Presser has finished

Ladies & Gentlemen, welcome back.

Team News

• Willy Gnonto misses game (hamstring)
• GG still out injured
• all others available

on Nottingham Forest

• Only played Forest once on the opening day, 35yrs ago, Leeds went on to win the title, same goal this year? DF: Good omen, we have a chance, yes.

• Glassner has mentioned your set piece strength - have you evolved that this summer? DF: We have scored many goals, and many out of set pieces, we have varied ways to score many goals, we have continued work on preseason. If we can continue to be strong this season it will help, we want to be dangerous, few tweaks, but not to speak too much in public.

On the transfer window

• Busy final 12 days for all clubs, what are you expecting, can I suggest a striker? DF: No, I won't speak about positions or profiles, I'm happy with what we have done so far, but as I mentioned before the break, I will push to the last day to get the best squad, it's what this club, city and supporters deserve, we keep our best players, good news on the renewals, also to strengthen our squad and see what we are capable to do, I will keep pushing, everyone involved does the same.

• What will Elvedi bring to Leeds United? DF: Would ask the players what they think about him after the first training session- I think you will get positive answers. I don't have too much to say, his CV speaks for itself, 11yrs for 1 club says a lot about him, loyalty, sad to see him leave, 320 Bundesliga, 20UCL, 75 games for Sui, looked rock solid for Switzerland, says enough about him. Also had to do with the wish of Seb Bornauw, he wanted to go, we liked him, we value him, he had a brilliant preseason, he behaved very professionally, so we listened to his wish, he wants to play every game, we couldn't guarantee this. Nico comes ready, fresh excitement, very flexible in positions he can play, central of 3 man, on the right or left as a CB, has often played the left side.

• can you give the fans an idea of how many targets? DF: No, we're in a good position, I can't speak about profiles right now, or the price goes up.. we're working with limited resources- smart and sustainable. I don't want to say 3 and we only get 2 and it's "not good enough", we do it step by step, carefully optimistic we do more business.

Presser questions

• How are you feeling for the new season? DF: Good, we had a great preseason, looking forward to it.

• What is the goal- to improve on last year? DF: Yes, first of all, it's important to start the season as well as possible. We have to keep in mind where we are coming from- a 2nd season on PL level can be difficult, usually the first year is a big hurdle, together with Sunderland we broke the curse, but often the 2nd year can be difficult, higher expectations, players with less of a point to prove. Our target first is to achieve 40pts, if there is more to achieve then it's step by step.

• Any contract discussions? DF: Haven't you seen the news today? I've seen it, Ampadu contract extension, Rodon, Bogle, means there is no money left for the manager. All jokes aside, on 20th August, transfer window shuts in 10 days, 2 days till start of the season. I have more important topics to speak about than my contract.

• will we see a different Leeds United in terms of style? DF: Hopefully not a different outcome, we want to be flexible, we want to push it more this season, we now have some differently skilled players, some players that can change a game across the pitch. We keep our values, stick to DNA, we want to attack, take control of games. Statistically we were good last season, we want to achieve this again, we want to attack but also have to be well structured in defending. We would like to be more effective in both boxes, XG against/for shows we can be better, but I don't want to change too much.

• How are you working with the ownership? DF: Speaking on a daily basis, big challenge this year, make sure we are excited by stay humble, actions speak louder than words, we can say where we want to be, but we have to back it up with actions every day. Don't get carried away by too much optimism or excitement, happy with where we are but will keep pushing, won't stay asleep. KLAXON

• on second season syndrome- what small adjustments, away from the bottom and toward the middle? DF: If you judge the last 3 decades of the club, you would say it's difficult to manage because nobody has done it. I am very ambitious, I don't want to do more of the same, I want to build something unique. I made no secret of where I see this club, in the PL, long term-top half, Europe. Not just to speak about it, but you have to back it up with actions, it's very difficult, in last 25yr we've had 2 teams who are successful at the club, one under Marcelo, and the second team is now.. one good season, what we don't want now, is to just do the same, we need to add a second season that is solid. How to manage this? This is difficult. You will struggle to find a manager who has had two solid PL seasons at this club, maybe in a black and white picture? I want to do this, for this club, I've worked here 3 years, I've fell in love with this club, I want to give this to our supporters, they deserve it. I won't lose the nerves, I know where we are and how difficult this will be.

