Exclusive Guest Post: Daniel Abbott interviews Leeds United stars with pictures.

Today I went with my Grandad to the opening of the newly refurbished Leeds United superstore at Elland Road to get my new all white strip for the coming season.

All the players were in the store along with the new Head Coach, Dave Hockaday, and his assistant Junior Lewis.

I got the chance to talk to some of the team and here are my exclusive interviews with the new boss and some of my favourite players:

I shook hands with Dave Hockaday and I asked him if he was going to play the long ball or the passing game. His reply was the one I was hoping for, he said: "The passing game."

Next, I spoke to our Captain Ross McCormack and I asked him how he felt when he heard that Brian McDermott had been sacked? He said: "That's football though isn't it lad. You are not wearing a wire are you."

I spoke to Sam Byram and I told him that my cousin Charlotte Seaman had a crush on him. Here is a picture of Charlotte meeting Sam.

I asked Matt Smith, what did it feel like to get sent off at Sheffield Wednesday last season and he replied "dreadful."

I saw Michael Tonge score a 25 yard volley at Sheffield Wednesday, the season before last and I asked him how he felt scoring that special goal? His reply was "Cracking, the best goal I have scored for Leeds."

When I asked Zac Thompson how he felt when he got a straight red card at Reading he was quick to assure me: "That's not how I play football normally."

I told Chris Dawson he was fast on the ball and I asked him if he was hoping to get a run in the team this season? He said: "Hopefully I will get a game."

Pictures above from the top: Daniel with Ross McCormack, Daniel in the new kit, Charlotte with Sam Byram. Pictures below from the top: Daniel with Matt Smith as Ross McCormack listens intently, Daniel chatting with Zac Thompson and Daniel listening to Chris Dawson.

Wise words from Massimo Cellino 2

"Brian (McDermott) is a great manager and a great guy. He has been unfortunate to work in such difficult circumstances. I did not fully understand the mess he had to work in, and the broken promises he had to deal with, until I have got involved trying to turn Leeds around. 

"He has been a gentleman to deal with in our discussions and has been very understanding of my wish to implement a new structure. His main concern and priority at all times has been the welfare and protection of Leeds United. I wish him well for the future where I am sure he will continue to have more success and thank him for his efforts in being a stabilising and unifying figure behind the scenes in very difficult circumstances.

"His honest efforts to guide us to the safety of mid-table when faced with many difficulties is appreciated by us all. He will always be a friend of Leeds United."

Source Yorkshire Evening Post

Wise words from Massimo Cellino 1

"We are in Britain here and one of the best parts of Britain is Yorkshire." MASSIMO CELLINO ‪#‎LUFC‬

GFH Capital have at last signed a deal for Leeds United but want Ken Bates to stay on as President

I recognise that Ken Bates played an important role in saving Leeds United and has given the club a solid foundation. In other ways, however, he has been a public relations disaster and would, in my opinion, make a totally unsuitable club President.

You only have to read his comments reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post to see that he would be a nightmare as President. The club has just announced that GFH Capital have signed a deal for the club and all he can contribute is a rant about liars, chancers and conmen.

The club President should be a local figurehead that has the respect and approval of the supporters. I was hoping the chants of "Bates out" would now end but it looks like they are set to continue indefinitely.

Mr Bates will, in fact, remain as Chairman until the end of the season and then become club President.

Bye, bye Mr Chairman goodbye I’m in a coma with this TOMA

Over the years I have heard some excellent football songs but this new one by Mark Duffy Music is the best topical football song I have ever heard. 

Click here to hear the song. 

The song is about Leeds chairman Ken Bates and the impatience of fans waiting for him to sell up and clear off, which might in fact happen quite soon now. Rumours have it that the parties are gathered in Monacco to finally complete the sale to Dubai-based GFH Capital.  I just hope the chorus takes off at Elland Road later today when we face Southampton in the Capital One Cup.

Here are the words:

A long long time ago I can still remember how the football used to make me smile. 
And I knew if we had some luck we would soon be going up.

Maybe we‘d be happy for a while.

But the transfer window makes me shudder.

For Christ sake please don’t sell another.

Bad news on the website,

I can’t take no more shite.

