October 96

31st October

More Rufus
A source at Charlton football club states that Leeds have already bid 2.5m for Richard Rufus but Charlton are said to be holding out for 3.5m.
Yeboah Boost
Graham said: "Tony has been to a specialist regarding his knee and has been given the all-clear to resume light training with the squad. He has been doing a lot of running but this is good news and he has reached this stage earlier than expected."

"Here is the News!"

Leeds centre-back Richard Jobson is struggling to recover from a leg injury in time for the clash with Sunderland on Saturday.

Brian Deane is likely to make his first start since the opening match of the season at Derby, where he injured his groin.

Tony Yeboah is still a long way off a return.

Reports from Sydney suggest that Howard Wilkinson is on a short-list of six to become manager of the Australian national team.

Graham was at the Tranmere v Charlton match last night checking out Charlton's central defender Richard Rufus (captained England U21) and Tranmere's left back, Rogers and possibly their young forward, Ian Moore.

30th October

Bowyer to play on Saturday?
Bowyer is poised for the go-ahead to step up his training and complete his recovery from eye surgery. Speaking in today's Yorkshire Evening Post, he said: "It has been a very frustrating time for me having to take a back seat." He could even take part in Saturdays match against Sunderland.
Dorigo surgery setback
Dorigo requires an operation on his knee after his recent comeback, battling 18 months to overcome a hamstring injury.
Unsubstantiated dodgy rumour time
Leeds failed in a bid to buy Ritchie Humphrey's for three million from Sheffield Wednesday.

29th October

Everton
Barmby joins Everton for 5.75M
Stuff
Congratulations to Rod Wallace, the proud father of a 5lb 8ounce baby girl.

Todays Sun newspaper reports that Birmingham are poised to put in an offer for Carl Asaba. (Missed another one.)

Leeds chairman Bill Fotherby says that we will see a couple of new faces in the team "within one or two weeks."

Jobson missed the Arsenal match because he had fluid on the knee.

Graham has responded to Brolin's offer to reopen talks about his future. He said "Come back and prove your fitness." (Fat chance, or perhaps, fat prat?)

Lucas Radebe has been selected for the South African squad to play against Zaire in the World Cup Qualifier next month.

28th October

Graham U-Turn on waiting for the right players
"I realise now that this is a tougher job than the one I had when I first went to Arsenal and it could be case of looking for stop-gaps. For the time being, despite this club's huge potential, we might have to forget about the penthouse and settle for a semi-detached."

27th October

Graham bristles at the thought of relegation battle
"I don't even want to talk about survival at this stage. It's a bad question. But the job is a massive challenge. I'd love to go out and buy three outstanding players right now, but how do you get them?" (First select either Sinclair, Barmby, Rufus, Asaba, Collymore, Hooydonk, Asprilla.... the list goes on, phone the team in question and hand over the dosh!)
Graham grateful for 3-0 loss
Graham said after the match, "I was grateful we didn't get a real hiding. It was a nightmare start - and after that an impossible task. We are seriously under strength at Leeds."

26th October

Result
Arsenal 3 Leeds 0

25th October

Bits and pieces, bits and pieces

Dorigo has had yet another injury setback and won't be playing against Arsenal on Saturday.

Defender Lucas Radebe may also miss the tie suffering with Gastroenteritis. His place will be taken by Ian Harte.

Brian Deane could make a surprise comeback on the bench.

Brolin is seeking peace talks with Graham, with the possibility of returning to the club, he says in an exclusive Yorkshire Evening Post interview that he never said "I will not play for Leeds again" what he did say was "that it would be difficult to return to the club at this time."

Completely unsubstantiated rumours say that George Graham is interested in signing Daniele Dichio from QPR.The Striker is out of contract.

More reliable sources state Middlesborough have confirmed they are ready to sell striker Nick Barmby. Speculation is mounting that a swap deal involving Leeds Lee Sharpe is being lined up.

24th October

Graham hints at long wait for new blood
George Graham said "Nobody will sell their good players a couple of months into the season."

23rd October

Result
Leeds 1 Aston Villa 2
Fotherby on the pot
Contrary to todays report in the Sun, speaking on Sky television Bill Fotherby reports that George Graham has 9 Million pounds at his disposal
From todays SUN newspaper
The transfer fund available to George Graham is now put at 15 million pounds.
Graham is backing Rush to produce the goods
"I've told Ian to relax and I've told him that he has nothing to prove to anyone," said Graham. "He is not actually playing in a team which is bombing as was the case at Liverpool. I'm sure Ian will come good." Rush could equal Geoff Hurst's record tally of 49 League Cup goals were he to score tonight.

