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Leeds United play off heartache YOUR VIEWS
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YOUR VIEWS:
Played well, drew the match, third tier again for next season. But never mind folks, we're going to have a new megastore and hotel bolted on to Elland Road. That will cheer us all up when Delph, Snodgrass and Becchio depart. What will cheer me up is when Beckford departs. He has an attitude problem and thinks he is bigger than the club. I have seen enough of him to know he has not got any class despite the number of goals he scored this season. Oh and can you sell Bates too? pretty please.
Stamford white
****
Yes we did lose but we can hold our heads up high and be proud of the team for the performance they put in last night. I thought that they had courage spirt and determination throughout the whole game. We have a really good manager in Grayson now and I believe that what ever tem we have next season we will do well with him.
It wont matter if we lose Beckford or Delph as they are individuals and do not play as a team. These two were the only ones who rarely got the ball or did anything. Snodgrass should have taken the penalty not Beckford.
All I hope is that us Leeds fans will continue to attend the games in our thousands like this season. What was it 23 thousand on average a game? Why not do our part and make it 30 thousand on average and cheer our team to promotion. After all with our support the club can sell some players and spend more money attracting better players.
Come on Leeds, lets go up automatically next season.
Stuart Duncan
****
Can't say I'm surprised (unfortunately…again!] The only way we'll go up is automatically, after a full season. Will the squad break up? I'm not sure, but to me we absolutely MUST keep Sodje, Becchio, Douglas – Delph and Beckford may well leave but I won't be excessively aggrieved if they do to be honest. I agree with some other writers here, we DO need a keeper (Flahavan?] 2 full backs, and a midfield general. I for one am hoping that SG gets a full season to match his almost excellent half-one this term. Can't believe we're still in league 3 but I also can't believe that I actually DO think we'll go up next season!! MOT!!
Ger, Ireland
***
Although it was a really disappointing defeat, I feel proud to be part of such a great club. The crowd were fantastic last night. Grayson has done a tremendous job – the damage was done before he arrived – and he will get us up next season. But we can stay proud in defeat, we are the best club in the land. MOT. Danny
****
Firstly, well done to the players for responding to all the criticism after Hereford so professionally. Secondly, the players should also be congratulated for having a right go and getting back into the play offs after a brilliant run over home victories. Finally, thank goodness for Simon Grayson. Simon has steered the club back in the right direction after a terrible period up to Christmas. We were out of it, until Simon was appointed. A wonderful impact Simon, and you should be proud of what you have done so far. But the best is yet to come! Next season, and INSTANT PROMOTION as champions or runners up. Enjoy the summer break, but Ken, please support Simon in squad strengthening.
Dave Curtis
Sussex LUFC
****
LEEDS FAN SINCE 1948.
IN RANGOON AT THE MOMENT SAW THE NEWS THIS MORNING I COULD NOT BELIEVE ,IT I WAS SO LOOKING FORWARD TO LEEDS PLAYING NEWCASTLE NEXT SEASON.K.BATES HAS GOT TO DO MORE FOR LEEDS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB I AM NOT SURE WHAT HE HAS ON HIS MIND? WE ALL LOVE YOU LEEDS UNITED.
SAIGON 46.
****
Why did "Jermaine" striker disappear for long periods in both legs not to mention the pathetic penalty attempt. Too much head tennis and long ball resulted in easy clearances and returns,Douglas especially seems unable to bring a high ball to ground,apparently Mr Grayson and his coaching staff are unable to see this,When Leeds were able to keep the ball on the ground and use the wings they made good opportunities but playing up the middle with the long ball cost them the the first leg .Thank goodness its all over .If by some amazing good fortune they had achieved promotion they would have struggled against the top Championship sides if continuing with the same style of play.
Mr Jackett had Leeds buttoned up and that sums it all up.
Harry in Skegness
****
I do hope Delph, Beckford and all the fans who were magnificent tonight stick with Leeds because with Grayson in charge for a whole season, surely we'll get a top-two finish next year? Keep the faith, the good times will come back to Elland Road.
