John Charles: The Gentle Giant of World Football

John Charles, born in Swansea, Wales in 1931, is widely regarded to be one of the greatest all-round footballers ever. He was a true rarity in football, being of world class in both the centre-half and centre-forward positions. Nicknamed the Gentle Giant, he was never cautioned or sent-off in an illustrious career, which saw him score a club record 42 league goals in one season for Leeds United, win three Italian league championships with Juventus, and appear in the 1958 World Cup Finals with Wales.

Charles was spotted by a Leeds United scout and signed for the club at the age of 17. He made his first team debut at centre-half in 1949, and by the following year became the youngest player to be capped by Wales at the age of 18 years and 71 days. In the 1952/53 season he was tried at centre-forward, and plundered 27 goals in just 30 games. But there was even better to come in the following season, the Welshman was unstoppable, finishing top scorer in the league with 42 league goals, still a club record. After helping power Leeds to promotion in 1956 he hit a further 38 goals in the top flight.

Italian giants Juventus were alerted, and duly paid a British record transfer fee of 65,000 pounds to secure the services of Charles in 1957. In his five years at the club he scored 93 goals in 155 league games, winning three Scudettos and two Coppa Italias, and earning a special place in the hearts of the Turin fans. He was also voted Italian Footballer of the Year in 1958 and hailed as the most valuable player in Europe. His legendary status with Juventus was highlighted during the clubs Centenary in 1997 when he was voted the clubs best ever foreign player.

Charles scored 15 goals in 38 appearances for Wales, a tally which would have been far higher but for Juventus's refusal to release their prized asset to play for his country during his prime. The highlight of his international career came in helping his country to progress to the quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup in Chile, where they beaten by eventual winners Brazil.

Sir Bobby Robson described Charles as 'incomparable', classing him amongst the all-time footballing greats such as Pele, Diego Maradona and George Best, but standing alone as the only footballing great to be world class in two very different positions. He was awarded a CBE in 2001, and became an Inaugural Inductee to the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002. A year later he was selected as the Golden Player of Wales by the Football Association of Wales as their most outstanding player of the last 50 years. John died in Wakefield, West Yorkshire in February 2004, having suffered a heart attack the previous month.

The West Stand at Elland Road was subsequently named 'The John Charles Stand' in his honour, whilst Chairman Ken Bates has had a bust created in his memory. In addition the South Leeds Sports Centre has since been renamed 'The John Charles Centre for Sport'.

Wise: It's not the end of the world

Leeds United boss Dennis Wise is ready to take full advantage of the clubs nine day break from competitive action, enforced by last weeks early exit from the FA Cup. As well as allowing for a much needed mini-break for his squad, Wise should also see a few of his selection headaches ease ahead of Port Vale's visit to Elland Road.

Goalkeeper Casper Ankergren should recover from the gashed knee which put him out of Sunday's shock defeat at Cheltenham. In addition, Filipe Da Costa has now completed his three game ban, and striker Leon Constantine will be nearing a return from his damaged toe.

'A break is perfect', said Wise. 'They can have a well-earned rest because they have played a lot of games, and it's also a good opportunity to get a bit of work done. We can look at where we're going slightly wrong. There's no complacency and we dominated the game, but the final end product wasn't there. It didn't happen for us. We all expected to go there and get a result, at least one point.'

'But I don't think it's the end of the world. We we're the better side and we lost. It's happened many time in football and it will keep happening.'

The Recurring Nightmare

Former Leeds United goalkeepers Scott Carson and Paul Robinson will no doubt be suffering further sleepless nights after England were today paired with Croatia in the qualifying draw for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

With both players having made catastrophic errors against Slaven Bilic's side the new England boss, whoever he may be, will have to ensure that finding the right man to fill the sticks for the campaign is one of the most pressing priorities of a job that is looking increasingly more of a poisoned chalice than a top job in world football.

Alongside their Euro 2008 nemesis, England will also face trips to unfashionable potential banana skins in Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Andorra. And with only the group winner guaranteed to qualify for the finals, the FA's 'root and branch' reform of the national game will need to yield some immediate results.

Strangely Croatia's Head Coach and mastermind of England's downfall, Bilic, is apparently 'not happy' at being thrown together again with the Three Lions. ''Everyone in Croatia was saying 'give us England again' but I wanted to avoid England'', he said. ''It's a very, very hard draw because they are by far the best team from the second pot. The only team I wanted to avoid was England''.

Whether or not his comments were made 'tongue in cheek' are not clear, but the FA may well consider that the best chance of toppling Croatia may come from poaching their Head Coach. So how about it Slaven? Fancy the England job? Failing that we could always go for an icon of one of our other Group Six opponents Kazakhstan, surely even Borat would prove to have more talent and guile than McClaren.

Leeds stunned by Cheltenham

Leeds first ever league visit to Cheltenham Town ended with defeat to a late goal by the Robins Steven Gillespie. A packed Whaddon Road crowd had seen United dominate for large spells of the game, but the Whites failure to convert their chances was punished in a cruel manner by the young striker's 25 yard lob with just five minutes remaining.

Leeds boss Dennis Wise had gambled to try and enforce a victory by bringing on Tore Andre Flo and Mark De Vries to form a four pronged attack with Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol. However, it was Keith Downing's side who took all three points courtesy of Gillespie's sucker punch to lift the Robins off the bottom of the table and inflict only the second league defeat of United's season.

Beckford wipes off Chelsea's grin

Jermaine Beckford is a rare specimen in recent times. After the much publicised alleged 'poaching' of Leeds United Academy's elite youth team players by Roman Abramovich's Chelsea, Beckford has bucked the trend, being a product of the Chelsea Academy who is now serving United's frontline with distinction. His brace against Swindon Town at Elland Road last week put him in double figures in his first full season as the clubs number 9, and also hoisted him to the top of the League One goalscoring charts.