22nd October

Spurs lose out (rumour)
Sinclair's imminent transfer is now thought to be a two horse race between Everton and Leeds. Leeds are still considered favourites.
Can't make changes?
Graham has few options for Wednesday's Coca-Cola revenge match against Villa due to the continuing injury crisis and Hately's return to QPR. Leeds are expected to push Rod Wallace alongside Ian Rush up front.

21st October

Transfer rumour
Three players that Leeds might be interested in are Sinclair, Dichio and Rufus. More info when available.
Graham on transfers
Graham still refuses to be rushed into the transfer market. He said "I am not going to sign anyone just yet because there is nobody of the right quality available."

20th October

Sharpe stays put
George Graham said "This story is completely untrue. I'm trying to bring quality players to Leeds, not get rid of them. To suggest I'm going to sell one of my first team players is ridiculous."

Sharpe Out! (News of The World)

The article reads:

Lee Sharpe is on the way OUT of Leeds after showdown talks with manager George Graham. Middlesborough have made enquiries, but no official bid has been tabled. Lee told friends "just doesn't fancy me." Graham is keen to bring in his own men. Commenting on Saturdays game Norman Hunter said he thought Sharpe did not have enough pace.
Graham on the Villa match
He said "It is the poorest performance since I took over. We weren't too bad in the first half but then we were torn apart. We weren't good enough at the back, or in midfield, or up front."
Rush keeps on going
Ian Rush is 35 this weekend. He said "I thought anything over 30 would be a bonus, but I am now looking well beyond 35."

19th October

Result
Aston Villa 2 Leeds 0
Half Time
Aston Villa 0 Leeds 0

18th October

Sampdoria in for Brolin?
Graham could not confirm reports that Italians Sampdoria are ready to bid Ł2 million for Tomas Brolin. "If it is true I know nothing about it," said Graham
Moller
George Graham was at the UEFA-cup match on Tuesday between Aberdeen and Brondby. The Danish press reported he was looking at the Brondby striker Peter Moller.

17th October

Sinclair edges closer
This morning's Yorkshire post says that Bill Fotherby and George Graham were yesterday holding talks with Sinclair about personal terms.

16th October

Drink Driving
Carlton Palmer has been cleared of drink-driving. The case against him was dismissed on a technicality. His solicitor told magistrates of a police error.

15th October

Hateley on his way
Mark Hately's loan spell expires after this weekend's trip to Aston Villa. Hateley is thought to want a permanent deal and Sheffield United and Hearts are both said to be interested. The fee is likely to be around 700,000 pounds.
Sinclair
Leeds are leading the chase to sign Trevor Sinclair. Leeds have emerged as strong favourites with Graham expected to make an offer imminently.
Brolin
Brolin yesterday renewed his threat to quit football rather than return to Leeds. Brolin, in Bangkok with his girlfriend, said: "I am not going to change my mind and I am not going back."

14th October

Boring Boring Leeds!
According to todays Daily Mail people attending Leeds matches in the future will be chanting "boring, boring Leeds" - and that (again according to the Mail) will be music to the ears of manager George Graham. Graham said: "Being pleasing to the eye and attractive is not our priority. Victory was important and it doesn't matter now how it was obtained. My ideas will take time to come over to the players. We got an important victory but I'm still looking for a big improvement. It was partly my fault that we were outrun in midfield in the first half. Forest had an extra player there and it showed. They were keeping the ball as if they were the home team." Dorigo said: "We didn't play with too much fluency but it's all about winning. George is following the formula that brought him success at Highbury. We'll be only too pleased with a few of those 1-0 wins that Arsenal used to grind out."

13th October

Outstanding Wallace
George Graham was full of praise for Rod Wallace as his second half double strike led to Leeds first premiership win whilst under his control. Graham said "We changed it around in the second half with Rod Wallace dropping back into midfield and he was outstanding."

12th October

Result
Leeds 2 Notts Forest 0
(Hallelujah!)
Half time
Leeds 0 Notts Forest 0

11th October

QPR let Sinclair go
QPR are set to release Trevor Sinclair after his recent transfer request. Leeds, Spurs, Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn are all thought to be interested.

