2008–09 Leeds United F.C. season

Leeds United

2008–09 season
Chairman	Ken Bates
Manager	Gary McAllister (until 21 December 2008) Simon Grayson
Stadium	Elland Road
League One	4th (qualified for play-offs)
Play-offs	Semi-finals
FA Cup	Second round
League Cup	Fourth round
League Trophy	Second round northern
Top goalscorer	League: Jermaine Beckford (27) All: Jermaine Beckford (34)
Highest home attendance	37,036 vs Millwall (14 May 2009, Play-offs)
Lowest home attendance	9,531 vs Northampton Town (7 Nov 2008, FA Cup)
Average home league attendance	22,849
Home colours Away colours Third colours

The 2008–09 season was Leeds United F.C.'s second consecutive season in the third tier of English football and for the second year running saw them finish in the play-offs in League One.

The season began with Gary McAllister still managing Leeds, and they appeared to be in automatic promotion contention after a promising start. However, a humilitating FA Cup exit to Football Conference side Histon saw the team's form completely collapse, and with any hope of automatic promotion having all but ended even before Christmas Day, McAllister was sacked. He was replaced by Simon Grayson, and after a nervy first few games, Grayson lifted the side from eighth to fourth, resulting in a place in the play-offs. During this time, the club recorded eleven consecutive home wins. Although to the heartbreak of Leeds fans, the club failed in the play-offs again, being defeated by Millwall in the semi-finals. During the season, Jermaine Beckford scored 34 goals in all competitions – the highest in the country. Once again, the club received the highest attendance outside the Premier League on three occasions; the largest in the play-off semi final, recording a crowd of over 37,000. Off the pitch, the club made a profit for the first time in years.

Events

This is a list of the significant events to occur at the club during the 2008–09 season, presented in chronological order (starting from 26 May 2008 and ending on 14 May 2009). This list does not include transfers or new contracts, which are listed in the transfers section below, or match results, which are in the matches section.

May

• 27 May: Leeds Chairman, Ken Bates denies claims that Canadian sports firm, Maple Leaf Sports are in talks to take over the club.

June

• 4 June: Leeds confirm they have had talks with out-of-contract West Bromwich Albion striker, Kevin Phillips, regarding a move to Elland Road. However, the former England international's agent says that it would be "unlikely" that Phillips would move to Leeds. Duncan Revie, the son of the late Leeds manager, Don says he is still interested in buying the club. Meanwhile, thieves steal an England shirt worn by Don during the 1954–55 season.
• 6 June: Chairman, Ken Bates denies rumours that the club have bought back their stadium, Elland Road which is currently owned by the company, Teak Commercial Limited.
• 16 June: The fixtures for the 2008–09 League One season are released. Leeds start away at Scunthorpe United on 9 August, with their first home game against Oldham Athletic a week later. The club's final match of the season is against Northampton Town at Elland Road.
• 26 June: A friendly match scheduled for 30 July against Rotherham United is cancelled due to the "reputation" of the Leeds fans.

July

• 4 July: The Leeds team return from their holidays for pre-season training. Leeds' opponents for the friendly match on 2 August at Elland Road are changed from Sporting Lokeren to FCV Dender after Lokeren struggle to get visas for their full team.
• 9 July: Assistant manager, Steve Staunton is charged with a breach of FA rule E3 following comments he allegedly made to FA doping controllers after the club's defeat to Doncaster Rovers at Wembley on 25 May 2008.
• 10 July: The club's new kit for the 2008–09 season is revealed, with a full white home strip, a light blue/dark blue away kit and a full yellow alternative away kit. The club encounter contractual issues with the company who had agreed and signed a two-year contract with the club on 26 May 2008 to be the new shirt sponsor. The problem will force the team to wear shirts without a sponsor for the friendly against York City on the 11th.
• 14 July: Gary McAllister leaves out Sébastien Carole, Anthony Elding, Trésor Kandol, Sebastian Sorsa, Ian Westlake, Curtis Weston from his squad for the pre-season tour of Ireland. Fabian Delph and Neil Kilkenny miss out due to international duty.
• 29 July: Leeds agree a three-year shirt sponsorship deal with online travel company NetFlights.com.

August

• 1 August: The squad numbers for the new season are revealed. Most notably, Carole, Westlake, Weston and Bayly are demoted to numbers 35, 37, 40 and 41 respectively, suggesting their careers at Elland Road may be coming to an end.
• 9 August: Frazer Richardson is named as Leeds' club captain for the 2008–09 season. Leeds win their opening game of the season with a 2–1 away victory over Scunthorpe United.
• 29 August: The club confirm they have been charged by the FA with making payments to an unlicensed agent during the transfer of Anthony Elding from Crewe Alexandra in January 2008.
• 30 August: The club's new home shirt is made available for the first time in the official club shop.

September

• 3 September: Leeds' first goal against Bristol Rovers on 30 August is awarded to Jermaine Beckford after there was initial confusion where the goal had in fact been an own goal by Bristol defender, Steve Elliott. The club plead guilty to the FA charge in regard to payments to unlicensed agents in the Elding transfer.
• 6 September: The club announce that OHS will be the club's secondary shirt sponsor for a further two seasons. OHS were the club's secondary shirt sponsors in the 2007–08 season as well.
• 27 September: The club's new away shirt is made available for the first time in the official club shop and online.
• 30 September: The club are fined £7,500, with a further suspended fine of £12,500, for using an unlicensed agent in the transfer of Anthony Elding from Stockport County in January.

October

• 27 October: Plans for the re-development of the East Stand of Elland Road are revealed. As part of the re-development, a hotel, arcade, shops, restaurants, bars, nightclub, office block and a new club shop will be built.

November

• 27 November: The club directors reveal that the audited accounts for the 14-month period to 30 June 2008 show the club have made a profit of £4,553,000. The club also announce that due to savings on VAT, ticket prices as of 1 January 2009 will feature a £1 reduction.

