Why Macca's Leeds will be League One's champions in 2009

Exactly one year ago Leeds United were on the brink of oblivion. After being forced by the Inland Revenue to exit administration without a Creditor Voluntary Agreement in place, the only way for the club to receive back its 'golden share' was via the Football League's never before used 'exceptional circumstances' rule.

It was touch and go whether the Whites, who were still subject to a transfer embargo, would be allowed to kick-off the season at Prenton Park against Tranmere Rovers on the opening day.

The 'golden share' was eventually granted, but with an unprecedented 15 point penalty attached. However, although stunned, most United fans were just thankful that the club had survived, and could set to work signing a full squad of players in the week preceding the new season.

The phenomenal achievements made by the side last season cannot be overstated, after winning the first seven league games Leeds quickly shrugged off any threat of relegation and powered to the play-off final, only to find the occasion one game too far.

So what a difference a year makes. As the bookies clear favourites for the title the Leeds United of Gary McAllister's making are all but ready to ensure that their League One rivals receive the full-force of the clubs resurgence.

Now is the time that all Leeds fans will doubtless further strengthen their support of the side and roar them to the title. Leeds United are by far and away the biggest club outside of the Premiership. Even casting aside the glorious history, the facts are that Leeds have the best management and squad, coupled with the biggest and most passionate support that the third tier of English football has seen.

After a settled pre-season anticipation is high. And perhaps the biggest bonus of all is the fact that this season the club get to start on a level playing field. Which compared to last season is a 15 point advantage. So fully expect Leeds United to begin rampaging through the league this season. A 'sleeping giant' is stirring.

We ARE the best, we have NO fear, we have the BELIEF. We are Leeds!

Mac to wrap up striker deal

Leeds United boss Gary McAllister seems certain to make Luciano Becchio his fifth signing of the summer after being won over by the Argentinian striker during his brief trial at the club.

The 24-year-old played 68 minutes of United's latest pre-season game, a 2-0 victory over Barnet at Underhill on Saturday, and while not managing to make the scoresheet, did enough to show the management team he could well be the solution to the search for a strike-partner for 20 goal hit-man Jermaine Beckford.

'I though Luciano was excellent,' said McAllister. 'He's come here playing for his career and he worked ever so hard for the team. We'll have to sort something out very quickly, but I like what I've seen.'

Goals from another new signing, the impressive Andy Robinson, and fan-favourite Jonny Howson gave the Whites the spoils against the Bees as the preparations for the new League One season continued in positive fashion.

Hot-shot heaven sent to answer Macca's prayers

The mere mention of Argentinian football is enough to get the blood of any English fan simmering. Diego Maradona's infamous 'hand-of-God' goal, which helped to eliminate England from the 1986 World Cup finals in Mexico, is possibly more vivid in the memory of England supporters than the 'other' Maradona strike that day, which ranks as one of the greatest goals ever witnessed.

However, 22 years on from the little man's 'heroics', it seems Leeds United fans may soon have reason to be thankful to our South American adversaries. The club finish their pre-season tour of Ireland with a game against Shelbourne tomorrow, and an interesting addition looks set to appear on the United forward line.

24-year-old trialist Luciano Becchio has been training with the Whites on the Emerald Isle, and has now received international clearance to take his place in the side. The former Boca Juniors starlet has also had stints at Barcelona, Mallorca, and Spanish second division side Mercia, for whom he plundered 28 goals last season.

Manager Gary McAllister has made no secret of his bid to add more potency to United's attack, and the Argentinian could just be the divine intervention required to get the League One promotion favourites firing out of the blocks at Scunthorpe on August 9th.

Robinson to 'cause damage' for Leeds this season

Leeds boss Gary McAllister carried out a major coup on the eve of the play-off final in May when securing the signing of midfielder Andy Robinson from Swansea City. The 28-year-old merseysider could have opted to play Championship football with the Swans, after playing a major role in their title winning campaign.

However, the chance to join the Whites proved impossible to turn down, even though it would ultimately mean another stint in League One for Robinson. 'I'm delighted to be joining Leeds,' he said at the time. 'It's a massive name in football and a massive club and it's great that I'm going to be a part of that.'

It wasn't until the age of 23 that Robinson got his break in league football, being snapped up by local club Tranmere Rovers from non-league Cammell Laird. However, Rovers overlooked his potential without giving him a chance, leaving Swansea free to pick up what would turn out to be the find of the season ahead of the 2003-04 campaign.

Robinson justified the faith shown in him by landing the club's Player of the Year award by the end of his first season. During his time time in Wales the midfielder, famed for his spectacular free-kicks, hit an impressive 43 league goal in 192 appearances.

He has already made a big impression on his new team mates during pre-season, with United right-back Frazer Richardson enthusing: 'He's quite a handful and we're lucky to have him in our team. Hopefully he can cause damage for us this season.' With Robinson supplying the ammunition for free-scoring Jermaine Beckford, supporters can look forward to the coming season with a good deal of optimism.