10th October

Brolin threatens to quit football
Brolin is threatening to retire from football and Leeds United. It would seem that Leeds are set to sue if he does in fact decide to hang up his boots. Consequently, Brolin's return to Elland Road now seems very unlikely.
Saturdays match against Notts Forest
Carlton Palmer will be serving his One match suspension. Tony Dorigo might be available, but was sore after a full match in the reserves during the week. Graham might revert to a flat back four.
Villa eye up Hooydonk
A Villa representative was a the Welsh game watching Hooydonk. He returned from the Welsh game to train with the Celtic reserves.
Get well soon
Graham has increased the Leeds treatment sessions from 2 to 3 times a day in an all out assault to get his injured players fit.
Graham on the long awaited transfers
"I am being fed names from abroad but I don't want cast offs. So it looks like I will have to bide my time to earmark quality players."
Bowyer
Bowyer is to appear before Thames magistrates on Nov. 11 charged with Violent Disorder after being bailed yesterday.
More Press stuff
George Graham is set to offer QPR 6 million for Trevor Sinclair. Injury-hit Leeds United could have three senior players back on first team duty to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Mark Hateley and Tony Dorigo are set to play in tonight's reserve match at Sheffield Wednesday and although skipper Ian Rush is still not ready for the Owls clash, manager George Graham said: "He could be fit for Saturday. The break for internationals has been invaluable to us trying to get players fit and it will be a big boost if we can get some of our experienced players back in the side." Midfielder Lee Bowyer, who damaged an eye in a freak accident against Manchester United, returns to light training on Monday but will not be allowed to join in full sessions for a while.
Asaba
George Graham, the Leeds manager, was in the directors' box on Saturday at Brentford watching 23-year-old Carl Asaba who is being touted as the new Ian Wright. Asaba's two strikes in Brentford's 4-2 win against Rotherham were reminiscent of Ian Wright's style.
Scales
Leeds are chasing Liverpool's John Scales, the defender they let go on a free transfer to Bristol Rovers in July 1985. The Anfield club discouraged an inquiry for the talented Harrogate-born player and Leeds manager George Graham is considering his next step. Liverpool would be looking for at least Ł5m, if they could be persuaded to sell.
Where is Brolin?
Leeds United's Tomas Brolin has left Switzerland for an unknown destination according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.The 26-year-old completed his final training session with FC Zurich on Tuesday and told them he was leaving. United manager George Graham said: "We have heard nothing from Tomas Brolin. We have not even got a telephone number for him. All our correspondence With him has been done through his agent, Lars Peterson."

5th October

Hooydonk dunks a duo (plonks a pair)
Possible Leeds transfer target P.V.Hooydonk was on the mark in todays world cup qualifier against Wales. Two goals in the 2nd half were enough to sink a battling Welsh side.
Final score Wales 1 Holland 3.
More transfer gossip
George Graham is reported to have around Ł10million at his disposal. He is said to be targeting two central defenders and a forward. Two transfer possibilities are Barcelona's Miguel Nadal and QPR's Trevor Sinclair. Graham faces competition for Nadal from Manchester United and Newcastle who could PX David Ginola.

4th October

Sinclair wants out from QPR
According to newspaper reports Trevor Sinclair has decided he wishes to leave QPR. Leeds and Spurs are said to lead the race for his signature.
Rumours Rumours and more Rumours
Bowyer in bother (unconfirmed)
Lee Bowyer and 2 acquaintances have been arrested in conjunction with damage sustained to a McDonalds in London. Furniture was broken and a employee had to have 4 stitches in a head wound.
Brolin wants to stay put
Tomas Brolin, meanwhile, is ready to stay in Switzerland and reject Leeds manager George Graham's request to return. The unhappy Swedish international will risk disciplinary action from Leeds and possibly FIFA if he remains at FC Zurich after Graham refused him permission to extend his loan at the Swiss club. Brolin's agent, Lars Peterson, said: "Tomas needs time on the training ground and some matches. He feels he would be better continuing his comeback in Switzerland." Graham said: "I have gone as far as I can with Tomas by offering him a fresh start. The next move is up to him."
Ehiogu
Leeds may have had 5 Million Pound bid for Ugo Ehiogu turned down.

3rd October

Dorigo delighted
Tony Dorigo successfully completed his return to competitive match play last night against Tranmere in a reserve's match. He said "I came through with no problem. It feels great to have got 45mins football under my belt."

2nd October

Brolin's return
George Graham has confirmed that Brolin will return to resume training at Leeds, although he has picked up a knee injury and is 5-7 games away from match fitness. Graham will also assess Brolins attitude and commitment to the team.
Dorigo comeback
Tony Dorigo plays in the reserves tonight after being out of action since February with a hamstring injury.
African goal King Yeboah pledges future to new boss
The Ghanaian said "I am happy in Leeds. It is always frustrating not being able to play and even more so when a new man takes charge, but George Graham is a good manager and I want to be able to play for him." Yeboah should be back in action sometime during December.

1st October

Rush soon back to fitness
Ian Rush is predicting a swift comeback from injury. He hopes to be fit to face Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on Saturday week.
Beesley
Reports suggest that Beesley, a Leeds defender maybe sold to Crystal Palace for 250,000 pounds.
Another even dodgier transfer rumour
It has come to my attention (2nd hand) that Man U misfit Andy Cole, might be on the move.
Leeds are one of the clubs rumoured to be interested.

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