The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 24th July) - Phil Hay’s successor gets frosty reception
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 24th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road…
Nancy's frosty LUFC reception
Filling Phil Hay's shoes was always going to be a tall order. Working his way up from reporter to Chief Football Writer at the Yorkshire Evening Post, followed by a five year stint with The Athletic, life was never dull for the Edinburgh born journalist.
He followed Leeds Utd through the trials and tribulations, with the same trepidation as us fans for 18 long years. To many, he became part of the fixtures and fittings at Elland Road, and was privy to many of the goings-on behind the scenes.
His sudden departure mid June was as much about the change of ownership, than it was about the new role offered to him by the New York Times, the parent company of The Athletic! Gone was his capacity to come and go as he pleased, and with it, his ability to be on hand to break the latest stories!
To say Nancy Froston has been thrown in at the deep end is somewhat of an understatement. Her previous role covering (the Wendies,) general Championship and lower league teams will not have prepared her for Leeds or their fanbase. She's been getting a hard time by certain sections of the ER faithful too.
For those of us who pay a subscription, we expect to be kept in the know, but she has openly admitted that she cares more about getting the story correct, than getting the actual scoop. As admirable as that may be, aren't the rumours half the fun?
Her free flowing writing doesn't disappoint, but just like the new kid at School, she'll need to be given time to settle into her new role. She's been working with Phil Hay since January, so should by now have a good idea what we're all about! Only time will tell!
Confusion about Szmodics
Conflicting reports concerning the proposed transfer of Sammie Szmodics is confusing Leeds fans on social media.
Elland Road journalist Beren Cross has fervently denied that the Republic of Ireland ace is even on their radar, whilst talkSPORT Chief Football Correspondent Alex Crook is equally as confident last season's leading Championship scorer is firmly in their sights, and are now in talks with the hierarchy at Ewood Park.
The 28yo would represent a marquee signing, but Leeds don't need an attacking midfielder, unless he's going to lead the line, or replace Summerville on the wing (which would be highly unlikely). On top of that, Blackburn are demanding a fee in the region of £20m, even though Szmodics is in the last 12 months of his contract!
Ampadu named skipper
Ethan Ampadu has been named Leeds Utd club captain for the 24/25 season.
The 23yo, was one of only two players to break through the 5000 minute barrier (for club and Country) last season, and became an even more instrumental figure after Christmas, having to drop back to centre-half to cover for Pascal Struijk after his groin injury!
Struijk and Illan Meslier have been named as vice captains, putting an end to speculation linking the shot-stopper with a move to Marseilles!