The 23 year old Londoner was snapped up by non-league Wealdstone after being released by Chelsea in 2003. He hit 35 goals in just 40 appearances during his time with the Stones and alerted the scouts of a number of Football League clubs including Crystal Palace, Charlton Athletic, Sunderland, Southampton and Watford. But it was then Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell who won the race for the 6 ft 2 in striker in March 2006. After making his first team debut in the home defeat to Crystal Palace the same month, Jermaine found his first team opportunities limited, and joined Carlisle United on a month's loan deal. He scored on his debut and would make a total of four appearances before returning to Leeds to see out the remainder of the season.

The start of the 2006/07 season saw much upheaval at Elland Road, with shocking form on the pitch and a quick succession of managers off it. Soon after the appointment of Dennis Wise as permanent boss Beckford was sent out on loan again, this time to promotion-chasing Scunthorpe United of League One, for the remainder of the season. The striker flourished in his new surroundings, hitting 8 goals to help secure promotion for the Iron. But whilst Scunthorpe were heading up, Jermaine's parent-club Leeds United came crashing down to replace them, being placed into administration to boot.

An enforced transfer embargo throughout the majority of the close season meant Leeds were unable to buy or sell players, a situation which would ultimately prove crucial to Beckford remaining at the club. Had United not been operating under such restrictions it was highly likely that the striker would have had his move to Scunthorpe made permanent. However, the turmoil being endured at Elland Road was turning the tide to the young strikers advantage, suddenly he was becoming a key figure in the rebuilding of the side.

United's well documented 15 point deduction for breaching Football League rules in their exit from administration seemed to indicate that another dire season of struggle was ahead. But with a reborn Beckford spearheading United's frontline, the penalty was wiped out with five straight wins. Jermaine's first senior goal for the club came in the 4-1 hammering of Southend United at Elland Road. Goals continued to flow as did Leeds victories, culminating in the hitman's double to see off Swindon Town last weekend and propel the Whites into the top four. Jermaine will now surely be aiming for promotion, 20 league goals, and the coveted divisional golden boot to fulfil a unique personal hatrick.

Cheltenham's 'Champion' Hurdle

Leeds boss Dennis Wise will be hoping his players can put recent cup disappointments behind them and refocus on what has always been the number one priority - promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

This weekend sees yet another first for United, currently completing a year's 'meet and greet' tour of England's lower league sides. Cheltenham Town is the destination, a name far more synonymous with the Cheltenham Festival - four days of the finest Jump racing in the world, than for it's football team.

Sunday will see the first ever clash between the two sides, who's footballing pedigree has been bred from vastly different stock. The Gloucestershire outfit only gained promotion to the Football League as recently as 1999. Whilst Leeds United have the distinction of having appeared in all three major European Club Competition Finals, including the now defunct European Cup Winners Cup.

On paper the Whites appear huge favourites, after gatecrashing the top 4 way ahead of schedule despite their 15 point handicap, whilst their opponents have struggled to break out of a trot, and currently sit bottom of the pile. In pure points terms Leeds have accumulated a staggering return of 41 from 16 games, while the Robins have managed just 12.

However, in view of the recent cup defeats to Bury and Hereford United, there is no way that manager Wise will allow his players to believe that they have anything other than a tough battle on their hands. Whaddon Road will be filled to capacity, with the club confirming on Tuesday that the match is now a sell-out, the first since the Premiership's Newcastle United visited for an FA Cup tie in 2006.

Ahead of the game Cheltenham have bolstered their attacking options with the loan signing of non-league thoroughbred Guy Madjo from Crawley Town. The former Bristol City trainee has so far plundered 11 goals in 17 starts this season. If Robins boss Keith Downing can inspire his side to upset the odds and claim a historic victory, there's sure to be a roar at least as loud as that which saw the classy Kauto Star storm to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on a memorable day in May.

Wise words: A blessing in disguise

Dennis Wise was today reflecting on his sides exit from two cup competitions in eight days, both to lower league opposition at Elland Road. A Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat to Bury was last night followed by elimination from the F.A. Cup at the hands of Hereford United. However, the Leeds boss was willing to take his share of responsibility after witnessing a lacklustre display by his players.

''I can't fault what they've done so far this season,'' he said. ''I've changed the players so maybe it's down to me - it's my fault really. I've changed the team that's played in the cup, but you think the fringe players will be well capable of getting us through against Hereford. Unfortunately we haven't performed and it's cost us.''

Rather than dwell on what might have been Wise was keen to focus on greater challenges ahead, namely the race to the Championship. ''We're out of all the cups, and it's very disappointing. But we've got an important game in the league and that's where our bread and butter is now. We aren't going to play so many games, and we won't pick up so many injuries or suspensions.''

''So it's probably a blessing in disguise. If anyone had turned round to me at the beginning of the season and said 'would we take going out of the cups and doing very well in the league', I'd have said yes straight away. But that's not to say I wanted to be out of these cups. I'm disappointed and the whole team is - especially with our performance. We've got to brush ourselves down.''

United can't beat a bit of Bully

After a goalless first tie at Edgar Street 11 days ago it took just 3 minutes before the deadlock was broken in the replay at Elland Road, and it was a underdogs Hereford United who were celebrating as Lionel Ainsworth hit his fourth goal in two games to stun the Elland Road crowd.

The Bulls continued their bright start forcing United onto the back foot for the opening period. Leeds threatened on 13 minutes when Tresor Kandol saw his header scrambled off the line and away to safety. Hereford's Richard Rose then had to leave the field for several minutes to receive treatment to a head injury, before Leeds keeper Casper Ankergren stayed down following a collision and had to be replaced by substitute keeper David Lucas.

Dennis Wise's half time talk spurred United into action in the early part of the second half but Hereford still continued to provide a threat on the break. As time ticked along the Leeds boss threw Leon Constantine into the fray to join Kandol and Jermaine Beckford in a three-pronged attack. The game ebbed and flowed as United tried to force an equaliser, but it was not to be and the Hereford defence stood firm to send the travelling support into ecstasy.

