In the Championship – now the ground is for sale at Leeds

Last updated : 12 July 2004 By Tony Scholes

Dominic Matteo - one of this week's departures from Leeds
This column could almost be devoted to the West Yorkshire club entirely these days and last week saw players coming and going, bids for others and then the news that rocked their fans – putting Elland Road up for sale.

In a week when the payments to agents for the last six months were revealed it was perhaps no surprise to see Peter Ridsdale’s Barnsley leading the way in the division below. Some people never learn and Leeds are struggling to recover.

Twenty-five years is not a long time in football and I would certainly be very worried if I heard the same news about Turf Moor.


Other than that it was a quiet week. That is apart from the departures of Nicky Barmby, Dominic Matteo, Mark Viduka and Ian Harte along with Danny Mills’ expected move to KKMC. And of course the arrivals of Craig Hignett, Brian Deane and Steve Guppy on loan plus their failed attempts to bring in other players.


Quite honestly no one can compete with that news but Stoke signed a couple of players this week. Goalkeeper Steve Simonsen signed from Everton, incredibly a week ago he was in talks with, yes you’ve guessed it, Leeds.

He was joined by Dave Brammer who moved from Crewe shouting to anyone who would listen that he hadn’t done it for the money. I always suspect those who feel the need to shout it so loud are those who have moved for precisely that reason.


Crewe meanwhile are looking to give their squad a desperately needed boost with the capture of former player Gareth Whalley who is currently with Cardiff.


Former Burnley loan player Neil Wood has earned himself a deal. He became Peter Reid’s first signing at Coventry after impressing in training. He’s since been joined by former Blackburn captain Tim Sherwood who was released by Portsmouth at the end of last season.

Kevin Horlock - joined Ipswich from West Ham
Long Ball Joe’s back from Portugal to catch up on things at Portman Road. But before he did there was just a matter of a court case against Manchester City over his compensation. LBJ won and pocketed in excess of £400,000.

He’s brought in a couple of players. Kevin Horlock has signed from West Ham whilst Mark Rivers, released by fierce rivals Norwich, is training with them and is expected to sign a contract.

Full back Chris Makin has gone though, he has now signed for relegated Leicester but the Foxes have missed out on a second signing when the deal with Jason McAteer broke down.


Regarding the break down of transfers it is a big well done to Palace Chairman Simon Jordan who told an agent to stuff it when he demanded a fee. It looked odds on that Tim Cahill would be leaving Millwall to join Palace in a £2 million plus deal until Cahill’s agents put in a £125,000 that he expected Palace to pay.


The deal now looks dead and in a week when payments to agents have been released it really is a superb stand at Palace. If Cahill is not happy then he should either pay the agent himself or find someone else to represent him.


Preston
have signed Callum Davidson on a three year deal. The full back most famous for being hit by Dennis Wise has come in just as the Cheat looks to have completed his move to Portsmouth.

They have tried to sign Clayton Fortune from Bristol City but the central defender was having none of it. There is no truth in the rumour that he fell asleep during negotiations.

Preston by the way have had to cancel their pre-season youth tournament. It appears that most clubs who promised to take part have given back word.

Nottingham Forest are currently turning down offers for both Michael Dawson and Andy Reid. They have put a £10 million price on Reid’s head and then tried to sign Leon Osman from Everton on the cheap.


Ice baths after training - this is at Watford
They have been in the news this week over the loans owing to the council on the stands but claim everything is in order and they are not being forced to pay it all back. Last season they only had a trading loss of £6.5 million but that was covered by chairman Doughty.

Wolves have made their first summer signing with the capture of young Aston Villa defender Rob Edwards whilst Marlon Harewood is not apparently happy to stay at West Ham. I would expect him to be on the first train to Nottingham when the twelve month period is elapsed to allow him to go back to Forest.


A number of clubs have brought the idea of ice baths into the training routine and that includes the Clarets. It is apparently to aid muscle recovery although I think I would prefer the more natural method of rest.


Sunderland
have made a massive move this week without even a mention of players. They have decided to return to being a Football Club rather than a PLC and have delisted from the London Stock Exchange.

Rotherham have signed Paolo Vernazza who was released by Watford and former Sunderland and Rangers winger Allan Johnston is training with them but the big news there is the continued advertising that the club is for sale.


So we thought we would end this week by giving them a free advert – apparently they have had to pay for placing this particular advert in the national press.

FOR SALE

Rotherham United Football Club


Prospective buyers should reply in writing to
the chairman – Mr K F Booth who is retiring


Contact: C. F. Booth Ltd, Clarence Metal

Works, Armer Street, Rotherham, S60 1AF

No timewasters please