December

• 13 December: Leeds defender, Paul Huntington is given a three match ban (suspended until May 2010) and fined £1,500 following his gestures towards the Carlisle United fans at their defeat to Leeds at Elland Road in April.
• 18 December: The club's first team coach, Neil McDonald leaves to become new Blackburn Rovers manager, Sam Allardyce's assistant.
• 21 December: Gary McAllister is sacked as Leeds' manager after 11 months in charge of the club.
• 22 December: Assistant Manager, Steve Staunton parts company with the club following Gary McAllister's dismissal. Reserve Team Manager, Neil Thompson and Goalkeeping Coach, Andy Beasley are put in charge of first team training until a new manager is appointed. Blackpool turn down Leeds' approach for their manager, Simon Grayson.
• 23 December: Blackpool announce they will be taking legal action against Leeds following Simon Grayson's decision to tender his resignation which was rejected by Blackpool's directors. Several hours later, Leeds appoint Grayson as their new manager.
• 26 December: The club announce that former Blackburn, Leicester and Wolves coach, Ian Miller has joined Simon Grayson's new coaching team.
• 29 December: Midfield starlet, Fabian Delph is charged with drink driving following an incident on 23 December. Manager, Simon Grayson states that Delph is not for sale after it is reported that Arsenal and Newcastle United are ready to launch a bid for the 19-year-old in the January transfer window.

January

• 1 January: Leeds' academy is re-structured with Daral Pugh being promoted from Under 18s Manager to Assistant Academy Manager, with responsibilities for under-16s. Neil Redfearn joins the club to replace Pugh as Under-18s Manager.
• 3 January: The away match at Hereford United is postponed to due a frozen pitch.
• 17 January: Leeds rejects bids from two unnamed Premiership clubs for starlet, Fabian Delph.

February

• 2 February: Glynn Snodin returns to the club as Assistant Manager having left the club as a player over 15 years ago. The away match against Leyton Orient is cancelled a day in advance because of heavy snow.
• 11 February: Striker, Jermaine Beckford is charged with violent conduct and offered a three match ban following an incident in the match against Millwall two days earlier.
• 13 February: Jermaine Beckford pleas guilty to the violent conduct charge by FA resulting in an automatic three match suspension.

March

• 18 March: Following news that Sheffield United have won their battle to gain compensation from West Ham as part of the Tevez affair, Leeds chairman, Ken Bates confirms that the club will claim compensation from Sheffield United. Sheffield's relegation in 2007 saw Leeds miss out on contingency payments in relation to Premiership survival for the transfers of Rob Hulse, Matthew Kilgallon, and Ian Bennett.

April

• 9 April: The club announce that Blackpool's dispute with Leeds over Simon Grayson's appointment as manager of the Yorkshire club has been resolved. Leeds City Council grant the club planning permission for their plans to redevelopment the East Stand of Elland Road.
• 21 April: Leeds' place in the 2008–09 League One play-offs is confirmed following Scunthorpe's 3–3 draw with Northampton.
• 28 April: The club's reserve team win their league – The Central League, Division One East and hence quality for The Central League play-offs.

May

• 1 May: The new kit for the 2009–10 season is unveiled, featuring a new NetFlights.com logo, a white and blue collar, a blue slash adjacent to the club badge and a blue Macron logo. It is announced that the new kit will be worn for the final games of the season, starting with the final league game of the season against Northampton Town.
• 2 May: The normal league season comes to a close with Leeds beating Northampton to finish 4th. The result means that Leeds will play Millwall in the play-off semi finals with the 1st leg away on 9 May and the 2nd leg at home on 14 May.
• 14 May: The club's play-off campaign comes to an end as they draw 1–1 with Millwall resulting in a 2–1 aggregate score to Millwall.

Players

Squad information

N	Pos.	Nat.	Name	Age	EU	Since	App	Goals	Ends	Transfer fee	Notes
1	GK		Ankergren	29	EU	2007	104	0	2010	Undisclosed	Leeds United
2	DF		Richardson (captain)	26	EU	2001	173	5	2009	Youth system	Leeds United
3	DF		Huntington	21	EU	2007	31	2	2010	£200k	BBC Sport
4	MF		Douglas	27	EU	2005	166	11	2009	Undisclosed	Sky Sports
5	DF		Rui Marques	31	Non-EU	2005	94	4	2010	Free	Leeds United
6	DF		Michalík	25	EU	2007	53	1	2011	£200k	Leeds United
7	MF		Prutton	27	EU	2007	69	4	2010	Free	Leeds United
8	MF		Kilkenny	23	EU	2008	57	5	2011	£150k	Birmingham City
9	FW		Beckford	25	EU	2006	100	54	2010	£ 50k	Leeds United
10	FW		Becchio	25	Non-EU	2008	56	19	2011	£300k	Leeds United
11	DF		Sheehan	22	EU	2008	24	2	2011	Undisclosed	Leeds United
12	GK		Lucas	31	EU	2007	23	0	2009	Free	Leeds United
13	FW		Grella	22	EU	2009	12	0	2010	Free	Leeds United
14	MF		Howson	20	EU	2006	97	12	2011	Youth system	Leeds United
15	MF		Delph	19	EU	2007	54	6	2012	Youth system	Leeds United
16	MF		Johnson	22	EU	2008	44	4	2011	£250k	BBC Sport
18	MF		Robinson	29	EU	2008	41	6	2011	Free	Leeds United
19	DF		Parker	21	EU	2007	45	1	2009	Youth system	Leeds United
20	FW		Kandol	27	Non-EU	2006	66	12	2011	£200k	Leeds United
21	FW		Showunmi	27	EU	2008	16	5	2010	Free	Leeds United
22	MF		Hughes	31	EU	2007	74	1	2010	Undisclosed	Leeds United
23	FW		Snodgrass	21	EU	2008	51	11	2011	£ 35k	Leeds United
24	MF		Sweeney	24	EU	2008	9	0	2010	£150k	Leeds United
25	GK		Martin	20	EU	2007	0	0	2011	Undisclosed	Leeds United
26	DF		Sodje	29	EU	20092	7	0	2009	Loan	Leeds United
27	FW		Dickinson	23	EU	20092	8	0	2009	Loan	Leeds United
28	GK		Flahavan	30	EU	20092	0	0	2009	Loan	Leeds United
29	FW		Elliott	19	EU	2007	4	0	2011	Youth system	Leeds United
31	DF		Webb	19	EU	2008	1	0	2009	Youth system	Leeds United
32	DF		White	17	EU	2008	9	0	2012	Youth system	Leeds United
33	MF		Falkingham	18	EU	2008	0	0		Youth system	Leeds United
36	DF		Naylor (VC)	32	EU	2009	24	1	2011	Free	Leeds United

• Last updated: 15 May 2009
• Source: Wikipedia players' articles, Leeds United, Sky Sports
• Ordered by Squad Number.