'We have a good chance' - Hereford midfielder Easton

Hereford United boss Graham Turner is confident that his young players have what it takes to make a significant impact when they face Leeds United in their FA Cup first round replay at Elland Road this evening. Teenager striker Theo Robinson and winger Lionel Ainsworth are expected to be key figures for the Bulls, who will also call upon the services of Robert Threlfall, Toumani Diagouraga and John McCombe, as they attempt to cause an upset.

'I like the enthusiasm of the youngsters,' said Turner. 'Our senior players have set them a very good example with the way they have applied themselves in training. That's one of the reasons we're enjoying some success at the moment. We have had a good look at them (Leeds) and have now watched them on the video, and there is nothing to feel apprehensive about.'

Experienced midfielder Clint Easton echoed his managers positive attitude: 'I think we have a good chance of getting a win if we play like we did at Edgar Street and have a little bit more luck.' Striker Trevor Benjamin is one of the few Hereford players to have previously sampled the cauldron of Elland Road, and sounded a word of warning: 'It will be another tough game - I have played there a few times and we can expect it to be a hostile crowd.'

'Swearing referee' cleared by FA!

Leeds manager Dennis Wise is sure to be left scratching his head this morning after the FA released a statement confirming that the 'charge of using abusive and/or insulting words against referee Danny McDermid was found not proven.'

The charge related to an allegation made by Wise after a stormy encounter at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium on September 29, during which the official sent-off Leeds strike pairing Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol. After an altercation between Wise and the official at half-time the Leeds boss was sent to the dugout, and subsequently received a three-match touchline suspension and a 5,000 pounds fine.

Wise himself lodged his own complaint with the FA about the referees behaviour, saying at the time: 'The big issue here is that, at the end of the game, the referee has told me to 'f*** off'. I think that is totally and utterly unacceptable and we as a club will be reporting him. I have three witnesses who are going to back me up, so well done to the ref, he got the headlines he obviously wanted. He has sent me off at half-time because I have said something that I shouldn't have done. But it seems there are two different sets of rules.' Quite!

'Wisey's fighting fund' receives boost

It has emerged that the compensation package received by Leeds United from Spurs for Gus Poyet was a payment of 565,000 pounds, which has been reportedly been made available for boss Dennis Wise to strengthen the ranks during the January transfer window. The news will be sure to increase the valuations placed on any potential targets, Ipswich Town's Sammy Moore being the latest to be linked with the Whites.

However, it seems Wise has no intention of embarking on a spending spree, seemingly content with the squad he currently has at his disposal. And after 13 league wins from 16 matches, with only one defeat, the boss is of the opinion that 'if it ain't broke, then don't fix it.' Part of the reason for Wise's confidence with his existing options is the emergence of several of the youth team players in recent weeks. Paul Huntington, Jonny Howson, Curtis Weston, Ben Parker and Simon Madden have all made solid contributions to the first team and handed the manager some welcome selection dilemmas.

'There aren't too many people I am looking at to be honest because I don't need too many,' said Wise. 'There are one or two younger players who have impressed me and done well so maybe it's their turn and time for them to have a go, but we will only know in the next couple of weeks if it was the right thing to do.'

The form of Morley youngster Howson has been particularly eye-catching, the 19-year-old delivering a man of the match performance to inspire United to victory over Swindon Town on Saturday. 'Jonny Howson has been outstanding,' drooled Wise. 'Everybody wants to talk about the goalscorers and the position we are in but I want to talk about Jonny. Over the last week we have changed the team and put a few youngsters in. They have come out with flying colours.'

'It would have been easy for me to have gone with Alan Thompson and Kish instead of Jonny, but he deserved to play in the team, and he showed again today why - so its a pat on the back for him.'

Casper Ankergren: Leeds own Great Dane

When Casper Ankergren agreed to join a Leeds United team battling against relegation from the Championship in January 2007 he could not have anticipated the size of the challenges that would be thrown his way before the year was out. On the pitch Dennis Wise had made plugging the holes in a leaky defence his top priority, and his acquisition of Ankergren provided some respite in what ultimately would prove to be a doomed battle against the drop.

Casper was a rare calm head on a battlefield where most of his comrades were losing theirs. He immediately won over the United faithful with a series of man of the match performances and penalty saves. Despite the clubs perilous position the Dane was happy to prove his commitment to the club, saying at the time: 'Of course I would like to stay here. This is a major club for me. They have a fantastic passion for football here.'

When the clubs relegation to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history was finally confirmed, it seemed that Ankergren's wish for a prolonged stay would be a non-starter. Leeds United's seemingly endless period in administration meant that the former Denmark Under 21 International's permanent contract could not be finalised. His excellent performances for the club had not gone unnoticed at home or abroad.

However, the lifting of the Football League's transfer embargo on the eve of the new season saw Dennis Wise move quickly to secure a key piece of his jigsaw. Casper became the clubs first signing of the summer, agreeing a three-year deal from Brondby for an undisclosed fee.

The Dane immediately began to repay his managers faith in him, continuing his excellent form between the sticks. Despite the pressure of United's 15 point handicap Ankergren and his defence managed to keep seven clean sheets during the sides 13 games unbeaten start to the campaign. Casper received personal recognition when he was awarded the Coca-Cola League One Player of the Month for September. The 6ft 3in stopper will clearly be looking to get his hands on an even more precious piece of silverware by the end of the season.

Wise on Swindon: Please stop crying

After the mother-of-all pre-seasons, when Leeds United were unable to buy or sell players due to the restrictions of their Administration Order, manager Dennis Wise was left with the unenviable task of persuading players to entrust their futures to a club which was battling to save its very existence.

Those dark days have left Wise more qualified than most when it comes to dealing with such adversity. Speaking after seeing his previous side Swindon Town become the latest team to leave Elland Road empty handed, the boss was clearly in no mood to listen to a sob story from current Robins manager Paul Sturrock. Swindon themselves are currently subject to a transfer embargo, but Wise has been unimpressed by the noises coming out of the County Ground in the past few days.

