating he had more important work to attend to. (Draw your own conclusions.)

Wilkinson Sacked

Leeds United have called a press conference this afternoon, confirming speculation that Wilkinson has been sacked. Wilkinson said he was "stunned" after Leeds sacked him. "I am very disappointed and very shocked" "When I came here I talked about a ten-year plan and looking at the young players we've got here I could see that coming to fruition" Leeds chairman Bill Fotherby praised Wilkinson's work at the club after sacking him (hmm) For Fotherby the Man U game was the last straw. Wilkinson transformed an average second division side into League champions in his first Four years. George Graham and Kenny Dalglish (what about Jack Charlton?) Have emerged as the frontrunners (My money is on Graham) for the Elland road Hot seat.

I am personally very sad to see Howard sacked in this way. I still believe him to be one of the very best managers in the country. I would like to take this opportunity to wish him the best of luck for the future.

8th September

Wilko accepts drubbing
Leeds supporters were furious after a humiliating 4-0 defeat. Wilkinson said "Fans are right to be disgusted with Leeds losing effort against Man U" He went on "That was probably the worst performance against Man U in my time here."

7th September

Result
Leeds 0 Man United 4 (I for one will not be watching Match Of The Day)

Match of the day
Leeds V Man United the main game BBC1 22:15.

6th September

New Defender
Leeds are about to seal the signing of defender Gunnar Halle from Oldham this afternoon. The fee is said to be 250,000 pounds. He has won 52 caps for Norway.

5th September

Wilko Dilema
Teenager Ian Harte is giving Wilko a headache, because he has so much all round ability. The boss cannot decide his best position.

Ince bid rejected
Leeds have failed in a bid to sign Inter Milan star Paul Ince. The bid put in before the start of the season was rejected by Hodgson, Inter boss.

Striker
Yeboah will be absent from first team action until Christmas. Leeds are seeking a new signing to replace him.

Email Jon Bunting at
jonb@rawhead.demon.co.uk