Leeds United: Time for Investment

The news that Sam Byram has signed a new contract brought much relief at the end of a stressful week for Leeds United supporters. With the transfer window closing Byram was subject to attention from Premier League and with his decision, the vultures have gone away.

However, the same cannot be said for Luciano Becchio. His transfer request is disastrous news ahead of deadline day and with no new players seemingly arriving at Elland Road, Leeds can’t afford to lose their star asset.

But instead of focusing on Becchio, eyes should be trained on the new owners GFH Capital. GFH walked through the door promising to get Leeds to the Premier League and give Neil Warnock the ammunition to get the club there. But all we have seen is Ross Barkley arrive on loan for a month and Alan Tate return to Swansea. Warnock appears to have been badly let down. Because of this, the club are languishing in mid-table.

Defensively and in midfield, I believe Leeds have good strength in depth with a little bit of quality. However, upfront, Leeds are lacking in gravitas if they seriously want promotion. Warnock needs a big man, a talisman of the Rob Hulse variety – someone who can bully defenders and win headers. Stoke’s Kenwyne Jones would have perfect, but he appears to be heading for Swansea.

I personally think if Becchio leaves and he is replaced by someone with PL quality, he will be no great loss. When I have seen him play this season, I have found him ineffective at times. He never seems to be able to the ball up. But at the moment we can’t afford to lose him. The base of the team is there with leaders like Jason Pearce. But, because we are weak up top, defeats like the one at Barnsley are unsurprising.

Instead of criticising an excellent manager in Warnock, fingers should be pointed at the new owners. I read a tweet from one of the new directors after the Barnsley game saying ‘VERY disappointed’. Now how can he react like when arguably Warnock and his team were sent out like lambs to the slaughter because of currently unfulfilled promises?

The situation is still retrievable and the play-offs are still possible. But, only if Warnock is backed in the next few days. GFH either have to hold their nerve and keep Becchio or provide the funds to allow Warnock to lead Leeds back to the top flight. Otherwise a meaningless mid-table finish is looming.