Leeds United
Preview to Leeds v Stockport County
By RUi Rui Rui
September 2 2009
Following a hectic, but extreme fruitful, start to the season, Leeds were lucky enough to gain a bye in the first round of the Johnson Paint Trophy. After winning all seven games this season in both league and cup the players get a well deserved rest before returning to action against Stockport County on Saturday.
Simon Grayson will be forced to make changes as Kisnorbo and Marques are both away on international duty. With Naylor still recovering from his injury Grayson may consider giving a debut to new arrival Leigh Bromby. Other options centre back are Lubo Michalik and Paul Huntington. Assuming no further movement before the close of the transfer window the rest of the team should remain unchanged.
Who Are Ya
Based only seven miles from both the Manchester premiership clubs Stockport have lived in the shadow of their neighbours. Their most successful period came in the late nineties. Under the guidance of Dave Jones the club rose to the Championship and challenge in the later stages of the Domestic Cup competitions. Following the departure of Jones the club went into decline and coincided with the appointment of Leeds old boy Carlton Palmer as manager. Two relegations and three managers later County’s fortunes were restored by the appointment of Jim Gannon who stabilised the club and gained them promotion back to league one in the 2007/08 season.
Administration
As the debts mounted at end of the 2008/09-season Stockport were forced into administration. Follow a 10-point deduction survival in League One was only secured on the last day of the season. The financial repercussions of administration saw Gannon’s contract terminated and the club placed under a transfer embargo. During the summer the club looks to have been saved by a consortium headed by another Leeds old boy Jim Melrose. It was reported that a CVA had been agreed in principle with the creditors and the club would exit administration without further punishment, however despite the 28 days deadline for objects to the CVA passing the club remains in administration and the transfer embargo in place.
New Manager
Following Gannon’s departure Gary Ablett was named as the new manager. Ablett, the ex Liverpool defender has a strong coaching background but no managerial experience, however the recent appointment of John Ward the ex Carlisle manager should not be underestimated as Ward brings with him a wealth of experience and an intimate knowledge of this league.
Recent Form
Whilst County have struggled this season with their home form they have had better success away from home where they have gathered most of their points. Their first win of the season came on their last away game at Brighton who they beat 4-2.
Ones to Watch
Carl Baker
After joining from Morecambe in 2008 midfielder Baker has suffered an injury hit first season with County. He has however started this season with a bang and is their leading goal scorer with four goals so far.
Liam Bridcutt
Bridcutt is County’s one new addition to their team due to the transfer embargo. The loanee from Chelsea only joined following dispensation from the FA because full time squad member Matt Mainwaring is sidelined for six months with a broken leg. The player enjoyed successful loan spells last year at Yeovil and Watford. Unfortunately Bridcutt’s much anticipated debut against Brighton was cut short when he was sent off for two bookable offences.
Game On!
Whilst on paper this looks like a game Leeds should easily win against a team whose manager is finding his feet in his new job we need to guard against complacency. Stockport’s away form should not be under estimated and our reshuffled defence needs to be on its guard. The addition of John Ward to their management staff will mean they are fully briefed about our strengths and weaknesses. So let’s do it to them before they do it to us!
Marching on Together
Rui Rui Rui
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
02/09/2009 08:33
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Baker got 3 and Bignall the other.
The latter could cause us problems with his pace and the fact our normal CB pairing is not playing.
BB
Stop Messing about Fool!!
Diouffy Diouffy Diouffy OI! OI! OI!
I'll be on the pitch on Saturday, so if you're in the ground early enough, give me a wave!
Discuss Leeds United
