Leeds Today: "VIDUKA SET FOR MOVE TO MAN UTD"
By PAUL DEWS
MANCHESTER UNITED'S top priority when the transfer window re-opens is to capture Leeds United striker Mark Viduka, the YEP can reveal.
The Old Trafford club are set to swoop for the Aussie ace by making cash-strapped Leeds a �5million offer next month.Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate to find a partner for Ruud van Nistelrooy and has identified Viduka as the missing piece in the jigsaw.Elland Road chief executive Trevor Birch insists no fire sales will be necessary in January, but he will have a fight on his hands if Viduka, asanticipated, confirms his desire to leave.It's understood that Leeds have already received a tentative enquiry from Old Trafford about Viduka's availability.Caretaker boss Eddie Gray would resist any approach for his star striker, but admits he won't be surprised when clubs come knocking on the Elland Road door.
Said Gray: 'You can never tell what happens with players. I'm sure Viduka is a player who will attract interest from other clubs. In an ideal world you would want to keep him. It's important you keep all your best players, but you have to be realistic enough to know that things change. Everybody in the game knows he is a world class striker - one of the best in the business - but it's something I'm not thinking about at the moment.'
The 28-year-old had a series of public rucks with former manager Peter Reid, but has shown an encouraging return to form since Gray took over the reins.Viduka and Gray appear to have struck up a good rapport - the player has responded by turning in a string of impressive performances since his arrival - and after training yesterday the pair were deep in conversation.
'He's in good form at the moment,' said Gray. 'He knows what he's about – he just gets on with it. I just tell him what I expect. He is a great player. He holds the ball up and brings people into the game. That's his job. I've got great faith in his ability. Anyone who has worked with him will know about his talents."
Inter Milan have a long held interest in the former Celtic star.
Leeds defy low expectations By Oliver Kay
Leeds United 1 Chelsea 1
THERE IS ONE COMPELLING REASON why a thirtysomething Russian, in desperate need of a new plaything to divert him from the monotony of making billions from the oil business, was drawn to to the Barclaycard Premiership. Some might bemoan its supposed predictability, but to outsiders such as Roman Abramovich and the wealthy sheikh who hopes to be Leeds United’s saviour, it is the league’s thrillingly capricious nature that makes it so appealing.
Abramovich could, presumably, have taken his billions to Italy and attempted to follow the example of Sergio Cragnotti, who bankrolled Lazio to their first Serie A title in a quarter of a century. Instead, as a man who prefers a calculated gamble, he was attracted to the Premiership and specifically to Chelsea, where there were no guaranteed returns to his investment, rather than Manchester United, where the risk factor would have been considerably lower.
As such, Abramovich has subjected himself to afternoons such as Saturday, when his glittering ensemble were frustrated by the doggedness of a Leeds team that had begun the day at the bottom of the table. It would not happen in other countries, or in other sports, but the most seductive quality of the Premiership is that there are no easy games — at least not now that Leeds are reinventing themselves under the temporary management of Eddie Gray.
The quality of Leeds’s performance should not be overstated, because their backs were against the wall for the duration of a desperate second half, but as a statement of intent for the rest of the season and as an illustration of why the haves will not always overcome the have-nots, it was impressive. Leeds certainly made life difficult for Chelsea, but as Claudio Ranieri and his players recognise, so will every opponent now that they are the team to be beaten in the Premiership.
It is to Chelsea’s immense credit that so few have succeeded thus far. Ranieri was asked whether, after seeing Damien Duff cancel out Jermaine Pennant’s superb opening goal for Leeds, a draw represented two points dropped or one gained. The answer, as he said, will not become clear until the end of the season, but Chelsea’s performance in the second half, which saw them dominate their highly competitive opponents, illustrated for the umpteenth time this season that he has assembled a team rich in substance as well as style.
Leeds, who less than two years ago looked down on Chelsea from the summit of the Premiership, are virtually devoid of style these days, but Gray has sought to bring back what Yorkshire grit remains in a depleted squad. Nine of their starting line-up on Saturday figured, however marginally, in the squad that reached the European Cup semi-finals in 2001, but their mission now is concerned with nothing more than survival.
With Dominic Matteo and Alan Smith warming to the unfamiliar task of bringing their resolute qualities to the centre of midfield, Gray found room in the starting line-up for just one of the seven players whom Peter Reid, the former manager, signed on loan in the summer, but it was telling that the one should be Pennant, the sole Briton among them. “The players I’ve picked all know the importance of staying in the Premiership,” Gray said.