I can’t remember if I cried when Norwich said your Captain’s signed.

Something touched me deep inside, it’s time to wave goodbye

Bye, bye Mr Chairman goodbye I’m in a coma with this TOMA*, there’s a tear in my eye, I’m sick and tired of you telling lies, it’s time for you to swallow your pride, time for you to wave goodbye.

Did you write the programme notes and have a go at us moron folks?

Did your conscience prick at all?

Do you believe in what you say?

Do loan deals really save the day?

Can you teach me how that cash really flows?

Well someone must be dipping in. There’s nothing in our transfer tin.

We just don’t like to lose. Man we’ve got those TOMA blues.

We used to be a top flight team and we were held in high esteem,

But we won’t let you kill our dream. It’s time to wave goodbye.

Bye, bye Mr Chairman goodbye I’m in a coma with this TOMA, there’s a tear in my eye, I’m sick and tired of you telling lies, it’s time for you to swallow your pride, time for you to wave goodbye.

For nearly eight years you have owned, our club, our hearts, and our collective souls.

But that’s not how it’s going to be.

Well LUST try hard to keep in touch but even they can’t take too much.

At least they keep their dignity.

So is the deal still going through? Please tell the truth I beg of you.

We just want brand new owners. So sign those papers won’t you?

While smaller clubs were going up we were losing in the Johnstone’s Cup.

It’s time to go so please sell up. It’s time to wave goodbye.

You’ve got me singing bye, bye Mr Chairman goodbye I’m in a coma with this TOMA, there’s a tear in my eye, I’m sick and tired of you telling lies, it’s time for you to swallow your pride, time for you to wave goodbye.

Oh bye, bye Mr Chairman goodbye I’m in a coma with this TOMA, there’s a tear in my eye, I’m sick and tired of you telling lies, it’s time for you to swallow your pride, time for you to wave goodbye.

*TOMA stands for Take Over My Ar*e.

FA lets Dave Jones off with a caution - well what do you expect - we are Leeds

The Football Association has replied to my complaint about Dave Jones's slanderous remarks accusing Leeds fans in general of being "vile animals." It appears that Jones has been spoken to and let off with some words of advice and a caution:

Dear Mr Abbott,

Thank you for contacting The Football Association.

Sheffield Wednesday Manager, Dave Jones, has been reminded of his responsibilities and advised to exercise caution and warned that any further comments could result in disciplinary action.

We do appreciate all of the feedback we receive from supporters. This feedback is collated and used to build a picture of public opinion and is subsequently fed back internally within the organisation. Please rest assured your comments will form part of this feedback process.

Kind regards,

Adele 

Adele Sannie-Lamptey| Customer Relations

Communications Division

At least it is something I suppose, after all we are Leeds and can't expect much help form anyone outside the club.

This is what happened at Hillsborough on Friday line by line

This is my view of what happened at the Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United game at Hillsborough on Friday line by line: 

I make no judgements but I do wish to show that the behaviour of a minority of SWFC fans was just as bad as that of a minority of LUFC fans.

The Leeds fans were situated in the Leppings Lane end and I attended with my 8 years old grandson, Daniel. The picture right shows the view we had.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 (Bothroyd 43), LEEDS 1 (Tonge 76)

Sheffield Wednesday: Kirkland, Buxton, Gardner, Corry (Mayor 84) Llera, Semedo, Antonio, Jones,Barkley, O'Grady (Madine 84), Bothroyd. Subs: Bywater, Taylor, Pecnik, Johnson, Rodri

Leeds: Kenny, Peltier (Varney 68), Lees, Pearce, White, Austin (Norris 46), Brown,Tonge, Byram,Becchio, Diouf. Subs: Ashdown, Drury, Green, Gray, Hall

Referee:  E Ilderton

Booked: Jones, Gardner (Weds)

KO 7.45. Att: 28,582 (5,300 Leeds)

Up until the SWFC started abusing Leeds Manager Neil Warnock the LUFC fans were quite happy chanting the usual "we are Leeds," and singing MOT. 

There was a prearranged marathon burst of WACCOE which started on 15 minutes. 

About 1000 SWFC fans sang Warnock is a “w*****. 

