The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 15th May)

Good Morning. It's Friday 15th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road.

EFL issue statement following board meeting

Further to Wednesday's board meeting, the EFL have released a statement to hopefully add some clarity about the resumption of the season.

The EFL Board has met today to further consider the many complex financial and operational matters resulting out of the COVID-19 crisis, including how the 2019/20 campaign is concluded.

While there is much debate and discussion taking place publicly and privately regarding what should, or could, happen next, the EFL will continue to undertake consultation with our members before the next steps are determined.

Current attention is clearly on the immediate next steps, but the long-term impact on the League and its Clubs remains as stark as previously outlined, and solutions are still required to fill the financial hole left by the crisis. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will not be rectified simply by a return to play behind closed doors.

In addition, the EFL is mindful of the pressing need for clarity in a number of areas, including the practicalities and timeframes of Clubs being able to facilitate a return to training. To address this, Clubs have today been issued with the latest draft of the EFL’s ‘Return to Training Protocols’, so that they can prepare appropriately.

However, until all outstanding matters are concluded, including finalising a comprehensive testing programme on matchdays and non-matchdays, the EFL Board has informed its Clubs that a return to training should not take place until 25 May at the earliest.

Dialogue continues with our colleagues across the footballing and political landscape regarding these and other issues, and the EFL is committed to keeping all relevant parties updated on key decisions and developments as they occur.

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Whites Managing Director Angus Kinnear details Leeds readiness to return to action

Leeds Utd Managing Director gives his insight following a long drawn out meetings the Premier League, EFL and the FA have had with its members, and what it could mean for Leeds Utd.

Details around return-to-training protocols have become more granular, allowing our medical and performance team to interrogate them and finalise plans how they will be applied to Thorp Arch.

Our protocols will align with the Premier League and twice-weekly testing and sanitising procedures will ensure that our training ground is one of the safest environments for anybody to return to work to.

Our players are now stepping up their individual training programmes and are eagerly anticipating returning in small groups.

It seems likely that any return to play will be done against a media backdrop of clubs continuing to publicly champion obstacles to the league’s completion and, if it can’t be concluded, why leagues should be expunged [or relegation and promotion abandoned] as opposed to be decided on sporting merit.

To date, this has included trying to set the brilliantly audacious precedent that Premier League teams shouldn’t have to play matches if they don’t think they can win them and the equally Machiavellian suggestion that a team could refuse to be relegated if they believe that the promoted team is not deserving of being their replacement.

However Greg Clarke, chairman of the FA, provided important clarity to the debate when he stated that the FA would use their golden share in the Premier League to protect the core promotion and relegation principle of the English football pyramid.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has just reinforced that this virus is likely to be with us forever and that society is going to have to adapt to co-exist with it.

In light of this, the challenges that the football industry is currently facing are representative of the issues facing broader society.

Cowering in our caves and hoping for this pestilence to miraculously disappear to then re-emerge to see what remains of the game we love cannot be the answer.

We need to channel our human strengths of ingenuity, courage and collaboration to get our game quickly back on its feet so it can be stronger in the long term.

As it was confirmed that the remainder of this season will definitely be behind closed doors, we were able to announce that we will start the process of recompensing season-ticket holders and hospitality guests for the games they will not be able to attend. The social media response to the statement could only have come from fans of one team.

Hundreds of supporters declared the club should keep the funds, with reasons ranging from the fact that three-quarters of a season of Bielsaball had already provided value for money, to the contingent that the cash went towards the acquisition of Ben White.

These loyal gestures, in such a challenging period, demonstrate that the club is more United than at any time in its recent history. Whilst being able to retain a portion of these funds within the club will be invaluable in the most demanding of financial situations, we will endeavour to give all supporters club credit or alternative value in excess of the amount owed, however, for the fans who want, or need, it, full refunds will, obviously, be provided.

On Wednesday, over 200 members of our staff came together on a video call to be updated on how we will return to play and how they will transition back to work. As well as confirming that I definitively have the worst self-administered lockdown haircut, it also reinforced what a hardworking and loyal team this club has.