Pennant gave Leeds a scarcely believable lead on 18 minutes, seizing on an error by Claude Makelele before embarking on a slalom run past three defenders and lifting the ball over Carlo Cudicini. It was the least Leeds deserved for an aggressive, if occasionally fractious first-half display, which could have brought them far more than yellow cards. Chelsea, for a time, were looking every bit the stereotypical southern softies.
The second half, though, brought a different spectacle, with Chelsea camped deep in opposition territory. The home team’s determination was summed up by a desperate scramble in which Paul Robinson, Lucas Radebe and Matteo blocked goalbound efforts, but they could not hold out, Duff following up from close range after the Leeds goalkeeper had denied Adrian Mutu.
The result provided satisfaction for Trevor Birch, the Leeds chief executive, who, in his previous job, was instrumental in bringing Abramovich to Stamford Bridge. Finding a buyer for Leeds will be a far tougher proposition in their present state, but this performance will have done his prospects no harm at all.
Leeds United (4-5-1): P Robinson 7 — G Kelly 5, L Radebe 6, M Duberry 6, I Harte 5 — J Pennant 7, A Smith 5, D Matteo 7, S McPhail 5 (sub: D Domi, 64min 4), J Milner 5 (sub: Seth Johnson, 63 5) — M Viduka 5. Substitutes not used: J Morris, M Bridges, S Carson. Booked: Smith, Radebe, Matteo. NEXT: Birmingham (h). FORM: DWLLLL
Chelsea (4-3-1-2): C Cudicini 5 — M Melchiot 6, W Gallas 6, J Terry 7, W Bridge 5 — F Lampard 6, C Makelele 5, J Cole 4 (sub: H Crespo, 46 4) — D Duff 6 — J F Hasselbaink 5 (sub: J Gronkjaer, 75), A Mutu 6. Substitutes not used: N Sullivan, M Desailly, Gérémi. Booked: Hasselbaink, Mutu. NEXT: Bolton (h). FORM: DWWWWW
Shots on target: (h) 5 (a) 11. Fouls: (h) 14 (a) 11. Offsides: (h) 2 (a) 2
Leeds say reports that an imminent buyer will ease their financial troubles is "pure speculation".
The Elland Road club are £78m in debt and warned last week they are on the brink of administration. Fans' hopes were lifted over the weekend when Sheikh Abdul bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa of Bahrain said he was trying to broker a deal for a consortium of Middle Eastern businessmen to takeover the club. He claimed a "positive outcome" was likely in the next week or so, something Leeds United plc dismissed.
Their statement to the Stock Exchange read: "The board of Leeds United plc notes recent press reports about a potential bid for the company. The board wishes to make it clear that it has received no bid approach from any party and therefore regards the reports as pure speculation."
Initial reports on Saturday suggested that Sheikh Abdul Rahman would complete the takeover of the Premiership club within a week.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman, a member of Bahrain's royal family, told Bahrain daily newspaper Al-Ayam that was "complete nonsense" but said he was acting as a broker between the club and Middle Eastern investors.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman said: "I have close ties with club president John McKenzie, who updates me with the financial situation at the club. Anything more than that is just complete nonsense. I am hopeful in bringing out a positive outcome in the next 10 days to come. I have suggested to start negotiations with some of the main investors in the Gulf region in order to buy the club," he added. "It is my honour to help out the club passing through this critical phase, now that they are threatened to get relegated from the Premiership. Negotiations with various parties in the Gulf region are still undergoing and I feel happy to be the main broker in this respect. All in all, I am hopeful in bringing out a positive outcome in the next 10 days to come."
Leeds say reports that an imminent buyer will ease their financial troubles is "pure speculation".
The Elland Road club are £78m in debt and warned last week they are on the brink of administration. Fans' hopes were lifted over the weekend when Sheikh Abdul bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa of Bahrain said he was trying to broker a deal for a consortium of Middle Eastern businessmen to takeover the club. He claimed a "positive outcome" was likely in the next week or so, something Leeds United plc dismissed.
Their statement to the Stock Exchange read: "The board of Leeds United plc notes recent press reports about a potential bid for the company. The board wishes to make it clear that it has received no bid approach from any party and therefore regards the reports as pure speculation."