About 1000 LUFC fans responded with Dave Jones is a “p*********,” 

About 1000 SWFC fans, referring to Jimmy Saville coming from Leeds, began chanting "Leeds is a town full of paedophiles."

About 1000 LUFC fans, as they always do in response to “dirty Leeds” and "your not famous anymore" responded louder and began to sing in praise of Jimmy Saville.

My grandson Daniel (8), who was at the match with me, 

then said to me 'who's Jimmy Saville? He thought he was a new signing. 

About 1000 SWFC fans sang: “Always look out for Turks carrying knifes dudududud etc” 

(This is a reference to Leeds fans Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight murdered in Turkey).

All 5300 LUFC fans booed and jeered. The noise nearly took the roof off.

A handful of both SWFC and LUFC fans threw coins and plastic coke bottles.

One or more LUFC fans tore an advertising hoarding down 

Half a dozen fans, including Aaron Cawley, the one who pushed the goalie, ran on the pitch as Leeds scored.

Within five minutes of the incident a number of LUFC fans publicly identified Cawley on Twitter using the #LUFC hashtag.

Of course Daniel and I see the goalie laid out and ask each other what had happened. We were too busy celebrating the goal.

In 2010 SWFC fans ran on the pitch and attacked Crystal Palace’s Clint Hill, who took several punches, at the end of a match with Crystal Palace. Palace manager at the time was Neil Warnock.

Neil Warnock is reviled by SWFC fans as he was a long serving Sheffield United manager.

I can’t find what punishment SWFC got if any, after the FA inquiry, but I would wager that LUFC will get pasted again by the FA. Clearly SWFC where just as much to blame.

Complaint sent to Football Association

Copy of a letter sent today to the FA, LUFC and SWFC:

Dear FA,

I write to complain in the strongest possible terms about the slanderous remarks made by the Sheffield Wednesday Manager, Dave Jones, in an interview following the match with Leeds United at Hillsborough on Friday 19th October 2012.

I attended the match with my 8 years old grandson Daniel Abbott and we watched the game from the Leppings Lane end with around 5300 other Leeds United supporters. I enclose a photograph of Daniel applauding the players, at the end of the match, who in turn were applauding us. It is part of the match day experience/ritual that Daniel enjoys. Imagine our surprise, when we heard on the car radio on the way home, Dave Jones criticising the Leeds Manager, Neil Warnock, for encouraging his players to applaud the Leeds fans. In doing so he clearly said the Leeds fans were “vile animals” in such a way that it can only be construed that he meant all Leeds fans. We did nothing to warrant such a smear and take strong exception to it.

This is clearly actionable and it surely brings the game into disrepute. Daniel and I live in Redcar and many of his school friends are Middlesbrough supporters. I do not want him to be taunted by this smear and I call on the Football Association to take action to ensure that Mr Jones withdraws his remarks about Leeds United fans in general and apologises without delay.

Yours sincerely
Chris Abbott

Dave Jones should apologise for his slanderous comments about Leeds fans

Sheffield Wednesday manager Dave Jones should apologise for his slanderous comments about Leeds fans at Sheffield Wednesday last night or face a charge of bringing the game into disrepute. No Leeds fan is excusing what one mindless idiot did but my grandson Daniel (8) applauding the players after the match is not a vile animal as Jones would have us believe.

After the match at Sheffield Wednesday last night Daniel and I stopped for a minute to pay our respects to the Hillsborough 96.

#Pen4Ken Campaign

I have sent Ken Bates a pen in the hope it will encourage him to sign the agreement for new cash investment into Leeds United FC.

Come on England!

Leeds United fans invade the City of Cardiff Stadium.

We're Leeds United we make history

I was in the record crowd at Elland Road of 57,892 on 15 March 1967 v Sunderland with my Dad and brother Gordon. On 20th March 2012 I was at Elland Road with my lad Mark and Grandson Daniel to witness Leeds United's heaviest ever home defeat, 3-7 against Nottingham Forest, in a crowd of 21,367. We may not be famous anymore but we can still make history.

Andy Lonergan hands his goalie gloves to our Daniel

Leeds United keeper, Andy Lonergan, saved a penalty today, at Elland Road against Bristol City. After the match he ran over and gave his goalie gloves to our Daniel, aged 7, who was delighted.