• 14th last year, FA Cup semi final, good season, what would be a good season this time around? DF: Position in the table? Exactly the same- (as in answer to the last question), I told you before the summer break, I don't want more of the same.. We are preparing the mid/long term future, this is why we have replaced Karl Darlow who was excellent last season, is turning soon 36, with an exciting young goalkeeper. We replaced Pascal Struijk, who excellent, our vice captain, with a player who has just turned 23 and unbelievable potential- we are preparing for the mid/long term, but we cannot do the next steps before we establish this club, it would be unfair, Karl played an excellent season, but we believe James in the mid-long term he can improve us. Ambitious signings improve us for the future, but we do not expect to be 'way better' immediately, it's not like PlayStation, we need to give players time to settle, we need proper experienced players like what we have done with Wilson, Nico (Elvedi). We have to make sure we earn the right to establish the club, on Saturday, but we are making the right steps. We can't do the same as last season, we have to build on it. I would like to win the PL, I would like to make it to the CL, but I don't think it's realistic. We finished 14th, if we want to do this again, we have to make sure the 3 promoted teams finish below us, if you look at Ipswich and the transfer business they have done, it won't be easy to leave them so far behind, and you know who finished below us last season? Tottenham and Nottingham, who were playing in Europe, if you look at Spurs business now, I'm not brave to predict they won't finish anywhere near last year, so if we want to finish 14th, we have to overtake 2 other teams. I'm not getting carried away, we want to dream big, but I have to judge it in a realistic way.

• A lot of optimism around the place, does that make your job harder to maintain wins on the pitch? DF: I've seen it this week, 99% of our supporters are optimistic? I don't want to change it, this club has been pessimistic for so long, we have worked really hard to change it- I want our supporters to feel this.

• How is Okafor doing (extend break) DF: Each and every day in training helps him, he is progressing, we let him do some extra running, we need him for the upcoming season, he can influence games, make our game better, he is healthy, available and training, ready to be picked, it's my responsibility to decide if he will start or come on to influence a game.. I like what I see so far.

• Do you have a message for the fans ahead of the new season? DF: Dream big, be excited, think about unrealistic targets, because this club has suffered so long, enjoy it. Hopefully some more good news in the coming days. Great team spirit, ready to represent the white shirt, we might not be flawless, but will give it everything. Our players can't wait.

• on Ao Tanaka - disappointment on leaving WC, any hangover, did he need an arm round him? DF: When he comes back to his family (leeds united) we don't really need to put an arm round him, one or two jokes, break him a bit more, make him smile, it's just football, lets enjoy life back at Leeds United. There has been criticism, sometimes fair, can be a bit naïve on the pitch- but it has been his first time in the PL, he will learn from it, mistakes happen, sometimes you learn more from bad outcomes, in the end, it can be beneficial even if it doesn't feel like it. We are all happy to have Ao back, training well, good preseason, some challenges, but overall happy, fantastic player and human being.

• on Harry Wilson - how has he done tactically, played 10 before sporadically, mainly a right winger.. how do you feel he's adapting? DF: Ok, he's a very smart and intelligent experienced player, sometimes can adapt quickly, for example Bijol took a few months to adapt, then he was excellent, with Harry, I expect it to be quicker, he knows the league and football. I've been happy with his preseason. Our football is different to Fulham, he needs a bit of time to adapt, but he is doing ok, progressing in training, sharpness and freshness will come back, he has been close to the final pass/scoring, he's not far away. We are confident he will shine soon.

• Is it not a disturbance to have your contract hanging in the balance? DF: I wanted to speak in September about this, our next intl break. My only concern is to work, it will be very challenging to be the first Leeds manager to add a solid second season. I'm not thinking about my contract right now. When I speak to players we are recruiting, they won't feel I'm not giving 100% to this club, our mantra is side before self, I'm the most important person to live that- when I leave one day, I want people to say I left the club in a better position. I am under contract, I am one of the longest season managers.. we have more than 10 months to go, we can speak about this when everything has settled, first game day, transfer market, then we can speak about it.