Initial reports on Saturday suggested that Sheikh Abdul Rahman would complete the takeover of the Premiership club within a week.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman, a member of Bahrain's royal family, told Bahrain daily newspaper Al-Ayam that was "complete nonsense" but said he was acting as a broker between the club and Middle Eastern investors.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman said: "I have close ties with club president John McKenzie, who updates me with the financial situation at the club. Anything more than that is just complete nonsense. I am hopeful in bringing out a positive outcome in the next 10 days to come. I have suggested to start negotiations with some of the main investors in the Gulf region in order to buy the club," he added. "It is my honour to help out the club passing through this critical phase, now that they are threatened to get relegated from the Premiership. Negotiations with various parties in the Gulf region are still undergoing and I feel happy to be the main broker in this respect. All in all, I am hopeful in bringing out a positive outcome in the next 10 days to come."
Leeds say reports that an imminent buyer will ease their financial troubles is "pure speculation".
The Elland Road club are £78m in debt and warned last week they are on the brink of administration. Fans' hopes were lifted over the weekend when Sheikh Abdul bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa of Bahrain said he was trying to broker a deal for a consortium of Middle Eastern businessmen to takeover the club. He claimed a "positive outcome" was likely in the next week or so, something Leeds United plc dismissed.
Their statement to the Stock Exchange read: "The board of Leeds United plc notes recent press reports about a potential bid for the company. The board wishes to make it clear that it has received no bid approach from any party and therefore regards the reports as pure speculation."
Initial reports on Saturday suggested that Sheikh Abdul Rahman would complete the takeover of the Premiership club within a week.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman, a member of Bahrain's royal family, told Bahrain daily newspaper Al-Ayam that was "complete nonsense" but said he was acting as a broker between the club and Middle Eastern investors.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman said: "I have close ties with club president John McKenzie, who updates me with the financial situation at the club. Anything more than that is just complete nonsense. I am hopeful in bringing out a positive outcome in the next 10 days to come. I have suggested to start negotiations with some of the main investors in the Gulf region in order to buy the club," he added. "It is my honour to help out the club passing through this critical phase, now that they are threatened to get relegated from the Premiership. Negotiations with various parties in the Gulf region are still undergoing and I feel happy to be the main broker in this respect. All in all, I am hopeful in bringing out a positive outcome in the next 10 days to come."
Times Online - Sunday Times: "Premiership: Charlton 0 Leeds 1: Milner cashes in for Leeds
Brian Glanville at The Valley
Premiership: Charlton 0 Leeds 1: Milner cashes in for Leeds
Brian Glanville at The Valley
WHETHER Leeds can drag themselves out of their multiplicity of troubles, both on and off the field, remains deeply in doubt. But yesterday, at least, they ended a miserable run of six defeats with unexpected victory at Charlton, even if this did not take them off the bottom and even if this 1-0 success could scarcely be compared with the sensational 6-1 victory they achieved here last April.
Yesterday’s performance by Leeds was blessedly light years away from the wretched, demoralised show one had seen from them a week earlier when they lost so feebly 2-0 at home to Bolton.
It was good to see temporary manager Eddie Gray give a couple of young wingers their fling at a time when they are sadly absent from so many teams. The highly promising James Milner, switching from right to left, scored the only goal of the game in a mere nine minutes. Jermaine Pennant, on loan from Arsenal, was full of persistent running and initiative on the right.
At right-back, Gary Kelly made a positive return, Dominic Matteo resumed in midfield, and Alan Smith was up front. Although Charlton were strangely disappointing, there was no denying that Leeds’ morale was emphatically improved.
The goal came when Mark Viduka, a sadly peripheral figure against Bolton, but a potent and influential one here, crossed from the right for Milner to move in and beat Dean Kiely.
Only three minutes later, Viduka, who always seemed to have the physical edge over Charlton’s new signing from Tottenham, Chris Perry, shook him off and forced his way past Kiely, only for Radostin Kishishev to clear off the line.
Midway through the half Milner left his marker standing, crossed, and Viduka was only just thwarted in the goalmouth.
Charlton at last came effectively to life and when Scott Parker crossed from the right, Matt Holland dashed in from behind Jason Euell to head against the right-hand post via Paul Robinson’s hand.
The second half, until the lively closing minutes, was something of an anti-climax. We had to wait until the final minutes to see goals in prospect again. Charlton, at half-time, had brought on the tall, muscular Chelsea striker, Carlton Cole, whom they have on loan. He might have equalised when, on the near post, he met a left-wing cross by Hermann Hreidarsson, producing from Robinson the save of the match.