'Please stop crying, Paul,' he advised. 'We have been in the same situation ourselves. It's how you deal with it that counts. At the moment I know he can't do anything and it must be frustrating for him. He just has to get on with it. He has some decent players who caused us problems and I'm sure they will do well in this league.'

Jermaine Man Tops the Charts

Leeds United powered into fourth spot in League One after beating Swindon Town 2-1 at Elland Road this afternoon. Jermaine Beckford continued his outstanding season with both goals putting him on ten for the season to head the race for the divisional 'Golden Boot.'

Leeds had the better of the opening exchanges and were awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute when Hasney Aljofree was adjudged to have handled a David Prutton cross. Beckford confidently fired into the roof of the net to give United the advantage, which they maintained until the break. However, the Robins raced out of the blocks and were back on level terms straight after the restart. Simon Cox, on loan from Reading, cut in from the right and found Lee Peacock who finished with aplomb.

Leeds were stung into action and regained the lead when Beckford latched onto Tresor Kandol's lobbed through ball to smash the ball home for his tenth goal of the campaign. There was a late scare for Dennis Wise's men when Cox had an effort disallowed for offside. But United were not to be denied another precious three points which moves them to within two points of the summit.

'This is Leeds United, a massive football club'

The march towards the League One summit kicks on again tomorrow afternoon as Leeds United entertain Swindon Town in front of another huge crowd at Elland Road. Prior to the game with his former club, boss Dennis Wise was keen to state his desire to help build a new successful era for the club, rising from the ashes of the recent past.

'There is a lot of difference between Swindon and Leeds United Football Club. I got offered something in a higher league when I was at Swindon and didn't take it. I wasn't interested,' said Wise.' But this was something different. This is Leeds United, a massive football club, and you've got to look at it in that way.'

'Not that it's in League One, but where it can go, and everyone knows where it can go and what the fans are like. If you are comparing it to a Championship side that gets 25,000, and that is all they will get, and this club can get 40,000, then it is massive - everything about it. It is somewhere you try and start and build something.'

Despite seeing close friend Gus Poyet leave the Whites recently Wise insisted he was not interested in any other managerial vacancies higher up the league ladder. 'I'm not going anywhere, I've got a job to do here,' he declared. 'We knew it was going to be hard when we got here. The club was not in a nice situation. We knew it was not a nice group of players and it needed to be sorted out, and that's why we came here - because we like trouble I think!'

'I knew I was going to take some stick, but that would not be the first or last time and it has never bothered me. I worry more about achieving.' The United boss is clearly keeping his feet firmly on the ground. 'I haven't done anything yet. Don't get carried away at the present moment because we have crept up the league. there are 31 games to go - we can still get relegated - let us take it a bit at a time.' Wise and his troops will now deal with the next hurdle, ensuring there is no Christmas cheer for the Robins at Elland Road tomorrow.

'The supporters have been fantastic'

After opening his goalscoring account for the Whites against Bury on Tuesday night, striker Leon Constantine is eagerly awaiting the teams return to league action when they face Swindon Town at Elland Road this Saturday. Fellow hitman Jermaine Beckford missed the clash with the Shakers in midweek with a bout of sickness, and there is a question mark over his participation this weekend. Constantine, now back to full fitness after suffering a broken ankle in pre-season, is finally ready to step into the breach and give the fans a flavour of what they have been missing.

''You've got to be ready. You never know what might happen,'' he said. ''When they (Tresor Kandol and Beckford) both got sent-off at Gillingham, I was really disappointed because I felt helpless. Whereas if I was fit, then I could have stepped in. But if anything happens like that now, I'm available. It's a long season and I'm confident I'll get my chance and I've already scored goals at this level.''

Leon declared himself 'chuffed to bits' on making a goalscoring debut at Elland Road, despite the disappointment of losing the tie, and was quick to pay tribute to the support he has received during his rehabilitation period. ''The supporters have been fantastic and I was glad to score as much for them as myself. They have always been offering little helping hands. You are in the street and people come up and say 'hows the injury going' and 'glad to see you back' and it means a lot when you hear things like that.''

''To play for a club as big as Leeds is a really big thing for me. From where I come from, not a lot of people have managed to do that. I'm thrilled to be here and hope to stay here for as long as possible and try and help the team push on where they deserve to be. We've got a good squad here and if we keep fighting every game, I'm sure we'll have a good season.'

'The best side in the league' - Swindon striker Corr

Swindon Town striker Barry Corr, a product of the Leeds United Youth Academy, is looking to put one over on his former club when he returns to Elland Road with the Robins this weekend. The Irishman spent four years at Elland Road during David O'Leary's spell as manager, before moving onto Sheffield Wednesday, and is confident his current side can cause an upset.

'It's eleven against eleven this weekend and they are beatable. No team is unbeatable, and we will be going there to get a result. It will be a great test for us to measure ourselves against the best side in the league and we shall see how we get on.'

Corr admits that he still looks backs on his time with the Whites with fondness. 'Leeds were in the Champions League when I was there and it was definitely the good times. They are a massive club and I think it will be sooner rather than later that they make a return to where they belong. Leeds are flying at the moment and hopefully we can go there and upset the party a little bit.'

'The attitude of the players was top notch'

United Assistant Manager Dave Bassett was keen to accentuate the positives after reflecting on a night that saw the side crash out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy to Bury at Elland Road. Despite conceding two more set-piece goals, and then seeing Filipe Da Costa red carded for violent conduct on his first full start, the stand-in boss was pleased with the teams attitude. 'There were a lot of plusses,' said Bassett. 'We played well in the second half and we just needed a goal. Even in defeat you can't ask for anymore. The attitude of the players was top notch.'

'When Filipe got sent off and we went down to ten men it gave us more of a mountain, but in the second half we did everything possible. We had 19 efforts - they had five. Their keeper made some good saves and we had a few off-target. If we had been more clinical it would have helped. It just wasn't to be.'