The overriding mood is one of frustration that our business this season remains unfinished and we could not wish for a more committed group of individuals to take this club back where it belongs.

Finally, this week our friend and legend Norman Hunter made his last journey down the tunnel and onto the pitch at his beloved Elland Road.

We are grateful to Norman’s family for allowing us to film this poignant moment so that hundreds of thousands of fans could join in bidding him farewell.

The funeral was, rightly, a private affair but we remain committed as a club to giving all supporters the opportunity to celebrate his life and re-open the stand renamed in his honour when we can once again all be together at Elland Road.

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Time to forgive Smithy?

Phil Hay has opened up old wounds by writing a piece on Alan Smith's transfer to the dark side.

Even though this was 16 years ago, many fans on social media have not forgiven the Rothwell born former striker.

Nobody wants to lose home grown talent, especially to an arch rival, but surely, the writing was on the wall on the last day of the season having been relegated.

Did Leeds Utd, or Smithy have any option?

Such was the anger at the time, that a house in Middleton lane that had Leeds United badges outside on the gate pillars, got pelted with stones because a false rumour got out saying his mum and dad lived there.

Leeds received 7m, and Smithy gave Leeds his signing on fee which was 1m.

How were your feelings at the time?

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Wasted talent reaches an all time high as clubs get ready to announce retained list

Traditionally, this week Championship clubs are expected to release their retained list. The amount of outstanding talent that is out of contract is absolutely shocking.

Can you build a team from the out of contract players that would be able to challenge for a promotion push next season?

Are there any players apart from Boro's Ayala that you would snap up, and take to the Premier League?

Barnsley
Alex Mowatt (option) Mamadou Thiam, Kenny Dougall, Dani Pinillos, Samuel Sahin-Radlinger, Jared Bird

Birmingham City
Kerim Mrabti, Jacques Maghoma, Cheick Keita, Wes Harding, Craig Gardner, Lee Camp, Jonathan Grounds

Blackburn Rovers
Amari’i Bell, Elliott Bennett, Stewart Downing, Danny Graham, Richard Smallwood, Jayson Leutwiler, Dominic Samuel

Brentford
Kamohelo Mokotjo, Nikolaos Karelis, Luka Radic

Bristol City
Korey Smith, Ashley Williams, Niki Maenpaa, Matty Taylor, Bailey Wright

Cardiff City
Danny Ward, Jazz Richards, Matthew Connolly,

Charlton Athletic
Lyle Taylor, Tomer Hemed, Jonny Williams, Naby Sarr, Adam Matthews, Jake Forster-Caskey, Chris Solly, Albie Morgan, Ben Amos, Lewis Page

Derby County
Chris Martin, Tom Huddlestone, Craig Forsyth, Ikechi Anya

Fulham
Dennis Odoi (option), Jordan Archer (option), Magnus Norman, Luca de la Torre, Neeskens Kebano, Matt O’Riley

Huddersfield Town
Elias Kachunga, Jon Gorenc Stankovic, Danny Simpson, Collin Quaner, Joel Coleman, Ryan Schofield, Demeaco Duhaney, Rekeil Pyke

Hull City
Markus Henriksen, Kevin Stewart, Jackson Irvine, Stephen Kingsley, Eric Lichaj, Jon Toral, Daniel Batty, Angus MacDonald, Robbie McKenzie, Norbert Balogh and Will Mannion

Leeds Utd
Gaetano Berardi, Will Huffer

Luton Town
Harry Cornick, Kazenga Lua Lua, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Andrew Shinnie, Luke Berry, James Shea, Elliot Lee, Glen Rea, Marek Stech, Danny Hylton, Harry Isted, Josh Neufville, Frankie Musonda

Middlesbrough
Dani Ayala, George Friend, Ryan Shotton, Adam Clayton, Marvin Johnson, Jonny Howson, Rudy Gestede

Millwall
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Shaun Hutchinson, Murray Wallace, Ryan Leonard, Alex Pearce, Shaun Williams, James Brown

Preston North End
Tom Clarke, Paul Gallagher, Mathew Hudson, Jack Baxter, Michael Crowe

QPR
Grant Hall, Marc Pugh, Geoff Cameron, Angel Rangel, Olamide Shodipo

Reading
Chris Gunter, Garath McCleary, Danny Loader, Jordan Obita, Charlie Adam, Tyler Blackett, Vito Mannone, Adrian Popa.

