Following a rocky period over Christmas which saw United draw two and lose two in the league, an exciting opening week of the transfer window is just what was needed.
Leeds rounded off 2013 with a string of tired performances. If fans found two disappointing draws and a loss away at Nottingham hard to swallow, then the 2-0 defeat at Rochdale in the FA Cup will have been heartbreaking. United put on a very poor show at Spotland and the League Two side had no problem dismantling their lacklustre visitors.
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| Manager Brian McDermott after the defeat at Rochdale. Picture from http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk |
McDermott's men were made to stay on the pitch and face the wrath of the 3'400 travelling away fans as they voiced their fury. “That’s probably the worst moment I've had in football, or right up there,” said the Leeds boss in a press conference after the match. “I lost a play-off final and it didn't feel like that, right at the end when we went to our supporters. The reaction we got I expected. I knew it was coming and we hold our hands up. It’s going to be a driver for me in the next few weeks. I’ll use it as a complete and utter driver. What can I say apart from apologise for that performance? There’s no-one here who wants to get it right more than me.”
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| New signing Cameron Stewart. Picture from http://www.leedsunited.com |
Strong words from United's manager regarding pushing forward have since been backed up by a speculation-packed opening week of the transfer window. McDermott completed his first acquisition yesterday, in what looks to be a statement of intent, as Leeds confirmed the signing of Hull City's Cameron Stewart. The 22-year-old winger was on loan at Charlton for the first half of the season in the Championship but Leeds fought off competition from the south to secure the youngster's signature on a three-year-deal. Stewart has initially joined on a three month loan, due to FA rules that state a player may not play for three English clubs in a single season (a rule that excludes emergency loan signings) and so the player will officially belong to Leeds in the summer, but can play on loan at Elland Road for the remainder of the campaign.
Leeds' first winter signing addresses an area of the squad that has been weak ever since the club sold promising Ivorian Max Gradel to Ligue 1 side AS Saint-Étienne for £3m in August 2011. The Whites saw talented Scot Robert Snodgrass snatched from Elland Road by Norwich the following year and the two wingers were never adequately replaced. The lack of wide players at Elland Road has been noted by many this season, with McDermott having to switch to a 3-5-2 formation to cope with the void in the squad. To his credit the United manager has made it work and Leeds still sit in eighth place in the league, despite a run of poor form since Christmas.
Cameron Stewart seems to be only the first of a handful of signings that will be sanctioned by Leeds as the takeover looms. Crystal Palace winger Jimmy Kébé - a former Reading player brought in and managed by McDermott - is United's next target. The Mali international, 29, has had limited opportunities so far this season after leaving the Madejski following McDermott's dismissal. Palace chairman Steve Parish was coy over the player's future, telling the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Leeds are interested – all the clubs at the top of the Championship are interested." But Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis said in a press conference on Thursday morning: "Kébé is on his way to Leeds as we talk," and the news will no doubt be music to fans' ears in West Yorkshire.
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| Crystal Palace winger Jimmy Kébé. Picture from http://www.skysports.com |
The former Reading winger's lightning pace is his most noted attribute, regularly giving defenders a nightmare day at the office during his time at the Madejski stadium. This morning it was also revealed that Leeds are involved in the race to sign Brighton striker Ashley Barnes. The 24-year-old Albion forward is out of contract in the summer and despite six goals in 24 appearances thus far in the campaign, Brighton are willing to let him go. Burnley appear to be the strongest competition for Leeds in the battle for Barnes' signature but according to Sky Sports the player may have already completed a medical at Turf Moor.
This latest haul of approaches made by United looks to spell out a new era at Elland Road: Leeds United are no longer a selling club. The faith United's board are showing in their manager is a refreshing change, specially when backed up by a much needed cash injection.
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