The stand-in boss was full of praise for the performances of the younger players. 'Simon Madden had a terrific debut and did extremely well. And Jonny Howson was outstanding. We had a lot of young players with Huntington, Howson, Madden and Ben (Parker) who gave another good performance. If we'd have had eleven men we might have done it. Bury rode their luck but they are through and best of luck to them now.'

Da Costa sees red as Bury sink Leeds

Leeds United (1) 1 Bury (2) 2

An action-packed first half saw Leon Constantine take only 8 minutes to open his United account on his first full start for the club. The striker chased through a ball over the top and held off some tenacious defending before producing an excellent strike to hand Leeds the lead.

Despite Dennis Wise's side holding the ascendancy it was Bury who forced the equaliser on 24 minutes as United's recent frailty from set-pieces was once again exposed. Brian Barry-Murphy's corner was met by the head of Ben Futcher to haul the Shakers level. Within 5 minutes Chris Casper's side had turned the game on it's head when Andy Bishop powered home after the Leeds defence had failed to clear another Barry-Murphy corner.

To make matters worse Filipe Da Costa was given a straight red card after 41 minutes of his first start for the club following a foul on Paul Scott. And the half time whistle could not come quickly enough for stand-in boss Dave Bassett, as David Prutton went into the referees book for the 5th time this season, ruling him out of next week's FA Cup replay against Hereford United.

The ten men of United battled hard for an equaliser in the second period but ultimately it was not to be, and the majority of the 18,809 crowd left disappointed as Leeds exit from the competiton was confirmed.

15,000 expected for Da Costa & Constantine full debuts

The official Leeds United website reports that the club are anticipating a crowd of around 15,000 for tonight's Johnstone's Paint Northern Area quarter-final tie against Bury at Elland Road. Leeds boss Dennis Wise is considering an new look attack against the Shakers with Leon Constantine and Filipe Da Costa poised to make their first starts for the club, alongside the returning Mark De Vries.

The four youngsters drafted in for last weekends FA Cup tie at Hereford United - Jonny Howson, Ben Parker, Paul Huntington and Curtis Weston, will all be hoping to keep their places. David Lucas may take over from Casper Ankergren between the sticks.

'It will be an opportunity for some players to get a run out and another chance to rest some of the boys,' said Wise. 'It's a chance for the likes of Leon and Da Costa. It's good because it's at home, and I hope we can show them what we can do.'

'The only way is up for Leeds'

Surinam-born striker Mark De Vries is set to make his second debut for United tonight against Bury in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Section quarter-final at Elland Road.

The former Hearts hitman has re-joined the club on loan until January 15, and is looking to secure a future at a club he believes is destined for glory. ''Promotion is a definite aim. As far as I am concerned the only way is up for Leeds with this team. They have got this far and we need to keep working hard and the rewards will come,'' he said.

''Footballers talk about big clubs and sleeping giants but I tell you this really is. I have heard of Leeds since I was a boy and I know people who have played for the club and they tell me 'Leeds United is a big club.' And you are like 'yeah, yeah, yeah course they are.' But now that I have experienced it for myself and come back here a second time, I know it is.''

''I want to do well for the club and for myself and hopefully get the chance of a permanent move.''

Leeds are a big club and a great club: Bury boss Casper

Bury Head Coach Chris Casper is in positive mood ahead of his side's trip across the Pennines to face Leeds United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tomorrow night. The Shaker's boss, fresh from seeing his side romp through their first round FA Cup tie with non-league Workington on Saturday, declared: 'We will go to Elland Road confident and whoever will play for us will enjoy a good game for us. It would have been nice to meet Leeds United in the area final, but beggars can't be choosers.'

'Leeds are a big club and a great club, it will be good to go there and play. We haven't played there since the 67/68 season. It's great for the fans because many will not have seen Bury play at Elland Road, we will go there and give a good account for ourselves and enjoy ourselves.'

A trip to Wembley would be lovely for Leeds lad Ben Parker

Young United full-back Ben Parker is looking to make a big impression over the next few weeks, starting in tomorrow night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy northern section quarter-final against Bury at Elland Road. Parker, a life-long Leeds fan, is ready to stake a claim for a permanent role in boss Dennis Wise's starting line-up, with regular left-back Jamie Clapham returning to parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers later this month.

Ben, who is expected to retain his place for the knock-out clash with the Shakers, has played in every one of United's cup matches this season, and enjoyed the 'buzz' around Edgar Street during the FA Cup clash at Hereford last Friday. 'It was quite an intimidating atmosphere down there, a bit different from Elland Road. It sounded like there were 20,000 in there and it made for a good atmosphere, it was more or less their cup final and we held out strongly at the end.'

Parker, who turns 20 on Wednesday, added: 'My aim is to be playing again tomorrow night and that would be fantastic if it happens. But if not I will support whoever plays. I think Jamie's loan finishes after the Swindon game but, whatever happens, if they bring someone in then that's up to the gaffer. But he knows that I'm ready and if he needs to call on me I will be more than willing to take the shirt.'

Although the cup games are coming thick and fast at the moment Ben is under no illusions as to where Leeds priorities lie. 'First and foremost our main objective is to get out of League One. We are too big a club to be in that division, but that is where we are. Our main aim is to get out of there and if anything comes after that then we'll take it. A trip to Wembley would be lovely for the boys and the fans. After the last few years they have gone through it would be great for them too.'

Congolese striker Tresor Kandol's colourful past

Tresor Osmar Kandol was born on August 30, 1981 in Banga, Democratic Republic of Congo. He is the cousin of former Newcastle United star Lomana LuaLua, sharing the same trademark somersault goal celebration. His career in English football began at Luton Town who he joined in 1998. He made only 21 appearances in three years, scoring 3 goals. Whilst with the Hatters he was found guilty of fare-dodging on Thameslink trains by Luton Magistrates Court. Shortly afterwards he was released by Luton and had brief spells at Cambridge United and AFC Bournemouth, before arriving at non-league Thurrock in 2002.