At the very end, Milner had a right-foot shot comfortably saved by Kiely, but the goalkeeper was hopelessly beaten when a careless pass back by Mark Fish was intercepted by Viduka, who lobbed studiously over the goalkeeper’s head. Perry raced back to clear the ball just before it could roll over the line.
Alan Curbishley, Charlton’s manager, gracious in defeat, said that Leeds deserved their win. “We were chasing the game from the first,” he admitted. “Leeds set about us. They won everything in the first minute and I don’t think it was a surprise when they went one up. That was a great boost. They stifled us and they broke on us and it just shows you in the Premiership how vital a first goal is." Nor would he use the absence of several key players as an excuse. He added: “Viduka looked the player we know he is and Pennant and Milner closed the full-backs down.”
Gray did not attend the press conference, but it was clear that he is imbuing his team with at least a measure of morale, which was what they lacked in that dreadful defeat by Bolton. Smith’s return was a substantial plus. He worked hard throughout, as often in a five-man midfield as in a two-man attack.
By the end, the Leeds supporters behind the Charlton goal were jubilantly chanting Gray’s name. One’s mind went back to the 1970 FA Cup final at Wembley against Chelsea when he so mesmerised his opposing right-back, David Webb. Whether Gray can somehow keep Leeds in the Premiership and whether the club itself can somehow come to terms with its looming creditors, are alas quite different questions. But at least, for those of us who had watched Leeds’ lamentable display against Bolton, this was a spirited transformation.
Premiership: Charlton 0 Leeds 1: Milner cashes in for Leeds
Brian Glanville at The Valley
WHETHER Leeds can drag themselves out of their multiplicity of troubles, both on and off the field, remains deeply in doubt. But yesterday, at least, they ended a miserable run of six defeats with unexpected victory at Charlton, even if this did not take them off the bottom and even if this 1-0 success could scarcely be compared with the sensational 6-1 victory they achieved here last April.
Yesterday’s performance by Leeds was blessedly light years away from the wretched, demoralised show one had seen from them a week earlier when they lost so feebly 2-0 at home to Bolton.
It was good to see temporary manager Eddie Gray give a couple of young wingers their fling at a time when they are sadly absent from so many teams. The highly promising James Milner, switching from right to left, scored the only goal of the game in a mere nine minutes. Jermaine Pennant, on loan from Arsenal, was full of persistent running and initiative on the right.
At right-back, Gary Kelly made a positive return, Dominic Matteo resumed in midfield, and Alan Smith was up front. Although Charlton were strangely disappointing, there was no denying that Leeds’ morale was emphatically improved.
The goal came when Mark Viduka, a sadly peripheral figure against Bolton, but a potent and influential one here, crossed from the right for Milner to move in and beat Dean Kiely.
Only three minutes later, Viduka, who always seemed to have the physical edge over Charlton’s new signing from Tottenham, Chris Perry, shook him off and forced his way past Kiely, only for Radostin Kishishev to clear off the line.
Midway through the half Milner left his marker standing, crossed, and Viduka was only just thwarted in the goalmouth.
Charlton at last came effectively to life and when Scott Parker crossed from the right, Matt Holland dashed in from behind Jason Euell to head against the right-hand post via Paul Robinson’s hand.
The second half, until the lively closing minutes, was something of an anti-climax. We had to wait until the final minutes to see goals in prospect again. Charlton, at half-time, had brought on the tall, muscular Chelsea striker, Carlton Cole, whom they have on loan. He might have equalised when, on the near post, he met a left-wing cross by Hermann Hreidarsson, producing from Robinson the save of the match.
At the very end, Milner had a right-foot shot comfortably saved by Kiely, but the goalkeeper was hopelessly beaten when a careless pass back by Mark Fish was intercepted by Viduka, who lobbed studiously over the goalkeeper’s head. Perry raced back to clear the ball just before it could roll over the line.
Alan Curbishley, Charlton’s manager, gracious in defeat, said that Leeds deserved their win. “We were chasing the game from the first,” he admitted. “Leeds set about us. They won everything in the first minute and I don’t think it was a surprise when they went one up. That was a great boost. They stifled us and they broke on us and it just shows you in the Premiership how vital a first goal is." Nor would he use the absence of several key players as an excuse. He added: “Viduka looked the player we know he is and Pennant and Milner closed the full-backs down.”