Appearances (starts and substitute appearances) and goals include those in The Premiership, The Championship (and playoffs), League One (and playoffs), FA Cup, League Cup, Football League Trophy, and UEFA Cup.
¹Player first came to the club on loan and was transferred the following year.
²Player is at the club on loan
Squad includes players registered with the club on the last day of the season (14 May 2009) only.

Squad stats

				Total			League One		FA Cup		Football League Cup		Football League Trophy
No.	Pos.	Nat.	Name	Sts	App	Gls	App	Gls	App	Gls	App	Gls	App	Gls
1	GK		Ankergren	39	39		35		1		3
2	RB		Richardson	27	29		23		2		3		1
3	CB		Huntington	7	7		4				2		1
4	CM/RB		Douglas	49	51	2	45	1	3		3	1
5	CB		Rui Marques	36	36	1	32	1	1		1		2
6	CB		Michalík	22	26		19		3		3		1
7	RM/CM		Prutton	12	20		16		1		1		2
8	CM/RM		Kilkenny	35	38	4	32	4	1		3		2
9	FW		Beckford	37	42	34	36	27	1	3	4	4	1
10	FW		Becchio	48	55	19	46	16	3		4	2	2	1
11	LB		Sheehan	13	14	1	11	1	1		1		1
12	GK		Lucas	18	18		13		2		1		2
13	FW		Grella		12		12
14	CM/RM		Howson	34	52	6	43	4	3	1	4		2	1
15	LM/CM		Delph	47	51	6	44	6	2		4		1
16	LM		Johnson	7	20	1	17	1			2		1
18	LW/RM/FW		Robinson	27	41	6	34	2	2	1	3	2	2	1
19	LB		Parker	30	31	1	26		2	1	2		1
20	FW		Kandol
21	FW		Showunmi	6	16	5	8	2	3		3	2	2	1
22	RM/RB		Hughes	23	32		27		2		2		1
23	RW/LM/ST		Snodgrass	35	51	11	44	9	2		3	2	2
24	LM		Sweeney
25	GK		Martin
26	CB		Telfer	18	18		14		2		2
26	CB		Sodje	7	7		7
27	RB		Assoumani	1	1		1
27	FW		L. Dickinson	4	8		8
28	FW		Christie	2	5	1	4	1	1
28	GK		Flahavan
29	FW		Elliott
31	CB		Webb		1				1
32	LB		White	7	9		5		1		2		1
33	CM		Falkingham
35	FW		Trundle	7	10	1	10	1
36	CB		Naylor	24	24	1	24	1
38	LB		C. Dickinson	7	7		7

Last updated: 15 May 2009
Source: Leeds United
Ordered by Squad Numbers
0 shown as blank