During his three year stay Kandol banged in goals with regularity, hitting 61 in only 102 appearances. In 2005 he moved to Dagenham and Redbridge, scoring 6 goals in 12 games before being loaned to Darlington. His loan period with the Quakers lasted 7 games in which he scored twice. He was again involved in controversy whilst with Darlington after reportedly going AWOL for six days, after being given permission to visit London to attend a christening.

By January 2006 Tresor was on the move again, this time to Barnet, where he hit 10 goals in 29 appearances. But once again his football life was overshadowed by his personal life when, after pleading guilty to charges of driving whilst disqualified and failing to attend court, he was sent to prison for 13 weeks. After impressing at the Bees on his release, scoring twice to knock Cardiff City out of the Carling Cup, he caught the attention of newly appointed Leeds boss Dennis Wise and joined the club on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

He scored his first goal for the Whites in a 2-2 draw with Barnsley, and saw his move made permanent during the January 2007 transfer window. However, Leeds battle to avoid the drop saw Kandol struggle to make an impact, and he became the subject of some fierce criticism from fans. United's subsequent relegation to League 1, and the clubs journey in and out of Administration during the Summer must have made Tresor wonder if he might well be on the move once more.

However, this season has seen the striker become a pivotal point of the Leeds United renaissance. He has turned the boos into cheers, hitting 8 league goals so far to join Jermaine Beckford at the head of the division's goalscoring charts. Maybe Kandol has finally found a home, where he can forget the indiscretions of the past, and see his name in lights for all the right reasons. Long may the somersaults continue!

Minus Fifteen so close to glory

Minus Fifteen, the racehorse owned by Leeds United fan Steve Parkin and named after the Football League points deduction, came close to providing jockey Jamie Spencer with outright victory in the race for the title of Champion Jockey at Doncaster this afternoon. Spencer began the final day of the flat season one win behind leader Seb Sanders, and was given every chance of adding to his tally with an excellent run.

Minus Fifteen went off 9/2 second favourite and justified its support in the market with an improved display on his debut effort at Newmarket. After taking up the lead two furlongs out it appeared the horse may just provide Spencer with a vital victory, until the favourite Premier Danseur came through to win the race by a neck.

The title was eventually decided in the final race of the season which Spencer won aboard ride Inchnadamph to equal Sanders tally of 190 winners and share the title for only the third time in history. The further progress of Minus Fifteen is sure to be followed with keen interest next season.

Hereford boss: We had a storming finish

Bulls manager Graham Turner felt his side missed a glorious opportunity to knock Leeds out of the FA Cup, but was pleased to settle for a potentially lucrative replay at Elland Road. Turner watched centre-half John McCombe hook a bicycle kick narrowly wide in the dying moments and said ruefully, 'We're a bit disappointed. We had a storming finish and John McCombe could have won it at the end.'

'But we've got the draw and the replay. We've been good away from home too, so the players should be confident. Hopefully Leeds will feel they have done the hard work already.'

Wise words: We can perform better

Leeds boss Dennis Wise was left to reflect on a 'tired and jaded' performance by his side in front of the Sky TV cameras, as United were held to a goalless draw by Hereford United. Indeed, the League 2 outfit themselves may have ended Leeds participation in this season's FA Cup competition at the first hurdle, had it not been for match-saving effort by Casper Ankergren to deny Lionel Ainsworth's header with 10 minutes remaining.

'I don't think we gave a good account of ourselves' said Wise. 'We can perform better than we did but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt after Carlisle, Bournemouth and now Hereford this week. It's been a long time travelling and hard work for them. I think they gave it as much as possible, but unfortunately we were a bit below par. I thought we looked tired and jaded.'

The manager made four changes allowing several of the squad some respite in the middle of a hectic period for the League 1 promotion chasers - Leeds now face three home games in eight days, but Wise was pleased with the contribution of those who were given their chance. 'It was good for the other lads to get a run out. They're in my thoughts and it was good for them.'

Bulls earn Leeds replay

Hereford United (0) 0
Brown, Rose, McCombe, Broadhurst (Taylor 62), Threlfall, Ainsworth, Smith, Diagouraga, Easton, Robinson, Benjamin (Guinan 72). Subs: Webb, Ingham, Gwynne.

Leeds United (0) 0
Ankergren, Huntington, Heath, Marques, Parker, Weston (Da Costa 72), Howson, Douglas, Carole (Clapham 92), Kandol (Constantine 83), Beckford. Subs: Bayly, Lucas.

Referee: A Bates

Attendance: 5,924

Centenary FA Cup Final 1972: Leeds United 1 Arsenal 0

It's an evening of firsts for Leeds United as they complete 7 days which have seen them travel the length and breadth of the country. After heading north to Carlisle last weekend the team faced a long journey to the south coast to play Bournemouth on Tuesday, and today find themselves in Hereford making their debut appearance at Edgar Street.

Assistant manager Dave Bassett takes charge from the dug out for the first time as a result of Dennis Wise's 3 game touchline ban. It is also United's maiden appearance in the first round of the FA Cup in their 88 year history. Much of the talk this week has been of Hereford's giant-killing feat of 1972 when a famous goal from Ronnie Radford helped to eliminate Newcastle United. However, Leeds own FA Cup history of 1972 has been for the most part overlooked.

It was the year of the Centenary FA Cup Final at Wembley, Leeds United v Arsenal. The Gunners had won the FA Cup the previous season in their famous double winning season under the great Bertie Mee. However, it was Leeds legendary manager Don Revie who held the upper-hand throughout the contest, as his side led by Billy Bremner controlled the game, with the back four in particular stifling Arsenal's attacking threat.

The game defining moment came in the 53rd minute when Mick Jones advanced down the right and put over an excellent cross which Allan 'Sniffer' Clarke buried into the net from fully fifteen yards. It proved enough to lift the FA Cup for the first and only time in Leeds proud history. So while Hereford may look back to 1972 for inspiration this evening, the current Leeds United eleven will look to make their own tribute to the historic achievement of Don Revie's side.