Beckford brace puts Leeds in control in Galway

Jermaine Beckford has hit both United goals so far this evening as the club kick-off their pre-season tour of Ireland with a game against Galway United. The striker added to his goal against York City last week to continue his prolific start to the pre-season campaign.

After having a goal disallowed for offside on 18 minutes, Beckford did make the scoresheet seven minutes later, tucking the ball home after some good work from the industrious Andy Robinson. The Whites extended their lead with their first attack of the second period, when the club's 20-goal striker from last season made a strong run forward before firing clinically past Galway keeper Kalvin Rouse.

Leeds boss Gary McAllister has made no secret of his intention to bolster his team's attack this season, another new signing is apparently imminent, but he will be no doubt delighted that Beckford is continuing to provide the firepower that shot the club to the League One play-off final in May.

Final score: Galway 0 Leeds 2

Leeds fans sympathy for plight of Luton Town

It is less than 12 months ago that Leeds United were hit with an unprecedented 15 point deduction for exiting administration without a CVA in place. In commencing their first ever season in the third tier of English football 15 points adrift of the field the Whites had reached their lowest ever ebb in a rollercoaster history of 'ups and downs'.

Although the players and fans showed astounding fighting spirit to overcome the handicap and reach the end-of-season play-offs, the hurt felt last summer is still a very vivid memory to fans. United last night drew their first pre-season friendly away to York City 1-1. The same fixture last season was very close to being the clubs last ever game as Leeds battled for the return of their 'golden share.'

I imagine that Leeds fans share no joy whatsoever at the sad plight of Luton Town. Lord Mahwinney and the board of the Football League this week imposed a 20 point deduction on the Hatters for their own administration failure, in addition to a 10 point penalty already imposed by the FA for making illegal payments to agents. Once again the supporters are the ones punished for events completely out of their control.

I suppose Leeds fans will be happy that the draconian penalty imposed on ourselves is at least being consistently applied, but the whole situation still leaves a very sour taste in the mouth. Football is a game loved by billions all over the world. A game that should be won and lost on the pitch. Luton Town may have lost their battle to stay in the Football League before it has even begun.

They have my complete sympathy. Hopefully the club and supporters will stick together. Everybody loves and underdog, and I wish the club all the very best of luck in their fight for Football League survival next season.

Jesus: Winning the title won't require a miracle

Leeds United fan favourite David Prutton, nicknamed 'Jesus' by supporters due to his long flowing locks, has revealed the the League One title is the firm aim of the coaches and playing staff this coming campaign.

The midfielder was a leading light in the Whites resurgence last season, and admits that the bookies favourites for promotion are looking to finish on top of the pile this time around.

'To win it would be wonderful and it is definitely something in our minds and in our ambitions,' declared Prutton. 'With what we did last year we want to go one better. That's what everyone wants and there's no point beating around the bush about it. We are very optimistic, everyone is fresh-faced and there is a good feeling.'

Showunmi delight at Leeds move

Leeds boss Gary McAllister today made his third signing of the summer with the capture of striker Enoch Showunmi on a free transfer from Bristol City.

The 6ft 5in Nigeria international came close to joining the club under previous manager Dennis Wise in January, but rejected the chance to move North in a bid to reclaim his place in the Robins side.

However, the 26-year-old hitman has now finally penned a two-year deal with the Whites, and spoke of his delight at the move. 'When you look around it's a brilliant set-up,' Showunmi told the club's official website. 'I'm delighted to be here. You only have to look at this club with its history and its fan base to see how big it is. I'm raring to go and I'm looking forward to pre-season and playing games.'

The tall, bustling striker scored 18 goals in 61 games during his two-season spell at Ashton Gate, during which he helped the club secure automation promotion from League One. Showunmi joins winger Andy Robinson, himself successfully promoted out of the division last season with Swansea City, and young full-back Alan Sheehan, as the new guys looking to make a big impression as the pre-season programme looms into view.

'Leeds is a club on the up again' - Sheehan

21-year-old Republic of Ireland starlet Alan Sheehan returned to Leeds United today, signing a three year contract, and confirmed he was never in any doubt as to where his future lay.

The former Leicester City left-back turned down the offer of a new contract with the Foxes in favour of making his loan move to United permanent, and admitted the prospect of joining the Whites was impossible to refuse.

'I agreed a couple of weeks ago and I'm delighted,' he explained. 'From the minute I came I've been made to feel at home. I had a few options - there were a few clubs interested in me - but from the minute I worked with Gary McAllister and Steve Staunton I knew I wanted to come and work with them. It's a chance for me to improve myself as a player.'

'From November to January we were discussing a contract and Leicester offered me another in the summer. But ever since I came to Leeds I knew I didn't want to be there. The fans are great here and it's a great club with so much to offer. There's a good feeling about the place here. There's some good players here and I just feel Leeds is a club on the up again.'