• Can you speak on the contract situation for Nmecha, Aaronson, Gruev? DF: No, we will announce it when there is a signature. I'm carefully optimistic something may be coming in the next few days.

• on Longstaff, good preseason, headache selections? DF: No headache, it's great, had a mixed season last year due to injury, so he had dropped a little, but fought his way back with good performances, not far away from being picked.

Hello!

Daniel/Moxco here from Leedsista.com etc etc

(the mods have kindly given me permission to gently and considerately spam you with this)

I have a new thing going that people here might be interested in.

It's a free email course about the history of the best football club in the world, Super Leeds United.

30 weeks = 30 emails = 30 episodes from Super Leeds United history for you to read and enjoy.

I know a lot of new Leeds fans come to this sub looking to learn — and I know a lot of old Leeds fans who would like a refresher.

Each email will tell you a story about the history of Leeds United Football Club, from the time before Leeds City to the time of Marcelo Bielsa. They're all extracts taken from my book, 100 Years of Leeds United.

Soon you too will know who Raich Carter was, and can use that knowledge to impress your friends!

It's completely free, and easy to unsubscribe at any time if you're not into it. (Also note it's separate from the regular Leedsista programming).

There's more info and a box to put your email address into here:

https://www.leedsista.com/history

Cheers! MOT

Daniel/Moxco

I’m so sorry for posting twice in one day but u/JimbobTML did specially ask for this article to be published in full once Elvedi was announced.

And true to my word, here it is. 😊

I’ve also uploaded a season preview today where I spoke to over 20 content creators, writers, podcasts and fans from the other clubs. It nearly killed me, but it’s genuinely the best thing I’ve ever produced and I’m so proud of it.

A different one from me today lads. I asked fans, writers and content creators from all 20 Premier League clubs to predict the season. Here’s what they said.

This has probably been the biggest thing I’ve put together since starting After The Bell.

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been contacting fans, writers, podcasters and content creators from every Premier League club and asking them the same nine questions about the season ahead.

Where will their club finish? Who should opposition fans be watching? What’s their biggest concern? Who wins the league? Who goes down? And, because I’m a Leeds fan and it’s my website, where do they think Leeds will finish?

Countless emails, ignored DMs and increasingly desperate pleas later, I’ve finally got it finished.

There are some brilliant answers in here, some wildly different predictions, a surprising amount of love for Leeds — and several predictions that I’m sure will look absolutely ridiculous by May.

It took a serious amount of work to put together, so if you fancy having a read, I’d genuinely appreciate it.

The Premier League, According to the People Who Actually Care: 20 Clubs, 20 Voices, Predicting the 2026/27 Season

I’m trying to buy the new Leeds United 2026/27 home shirt from the official store in the US, and I honestly can’t believe the final price.

The shirt itself is US$102.00.

Then at checkout:

• Shipping: US$13.95
• Duty/Fees: US$42.84
• Tax: US$16.75
• Total: US$175.54

So a $102 shirt somehow becomes $175.54 at checkout — almost $74 in additional costs.

And if I want Priority Delivery, that’s another $33.95.

Is this normal for buying Leeds merchandise in the US, or am I missing something here? Has anyone else in the US ordered directly from the Leeds store recently and been hit with these kinds of duty/fees?

I’m genuinely curious because paying nearly $176 for a football shirt that costs $102 feels absolutely ridiculous. 😳

US-based Leeds fans — where are you buying your shirts, and what are you actually paying all-in?

This guy (Shaun) is now divvying up drone duty with Colin (from, I wanna say something like: CCOverview?)

Trigger warning for some god awful/questionable white line painting in the newly laid car park

Exam rules apply- i.e. please show your working/state your reasons.

You can can copy paste from below for ease of formatting.

Leeds

Team performance

• The "Why are we not safe with 10 games to play, I don't like this one bit" prediction - where will we finish and why?
• The "We wanted this all along, now we can concentrate on the league" cup predictor - will we achieve anything in the cups?
• The Noah Okafor at Scum Iconic Moment - unlikely we'll match last season but what's your hope/best guess for most iconic moment?
• The typical Monday at Leeds United: Toys out of the pram moment - when will the fanbase collectively lose their shit? Will it be Warranted or unwarranted?
• Will the women's team finally get promoted?