Most frequent start

No.	Pos.	Nat.	Name	MS	Notes
4	MF		Douglas	49
15	MF		Delph	47
10	FW		Becchio	47
1	GK		Ankergren	39
5	DF		Rui Marques	36
9	FW		Beckford	36
8	MF		Kilkenny	35
23	MF		Snodgrass	34
14	MF		Howson	34
18	MF		Robinson	28
19	DF		Parker	30	Most frequent starting line-up Ankergren Richardson Naylor Marques Parker Snodgrass Kilkenny Howson Delph Becchio Beckford Most frequent starting line-up uses the team's most used formation: 4-4-2. The players used are those who have played the most games in each respective position, not necessarily who have played most games out of all the players. Captains No. P Name Country No. games Notes 2 DF Richardson 26 Club Captain 36 DF Naylor 23 Vice-captain (Jan-present) 26 DF Telfer 4 Vice-captain (Aug-Jan) 22 MF Hughes 2 5 DF Rui Marques 1 Last updated: 15 May 2009 Source: Competitive match reports. Competitive matches only Matches started as captain only Country: FIFA nationality; No.: Squad number; P: Position; Name: Player name; No. Games: Number of games started as captain. Disciplinary record N Pos. Nat. Name Notes 15 MF Delph 13 10 FW Becchio 8 23 MF Snodgrass 7 36 DF Naylor 6 3/6 yellow cards at previous club 18 MF Robinson 6 4 MF Douglas 5 16 MF Johnson 5 2/5 yellow cards on loan 8 MF Kilkenny 5 9 FW Beckford 5 1 6 DF Michalik 4 1 5 DF Rui Marques 4 7 MF Prutton 3 1 1 GK Ankergren 2 2 DF Richardson 2 11 DF Sheehan 1 1 38 DF C. Dickinson 1 27 FW L. Dickinson 1 14 MF Howson 1 1 22 MF Hughes 1 3 DF Huntington 1 19 DF Parker 1 26 DF Sodje 1 21 FW Showunmi 1 26 DF Telfer 1 32 DF White 1 Last updated: 7 May 2009 Source: BBC Sport Only competitive matches = Number of bookings; = Number of sending offs after a second yellow card; = Number of sending offs by a direct red card. Suspensions No. P Name No. Matches Banned Reason for Suspension Notes 6 DF Ľubomír Michalík 1 Red card for second bookable offence 11 DF Alan Sheehan 3 Red card for violent conduct 15 MF Fabian Delph 1 Five yellow cards 7 MF David Prutton 1 Red card for second bookable offence 9 FW Jermaine Beckford 3 Violent conduct Incident not spotted by referee during play. Suspension handed after match. 10 FW Luciano Becchio 1 Five yellow cards 14 MF Jonathan Howson 1 Red card for second bookable offence 9 FW Jermaine Beckford 1 Red card for second bookable offence 15 MF Fabian Delph 2 Ten yellow cards Awards Internal Awards Official Player of the Year Awards The results of the 2008–09 Leeds United F.C. Player of the Year Awards were announced at a dinner on 14 April 2008 at Elland Road [1]. Fans' Player of the Year: Jermaine Beckford (Runner-up: Robert Snodgrass) Fans' Young Player of the Year: Fabian Delph (Runner-up: Aidan White) Players' Player of the Year: Fabian Delph Goal of the Season: Fabian Delph (vs Brighton, 17 January) Best Contribution to Community: Andy Hughes Chairman's Special Award: Jonathan Douglas and Ben Parker Regional Members Clubs Player of the Year Awards Player of the Year: Robert Snodgrass Goal of the Season: Jermaine Beckford (vs Millwall, 9 February) Official Goal of the Month August: Jermaine Beckford (12 August vs Chester City)1 [2] September: Andy Robinson (6 September vs Crewe Alexandra) [3] October–January: n/a February: Jermaine Beckford (9 February vs Millwall)2 [4] 1Winning goal was the player's third goal in the match. 2Winning goal was the player's first goal in the match. External Awards League One Team of the Week The following Leeds players have been selected in the official League One team of the week. 11 August: Frazer Richardson, David Prutton [5] 8 September: Alan Sheehan [6] 15 September: Fabian Delph, Jermaine Beckford [7] 22 September: Aidan White [8] 29 September: Andy Robinson [9] 13 October: Fabian Delph, Jermaine Beckford [10] 27 October: Ben Parker, Fabian Delph [11] 3 November: Frazer Richardson [12] 17 November: Robert Snodgrass [13] 24 November: Fabian Delph, Jermaine Beckford [14] 29 December: Ľubomír Michalík, Fabian Delph [15] 19 January: Fabian Delph [16] 26 January: Jermaine Beckford [17] 2 February: Rui Marques [18] 23 February: Jonny Howson [19] 2 March: Jermaine Beckford [20] 30 March: Casper Ankergren, Jermaine Beckford [21] 6 April: Jonathan Douglas [22] 15 April: Fabian Delph [23] 20 April: Neil Kilkenny [24] 27 April: Casper Ankergren [25] Others PFA Fans' Player of the Year (League One): Jermaine Beckford PFA Team of the Year (League One): Fabian Delph PFA Fans' Player of the Month (League One): Jermaine Beckford (September, March), Fabian Delph (November, January) The Football League Golden Boot: Jermaine Beckford League One Young Player of the Year: Fabian Delph League One Player of the Month: Jermaine Beckford (September) Yorkshire Evening Post Player of the Year (Leeds United): Jermaine Beckford, (Runner-up: Robert Snodgrass) Transfers In No. Pos. Nat. Name Age EU Moving from Type Transfer window Ends Transfer fee Source 18 MF Andy Robinson 44 EU Swansea City Free Agent Summer 2011 Free Leeds United Yorkshire Evening Post 11 DF Alan Sheehan 38 EU Leicester City Transferred1 Summer 2011 Undisclosed Leeds United 21 FW Enoch Showunmi 42 EU Bristol City Free Agent Summer 2010 Free Leeds United 23 FW Robert Snodgrass 37 EU Livingston Free Agent1 Summer 2011 £ 35k2 Leeds United 10 FW Luciano Becchio 40 Non-EU Mérida UD Transferred Summer 2011 £300k3 Leeds United 26 DF Paul Telfer 53 EU Bournemouth Free Agent Summer 20094 Free Leeds United 28 FW Malcolm Christie 45 EU Middlesbrough Free Agent Summer n/a5 Free Leeds United 27 DF Mansour Assoumani 41 EU Sportfreunde Siegen Free Agent Summer 2009 Free Leeds United 13 FW Mike Grella 37 EU Cary Clarets Free Agent Winter 2010 Free Leeds United 36 DF Richard Naylor 31 EU Ipswich Town Transferred Winter 2011 Free Leeds United 1As the player was under the age of 23 at the time of the transfer, an undisclosed compensation package was due to the player's former club. 2Although intended to be undisclosed, it was revealed on Yorkshire Radio on 18 April 2009 that the compensation paid to the player's former club was £35,000. 