Martin Blake
Melbourne, Australia.
****
Spare a thought for Jonathan Douglas. He has been played out of position to accommodate younger midfielders and is not a natural right back. Tried hard to stop the Harris goal on Saturday after Naylor's mistake but is not the quickest defender as was evident last night when he was unable to prevent the cross coming in from the left that led to Millwall's goal. Simon Grayson has also persisted in playing Fabian Delph out of position and this is something I would hope the manager rethinks for next season - that is if Douglas and Delph are still at Elland Road!!
Leeds fan, Lincs
****
What a totally one sided biased report of the game.
The reporter that wrote the report is a disgrace to the profession of sports journalists, Millwall had only one chance! what utter nonsense, how about Dave Martins chance and Lewis Grabban near the end. Leeds had more of the ball but only once got the better of a very good defence and football is about defence as well as attack.
As for the Millwall fans not being heard until they scored this is just another load of garbage as listening on the radio (unbiased commentary) the Lions fans could be heard for most of the match, especially at the end.
After four games against Millwall this season you managed one win, the better TEAM went through to the final.
Murph
****
Sadly once again we fail to rise to the big occasion.Three FA cup finals, two league cup finals, four play/off defeats, two european cup finals (although we were cheated in both). This team we love, always seem to choke when it matters. I guess thats what separates us from the biggest( and i hate to say that).In truth we didn't deserve to go up this season.Fourteen league defeats for a club of our stature is nothing short of disgraceful in this league. If you look at Leicester's stats, compared to ours this season, it comes down to them drawing games,while we were losing ours.The only way,we are ever going to get out of this league,is to get automatic promotion, because as i said, we always bottle the big occasion.It wasn't losing to Millwall,that has denied us championship football next season, it was (with all due respect) losing at places like Northampton,Hereford&Walsall. We have to have consistancy& show more determination& quality at places like Exeter& Brentford next season,but trust me,it won't be easy. But we just have to hope Grayson is the right choice this time,because the last two managers were not. Time will tell i suppose. MOT.
Colin
****
Taking advance bookings for the final before the outcome of the eliminator was known was always going to be a recipe for disaster in my view and smacked of a touch of unnecessary arrogence.
Tim Walker-Sharp
****
I have been a life long Leeds supporter but now am retired in Spain. I watched last nights game and although absolutely gutted over the result, would have to say Leeds played really well, however the 'edge' was never really there. Milwall defended in numbers but despite that we had our chances. Beckfords missed penalty was without a doubt the turning point and for a '30-odd goal a season striker' to do that is almost unforgiveable! Luciano Becchio played his heart out and was certainly my man of the match. What worries me is whether Leeds will be able to pick themselves up from being tagged 'the play-off losers' and whether in the forthcoming season they'll be able to hang on to Beckford. Becchio, Delph and Snodgrass? The saving grace is that all of a sudden the old Third Division is suddenly looking quite an attractive prospect with Norwich, Southampton, Charlton and Leeds. Lets hope next season we can get automatic promotion. I am gutted but I haven't burnt my Leeds shirt........yet!!!! COME ON YOU LEEDS!
Vince Bradshaw
San Miguel de Salinas
Alicante
SPAIN
P.S. Love coming on line to read YEP, thanks and keep up the good work of keeping people like me informed about what's going on in Leeds!
****
Pathetic performance from Beckford. Yeah you've scored 34 goals but where were you on the night we needed you. Sat with the Millwall fans somewhere I think.
Only way Leeds will go up is auto promotion. Need to do it next season. Come on Leeds!!!!
Vicky
****
The key moment wasn't Beckford's penalty miss, it was the injury to Zak Whitbread. That's what turned the game. We started the second half superbly and we were utterly dominant up to Whitbread going down, but it was like a boxer having his opponent on the ropes when the bell goes. We lost momentum and never recovered it. Millwall took heart from that, and that's what led to their goal, not Douglas' mistake. We've got a good manager and the spine of the team is pretty good – let's build on that for next season.