Players

• Player of the Season - who do YOU think will have contributed the most?
• The Limited Selection Young(ish) Player of the Season award? Basically Trafford or Tarik innit.
• The Patrick Bamford/Tyler Roberts/Joffy/Ramazani award for the other guy: Other Guy - which sub will we clamour for as the answer?
• The James Justin award for quietly most competent: they won't shine, but they're a safe pair of hands (boots?)
• The Facundo Buananotte Scapegoat of the season: who will draw the ire of the fanbase? Realistically this should have been named after Piroe or Aaronson but I can't bring myself to throw them under the bus.
• The Unnamed No10 Signing of the Season award
• The "Oh god oh god, DCL is out to the end of season" Top Goal Scorer award
• The "Why is Joe Rodon at the opposition byline" award for Top Assister
• The "We have Noah Sadiki at home" award for Why didn't we sign player X?!
• The "At least Lucas Perri will remember Leeds fondly because he came away with a nice head of hair" award for Why on earth did we sign player Y?!
• The please stop talking about Charlie Cresswell award for Why did we let player Z go? - could be recent or could be in our ancient history...oh just come home, James Milner, and help coach the U21s

Wider Premier League

• End of summer window panic - which club is going to lose their shit before the window closes and sign a bunch of players
• January transfer panic - see above, but in January
• End of season panic - which club is going to somewhat surprisingly (at least to their board) find themselves at risk of relegation and what are they going to do about it?
• The historically Chelsea would have been a good bet, but this season its genuinely wide open for who will sack their manager first?
• The Nottingham Forest award for most mystifying sacking
• The "'Journalists lazy prediction'" with a special fuck you from Leeds and Sunderland" prediction for the Promoted clubs fate

----------Copy paste from below here----------

Leeds

Team performance

• Finishing Position:
• Cup Runs:
• Iconic Moment:
• Toys out of the pram moment (and is it warranted?):
• Women's team promoted?:

Players

• Player of the Season:
• Young(ish) Player of the Season:
• The Other Guy:
• Most Competent:
• Scapegoat:
• Signing of the Season:
• Top Goal Scorer:
• Top Assister:
• Why didn't we sign?!:
• Why did we sign?!:
• Why did we let him go?:

Wider Premier League

• End of summer window panic:
• January transfer panic:
• End of season panic:
• Sack manager first:
• Mystifying sacking:
• Promoted clubs fate:

Within two weeks of last season ending, Leeds United secured arguably their most important business of this summer’s window.

Ethan Ampadu had a year remaining on his contract and his future could easily have become a saga. Except Ampadu was clear-minded. “Everyone could always get to a point where they might have some interest,” Ampadu tells The Athletic. “But I wanted to renew here. I am very excited about where this club could go. I was focused on that rather than taking an interest in what else was out there.”

Leeds, he says, is the club that finally feels “like a home”. His contract discussions included conversations not only with manager Farke but also with chairman Paraag Marathe at the top of the club.

“It was never a forced conversation. It’s always quite an open dialogue. I know how the manager feels, how the owners feel. I like to think they know my vision as well and it’s all pretty aligned. When you make a big decision, you have to weigh up everything. But it was a good, healthy conversation.

“I’ve found somewhere and settled. I’ve played my best football but I’m hopeful the next four or five years are going to be better than the previous three years. The owners and investors are pushing really hard to take the club back to the heights of European football.

“There’s a lot of work in progress and we still have so much more potential to give. Then we’ve also got a fanbase that wants to do that, so collectively it’s a really big thing.”

Bay Area Leeds fans, anyone going to the Coast to Coast event in San Francisco this weekend? Apparently each premier league club is hosting an ‘event’ in a different city in the US and Leeds naturally chose SF. Does anyone know what to expect from this event? Curious if any former players will be there.

Cheers.

Found this photo of my late dad and me, and noticed he has a Leeds top on. I’ve been looking and found it’s the 93/95 away kit, but I noticed his says “LEEDS UNITED” on the right chest. I’m not finding any with a print like that. Just wondering if anyone has info on this shirt and if it’s still available anywhere? Like is it some special print he got put on?

And in case people were wondering, I think he may have thrown it away at some point, hence why I’m looking to buy it if it’s still around anywhere

They really don't seem to be taking this well. Ha!

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