3Although intended to be undisclosed, chairman Ken Bates revealed on Yorkshire Radio on 19 May 2009 that the compensation paid to the player's former club was £300,000. 4Player originally joined the club on a non-contract basis, but signed a one-year contract lasting until 2009 several weeks after. 5Player joined the club on a non-contract basis. Out N P Name Country Age Type Moving to Transfer window Transfer fee Apps Goals Source 8 MF Alan Thompson 34 Retired Retirement Summer n/a 25 5 Leeds United 35 DF Darren Kenton 29 Out of Contract Cheltenham Town Summer n/a 16 0 Leeds United 10 FW Leon Constantine 30 Transferred Northampton Town Summer Free 6 2 Leeds United 31 FW Tomi Ameobi 19 Transferred Doncaster Rovers Summer £ 30k 2 0 Leeds United 39 FW Anthony Elding 26 Transferred Crewe Alexandra Summer £160k 9 1 Leeds United 38 MF Sebastian Sorsa 24 Released Hamilton Academical Summer n/a 0 0 Yorkshire Evening Post 41 MF Robert Bayly 20 Released Sporting Fingal Summer n/a 3 0 Leeds United 40 MF Curtis Weston 21 Transferred Gillingham Summer Free 11 1 Leeds United 35 MF Sébastien Carole 25 Released Darlington Summer n/a 52 3 Leeds United 27 DF Mansour Assoumani 27 Out of Contract Wrexham Winter n/a 1 0 Leeds United 37 MF Ian Westlake 25 Released Cheltenham Town Winter n/a 52 3 Leeds United 28 FW Malcolm Christie 29 Released1 Winter n/a 5 1 Leeds United 17 DF Scott Gardner 20 Released Mansfield Town Winter n/a 2 0 Leeds United 26 DF Paul Telfer 37 Released Slough Town Winter n/a 18 0 Leeds United 30 GK Jonathan Lund 20 Released Grimsby Town Winter n/a 0 0 Leeds United — MF Lee Booth 18 Released Winter n/a 0 0 — MF Nathan Cartman 19 Released Winter n/a 0 0 — GK Matt Edwards 18 Released Rochdale Winter n/a 0 0 — FW Sam Jerome 18 Released Winter n/a 0 0 — DF Chris Ovington 18 Released Bradford Park Avenue Winter n/a 0 0 — DF Ross Wilkinson 19 Released Winter n/a 0 0 EU = if holds or not a European Union passport; Country: when 2 flags, 1st flag = country that plays for internationally, 2nd flag = country of birth; N = number on jersey; P = Position (for position name, pause mouse pointer on abbreviation); Name = Name on jersey (for more extensive name, pause mouse pointer on name); Age = age on the day of the signing; Moving from = only indicate the club the player was playing before start playing for this club in this season, for the type of the moving see Status column; Moving to = only indicates the club the player is going to play next, for the type of the moving see Status column; Ends = when the player's current contract ends; n/a = Not applicable; Apps = Total number of competitive appearances (including substitute appearances) at the club prior to departure; Goals = Total number of competitive goals scored at the club prior to departure. 1Player was at the club on a non-contract, pay-as-you-play deal which include a clause in which either party could cancel the agreement with 7 days notice. The player was the party that triggered the clause, resulting in his release from the club. Loans No. P Name Country Age Loan club Started Ended Start source End source 40 MF Curtis Weston 21 Gillingham 1 August 27 August Leeds United Leeds United 20 FW Trésor Kandol 26 Millwall 7 August 28 January Sky Sports Yorkshire Evening Post 17 DF Scott Gardner 20 Farsley Celtic 19 September 21 October Leeds United Leeds United 25 GK Alan Martin 19 Barrow 24 September 2 May Leeds United BBC Sport 37 MF Ian Westlake 25 Cheltenham Town 23 October 24 January Leeds United Yorkshire Evening Post 16 MF Bradley Johnson 21 Brighton & Hove Albion 27 October 5 January Seagulls Yorkshire Evening Post 35 FW Lee Trundle 32 Bristol City 9 January 11 March Leeds United Leeds United 36 DF Richard Naylor 31 Ipswich Town 14 January 2 February Leeds United Leeds United 38 DF Carl Dickinson 21 Stoke City 15 January 18 February Leeds United Leeds United 29 FW Tom Elliott 18 Macclesfield Town 27 January 26 February BBC Sport Macclesfield Town 20 FW Trésor Kandol 27 Charlton Athletic 30 January 3 May Leeds United South London Press 31 DF Jonathan Webb 19 Newcastle Blue Star 27 February 2 May Leeds United 27 FW Liam Dickinson 23 Derby County 13 March 14 May Leeds United Leeds United 24 MF Peter Sweeney 24 Grimsby Town 20 March 2 May Leeds United BBC Sport 11 DF Alan Sheehan 22 Crewe Alexandra 23 March 2 May Leeds United BBC Sport 26 DF Sam Sodje 29 Reading 27 March 14 May Leeds United Leeds United 28 GK Darryl Flahavan 30 Crystal Palace 27 March 14 May Leeds United Leeds United Sources: For loan start source see "Start source". For loan end source see "End source". EU = if holds or not a European Union passport; Country: when 2 flags, 1st flag = country that plays for internationally, 2nd flag = country of birth; No. = number on jersey; P = Position (for position name, pause mouse pointer on abbreviation); Name = Name on jersey (for more extensive name, pause mouse pointer on name); In/Out = In: The player came in on loan, Out: The player went out on loan; Loan club = the club that the player moved on loan to or the club that the player came from on loan; Started = the date when the player's loan started; Ended = the date when the player's loan ended. New Contracts N Pos. Nat. Name Age Status Contract length Expiry date Source 5 DF Rui Marques 30 Signed 2 years May 2010 Leeds United 14 MF Jonathan Howson 20 Signed 3 years1 June 2011 Leeds United GK Matty Edwards 17 Signed 1 year July 2009 Leeds United FW Chris Ovington 17 Signed 1 year July 2009 Leeds United 7 MF David Prutton 26 Signed 1 year June 2010 Leeds United 25 GK Alan Martin 19 Signed 3 years August 2011 Leeds United 31 DF Jonathan Webb 18 Signed 1 year August 2009 LUTV 15 MF Fabian Delph 18 Signed 4 years August 2012 Leeds United 32 DF Aidan White 17 Signed 4 years December 2012 Leeds United DF Tom Lees 18 Signed 3 years January 2011 Leeds United 22 MF Andrew Hughes 31 Signed 1 year2 June 2010 Leeds United 1Automatically extended until 2012 if the club is promoted to The Championship. 