By The Analyst
August 2 2002

Last year Leeds gave most teams a bruising physical match, but had problems with a lack of depth and an uneven spread of talent, with some excellent speed out wide, but a lack of challenge in other parts of the backline. TRANSFERS
I'm not too well up on who they've lost/shed, but my understanding is that they have acquired Gordon Ross,( 1 cap Scotland,no.10),Stuart Campbell (lock,20 odd caps Scotland) Diego Albanese (hot Argie winger from Glos) and i think a Samoan (?) called George Harder who is a centre/wing and a bit of a tough nut. They are also linked with Ronnie Regan from Bath,( but at time of writing he is hanging on at Bath to be awkward as the West Country team want to lose his salary to help get under the cap, so he has basically got them by the danglies)

Of this selection I think they have a distinct improvement over last year as well as much more depth. Ross is a good wee player, who gives them another major placekicker in the squad, and Campbell will be a major upgrade-very experienced, major lineout force, heavy hitter and mobile. Albanese will make a frightening pairing with Scarborough , and Harder gives the opportunity for some creative subbing in games. They have recruited well, particularly if Regan joins.

MANAGEMENT
Phil Davies is well regarded. They are a bit light on backroom boys and the attitude of owners is uncertain, but they appear cautiously willing to invest.

PROSPECTS
Most people have them down for last place again, but that may have been before recent developments at Bath. Apart from the above dealings, they seem really to have shed some players who simply never were ZP standard, and haven't really lost an awful lot else. While gaining considerable talent remember that at this time last year, practically none of their team had ZP experience, a situation far removed from today's position.

Do not write them off. They will be a lot tougher this year although they may still be a tad slow at backrow and centre.