Gray did not attend the press conference, but it was clear that he is imbuing his team with at least a measure of morale, which was what they lacked in that dreadful defeat by Bolton. Smith’s return was a substantial plus. He worked hard throughout, as often in a five-man midfield as in a two-man attack.
By the end, the Leeds supporters behind the Charlton goal were jubilantly chanting Gray’s name. One’s mind went back to the 1970 FA Cup final at Wembley against Chelsea when he so mesmerised his opposing right-back, David Webb. Whether Gray can somehow keep Leeds in the Premiership and whether the club itself can somehow come to terms with its looming creditors, are alas quite different questions. But at least, for those of us who had watched Leeds’ lamentable display against Bolton, this was a spirited transformation.
BBC NEWS | England | West Yorkshire | Sheikh 'to buy Leeds United'
The Elland Road club could have a new owner within weeks
A group of Middle Eastern investors expects to complete a takeover of Leeds United within a week, say reports.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, a member of Bahrain's royal family, is heading a group aiming to take over the Elland Road club, according to news agency Agence France Presse.
"It's a group of investors from the Gulf, not just Bahrain, that I am leading and that will take over the English club," he told the agency in a telephone interview. Sheikh Abdul Rahman said he expected "the deal to be closed within a week".
He did not give any figures for the buyout, but the Daily Mirror reported the club has been offered £20m. "I prefer not to give a figure because the club is heavily indebted and is looking to be rescued and that's what I am trying to do. My relations with the club go back 25 years and I am saddened by the current situation since they are bottom of the Premiership," said the sheikh who is also the chairman of Bahraini side Al-Najma.
Leeds United said on Wednesday it was in danger of being forced into administration after failing to reach agreement on the restructuring of debts amounting to almost £80m.
The sheikh, a long-time fan, would also take on the debts if he takes over in the next few weeks.
The club, who in the 2000-2001 season reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, are currently bottom of the Premiership and without a permanent manager following the departure of Peter Reid last month. Elland Road legend Eddie Gray is in charge of the side as caretaker manager.
No-one from Leeds United was available for comment on Saturday afternoon.
The Elland Road club could have a new owner within weeks
A group of Middle Eastern investors expects to complete a takeover of Leeds United within a week, say reports.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, a member of Bahrain's royal family, is heading a group aiming to take over the Elland Road club, according to news agency Agence France Presse.
"It's a group of investors from the Gulf, not just Bahrain, that I am leading and that will take over the English club," he told the agency in a telephone interview. Sheikh Abdul Rahman said he expected "the deal to be closed within a week".
He did not give any figures for the buyout, but the Daily Mirror reported the club has been offered £20m. "I prefer not to give a figure because the club is heavily indebted and is looking to be rescued and that's what I am trying to do. My relations with the club go back 25 years and I am saddened by the current situation since they are bottom of the Premiership," said the sheikh who is also the chairman of Bahraini side Al-Najma.
Leeds United said on Wednesday it was in danger of being forced into administration after failing to reach agreement on the restructuring of debts amounting to almost £80m.
The sheikh, a long-time fan, would also take on the debts if he takes over in the next few weeks.
The club, who in the 2000-2001 season reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, are currently bottom of the Premiership and without a permanent manager following the departure of Peter Reid last month. Elland Road legend Eddie Gray is in charge of the side as caretaker manager.
No-one from Leeds United was available for comment on Saturday afternoon.
EDDIE Gray is hoping Alan Smith can use his pent up frustration in a positive way as he makes his 150th league appearance for Leeds against Charlton on Saturday.
The striker has not played for a fortnight after serving a one match suspension for picking up five yellow cards this season, and Gray knows that he, along with skipper Dominic Matteo who was also suspended, are raring to go. In particular though, Smith's mood this week has been tempered by an FA charge for improper conduct, but the 22-year-old has managed to put that out of his mind by concentrating on the Charlton game.
Said Gray: "I don't think Alan took the charge very well, he was disappointed but the most important thing for him is to work hard for the club. You would hope that the FA take a lenient view of the situation and he doesn't get banned."
Gray just hopes the enigmatic Smith and talismanic captain Matteo will exert their influence in the game, and Smith can pick up where he left off after scoring a goal in each of his last three games.
"Both Dominic and Alan will feature in the side this weekend because they are important members of the team, and it will be a difficult game because Charlton are a useful side. It's frustrating for players when they train all week and they don't play on the Saturday, for Alan especially that can be very frustrating. It was a difficult situation last week with the players we had out, but Smith can give you that little bit of extra pace and hopefully the two of them coming back can give the rest of the players a lift and that can make a difference."