Phil, Leeds
****
well what can i say, as a nutural it was hhhmmmmm entertaining? well done to milwall (yawn) unluky leeds, yet another season in the top flight? look forward to meeting you again 1 day haha SIMON IS A LEICESTER FAN, SIMON IS A LEICESTER FAN!!!!
glunparry
****
Twice we got behind their defence, once getting a penalty and once scoring. Why oh why is Grayson playing Snoddy, a left footed winger, on the right, and Robinson, a right footed player, on the left. Each time they attacked their full back, they cut in and delivered a cross with their favoured foot. Much less effective than crossing from the bye line.
In addition, Delph is so much more effective when playing in central midfield-as when Kilkenny came off and they re-shuffled.
Sodje is outstanding and has made such a difference to the defence-keep him if at all possible.
Looking forward to automatic promotion next season.
John
****
Why O why did Beckford take the penalty? Snodgrass I thought was the man but I suppose that's what you get when you have a player, as good a sticker he is, thinks he's bigger than the club. Leeds were the better team last night by a long way but like most big game we can't do it. I think we would have struggle against Milton Keynes in the final but we must make sure we go up automatically next season, although with the likes of Southampton and Exeter it will be hard. The main concern with Leeds fans at the moment is that who will stay and what money will be available to buy players next season, so will Beckford, Delph, Beechio, Snodgrass be there next season?.
On a final note - this has to be the lowest point of being a Leeds fan but we will all do it again next year!!!!!!! I am that fed up with my team I have decided to disconnect all my links on the Website for the summer, as I am sure many will be thinking this way. And to add to all this Man U winning the Prem and maybe the Champ league. At this moment of time I hate football.
Somerset Baz.
****
As soon as Becks stepped up for the penalty I knew it was a mistake.
A key player and we love him but he doesn't seem to shine on the big stage.
It was a night for winning a match not equalling a goal scoring record.
But whats done is done and we have to face another slog in the third tier.
Respect too to Millwall but I feel they will still be playing us next season.
Chin up lads, well done 'Larry' and heres to next season.
Mark Wood, Derby
****
Gutted, but Simon Grayson has done a fantastic job - the league table from the date of his appointment shows Leeds top of the league on goal difference. If we can keep this team together we will be champions next year.
Dave, Leeds
****
The truth is that Leeds Utd are just not 'winners'. Even in our so called glory years of the 60's and 70's the number of times we had to listen to Don Revie say, 'next year' became predictable and monotonous. We've been humbled by Watford and Doncaster Rovers in the last couple of years at crucial moments; Jamie Beckford's woeful penalty attempt last night encapsulates it all. We just don't rise to the big occasion.
Nevertheless Leeds Utd have amazing fans, Norman Hunter once said the Newcastle fans were the most loyal and passionate but if (or when) they fall into the 3rd tier they'll have nothing like the support we have today. So let's hope next season we go up as champions, avoid the play-offs and avoid the heartache.
Jonathan Klineberg
Cornwall
****
Some players love big games – Beckford sadly bottles it in big games. Which moron let him take the penalty??!!
We need a goalkeeper, two full backs a centre half, a left winger, a midfield general and a forward who can score goals when the pressure is on.
On the plus side Bates can't put the ticket prices up much can he?? I won't hold my breath on that one.
Miggy White
****
Now isn't that a surprise - violence at leeds!
This from supporters who were too ready to condemn Millwall supporters after Saturdays game for a minor pitch invasion when a goal was scored.
leeds fans also have a bad reputation, which I personally experienced 2 seasons ago - being held back for 45 minutes and being pelted with stones and bottles was not pleasant.
So next time they wish to shout their mouths off and criticise others I suggest they look at themselves first!!
Ronald Armstrong
****
Now isn't that a surprise - violence at leeds!
This from supporters who were too ready to condemn Millwall supporters after Saturdays game for a minor pitch invasion when a goal was scored.
leeds fans also have a bad reputation, which I personally experienced 2 seasons ago - being held back for 45 minutes and being pelted with stones and bottles was not pleasant.
