Viduka’s Quartet is pleased to announce that T-Shirts are now available to buy from redbubble.com. The shirts, which have been specially designed, pay homage to Mark Viduka’s 4th goal against Liverpool. The quote is also one of the best known in Leeds’ recent history.
Let us know what you think of the design on twitter (@jakerleedsblog) or in the comments section below
You can buy the T-Shirt at this link: http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaker055/works/10735165-vidukas-quartet
Scott Wootton in action against CFR Cluj
Leeds United confirmed last night that Manchester United defender Scott Wootton has joined the club on a three-year contract, for an undisclosed fee.
The deal is thought to involve an upfront fee, with various clauses which could increase the price Leeds pay for the 21 year-old. Wootton has made an appearance in the Champions League and the League cup for Man United, and he has also enjoyed spells at Peterborough, Nottingham Forest and Tranmere Rovers. Last night, Leeds boss Brian McDermott was delighted to land a player he has been tracking since the beginning of the summer. Owners GFH-Capital have been shrewd in the market this summer, but this signing is in line with what the owners envisaged; players who will only get better. Wootton is still young and has a lot to learn, but if McDermott’s signings are anything to go by, he will be hungry to improve his game.
The so called “one in one out” strategy implemented to reduce the wage bill at Elland Road looks to have been sidelined for this particular deal. Wootton will by no means be the highest earner at the club, as he was on a month-by-month contract. The player joins a squad in need of defensive reinforcements, and as Wootton can also play across the defensive line, his versatility will prove a big asset.
An interview with Leeds United chairman Salah Nooruddin has seemingly shed more light on the potential backer behind the GFH takeover of Leeds in December.
Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, a member of the Bahrain royal family, is thought to be in “daily contact” with the Leeds chairman, suggesting that the Sheikh has personal involvement (or intends to have involvement) in Leeds United. The man himself failed at a takeover attempt in 2003, and he was a name mentioned early on by local media when the club first revealed that LUFC were in takeover negotiations. It is widely known that Gulf Finance House have links to the Bahrain royal family, it therefore seems possible that the significant cash injection required to force a deal with Ken Bates, came from the highest level. Sheikh Abdulrahman is a life long Leeds fan, who fell in love with the club during the great Don Revie era. Just how much the Sheikh has in his bank account is unknown, but he is known to have a large gambling debt. He certainly isn’t a man who possesses billions of oil money, but as he is a royal family member, it is certain he has several contacts.
Also in the interview, Salah Nooruddin outlined his plans to strengthen the clubs global exposure, by selling merchandise across the globe. He also stated the club would, in the future, look to sign players from the Middle East. This, according to Nooruddin, would give Leeds “some Arab flavour,” and of course more brand exposure. Signing Middle Eastern players is not new in the championship, Nottingham Forest handed trials to several players from the Middle East after their recent takeover.
News about an Elland Road buy-back seems to have gone cold, but there does seem to be work going on behind the scenes regarding investment opportunities. Salah himself has dealt with several investments before regarding real estate. Nooruddin is CEO of a company named Investate Realty, who deal with private equity investment as well as real estate. IIB-Bahrain, the company which owns upwards of 10% of LUFC, also specialises in real estate investment. Investors who are already on board could stump up the cash to aquire Elland Road again. Buying back the stadium remains something which GFH want to do while at Leeds, although there seems to be no real urgency in securing the funds needed.
The transfer window remains on the lips of everyone involved at Leeds, even the chairman agrees we need to bring in new recruits. Nooruddin believes a new winger and centre back are needed. Boss Brian McDermott has been desperate to land at least another target for the past six weeks, the wage bill at Elland Road looks to be the sticking point. ‘The men in suits’ are willing to publicly state they are backing Brian in the transfer market, while no real progress is being made. With around two weeks to go, there is still every opportunity for the owners to bring in the right players.
It’s 3 games into the new season and already manager Brian McDermott has a selection dilemma on his hands…what to do with Dom Poleon?
It’s been no secret since the end of last season that the new boss is an admirer of Leeds’ latest young hotshot. After the stunning win at Watford, McDermott hailed Poleon as a “real asset” for the season ahead. It seems he was right. Dom has had a stellar pre-season, netting more times than any other striker on the wage bill at Elland Road. Against Brighton he was used as an impact substitute, along with new signing Matt Smith. Both played a vital role in turning the game in Leeds’ favour. Poleon hassles and runs at defenders, he also has something the team still lacks, pace. On Sunday against a star-studded Leicester team, he showed more creativity than any other in the final third. Surely then, his recent performances warrant a first-team start?
New boy Noel Hunt takes up the role that Poleon would take if he were to start. Although he hasn’t caught the eye with scintillating performances or a stack full of goals, he works very hard to create chances. To me, Hunt seems to be more of a poacher when it comes to goals, whereas Poleon works opportunities for himself. However, a fan rightly suggested to me on twitter, that defenders would rather be facing Hunt than Poleon at the moment.
It would seem that young Dom could well earn a start against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday. However, it seems McDermott will stick by Hunt for now, and use Poleon from the bench. Last season the squad lacked depth, and at times when a game needed changing, there was nobody on the bench to do that. Poleon fills that gap. We also have to remember that Dom is still very young, his game suits the impact role, where he can run at tired defenders and cause problems.
So is Dominic Poleon best used as an impact sub, or is he a 90-minute man? Have your say here:
It is widely known that Brian McDermott was once chief scout at Reading before turning to management. His experience in the field was crucial to Reading’s success, Brian produced an effective team with very little money at his disposal. Will he seek young, hungry players willing to put their life on the line for Leeds United? It’s entirely possible, but the players need to be the best, otherwise they face a life in the reserve team. I’ve picked out 3 of the most eye catching players in League 1 and League 2, all of which could do a tidy job for the whites:
Alan Judge: Notts County, Aged 24, Winger/Attacking midfielder
Judge is described as some as “the Irish Messi” who, since joining Notts County, has netted 16 times in 87 appearances. His style of play is very much attacking with the ability to make driving runs in midfield, create play and score spectacular goals. Leeds lack a midfield spark, and Judge fits the bill with his pace and energy. At 24 years of age, Judge is no teenage wonder kid, but is positively toddler-like compared to our current Midfield. Judge has been nominated for this seasons League 1 player of the year Award, and has netted previous club honours. He is sure to attract bidders, but does he have the natural quality, or is he a lower league bargain?
Tom Pope: Port Vale, Aged 27, Winger/Striker
Pope has caught the eye this season, scoring an impressive 36 goals in 86 games. His performances for Vale have almost ensured their promotion from League 2. Pope has scored freely for the club he has always supported, which tells a lot about the quality of a player clearly capable of playing at a higher level. The biggest question is, is he good enough for LUFC? We shall have to wait and see, but don’t be surprised to see him getting a trial at Thorpe Arch if McDermott sees potential.
Nakhi Wells, Bradford City, Aged 22, Striker
Recent speculation has linked Wells with Leeds during the January transfer window, with the player in seemingly unstoppable form, netting 27 times in 72 appearances. He has only scored one goal since February however, which has dampened speculation. Wells remains an excellent young prospect, and playing for Bradford, he will know full well the size of Leeds United and it’s history.
Viduka's Quartet 