The caretaker manager also spoke of the reported "bust-up" between him and David Batty, a matter which was blown out of all proportion in the press. The midfielder is in the squad and it would take more than a minor disagreement for Gray to leave any player in the cold.
"In football you have disagreements, but that's part and parcel of the game," said Eddie. "David will be as disappointed as anybody else at the club about the situation, but he knows what I expect of him, just like what I expect of all the players. He also knows he is an important member of the squad at the present time. He is part of my plans, there's no doubt about that."
EDDIE Gray is hoping Alan Smith can use his pent up frustration in a positive way as he makes his 150th league appearance for Leeds against Charlton on Saturday.
The striker has not played for a fortnight after serving a one match suspension for picking up five yellow cards this season, and Gray knows that he, along with skipper Dominic Matteo who was also suspended, are raring to go. In particular though, Smith's mood this week has been tempered by an FA charge for improper conduct, but the 22-year-old has managed to put that out of his mind by concentrating on the Charlton game.
Said Gray: "I don't think Alan took the charge very well, he was disappointed but the most important thing for him is to work hard for the club. You would hope that the FA take a lenient view of the situation and he doesn't get banned."
Gray just hopes the enigmatic Smith and talismanic captain Matteo will exert their influence in the game, and Smith can pick up where he left off after scoring a goal in each of his last three games.
"Both Dominic and Alan will feature in the side this weekend because they are important members of the team, and it will be a difficult game because Charlton are a useful side. It's frustrating for players when they train all week and they don't play on the Saturday, for Alan especially that can be very frustrating. It was a difficult situation last week with the players we had out, but Smith can give you that little bit of extra pace and hopefully the two of them coming back can give the rest of the players a lift and that can make a difference."
The caretaker manager also spoke of the reported "bust-up" between him and David Batty, a matter which was blown out of all proportion in the press. The midfielder is in the squad and it would take more than a minor disagreement for Gray to leave any player in the cold.
"In football you have disagreements, but that's part and parcel of the game," said Eddie. "David will be as disappointed as anybody else at the club about the situation, but he knows what I expect of him, just like what I expect of all the players. He also knows he is an important member of the squad at the present time. He is part of my plans, there's no doubt about that."
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LEEDS WARNING OVER FINANCES
Wednesday 26th November 2003
Leeds United plc have confirmed the club could be forced into administration, after they failed to reach agreement with their major creditors over the restructuring of the club's £80 million debt.
The Whites have been meeting with their principal creditors, but have failed in their bid of providing extra income through a possible share issue scheme.
The directors of the plc still hope that negotiations will be successful and that would allow the club to move forward, but warned that failure could very well mean administration for the fallen West Yorkshire giants.
"The directors remain of the view that, if all of these negotiations are concluded successfully, they will provide adequate funding for at least three months in which to conclude arrangements designed to achieve a more permanent refinancing of the group," read the statement.
"But, if the negotiations referred to above are unsuccessful, the directors may be forced to seek the protection of an administration order.
"As announced on 28 October 2003 in our preliminary statement of results, the directors have been negotiating the first phase of a complex debt restructuring of the group's finances with its principal finance creditors to provide the group with additional working capital and to give it time to implement a more permanent restructuring plan.
"In the preliminary statement we also referred to a commitment through a share issue to inject £4.4 million in cash from Allan Leighton and A.R.M. Holdings Group Ltd.
"Unfortunately, after a long period of constructive discussions, negotiations have failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion in time to issue a circular and obtain shareholder approval before Christmas. As a result, it has been decided not to go ahead with the planned subscription for shares and, contrary to the expectation expressed in the preliminary statement, there will be no circular issued to shareholders.
"Nevertheless, the company continues to be in constructive discussions with its principal finance creditors and proposed investors with a view to providing the group with additional working capital and to give it time to implement a more permanent restructuring plan. In addition, Allan Leighton has already confirmed that his funds remain available for investment in the group.
"The directors are continuing to take steps to manage cash flows, including the implementation of the cost savings described in the preliminary statement and management of working capital."
Strachan finally breaks silence and commits future to Southampton By Nick Szczepanik
GORDON STRACHAN, the manager of Southampton, has broken his self-imposed silence on speculation that he is to leave the club to take over at Leeds United — and the news is good for Southampton and bad for Leeds.