Sheffield Wednesday
Morgan Fox, Sam Hutchinson, Kieran Le, Joey Pelupess, Sam Winnal, Fernando Forestieri, Steven Fletcher, Atdhe Nuhi, Matt Penney

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Good morning.

I'd have probably been more angry about the Smith deal if he'd have lived up to his potential after leaving Leeds. Even before his injury he was hardly setting the world alight. I had forgotten about him for ages until I happened to go to a Notts County game a few years back where he was an unused substitute on the League Two bench.

There's plenty of bargains in that list. Especially since in the current climate a lot of them players will take a pay cut. You could probably build a top six championship from them. I don't think any would massively improve Leeds but there might be a couple of decent utility players in there.

 

Morning all,

I think there are a few, decent players in the list, in days gone by but non I'd want now, non of them imo would be good enough for the PL

I've no ill will towards Smith, they were the only ones offering the money, he gave the club back his fee. Risdale was at fault, if he'd have shown more restraint and professionalism non of it would have happened, he must be the worlds worst poker player, look at us we've loads of cash, what do you want, oh **** we're in trouble, just give us what you think.

 

The Smith story is dead to me. I've made my feelings known long ago and I'm not going to get involved again.

 

Clearly forgot and forgave ages ago!

 

Well you've got one right

 

We'll go up no matter which way it happens.

As for Smith. I couldn't care less. It was a fire sale and if those idiots wanted to pay £7 million for him then fair enough. Smith was an idiot donating his fee to Leeds. It was only ever going to disappear in to the abyss at that point. He should have kept it for him and his family.

I had a quick look at the list of players. None of them stood out as top end Championship players. I'm not sure Bielsa could even get a team promoted out of that lot.

Hope everyone is well!

 

Afternoon all...

Hull City, Luton, Charlton and Wednesday are losing a few players from that list, will they be able to field 11 players once they’re gone

 

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Saw this on a Facebook group...

 

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All crap, imo. Leeds play in a white shirt! Trimmings of blue +/or yellow, but nothing on the body of the shirt. OK to do for an away strip, subject to taste.

 

I’m with the Scotsman on this one!

No offense Davy but that Facebook one is awful!

 

Agreed. The FB one seems to be a celebration of the badge, rather than the club. Personally, I like the ideal of going back to the Yorkshire Rose, as I still associate the current badge with Ri.. Ri.. R.. Grrrr - that basturd whose name I can't say.

 

Forgot to say - it might be a bit early for some for Smiffy to come back. People forget that he was the epitome of all that was & is Leeds. One of us. if he hadn't moved to scumland, we'd have gone bust there & then. End of. He was also wonderfully ineffective & a waste of money for scum. Perhaps in time most will forgive him. What would / could you have done in his place in those circumstances?

 

Sorry if I'm offending anyone with this post, but I believe you have to give credit where it's due. It's a poor reflection on most other top players. Imagine if they'd all have pitched in.

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I totally agree - I don't like the big arrow in the middle pointing towards relegation for one thing.

 

Excellent news if we don't play..... https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co...5SnQATKOj515F7ng-zZBY7KSzpMREBdDW6frg9h__eoIM

EFL provide update to Leeds United's promotion bid and points per game preference if seasons are curtailed
THE EFL intend to settle divisions with promotion and relegation via an unweighted points per game model if seasons are curtailed - a method which would promote Leeds United as champions of English football's second tier.

By Lee Sobot
Friday, 15th May 2020, 5:17 pm

The EFL's update came after clubs in League Two voted to end the season in a fashion which would see the Whites promoted to the Premier League if applied in the EFL Championship.

Yet United's promotion destiny is still being planned to be decided on the pitch with Championship clubs indicating a wish to play on and conclude all remaining games in line with the EFL.

