Source: Team_Talk
Play-offs looming for listless Leeds
A wise man once said to me after our famous win at Old Trafford in January "this could be the worst thing that happens to you". At the time, I was happy to wave away his warning and ride the crest of the wave that came with our glorious 1-0 success at the home of English champions and old enemies Manchester United. [LNB]At that time, it seemed nothing could stop the Leeds juggernaut from finishing the season on a high and gaining promotion back to the Championship. After all, we were eight points clear at the top of the table come the turn of the year, so what reason did we have to doubt our credentials?[LNB]Unfortunately for me, though, that wise man just so happens to sit opposite me in the office on most days, as those now-immortal words just so happened to have been uttered by TEAMtalk's very own (and United fan) Ian Watson. Some times some things come back to haunt you in spectacular fashion.[LNB]And anyone who witnessed Leeds' shambolic performance against Millwall on Monday night will have barely recognised the side that had, just 10 weeks ago, beaten Manchester United. Granted, we were without Jermaine Beckford, but we can ill-afford to use that as an excuse with our talismanic striker certain to leave on a free transfer in the summer.[LNB]But the sorry fact of the matter is that we were second best in every department and Millwall fully deserved their win. If we'd have still been playing now, I doubt we would have scored - and that's a very worrying indictment for a team that just two months ago were 'promotion certainties'.[LNB]So where does the blame lie? Well for a start (and despite what all associated with the club will tell you) the FA Cup run WAS the worst thing that could have happened to us. It took the players' eyes off the main prize of promotion and - with all the TV exposure that came from our win at Old Trafford and subsequent 2-2 draw at Spurs - seemed to make the players think they were invincible. Believe their own hype, they did![LNB]Secondly, and if you compare our recent displays to those in the FA Cup, much of that success was down to the central role that was played by Robert Snodgrass. For those of you who are unaware of the mercurial Scotsman's talents, well, let me tell you, you soon will be, because the boy is a bit special. But playing him out on the right wing - whilst offering the team balance - seems totally crazy to me. It's in the middle where Snodgrass is at his most dangerous and where he makes Leeds tick. Sticking him on the wing, where he sees far less of the ball, makes about as much sense as it would to hand an MP a blank cheque in order to claim back their expenses![LNB]The other obvious difference to the Leeds of now and the swagger of Leeds in the FA Cup is pressure. It's clearly getting to the players - and the tension in the stands is clearly filtering through as well.[LNB]For all the success Leeds have had over the years, they've also had a lot of near-misses and their trophy count should easily be double given the number of times the club has fallen foul at the final hurdle. They were even dubbed the 'Eternal Bridesmaids' during the Don Revie era - and they have found that tag hard to shift ever since.[LNB]Then when you look at our terrible success rate in the play-offs, you can see just how true that tag is. Whilst providing great entertainment - especially to the neutral - Leeds United and the play-offs have a very uneasy relationship. In fact, I'd go as far to say that it's as uneasy as a lock-in with Cheryl and Ashley Cole at present![LNB]Three agonising defeats in the last four seasons are proof in the pudding - so you can see why the fans (and players) are getting sick of that route to promotion.[LNB](Editor's note - as a football fan I have been to Wembley or Cardiff for cup finals/play-off finals five times in my lifetime and seen the losing team on ALL FIVE occasions. I don't want to be called a 'Jonah' as I'm sure Leeds fans all over the country have similar tales of woe, but forgive me for not rushing out to buy my ticket if we make it there again this year.)[LNB]However, for all that has gone wrong for Leeds, I'm not in the camp that is calling for the manager's head and I insist that Simon Grayson is still the right man for the job. But now is the time when he needs to earn his corn and steer the good ship Leeds United back into calmer waters. He did show in later stages on Monday night that he would play Snodgrass through the middle, so maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel as far as that tactic is concerned.[LNB]Another thing Grayson has to do, though, is drop his old chum Paul Dickov from the team. Given that we are currently low on confidence (and it's the same with any side devoid of ideas) we have a tendency to all-too-frequently knock the ball long. Therefore, pint-sized Dickov is going to win you Jack in the air. I'd rather see Tresor Kandol recalled in the absence of Beckford, or better yet, give up-and-coming USA star Mike Grella a run.[LNB]Either way - and whatever happens between now and the end of the season - I pray to some almighty power that Grayson sorts it out - and sorts it out soon.[LNB]As documented, Leeds and the play-offs just don't sit right and if the club finishes third (or lower) you can bet your bottom dollar we'll be facing a fourth season of life in the third tier of English football.[LNB]Unthinkable, especially given the hedonism all associated with the club felt after the win at Old Trafford.[LNB]As they say, time will certainly tell - but it's going to be an excruciating period for all associated with Leeds until now and the end of the season.[LNB][LNB] Coca Cola League 1 Promotion 2009/10. Click here to bet.