Hereford in Bullish Mood: ‘Let Leeds worry about us’

The Hereford United management team appear confident of causing an upset as they prepare to face Leeds United in what is the Whites debut appearance in the first round of the FA Cup at Edgar Street tomorrow evening. Prior to the clash, which has been selected for live TV coverage, Bulls Head Coach John Trewick declared ‘I’m sure Leeds think they are a big club, and they fancy their chances. Let them worry about us, we’ve just got to take them on.’

Manager Graham Turner added: ‘We realize the size of the club, but we bear in mind that they are only in the first division, and we try to keep the perspective on that. If we can perform well and have a little bit of luck, then we’re capable of beating them.’

Leeds boss Dennis Wise is clearly not taking Hereford lightly. ‘Hereford will be a difficult game, we know that. It will be tough because they are going well, they won 5-1 last weekend and won again on Tuesday, and they will cause us problems. But we are looking forward to it.’ Let the battle commence.

Promotion? 92% Believe In It

Over the past fortnight visitors to GloryGloryLeedsUnited.com have been predicting where United will finish at the end of our first ever season in the third tier of English football. The sides fantastic start to the campaign has fuelled expectation levels, with an amazing 92% of supporters believing Dennis Wise's troops will secure promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Confidence remained positive despite Leeds first real setback of the season, the end of a 13 game unbeaten run at Carlisle United last weekend. The team put their promotion push firmly back on track last night with an excellent 3-1 away win at AFC Bournemouth.

Considering the club were forced to begin the campaign on minus 15 points, the turnaround is all the more remarkable. It's a unique season where Leeds are attempting to rewrite history, no team has ever escaped relegation after incurring a far less damaging 10 point sanction. Yet to their credit the Dennis and the boys are aiming much, much higher. The sky really is the limit, and the fans fully believe anything is possible.

Wise praise for referee

Dennis Wise was pleased to get back to winning ways after seeing his side overcome Bournemouth in front of a record crowd at Dean Court. 'The players responded and that's very pleasing for me...getting back on track straight away was important,' he said. 'To be honest I thought Bournemouth played better than us in the first half. They passed it better and they caused us problems. But we showed our strength in the second half and we weren't going to let it slip. We we're under a bit of pressure and I'm pleased with the result.'

Bournemouth boss Kevin Bond believed the dismissal of Lee Bradbury for violent conduct was the pivotal moment of the match. 'It was always going to be an uphill struggle once Bradders got sent off,' said Bond. 'I didn't see it, but if he did clatter him then we'll take the referees decision on the chin.'

Wise praised referee Steve Bennett for his handling of the incident, and the match in general. 'Steve got it right. (Bradbury) swung his arm and he deserved to go. I don't like to say it but it was a red card. Everywhere we go we've got capacity crowds so it's important we get a referee who can handle the game. It has improved things. Steve is a fantastic referee.'

Kandol relights Leeds fire

The 'Sold Out' signs were up once again for United's first visit to Dean Court in 17 years, but it was the travelling army of Leeds fans who were celebrating as early as the 4th minute as Tresor Kandol tucked home his 7th league goal of the season, after good work by Andrew Hughes. Bournemouth became more of a threat as the half progressed, and were rewarded with an equaliser on 37 minutes when Jem Karacan fired past Casper Ankergren from 18 yards.

On 54 minutes United regained the lead through Seb Carole's 3rd goal of the season. After completing a slick one-two with Jermaine Beckford the Frenchman produced an excellent finish to put Leeds 2-1 ahead. There was more drama just past the hour mark when Lee Bradbury was shown a straight red card after lashing out at Matt Heath. Premiership referee Steve Bennett showed no hesitation in sending Bradbury for an early bath for violent conduct.

Bournemouth put up spirited resistance, but it was Leeds who put the result beyond doubt with 4 minutes remaining when Kandol converted a Fraser Richardson cross to join Beckford on 8 goals for the season and wrap up an excellent 3-1 win. The players providing the perfect answer to those who had questioned their championship credentials.

Wise words: I want to get a result

Dennis Wise has demanded a reaction from his Leeds side tonight after they tasted defeat for the first time in the league at Carlisle United on Saturday. 'I want to get a result as soon as we can, and I don't want this to go for too long,' he said. 'It's an important game against Bournemouth, and it's going to be a difficult one. But we had setbacks against Gillingham and Leyton Orient, and we bounced back.'

'It's important that we're professional at Bournemouth, and the group of lads I've got are capable of going there and winning the game. We'll pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and do what we've been doing for the last 13 games.'

Wise is likely to name an unchanged side as he gives the 11 who started at the weekend the chance to put things right. Cherries boss Kevin Bond is likely to follow suit after his side climbed off the bottom with a morale boosting away win at Bristol Rovers. However, Leeds will step out this evening believing the can take all three points. Bournemouth have taken just two points from their 7 home games so far, their worst ever start to a league campaign.

Restoring the Pride in Super Leeds

After an unsettling fortnight on and off the pitch both players and fans will need to play their part in restoring some of the pride which has been dented recently. On the playing side Dennis Wise will be looking for a big response from his charges after they tasted defeat in the league for the first time in 14 games at Carlisle on Saturday. It's the first real test of United's mettle against a Bournemouth side buzzing after moving off the bottom of the table with a win at Bristol Rovers.

More importantly though is the response of the Leeds supporters travelling to Bournemouth tomorrow. It's 17 years since our last 'infamous' visit to the seaside town and a good opportunity to make amends. After the ugly scenes at Elland Road where Millwall fans kicked through bus windows in order to goad Leeds supporters into a response, a small minority of United 'fans' were involved in trouble at Carlisle, 13 of them being arrested.

Bournemouth Chief Executive Laurence Jones held out the olive branch in a goodwill gesture ahead of the match. 'We are looking forward to welcoming our friends from the north to Bournemouth. It's going to be a full house and we have worked very closely with Dorset Police for some time now to ensure everybody enjoys the experience,' he said. 'The overwhelming majority of supporters want to see a game. If a minority don't, provisions are in place for them to be dealt with.'