League Two sides gathered by conference call on Friday and voted unanimously for three clubs to be promoted automatically and for play-offs to take place but with no relegation into the National League.

A points-per-game format was discussed, with any formal ending of the season requiring a similar agreement being reached by League One - whose talks broke up earlier on Friday without a definitive outcome.

Any decision would then require the ratification of the English Football League and the Football Association.

The EFL still hope to complete all Championship fixtures when safe to do so amidst the country’s battle with coronavirus but EFL chairman Rick Parry has previously stated that all competition in the EFL must be concluded by July 31 - when 1,400 players will be out of contract.

Parry had previously stated the EFL's plan to play all remaining games in a 56-day time frame during the summer months behind closed doors.

Clubs were initially given this Saturday - May 16 - as a date to return to training but the EFL have this week told their players not to return to training until May 25.

Parry has also said he would expect promotion and relegation throughout the EFL and also relegation from the Premier League in the event of seasons being curtailed.

FA chairman Greg Clarke also said the FA would look to block any moves to declare seasons null and void.

Leeds would go up as champions if the Championship was settled via an unweighted points per game model which means points are not reflected via home and away results, unlike the weighted model. In any case, Leeds finish top of both.

United sit top of the division and one point ahead of second-placed West Brom with Leeds also holding a seven-point cushion in the division's automatic promotion places with nine games left.

League One clubs are expected to meet again on Monday after no definitive outcome was reached at their meeting on Friday morning.

Six third-tier clubs - Fleetwood Town, Ipswich Town, Oxford United, Peterborough United, Portsmouth, and Sunderland - said on Thursday that they were opposed to ending the season now on a points-per-game basis.

The teams involved are all in the top half of the League One standings, from Oxford in third to Ipswich in 10th. Teams in the division have between eight and 10 games left to play.

The Government's road map for exiting lockdown will allow sporting events to take place behind closed-doors for broadcast from June 1, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact.

That, though, will only be possible though if sufficient progress is made in limiting the spread of the virus between now and then.

But EFL chairman Rick Parry told the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee last week that for many clubs, playing behind closed doors would actually cost them money, and that finishing the 2019-20 season was overwhelmingly a matter of sporting integrity.

The Premier League are hoping to play all of their remaining games and have been working on Project Restart with a view to resuming first training and then league games when safe.

A statement released by the EFL on Friday afternoon read: "Representatives of League One and League Two Clubs have met today by division where they have shared a wide range of comprehensive views in respect of how the 2019/20 season is concluded.

"The rationale for playing the remaining matches has been fully debated with a particular focus on the issues COVID-19 has created in respect of health and wellbeing, ongoing testing requirements, player registration issues and the financial burdens Clubs already face at this difficult time.

"In the event of a curtailment of the season, the EFL Board outlined how this could be addressed through a framework that includes maintaining the principle of promotion and relegation, league tables to be determined via unweighted points per game (PPG) and Play-Offs to remain in every division to determine the final promotion place.

"The EFL Board, whose aspiration has always been to conclude the 2019/20 season by completing the remaining fixtures, has previously stated that any decision on how to conclude the season is a matter for Clubs to determine in their respective divisions and, as a result of today’s discussions, the following update can be provided:

League Two

Having considered the protocols and costs that would be required to be met to conclude the current season, League Two Clubs have unanimously indicated a preferred direction of travel to curtail the campaign in line with the framework outlined by the EFL Board.

In addition, Clubs asked for consideration to be given to suspending relegation to the National League for 2019/20 as a result of circumstances created where fixtures cannot be completed. No commitments were made in this respect and the Board will now consider the implications of the division’s preferred approach at their next meeting.

League One

There were varied views shared in League One and it was determined that there would be a further period of reflection and consultation to understand what creative solutions could be implemented. It was acknowledged that the need to find innovative and creative solutions was of paramount importance as was the need for decisions to be taken quickly.

In addition, Championship Clubs met earlier this week and have indicated that it is their wish to play on and conclude the season.

The EFL will continue to work with all its members to progress the discussions and arrive at the necessary decisions as appropriate in what remain challenging and complex circumstances.