So next time they wish to shout their mouths off and criticise others I suggest they look at themselves first!!
Gavin Cavell
****
Chin up Lads-
Hopefully we can now have the same manager for an entire year- give us some stability and we will romp in auto promotion.
Marching on
Mathieu from Sydney
****
Thanks for saving me the cost of going to Wembley. Thanks for having less desire and nouse than your opponents to win. Thanks to Beckford who despite his goals can't play in the big games. Thanks for seeing possibly 2 teams who were in a lower division and/or a team that was nearly relegated last year gaining promotion over you. Thanks for letting us savour the delights of Yeovil, Brighton, and Colchester again and the new venues of Exeter and Wycombe. Thanks for the humiliation of loosing to a non-league team on national television. Thanks for nothing because that's the sum total of our season.
Peter Vickerman
****
well all i can say is i hope grayson and bates have planed for a very long stay down in the lowers.
we can not keep rebuilding every season as results in the league and to night show.we could be fighting relegation next season
with the quality leaving.the rebuilding of leeds is a very sad story indeed.
how long will this continue...as asked every season.
Larry Cooke
****
it pains me to say it but millwall are a solid outfit and even when they were under pressure they stood their ground. Becks didnt have the best game up front but there defence has to take the credit for that. I was proud to be a Leeds fan (as i always am) when we sang the boys off at the end and with larry in charge for a full season we'll be up next year. lets keep the crowds above 20,000 every week and we,ll be right. Whitby white
Dave Shackleton
****
If you cannot beat a team over two games then you are obviously not as good as them...hence why we lost. It really knocks you back to see people wasting their time. Hats off to beckford for his 34 goals...but, what is the point in not finishing the job. Everytime ive watched him in the league this season on tele he has been like something you cannot describe. One minute he can score wonder goals.. the next hes bringing the ball down on his 3rd/4th touch. To be honest, there was a lot of heart out there tonight..but for this league..not enough quality!!! Would be upset to lose the salmon (s.sodje) yet really not if we lost Beckford. Would i get paid in my job if i had performed like him over the two legs???
Steve Lamb
****
My view from home here in the beautiful south east of England is a good one. Well done Millwall, you did us proud against the "37,000" (yawn) odds. We might not win at Wembley, buy whatever will be will be. NO ONE LIKES US WE DON'T CARE.
Steve Pittis
****
Its a sad end to a turbulant season, Beckford didnt look confident with the penalty, but 34 gls for the year isnt half bad, if we can keep the backbone of the team and add a few choice extras (centre half, keeper, possibly another wide man) i can see any reason for us not to go up automatic next year. The foundations are there, we passed Millwall off the park tonight, just unfortunate in that last 3rd, thats the gamble of the playoffs.
MOT
Ashley
****
Not to worry ! ! There isn't much happening in the top two divisions these days, so it's nice to continue relaxing with excursions to places like Brentford and Exeter - until at least this time next year ! Enjoy ! !
Dave
****
Well that's it for another season, how much can we put up with? We do need to go straight up, play-offs are good for the bank balance but not for the emotions. Who will stay, who will go? Who will be our next Manager? How many fans will drift away? Many questions, only time will tell, best of luck to all.
Keith, Ilkley
Keith Towler
****
Time for bates to get the wallet out a new center half(hopefully sodje),2 new fullbacks a midfield general, at least 1 new keeper and a decent back up striker!!
Hopefully we'll keep all the best players but I can see at least delph and beckford going so they'll need adequate replacements.
mark stephenson
****
Hard luck lads you gave your all , couldnt condemn any of them !
They showed passion and commitment for 96 minutes every last one of them !!
Lets move on and rebuild , Larrys only had 5 months and he worked wonders , just couldnt make it work on the night !!
Lets lead from the kick off next season ! MOT !
Fred ,Belfast .
****
In my opinion we are now in big trouble, we really needed promotion this season, i think lots of the players will leave and new faces will make it hard to get the new season off to a good start, also the league looks strong for next year charlton southamton etc.
