Robbo to Spurs / Milner signs new deal with Leeds

[Seedorf]

First of all, Robbo to Spurs. It's either 1.5 million pounds if you believe Tottenham or 2 million pounds if you believe Leeds. Whatever the transfer fees was, the firesale has begun. Of course, Leeds assured the stars will not go cheap, and then sell Robbo, who is really worth 5 million pounds or so, for 2 million pounds at the most. At least that's 5 to 6 million dollars in Canadian money.

Second, Leeds locks up Milner. This is a very good move. Sure, Smith, Viduka, Mills, Robbo, Matteo (the old guard) are all probably gone. However, Leeds has enough U-21 talent to build around. If Leeds starts selling of those guys, it's at least 5 years out of the EPL. This move shows me that Leeds is looking to keep all their young talent and it may be just a season or two to get back to the EPL.

[Horror Show]

I'm liking this Milner lad more and more. He hasn't played to his full potential yet but give him a year or two and I think he'll be brilliant. I love the boy's spirit and his loyalty to the team.

[mellon002]

Has anybody else read that he had a chance to go to Tottenham but rejected the offer? If so, he's my new hero. Someone really showing some loyalty to a club.

[mellon002]

My new favorite player at Leeds (http://www.leedsunited.com/article.asp?article=203012&blnFeedback=&Title=Milner+Tells+Spurs+To+Forget+It&navlid=newsroom)

James is totally committed to Leeds and wants to stay at Elland Road

[Horror Show]

Apparently the Spurs offered 9 million (US?) for Milner.

[Darr]

Apparently the Spurs offered 9 million (US?) for Milner.


I doubt it was that much, but even so it's nice to hear that he decided to stay... Leeds apparently kept him and his agent informed and gave them the decision on whether to stay or go...

I see alot of goals from him and Simon next season.... And a hell of alot of goals from both of them when Football Manager is released.... :)

[mellon002]

Has anybody seen Simon or any other youngsters play on the youth levels? If so, could someone give the skinny on their abilities and styles of play?

[sendorange]

Aaron Lennon is the one to really look out for and who I think will be playing for the Leeds first team a lot more next year, although he's already had a few games and sub appearances this season. He has been very promising at youth levels and is one of the best wing prospect I've seen in years, better than the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips for instance. He's exciting to watch, loves dribbling at defenders, is exceptionally quick, can score goals and has a good final ball. Him and Milner link up very well when I've seen them play together.

[mellon002]

I remember Lennon. He got some good experience early this year. Carson had a good game against the Scum, but has anybody else really seen a lot of him? Or Johnson?

[sendorange]

Carson is rated by a lot of people as being better than Robinson was when Robbo was the same age. But it's a bit early to tell how he's going to pan out as he hasn't been a pro at Leeds for long.

Ben Parker is another good prospect, he's a young attacking fullback, might not break through next year, but he will sooner rather than later.

Simon Johnson is a forward, not very tall (5'9") but quite mobile and versatile. He's ok but not anywhere near the level of Milner or Lennon in terms of talent.

[Darr]

I remember Lennon. He got some good experience early this year. Carson had a good game against the Scum, but has anybody else really seen a lot of him? Or Johnson?

I've seen a handful of Simon's sub appearances.... I know his scoring record with the subs is impressive although that doesn't mean he'll do it with the first team... Hard to see him play with Viduka, Smith, and for awhile Bridges/Fowler ahead of him.... But his play with the reserves would of seen him earn a start for alot of other teams...

[mellon002]

I've checked out some of the numbers for a few of the young players and here's what I've got:

Simon Johnson (21 years old): 12 goals in 20 games for the reserves. According to Leeds' site, he has a goal in three appearances with Blackpool in Div. 2.
Aaron Lennon (17): 2 goals in 10 appearances with the reserves.
Killgallon (20): 2 goals in 7 appearances with the big club.
Richardson (22): 1 goal in 10 appearances withe the reserves.
Carson (19): 1 goal allowed against the Scum.
Milner (18): We know what he can do.
Martin Woods (18): 3 goals in 10 games with the reserves.

Cripes these guys are young.

http://www.leedsunited.com/squad.asp?clid=2&Title=1st+Team+Squad+Page&navlid=players

[LaBella]

I like the kids.. and I wished they found a way to work more of them in games last year... I'm going to need to find a way to watch D1 in the states next year... (I guess it's just in pubs right?). I'm expecting a very lively, fun team. If they keep the youth core intact we'll be back next year.