A perfect day

A good morning's campaigning in Brotton was followed by Leeds 3 Millwall 1 on Yorkshire Radio and then off to Green Lane with Daniel to watch Redcar Athletic thrash Prudoe 6-0.

Redcar Athletic FC - putting our town on the football map

We were invited to a football match yesterday evening!

Teesside Athletic has had a senior team in the Wearside League for three or four seasons now, coming third last season and just missing out on promotion to the Northern League.

This ambitious club, who will soon be erecting stands and floodlights at its tidy Green Lane ground, has changed its name to Redcar Athletic. We have campaigned for a long time to have a senior team playing at a decent level with Redcar as its name.

We were delighted when we heard this news and pleased to receive an invite as guests to the club's first home league match, under the new name, against Silksworth.

Charlotte and Daniel came with us. Daniel, aged six, is a Leeds United regular and knows all the songs, so it came as a bit of a shock to the Redcar players when he started chanting Redcarrr, Redcarrr as they walked passed him on to the pitch. It shocked spectators even more when Redcar scored and Daniel started shouting "It's the goalie's fault 1-0" over and over again. Redcar had the ball in the net a further twice but these were disallowed. A late goal by the visitors meant the points were shared.

We had a nice snack at half time and we were really impressed with the set up.

At only £2 entrance for adults it is not costly supporting Redcar Athletic. When time permits and it does not clash with a Leeds match, then Chris and Daniel will be down at Green Lane to support "The Reds."

Many thanks to all at the club for making us so welcome.

Congratulations to Leeds United

Congratulations to Leeds United promoted to the Championship at long last.

What a great week this has been - a Lib Dem MP for Redcar and the Mighty Whites get out of League One.

Daniel meets Kop Cat

We took our Grandson Daniel (5) to his first game at
Elland Road tonight and he met his new friend Kop Cat.

Press report untrue say Leeds United

Leeds United have issued the following statement in response to an article which appeared in the Telegraph and Argus:

Leeds United Football Club would like to clarify a newspaper story which appeared on Monday November 23.

The story, which appeared in the Telegraph and Argus, alleges that the club has refused to supply tickets to family members of the Yorkshire Regiment, who are due to take part in a presentation at half-time of our game against Huddersfield on Saturday December 5.

The club can confirm that this is categorically not true. The newspaper was told that the matter was due for discussion this week and that the allegations were unfounded. Unfortunately, the newspaper chose to ignore this and ran the story.

The club will be supplying 30 tickets to the Yorkshire Regiment for use among the families of the 12 servicemen, both Leeds United fans and Huddersfield Town fans, who will be honoured during the half-time interval of the game.

The club has always prided itself on having a strong relationship with the Armed Forces.

Last season members of the Yorkshire Regiment were given a standing ovation by the Elland Road crowd when they were our guests at a game, we have long been actively involved with the Help For Heroes charity and we are keen supporters of the Military Section at Selly Oak Hospital.

In addition, HMS Ark Royal is the nominated ship of Leeds United, and at the end of every season, our playing kit is sent to Catterick Garrison for distribution around the world. Elland Road has also staged regular Army recruitment events.

The club is seeking a retraction and a full apology from the newspaper concerned.

Guardian banned from Elland Road

Posted by Chris;

The news that Leeds United have banned the Guardian from Elland Road because of stories written by journalist David Conn comes as no surprise.

Serious questions have been asked about the ownership of the club and Ken Bates has resorted to his usual tactic of shooting the messenger.

The Guardian joins a long list of people and media organisations that Chairman Ken has locked out of his football grounds. These include members of Chelsea's successful 1970's side, The Daily and Sunday Mirror banned from Stamford Bridge, former Chelsea Vice-Chairman Matthew Harding, who was tragically killed in a helicopter crash, BBC Look North banned from Elland Road, Melvyn Levi who won a libel case earlier this year against Bates, Peter Ridsdale, former Leeds chairman.

Then there was the nonsensical decision to give in house Yorkshire Radio exclusive coverage of United's home games in spite of an attractive offer from BBC Radio Leeds who had covered Leeds matches for 40 years.

Forgive me if I have missed anyone out. I am sure there must be more.