Although i thought we were unlucky i was dissappointed in Beckford tonight he was the same in the playoff games last year just couldnt handle the nerves
Jeremy
****
don't do play offs, simple as!!! Shouldn't be where they are anyway. Grayson settled, good squad for that league. No excuses next season. C'mon Leeds...MOT!!!
Steve Coggon
****
For some reason and it does not matter who the manager is we never play when we really need to do so. If the players have any feeling of responsibility they should give it a go again next season. My feeling is that Grayson and this squad are good enough to go up without the pain of playoffs………but will they all stay? Delph ? Beckford ? Bechio ? and the under 16 startlet?
DAVID BARR ALUMIM, ISRAEL
****
Message for Steve Coggon - You do not have a divine right to promotion, either via the play-offs or automatically - you have to earn it!!
Unfortunately for you were not good enough over 2 legs or over 46 games.
Also unfortunately for you most leeds fans are arrogant and dis-illusioned - again you do not deserve football at a higher level!
Enjoy a third season in League One - as for Millwall, we are used to being the underdogs - so win or lose at Wembley we understand lower league football and love it!!
Ronald Armstrong
****
Watched it in a pub in London - nobody supporting Millwall. Just hope we can keep the squad together to win this division next year. The longer we are there the harder it is going to get to escape.
Martin Belam
****
A fantastic result!!! The Lions are going to Wembley!!!!!
Janet Worster
****
dont deserve to wear the shirt, beckford bottles it every big game
ian
****
We just needed the luck, I think opposition teams always think they can nick a goal at elland rd , do we need a decent keeper looking back over the season with caspers
Blunders , we also need a more experience midfielder some one to steady the ship at times , not this head tennis and erratic passing that seams to go to the opposition
Rather than a white shirt , but we will be back charlton ,southampton , exeter ere we come.
Best
Andy crane ( sussex)
****
I had looked forward so much to last night's match against Millwall, the atmosphere was electric but our performance was second rate, Millwall were the better side at the end of the night and good luck to them in the play off final. However, whilst I had enjoyed myself inside the stadium, I was only to be greeted but what I can say was a mindless group of thugs who called themselves Leeds fans.
As we approached the Billy Bremner statue we could hear a crowd of yobs taunting the police and could see objects being thrown. We were confident enough in the knowledge that the police would be our protection as we walked on by. I could not believe what I was witnessing when coins, bricks, wheel trims and bottles were being hurled towards us, what a disgrace!
We carried on walking, passing McDonalds and further up the road as the violence continued, yobs taunting and challenging the police. We were absolutely disgusted in the way these people were behaving, witness to several vehicles being damaged through mindless violence, some of which the occupants were in!
We heard chants of "We are the famous Service Crew" and as yobs advanced towards the police, the police charged with their horses and dogs. We then saw the yobs gathering more "ammunition" to throw as we continued to walk towards the bridge which crosses the motorway. On approaching the bridge more yobs were waiting as we spoke to the police, expressing our gratitude to them and our displeasure at what we were witnessing.
As we approached the steps the yobs then threw more "missiles", which narrowly missed my friends and I, the police then charged up the steps and the crowd began to run, heading into Holbeck, only to be greeted by more police on the other side of the motorway. The yobs ran, like the cowards they are, eagerly pursued by the police and shepherded into Holbeck. As we walked towards Domestic Street, more yobs, some no older than 13 or 14 years old were smashing bottles and gathering bricks to throw at the police.
I must say we felt intimidated to say the least. And I will say that at no stage would I have thought about challenging their behaviour, not unless I was wearing a police uniform and riot gear, for fear of any repercussions.
Yes, a sad end to a sad night. This behaviour does not belong not just in football, but on the streets of this country. To those who were part of the yobbish behaviour last night, "You are a disgrace to Leeds, Leeds United and this country and we hope you get everything that's coming to you". To the West Yorkshire Police, well done, you did a cracking job.
Steve
from Rothwell
****
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Friday 10 February 2012
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