LUFC - Leeds 2008 review April - June

With the soap opera that is Leeds United; following the club there is never a dull moment so I thought it would be a good time to have a look back at 2008
.
We continue now with April through to June which included the ecstasy and agony of the play offs.


April

Leeds gain revenge at Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers when an Alan Sheehan free kick gives them a 1-0 victory.
A confident Leeds claim another two victories in succession when beating Leyton Orient 2-0 away and fellow promotion hopefuls Carlisle 3-2 in a thriller at Elland Road.

Just when fans were beginning to feel confident again we lose the local derby 1-0 at Huddersfield.

Filipe Da Costa had his contract cancelled (remember him?!) after only a few months with the club.

Leeds quickly put the Huddersfield game behind them winning at Millwall and then Yeovil, meaning Leeds were guaranteed a play off spot.

The panel had started their arbitration investigation into Leeds losing 15 points at the start of the season, the case lasting four days.
The football league announce that no trophy presentation will be carried out for the League One winners Swansea as they await the arbitration verdict, Leeds could still mathematically catch them if given the 15 points back, the verdict is expected on May 1st.

Casper Ankergren is fined £750 and warned about his future conduct after the throwing incident at Swindon.

Alan Sheehan gets sent off at Yeovil for a reckless tackle which results in a three match ban meaning he will miss the play off semi final.


May

Leeds appeal against the 15 point reduction they received at the start of the season has been rejected by a three man arbitration panel, Leeds will now have to be happy with a play off spot as they would have secured an automatic promotion spot had they got the 15 points reinstated.


Leeds finish the normal season off in style with a 2-0 home victory against Gillingham played in front of the highest football league crowd of the season 38,256; they finish the season with an home average of 26,586. This result means that Leeds finished the season in fifth spot and will play Carlisle United in the play offs.

Loan star Dougie Freedman wins the Powerade League One player of the month for April after scoring three important goals that secured Leeds play off spot.
Leeds lose the home leg of the play off semi final at home against Carlisle United 2-1, Dougie Freedman scores a dramatic late goal that proves crucial in the second leg.

Matt Heath is released by Leeds United and he signs for Colchester where he`s been on loan since January.

Johnny Howson scores both goals and secures a dramatic 2-0 victory for Leeds with the last kick of the match to send Leeds to Wembley to play Doncaster Rovers in the final.

Rui Marques signs a new two year deal with the club.

Leeds sign Swansea City`s talented winger Andy Robinson.

Leeds once again choke on the big stage and lose to Doncaster Rovers 1-0 and are condemned to another season in League One, it`s the third time Leeds have lost in the play off final since they started in the 80`s.

Midfielder Alan Thompson retires from football after struggling with injury all season.


June

Leeds agree to sell striker Anthony Elding to Crewe Alexandra after he`s failed to make an impression during his six month`s with the club, Elding stalls on the deal saying he wants to fight for his place at Elland Road.

A pre season friendly is announced with Belgian side Sporting Lokeren on August 2nd.
They are also to play three games in Ireland against Galway United, Shelbourne and Bray Wanderers.

The first round of the carling cup is drawn; Leeds will face Chester City away.

The football league fixtures are announced, Leeds will travel to Scunthorpe United on the opening day, their first home fixture will be the following Saturday against Oldham Athletic.

The carling cup tie at Chester is chosen for live Sky TV coverage.

Star youngster Johnny Howson signs a new three year contract with the club.

After the fixtures are announced earlier in the month five fixtures have already had their kick off times changed to accommodate the Police!





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