Good Morning. It's Friday 13th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Kinnear lifts lid on another difficult SummerAngus Kinnear passed his annual 'Square Ball' interrogation, lifting the lid on a difficult Summer, whilst detailing some exciting plans for the future!
To give him his dues, he came across less evasive and deceitful than normal - some may even say genuine, but as you know I'm not one to exaggerate, so let's say less weaselly than normal! He discussed the Elland Road rebuild, that once completed, should seat 53,000; Summer targets which included Hamer and Buendia and once again poured cold Taurine on the notion that Red Bull's involvement was anything much more than a sponsorship deal.
Leeds turned down eight figure sums for Struijk, Meslier, Gnonto, Ampadu and Gruev during the Summer, but were unable to keep hold of Summerville, Gray and Rutter, though in Georginio's case his departure was unexpected. Whilst the Whites have no cashflow issues, financial restrictions regarding Profitability and Sustainability have meant that whilst in the Championship, they must cut their cloth accordingly.
Do Leeds have an easier ride than last seasonThe Whites are odds on favourites to top the Championship come May with leading bookmakers Bet365. The disparity between Leeds (13/8) and the rest of the best, is colossal with Burnley 6/1, Boro 8/1, Sunderland 8/1, West Brom 12/1 and Sheffield Utd 14/1 a long way behind.
Rivalling Leicester City and Southampton was always going to be a tall order last season, especially after a Summer of discontent. Nobody expected Ipswich Town to still be riding the crest of the wave from their previous campaign, which saw them match Leicester City most of the way up until Christmas. Whilst Leeds stood still, Southampton and Ipswich invested heavily in January, and this made all the difference!
This season, even being objective, its difficult to pinpoint a side that can rival Daniel Farke's Championship prowess or have the strength in depth to go toe to toe with the Whites over 46 gruelling games!