2Player's first contract included an appearance related clause which was automatically triggered in March, resulting in a one-year contract extension commencing in June 2009. Club Kit Supplier: Macron Sponsor(s): NetFlights.com Home (Aug-Apr) Home (May) Away Third Source: Leeds United (Macron), Leeds United (NetFlights.com) Non-playing staff Position Staff Manager Simon Grayson (from Dec.) First Team Coaches Ian Miller (from Dec.) Glynn Snodin (from Feb.) Technical Director Gwyn Williams Academy Manager, Reserve Team Coach Neil Thompson Goalkeeping Coach Andy Beasley Under 18s Coach (until Jan.) Assistant Academy Manager (from Jan.) Daral Pugh Under 18s Coach Neil Redfearn (from Jan) Head Physio Harvey Sharman Assistant Physio Paul Perkins Fitness Coach Matt Pears Coaching Assistant Mick Walker Performance Analyst Darren Mowbray Kit Man Chris Beasley Groundsman Norman Southernwood Last updated: 5 May 2009 Source: Leeds United F.C. Official Handbook Includes staff currently registered with club only. Former staff Other information President George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood KBE Chairman Ken Bates Director, Chief Executive Officer Shaun Harvey Director Mark Taylor Mascot Lucas the Kop Cat Ground (capacity and dimensions) Elland Road (39,460 / 105x68m) Updated to match played 5 August 2008 Source: Leeds United Competitions Overall summary Competition Started round Final position / round First match Last match League One — 4th1 9 August 2 May Football League Cup 1st round 4th round 12 August 11 Nov Football League Trophy 1st round (North-East) 2nd round (Northern) 2 September 8 Oct FA Cup 1st round 2nd round 7 November 30 Nov Updated to match played 15 May 2009 Source: Competitions 1Qualified for play-offs. Lost to Millwall in the semi-final. League One Table Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Promotion or relegation 2 Peterborough United (P) 46 26 11 9 78 54 +24 89 Promotion to Football League Championship 3 Milton Keynes Dons 46 26 9 11 83 47 +36 87 Qualification for League One play-offs 4 Leeds United 46 26 6 14 77 49 +28 84 5 Millwall 46 25 7 14 63 53 +10 82 6 Scunthorpe United (O, P) 46 22 10 14 82 63 +19 76 Updated to match(es) played on 2 May 2009. Source: The Football League Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored. (O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted Results summary Overall Home Away Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD 46 26 6 14 77 49  +28 84 17 2 4 49 20  +29 9 4 10 28 29  −1 Last updated: 2 May 2009. Source: The Football League Results by round Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Ground A H A H H A A H A H A H H A A H H A A H A H A H A H H A H A A H H A A H H A H A A H A H A H Result W L D D W W W W L W L W W L W L W L L L L D W L W W W L W L L W W D D W W W W W D W L W W W Position 8 13 12 14 6 4 3 3 4 3 5 4 2 3 2 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 10 9 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 6 5 7 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 Updated to match(es) played on 2 May 2009. Source: Competitive matches A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss Play-offs Semi-finals Final             3 MK Dons 1 6 Scunthorpe United 1 Scunthorpe United 3 Millwall 2 4 Leeds United 0 5 Millwall 1 Last updated: 15 May 2009. Source: Competitive Matches 1Scunthorpe beat MK Dons 7–6 on penalties. Matches Pre-season York City v Leeds United 11 July 2008 York City 1–1 Leeds United York 19:30 BST Sodje 43' (Report) Beckford 25' Stadium: Bootham Crescent Attendance: 4,405 Referee: J. Moss Galway United v Leeds United 16 July 2008 Galway United 0–2 Leeds United Galway 19:30 BST (Report) Beckford 25', 46' Stadium: Terryland Park Attendance: 2,749 Referee: P. Sutton Bray Wanderers v Leeds United 20 July 2008 Bray Wanderers 2–3 Leeds United Bray 15:00 BST Robson 9' Rowe 32' (Report) Rui Marques 55' Haber 68' Howson 83' Stadium: Carlisle Grounds Attendance: 5,500 Referee: T. Connolly Shelbourne v Leeds United 23 July 2008 Shelbourne 1–1 Leeds United Drumcondra 19:30 BST Flood 23' (Report) Huntington 45' Stadium: Tolka Park Attendance: 3,127 Referee: I. Stokes Barnet v Leeds United 26 July 2008 Barnet 0–2 Leeds United Barnet 15:00 BST (Report) Robinson 36' Howson 49' Stadium: Underhill Attendance: 2,644 Referee: M. Russell Darlington v Leeds United 29 July 2008 Darlington 0–0 Leeds United Darlington 19.30 BST (Report) Stadium: The Darlington Arena Attendance: 3,441 Referee: E. Ilderton Leeds United v FCV Dender 2 August 2008 Leeds United 4–1 FCV Dender Leeds 15.00 BST Huntington 24', 86' Rui Marques 28' Beckford 34' (Report) Van Den Eede 55' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 7,041 Referee: U. Rennie League One Scunthorpe United v Leeds United 9 August 2008 Scunthorpe United 1–2 Leeds United Scunthorpe 12:00 BST Hooper 57' (Report) Showunmi 61' Beckford 80' Stadium: Glanford Park Attendance: 8,315 Referee: L. Probert Leeds United v Oldham Athletic 16 August 2008 Leeds United 0–2 Oldham Athletic Leeds 15:00 BST (Report) Taylor 51', 65' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 24,631 Referee: M. Russell Yeovil Town v Leeds United 23 August 2008 Yeovil Town 1–1 Leeds United Yeovil 13:00 BST Owusu 62' (pen.) (Report) Becchio 1' Stadium: Huish Park Attendance: 6,580 Referee: D. Whitestone Leeds United v Bristol Rovers 30 August 2008 Leeds United 2–2 Bristol Rovers Leeds 15:00 BST Beckford 5', 77' (Report) Lambert 32' Duffy 37' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 21,024 Referee: K. Wright Leeds United v Crewe Alexandra 6 September 2008 Leeds United 5–2 Crewe Alexandra Leeds 15:00 BST Delph 26' Sheehan 36' Douglas 48' Beckford 66' Robinson 81' Michalík  90+2' (Report) Bopp 90+3' Zola 90+4' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 20,075 Referee: T. Kettle Swindon Town v Leeds United 13 September 2008 Swindon Town 1–3 Leeds United Swindon 15:00 BST Cox 45' (Report) Beckford 22' Kilkenny 50' Beckford 84' Sheehan  9' Stadium: County Ground Attendance: 13,001 Referee: D. Deadman Carlisle United v Leeds United 20 September 2008 Carlisle United 0–2 Leeds United Carlisle 12:15 BST (Report) Becchio 32' Beckford 86' Stadium: Brunton Park Attendance: 12,138 Referee: P. Walton Leeds United v Hereford United 27 September 2008 Leeds United 1–0 Hereford United Leeds 15:00 BST Robinson 72' (Report) Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 25,676 Referee: G. Laws Peterborough United v Leeds United 4 October 2008 Peterborough United 2–0 Leeds United Peterborough 12:00 BST Boyd 47' Mackail-Smith 90+1' (Report) Stadium: London Road Stadium Attendance: 13,191 Referee: L. Probert Leeds United v Brighton & Hove Albion 11 October 2008 Leeds United 3–1 Brighton & Hove Albion Leeds 15:00 BST Becchio 44' Beckford 45+1', 90' (Report) Murray 90+3' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 22,726 Referee: C. Boyeson Millwall v Leeds United 18 October 2008 Millwall 3–1 Leeds United London 15:00 BST Martin 37' Harris 59', 88' (Report) Becchio 31' Stadium: The Den Attendance: 13,041 Referee: A Marriner Leeds United v Leyton Orient 21 October 2008 Leeds United 2–1 Leyton Orient Leeds 19:45 BST Purches 39' (o.g.) Becchio 45' Beckford 10' (Report) Morgan 36' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 18,990 Referee: C. Webster Leeds United v Walsall 25 October 2008 Leeds United 3–0 Walsall Leeds 15:00 BST Becchio 46' Delph 65', 86' (Report) Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 22,422 Referee: G. Hegley Southend United v Leeds United 28 October 2008 Southend United 1–0 Leeds United Southend 19:45 BST Harding 18' (Report) Stadium: Roots Hall Attendance: 10,132 Referee: P. Miller Cheltenham Town v Leeds United 1 November 2008 Cheltenham Town 0–1 Leeds United Cheltenham 15:00 BST (Report) Becchio 7' Stadium: Whaddon Road Attendance: 5,726 Referee: F. Graham Leeds United v Huddersfield Town 15 November 2008 Leeds United 1–2 Huddersfield Town Leeds 12:15 GMT Snodgrass 3' (Report) Skarz 46' Collins 90+2' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 32,028 Referee: M. Halsey Leeds United v Hartlepool United 22 November 2008 Leeds United 4–1 Hartlepool United Leeds 15:00 GMT Beckford 14', 90+1' Delph 50' Becchio 64' (Report) Porter 24' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 21,182 Referee: G. Salisbury Northampton Town v Leeds United 25 November 2008 Northampton Town 2–1 Leeds United Northampton 19:45 GMT Davis 27' Bignall 87' (Report) Beckford 68' Stadium: Sixfields Stadium Attendance: 6,008 Referee: C. Foy Tranmere Rovers v Leeds United 6 December 2008 Tranmere Rovers 2–1 Leeds United Birkenhead 15:00 GMT Kay 17' Moore 46' (Report) Showunmi 10' Stadium: Prenton Park Attendance: 8,700 Referee: R. Shoebridge Leeds United v Colchester United 13 December 2008 Leeds United 1–2 Colchester United Leeds 15:00 GMT Snodgrass 14' Prutton  66' (Report) Hammond 45+2' Yeates 66' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 19,625 Referee: N. Miller Milton Keynes Dons v Leeds United 20 December 2008 Milton Keynes Dons 3–1 Leeds United Milton Keynes 15:00 GMT O'Hanlon 11' Wilbraham 17', 55' (Report) Snodgrass 49' Stadium: stadium:mk Attendance: 17,073 Referee: T. Bates Leeds United v Leicester City 26 December 2008 Leeds United 1–1 Leicester City Leeds 15:00 GMT Snodgrass 90' (Report) Oakley 24' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 33,580 Referee: M. Halsey Stockport County v Leeds United 28 December 2008 Stockport County 1–3 Leeds United Stockport 12:00 GMT Mullins 2' (Report) Becchio 19' Delph 73' Christie 87' Stadium: Edgeley Park Attendance: 10,273 Referee: R. Beeby Leeds United v Carlisle United 10 January 2009 Leeds United 0–2 Carlisle United Leeds 15:00 GMT (Report) Graham 27' Bridges 35' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 22,411 Referee: K. Friend Brighton v Leeds United 17 January 2009 Brighton 0–2 Leeds United Brighton 15:00 GMT (Report) Trundle 61' Delph 82' Becchio 11' Stadium: Withdean Stadium Attendance: 7,096 Referee: P. Miller Leeds United v Peterborough United 24 January 2009 Leeds United 3–1 Peterborough United Leeds 15:00 GMT Beckford 62', 71' Howson 90+1' (Report) Mackail-Smith 80' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 22,766 Referee: A. Taylor Leeds United v Southend United 27 January 2009 Leeds United 2–0 Southend United Leeds 19:45 GMT Rui Marques 6' Naylor 11' (Report) Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 20,392 Referee: D. Foster Walsall v Leeds United 31 January 2009 Walsall 1–0 Leeds United Walsall 15:00 GMT Deeney 7' (Report) Stadium: Bescot Stadium Attendance: 8,920 Referee: K. Wright Leeds United v Millwall 9 February 2009 Leeds United 2–0 Millwall Leeds 15:00 GMT Beckford 32', 90+2' (Report) Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 19,314 Referee: A. Wiley Huddersfield Town v Leeds United 14 February 2009 Huddersfield Town 1–0 Leeds United Huddersfield 12:00 GMT Clarke 16' (Report) Stadium: Galpharm Stadium Attendance: 20,928 Referee: P. Taylor Hereford United v Leeds United 17 February 2009 Hereford United 2–0 Leeds United Hereford 19:45 GMT Myrie-Williams 39' Brandy 63' (Report) Trundle 10' Stadium: Edgar Street Attendance: 6,120 Referee: G. Horwood Leeds United v Cheltenham Town 21 February 2009 Leeds United 