All decent-minded United fans will be hoping for good news on and off the pitch.

The Bournemouth Riot

Leeds United head back to AFC Bournemouth tomorrow for their first visit to the town since the infamous riot on the May Day bank holiday weekend of 1990. Leeds fans had travelled to the south-coast club in huge numbers in anticipation of a celebration of promotion back to Division 1 after an 8 year exile.

The game at Dean Court will always be remembered for Chris Kamara's right wing cross headed home by Lee Chapman, which confirmed Leeds promotion as Champions, and relegated the Cherries.

However, off the pitch a total of 104 arrests were made as 12 police officers were injured in disturbances throughout the weekend. With recent skirmishes breaking out amongst fans against both Millwall and Carlisle the club and supporters alike will be hoping that tomorrow nights game passes of peacefully, with United getting back to winning ways.

Wise words: We've got to kick on

Carlisle manager John Ward reflected on a game of two halves after seeing his side end Leeds United's 13 game unbeaten start to the season. 'The first period was tough for us. Leeds are a very good team and at half time I would have been happy with a draw' he said. 'They looked like an unbeaten side and we could not match them. We kept getting caught in possession and they were quicker and brighter.'

'We showed more devil and determination in the 50-50's in the second half. We showed more nastiness in terms of getting into them and doing to them what they did to us in the first half.'

Leeds boss Dennis Wise lamented two vital lapses in concentration at set-pieces. 'We played very well and deserved to pick up more goals but Carlisle came out fighting after the break and their first goal was a wonderful strike. We had a few chances where we could have killed the game off. We got caught out on two corners which is disappointing and something we don't expect.'

'Carlisle showed lots of energy. They took a big gamble in the second half and went for it. Everything seemed to fall for them and it was their day.'

Despite the disappointment Wise was quick to pay tribute to his sides excellent record. 'We have gone 13 games without defeat. You hope that sort of run will go on forever and it's been a fantastic achievement by the players. Now we've got to kick on and begin another run.'

Brave Leeds beaten at last

United's 13 match unbeaten run came to an end this afternoon as Carlisle United triumphed 3-1 at Brunton Park, but the scoreline in no way reflected the balance of play. Despite arriving at the home of the league leaders, in front of their highest crowd since 1976, United bossed the first half. Leeds took a deserved lead when Jermaine Beckford tapped his 8th league goal of the season after 28 minutes. He then almost doubled the advantage in first half stoppage time when a dipping shot narrowly cleared the bar. Carlisle themselves had offered little to threaten United's supremacy.

Th second half saw an improved Carlisle grab an equaliser on 61 minutes when Simon Hackney beat Casper Ankergren from distance. Nine minutes later the Cumbrians had the lead when Joe Garner headed home from a corner. Leeds boss Dennis Wise threw Leon Constantine and Filipe Da Costa into the fray as United laid siege to their opponents goal, seemingly destined to conjure up another late salvo. But it was not to be, as a Carlisle break deep into stoppage time saw Mark Bridge-Wilkinson score the goal that confirmed the end of a fantastic unbeaten start for Leeds.

Although disappointed by the result Leeds United fans can take great heart from the way United took the game to the hosts, never giving up the fight. Wise's men can be proud of their progress so far, as they now plot another long unbeaten run. Today's battle may have been lost, but the war is far from over.

Another away game, another full house

Boss Dennis Wise takes his newly formed backroom team to Carlisle United tomorrow in what is sure to be another stern test of United’s championship credentials. Dave Bassett and John Gannon were this week appointed assistant manager and first-team coach respectively, and will face their first test against John Ward’s in-form side.

The Cumbrians currently sit top of League 1 following an excellent away win at Southend United last weekend and will be roared on by a capacity crowd at Brunton Park. Carlisle boast the best home defensive record in the division, with just 2 conceded, and with United having the tightest defence overall in the league a tight contest is on the cards.

Leeds preparations have been further hampered this week by the broken toe sustained by Ian Westlake during training, forcing Wise into at least one change from the team that over-ran Millwall in their last outing. The players will no doubt be happy for the attention to focus on the football as they look to extend their unbeaten run to 14 matches. Regular Premiership referee Phil Dowd will take charge of the contest.

We're not famous anymore!

Throughout Leeds United’s infamous fall from grace, whilst attempting to navigate troubled and turbulent waters, opposing fans around the country have gleefully proclaimed ‘You’re not famous anymore.’

As we dropped through the Championship and into League 1 for the first time in our proud history it was interesting to hear those fans singing a selection of ‘Leeds United’ songs during matches. We however, didn’t have any song that mentioned whichever opponents the fixture list had thrown our way for the first time in many a long year. How ironic that those singing our name, and not that of their own sides, were helping ensure that Leeds United will always have an enduring fame.

Ironic too that those very sides have been falling over themselves to cash in on our very fame throughout the season. Clubs have seized on the opportunity to jump on OUR bandwagon. ‘Special Offer – purchase tickets for games x and y to ensure you can be allocated a ticket for the Leeds game’ has been a common approach.

This week it’s Carlisle United’s turn to cash in on the Leeds United phenomenon. The cumbrians are expecting their biggest crowd for 31 years and record gate receipts into the bargain. It is a story that has been repeated for every United away match throughout the season. The highest gate at each and every ground we have visited was against…well it’s not difficult to work out.

Maybe it’s time to forgive and forget those faceless clubs who thrust in the knife by ensuring we became the first club to ever begin a season 15 points adrift at the bottom. Yes, it’s true, they were looking after their own interests, but maybe it wasn’t out of hatred, maybe it was out of love. They want to keep us around, and milk more success from the Golden Cow before it takes flight from their barren land.

So to Carlisle United and the rest of League 1, enjoy your 90 minutes of fame, brought to you courtesy of the world-renowned brand that is Leeds United F C.