Strachan denied persistent reports of a “prickly” relationship between himself and Rupert Lowe, the Southampton chairman, and dismissed suggestions that he is unhappy with either his own contract, which is due to expire next summer, or the club’s transfer policy.
“I am a very happy man here,” he said. “I am happy in the job and I will not walk out on this club to join anyone else. That will never happen. There is not a problem with money or transfer funds or the relationship with the chairman, which is as good as any in the league.
“I am very happy with the way the club is run and the policies here. People keep saying I want more money but wages have never ever been discussed. Contracts are not just about money. There is more to life than that.
“Transfer funds are not an issue. I am more than happy with what I have got and I do feel the policy of the club is spot on. I fully endorse everything that has gone on here and the way we have got people in and the way we look after wages. So I just want to set the record straight and say I will not walk out on this club to sign for another.”
Until now, Strachan’s policy of refusing to comment has only fuelled speculation — to the irritation of Lowe — despite the absence of any evidence that Leeds, for whom he once played, could fund a move for Strachan. Lowe will be as relieved as the club’s supporters by the clarification of Strachan’s position.
“Gordon is doing a great job, he has a great squad and there is a great spirit in the camp,” Lowe said. “It is important everyone understands there is no issue with our relationship or over contracts or transfer funds.
“The club is in great shape and we must not let ourselves be distracted by speculation about another club’s problems. Gordon is entirely committed to this club, we are both comfortable with where we are and we are going in the right direction.”
LEEDS UNITED NEWS
CAN UNITED MAKE IT A HAPPY VALLEY AGAIN?
by Graham Walker
LEEDS look back fondly on last season's trip to The Valley and caretaker boss Eddie Gray hopes that once again it will prove to be the game that turns the season around.
The Whites 6-1 win over the Addicks on their home ground was one of last season's few highlights, but more importantly it marked Peter Reid's first win in charge in his 'caretaker' capacity as manager and gave Leeds a kick-start.
WATCH ALL SIX GOALS ON LEEDS UNITED TELEVISION NOW
Saturday's trip to South-east London is likely to be a far harder proposition for Leeds this time around. Leeds position in the Premiership table speaks for itself, whilst Charlton have jumped into fourth place as their excellent start to the season continued with a 1-1 draw away to Leicester last weekend.
Unbeaten since September with a run of five wins and two draws, they occupy the last Champions League place and look a good bet to be playing European football next season.
But Gray is holding onto hope that United will once again flourish in the tight surroundings of The Valley.
"I would settle for that result again, or a win at least," he said.
"That was an important result last season and you never know it could be the game again that turns the season around again."
It will though, Gray concedes, take a lot from the players to change what has become a bad losing habit.
"We are not playing with a lot of confidence, that's for sure, but only victories and picking up points will change that.
"There's no professional footballer likes looking at the table and seeing his team down there at the bottom, it will hurt them and hopefully when it hurts them they respond in the right manner.
"The attitude always seems right on the training field, but it's on Saturday that counts, when they have to play 90 minutes is when they need to turn it around. I for one think they are still capable of doing it.
"Last week I thought we conceded a couple of silly goals in a short time and it was an uphill struggle for us. I don't think there was anybody hiding or anything like that, they were trying in the circumstances to do their best, but when things aren't going well sometimes people don't try things they might normally try, a lack of confidence does that.
"This is when they have to show the courage to do something special.
"I don't think there is a lack of passion for the shirt, that can be an easy thing to say when things aren't going right, the players are as disappointed as anybody and they know they have let themselves down as a unit this season and they want to put it right."
Gray singled out the Charlton midfield with players like Scott Parker and Matt Holland pulling the strings for the Addicks in that department, but off the field the club is financially stable and being help up as a model for other clubs to follow.
"What they have achieved is terrific, you only have to look at their position in the Premiership and I am sure they are delighted at that," added Gray.
"Alan Curbishley has taken the club forward in the right manner as well, the club are healthy from a financial point of view and from a playing side they have some very good players at that club."
My bloody Lindily.co.uk website has been suspended because there was a post on a Google Usenet site about it - no explanation, no query, no NOTHING ... when you see all the spam you get every day and the spammers getting away with it, and the first time something like this happens you suffer ... makes my blood boil, rant rant rant, moan moan wibbly wibbly moan, etc repeat to fade...
... we're real good company, floating like an island in our boat upon the sea...
She doesn't like me and I don't like her and the endless bickering just drives us both mad ... the Internet and who should be on it at any point in time is a major source of conflict.