2–0 Cheltenham Town Leeds 15:00 GMT Howson 54', 66' (Report) Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 20,131 Referee: P. Walton Leeds United v Scunthorpe United 28 February 2009 Leeds United 3–2 Scunthorpe United Leeds 15:00 GMT Beckford 33', 67' Johnson 38' Howson  79' (Report) Hooper 42', 51' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 24,921 Referee: I. Williamson Oldham Athletic v Leeds United 2 March 2009 Oldham Athletic 1–1 Leeds United Oldham 19:45 GMT Hughes 51' (Report) Becchio 52' Stadium: Boundary Park Attendance: 7,835 Referee: R. Booth Bristol Rovers v Leeds United 7 March 2009 Bristol Rovers 2–2 Leeds United Bristol 15:00 GMT Hughes 14' Kuffour 90' (Report) Becchio 27' Snodgrass 58' Stadium: Memorial Stadium Attendance: 10,293 Referee: A. Marriner Leeds United v Yeovil Town 10 March 2009 Leeds United 4–0 Yeovil Town Leeds 19:45 GMT Beckford 26', 51', 58' Kilkenny 43' Becchio 72' (Report) Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 18,847 Referee: A. Haines Leeds United v Swindon Town 14 March 2009 Leeds United 1–0 Swindon Town Leeds 15:00 GMT Beckford 87',  90' (Report) Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 21,765 Referee: K. Stroud Crewe Alexandra v Leeds United 21 March 2009 Crewe Alexandra 2–3 Leeds United Crewe 15:00 GMT Pope 60', 73' Jones  17' (Report) Kilkenny 27' Becchio 30' Snodgrass 33' Stadium: Alexandra Stadium Attendance: 7,138 Referee: S. Mathieson Leeds United v Milton Keynes Dons 28 March 2009 Leeds United 2–0 Milton Keynes Dons Leeds 15:00 GMT Beckford 37', 54' (Report) Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 27,649 Referee: N. Swarbrick Colchester United v Leeds United 4 April 2009 Colchester United 0–1 Leeds United Colchester 15:00 BST (Report) Becchio 28' Stadium: Colchester Community Stadium Attendance: 9,559 Referee: A. Woolmer Leyton Orient v Leeds United 7 April 2009 Leyton Orient 2–2 Leeds United London 19:45 BST Thornton 65' Church 85' Demetriou  59' (Report) Snodgrass 19', 60' (pen.) Stadium: Brisbane Road Attendance: 6,943 Referee: T. Kettle Leeds United v Stockport County 11 April 2009 Leeds United 1–0 Stockport County Leeds 15:00 BST Howson 9' (Report) Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 24,967 Referee: P. Crossley Leicester City v Leeds United 13 April 2009 Leicester City 1–0 Leeds United Leicester 15:00 BST Howard 90+2' (Report) Stadium: Walkers Stadium Attendance: 27,507 Referee: L. Mason Leeds United v Tranmere Rovers 18 April 2009 Leeds United 3–1 Tranmere Rovers Leeds 15:00 BST Beckford 15' Kilkenny 26' Becchio 56' (Report) Sodje 27' (o.g.) Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 24,360 Referee: M. Oliver Hartlepool United v Leeds United 25 April 2009 Hartlepool United 0–1 Leeds United Hartlepool 15:00 BST (Report) Beckford 59' Stadium: Victoria Park Attendance: 6,402 Referee: C. Webster Leeds United v Northampton Town 2 May 2009 Leeds United 3–0 Northampton Town Leeds 15:00 BST Becchio 44' Beckford 59' Snodgrass 90' Report Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 34,214 Referee: Andy Penn Millwall v Leeds United 9 May 2009 Play-off Semi-Final (1st Leg) Millwall 1–0 Leeds United London 12:45 BST Harris 71' (Report) Stadium: The Den Attendance: 13,228 Referee: C. Oliver Leeds United v Millwall 14 May 2009 Play-off Semi-Final (2nd Leg) Leeds United 1–1 Millwall Leeds 19:45 BST Becchio 53' Beckford (Report) Abdou 74' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 37,036 Referee: M. Halsey Football League Cup Chester City v Leeds United 12 August 2008 1st Round Chester City 2–5 Leeds United Chester 19:45 BST Lowe 15', 75' (Report) Beckford 3', 25', 35' Snodgrass 10' Robinson 31' Stadium: Deva Stadium Attendance: 3,644 Referee: G. Salisbury Leeds United v Crystal Palace 26 August 2008 2nd Round Leeds United 4–0 Crystal Palace Leeds 19:45 BST Douglas 11' Beckford 32' Becchio 52' Showunmi 76' (Report) Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 10,765 Referee: K. Friend Leeds United v Hartlepool United 23 September 2008 3rd Round Leeds United 3–2 Hartlepool United Leeds 19:45 BST Snodgrass 14' Showunmi 58' Robinson 90+1' (Report) Monkhouse 2' Porter 33' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 14,599 Referee: A. Penn Derby County v Leeds United 11 November 2008 4th Round Derby County 2–1 Leeds United Derby 19:45 GMT Villa 6' Ellington 18' (Report) Becchio 40' Stadium: Pride Park Attendance: 18,540 Referee: G. Laws Football League Trophy Leeds United v Bradford City 2 September 2008 1st round (N-E) Leeds United 2–1 Bradford City Leeds 19:45 BST Robinson 7' (pen.) Becchio 50' (Report) Conlon 71' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 20,128 Referee: A. Taylor Rotherham United v Leeds United 8 October 2008 2nd round (Northern) Rotherham United 4–2 Leeds United Sheffield 19:45 BST Sharps 17' Hudson 44' (pen.) Broughton 48' Fenton 53' (Report) Howson 31' Showunmi 56' Stadium: Don Valley Stadium Attendance: 4,658 Referee: S. Mathieson FA Cup Leeds United v Northampton Town 7 November 2008 1st round Leeds United 1–1 Northampton Town Leeds 19:45 BST Robinson 37' (pen.) (Report) McGleish 9' Coke  26' Stadium: Elland Road Attendance: 9,531 Referee: M. Oliver Northampton Town v Leeds United 17 November 2008 1st round (replay) Northampton Town 2–5 Leeds United Northampton 19:45 GMT Crowe 44', 89' (Report) Beckford 13', 45+2', 54' Howson 28' Parker 41' Stadium: Sixfields Attendance: 3,960 Referee: P. Crossley Histon v Leeds United 30 November 2008 2nd round Histon 1–0 Leeds United Impington 12:15 GMT Langston 38' (Report) Stadium: Glassworld Stadium Attendance: 4,301 Referee: N. Swarbrick References External links 2008–09 Leeds United F.C. season on BBC Sport: Club news – Recent results and fixtures Official Website Sky Sports Soccerbase ESPNsoccernet Leeds Fans Leeds Utd Mad