Stopping the rot at LUFC: How can we save our season?

As is customary for Leeds sides of the past, the systematic meltdown this time of year is upon us, made even clearer from our embarrassing defeat at League Two side Rochdale. With this defeat, as well as those to Nottingham Forest and Blackburn, United are showing all the tell-tale signs of petering out into form worthy of a mid-table finish… or worse. Having said this, we at LUFC_Calypso have decided that, after a fairly miserable week, a more positive spin needs to be taken. We decided to look at what has to be done to return to the golden chalice that is the play-off spots rather than watching our season derail yet again.

It is undeniable that work has to be done in the transfer window. McDermott made it crystal clear that he is well aware of the importance of new recruits in the January window and, with funds made available to him, I would be surprised to see this window come and go without significant attempts to bolster the squad. With the signing of Hull City winger Cameron Stewart seeming more and more likely, Brian appears to be taking the first step in utilising the window to consolidate our fairly promising position. A whole host of names are linked with our club once again, and though this phenomenon normally comes to nothing other than frustration and frenzied twitter rants, it is clear that the signing of Stewart would not be the end of McDermott’s shopping spree. The message seems to be clear – watch this space.

Secondly, tactical changes need to be made to the current squad, regardless of signings. Much to the despair of the vast majority of the Leeds faithful, it appears that we have relapsed to Warnock’s hoofball tactics, lumping the ball long to Matt Smith and hoping for the best. Our most favourable run of results came when we were playing our most aesthetically pleasing passing game, and a return to that style is crucial to our success. Also on the subject of tactics, our midfield is bypassed on every outing, even by the under-developed midfield of League Two Rochdale. Austin looks a shadow of his former self, and many are considering Luke Murphy to be falling short of his £1 million price tag. Although currently our alternatives are clearly short of the mark, either the current personnel need to up their game or replacements must be sourced from elsewhere. Regardless of Austin’s fall from grace and the disappointment of Murphy, there is one sentiment that unites all Leeds fans – Michael Brown is NOT the answer.

Finally, although current form does not exactly give the average Leeds fan any cause for celebration, it is absolutely integral to our success for the club that the fans remain totally behind the club from top to bottom. Although at times it is important for fans to show their distaste for results or style of play, getting on their backs in the long term will hardly make things better, particularly at home. Elland Rd was at times akin to the fortress of old this season, and a happy stadium makes all the difference for those battling it out on the field for the badge. With minor tweaking, we’re not a million miles away, and we still sitting a point off the play-offs. At times like these, we hope fans are able to hold onto the mantra that binds us; win or lose, we are marching on together.