Joy Division - Closer
Never has there been a more overhyped death cult than that which came to the fore upon the death of the joy division singer, Ian Curtis. JD were undoubtedly and extraordinary, unique band who spawned endless copyists, but the reverence which was applied to them in the year or so following the act was a phenomenon and nearly swamped New Order before they were even started.
Dig this - "the emotional impact of their music was shattering and irreversible, their records an icy collision of romance and alienation. between 1977 and 1980, they recorded the two most affecting and influential albums of their generation - and on may 18, 1980 the lifetime of both the band and their lead singer Ian Curtis was tragically cut short by suicide, an appalling end to one of Britain's greatest groups.
"In the aftermath of punk, Joy Division invented a glacial new sound which dramatically connected with a country lurching towards an unforgiving era of Thatcherism. a band capable of touching the outer reaches of human emotion, they were driven by the wired and spinning music created by Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Stephen Morris and the starkly personal, often depressive, lyrics of their troubled vocalist, Ian Curtis.
"Even today, their music and darkly powerful sentiments echo through the work of contemporary groups such as the Verve, Radiohead, Spiritualized and Primal Scream."
James Oldham, NME
It was into this intense and histrionic atmosphere that the follow up to 1979's debut album, unknown pleasures, was released, with the ominous cover artwork by Saville only adding to the mood.
The tone of the record was hushed and haunting compared to the raw power of unknown pleasures; many considered it to be their biggest achievement, a chart to the pathways of the dark side of emotion. I prefer the first album, but this is still a marvellous album, a powerful work which ranks up there alongside the finest rock albums.
Again there was an amazing array of material on the album - Heart And Soul, Twenty Four Hours, Passover, Decades, The Eternal, Atrocity Exhibition - it was almost too magnificent to bear.
At the time the album was difficult to listen to, we were too close to the occasion, but as the years have passed, we have become more objective and THIS ALBUM IS A KILLER.
It has been accused of being maudlin and overly sentimental, and the abundance of synths which mark out all the soundscapes creates a very pastoral atmosphere.
Tracklisting-
ATROCITY EXHIBITION
ISOLATION
PASSOVER
COLONY
A MEANS TO AN END
HEART AND SOUL
TWENTY FOUR HOURS
THE ETERNAL
DECADES
The silence when doors open wide
Where people could pay to see inside
For entertainment they watch
his body twist
Behind his eyes he says I still exist
This is the way, step inside
In arenas he kills for a prize
Wins a minute to add to his life
But the sickness is drowned
by cries for more
Pray to God make it quick - watch him fall
This is the way, step inside
Those lines from Atrocity Exhibition, the brooding, harrowing opener pretty much set the tone for the entire piece and you won't find many laughs in the Joy Division world of 1980. It was odd really that the members of the band, apart from the troubled Curtis, emerged later as a humorous bunch who continually sent up themselves and the music industry.
But those days were for the future and in 1980 it was all doom and gloom and portents - but at the same time very, very seductive - the long macs became de rigeur in the late 70's-early 80's as troubled adolescents started aping the style of the leaders of misery rock.
I was as into JD as anyone else and was fascinated by their grim magic, but I found Closer an over stylised piece of work after the shocking rush that was the debut album.
It was great stuff, and easily one of the albums of that summer, but it smacked just a little too much of the band living out their gloomy, introspective image for my liking.
However, leave out the over critical carping and strip away the hype and you still get a wonderful piece of art rock, all splendid rhythmic pulse, shimmering synths, scritch scratch guitar and the booming lead bass lines of Peter Hook, and then there was that committed, intense vocal performance, with Curtis so far out THERE you could feel it - the music was gripping, but it was the presence and feel of Curtis which made JD stand out - New Order were a very different act when they emerged and for the other members it was like a breath of fresh air when they stepped away from the shades and torments of their former singer.
I won't try and pick out particular tracks, because Closer needs to be appreciated as a whole, a piece of art, rather than a collection of songs, it is somehow much, much more than that.
Okay, good, bad or indifferent, I am now up and running and this is going to be an addiction for a while. Blogging could be interesting, but it might not be, just have to give it a few days to go.
I had intended to use this to focus on our holiday cottage in Brittany, but I can't get it to publish to my site, so I'll just give you the address instead.
If you want a cheap stay in an island of peace in France, visit the site at www.lindily.co.uk and check it out.
Don't know whether I really want to be up for this or not, but you ain't got much choice have you, as a multi media personality and superstar of your own cosciousness...
