Leeds United
Transfer Window Closes with success
By Rich Baggott
February 1 2008
For most football fans, the activities of the last week at Elland Road would have seemed strange to say the least, if it had happened to their own clubs. At Leeds Utd, it's just another week. Start off with a disappointing draw, your successful maanger leaves, the team lose a game, a new manger is appointed, the backroom staff exit and three new players join. What's the problem with that?
Wise had already dabbled in the transfer market, bringing in a total of five players throughout January, although the general feeling in the club was that a couple more, maybe a defender and striker were still needed, but the change in manager dented some hope that Leeds would bring any more players in. Attention instead turned to who might be going, with fans favourite, and leading goal scorer, Jermaine Beckford being tipped to attract the top clubs.
As everyone's attention turned to explore news of possible bids for Beckford, Leeds announced three signings. Lubo Michalik returned to the club after a successful loan period here last year. He signed a three and a half year deal after Leeds agreed an undisclosed fee with Bolton for the Slovakian international.
In addition, Alan Sheehan joined on loan until the end of the season from Leicester City. The 21 year old left-back has shown some great potential to the Leicester fans and has a strong free-kick. His Leicester team-mate, Darren Kenton, who joined on a months loan earlier in January, also signed until the end of the season, giving some real depth to the quality in defence.
Yesterday evening, Anthony Elding completed his move to Leeds from Stockport County. Elding has been a prolific goal scorer at the lower levels and it is hoped he can continue his form in League 1 - he currently averages a goal every other game.
As the clock ticked down to midnight, fans were still fearing Beckford would go but the deadline came and went and it is something of a relief that he still "Wearing the Shirt Bruv!"
In his first interview as manager for Leeds United, McAllister explained that Leeds had been persuing a number of signings for some time, but he was more than happy to take the advice of Gwyn Williams who has stayed at the club throughout the regime change.
McAllisters choice of backroom staff has not been announced yet, but is is widely rumoured that Sammy Lee will be joining as assistant manager.
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