Post by Taxigirl on Oct 24, 2005 8:46:34 GMT
www.leedsunited.com
United boss Kevin Blackwell insists Leeds have proved they can be a match for any team in the Championship.
Blackwell was reflecting on Friday night's draw with Sheffield United at Elland Road, a game the Whites came close to winning but just couldn't hang on enough to prevent the Blades from getting an equaliser midway through the second half.
Frazer Richardson's bullet-like strike was cancelled out by a Steve Kabba strike and although Blackwell was disappointed at the way Leeds conceded the goal, says the match itself made a few things clear in his mind about his team.
"We've created a great goal but we've given them a goal in my opinion," he said.
"Kabba's taken it well but we could have dealt with it on three instances and the players know I am not happy about it.
"But it has shown me just how far this club has come, it was a real barometer for me and the club, in the last nine months we have moved mountains to be in a position to match them and we have done that.
"If you had said to me at the beginning of the week that we would have seven points out of nine, and whichever way you work it out, I would be happy to accept it.
"We are getting better, the players are new and they are starting to get a bit more confidence in each other. Towards the end we were getting right at them and I thought there was only one side that would win it.
"We have to remember Wigan coming here and we couldn't compete with them last year, but we had a top of the side here and we more than competed with them.
"We now know that we can compete in this division and I am looking forward to the rest of the season."
Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock said the game was a good advertisement for Yorkshire football, and Blackwell agreed. The Whites boss was also taken with the Elland Road atmosphere and wishes more nights were like that.
"We need the fans back, it makes a real difference to us, so please come back wherever you are.
"It felt like a Premiership game and that's why we have to get back to the Premiership so we can enjoy some more like that."
warnock was naturally delighted to see his side come back and increase their stranglehold at the top of the division.
"I thought it was a good game and a good Yorkshire derby," said Warnock.
"It's nice to be talking about good teams in Yorkshire after all the doom and gloom of recent years.
"When you're 1-0 down it's good to come from behind and get a point. It was a great advert for the Championship and it would be lovely to have this game in the Premiership next season."
United boss Kevin Blackwell insists Leeds have proved they can be a match for any team in the Championship.
Blackwell was reflecting on Friday night's draw with Sheffield United at Elland Road, a game the Whites came close to winning but just couldn't hang on enough to prevent the Blades from getting an equaliser midway through the second half.
Frazer Richardson's bullet-like strike was cancelled out by a Steve Kabba strike and although Blackwell was disappointed at the way Leeds conceded the goal, says the match itself made a few things clear in his mind about his team.
"We've created a great goal but we've given them a goal in my opinion," he said.
"Kabba's taken it well but we could have dealt with it on three instances and the players know I am not happy about it.
"But it has shown me just how far this club has come, it was a real barometer for me and the club, in the last nine months we have moved mountains to be in a position to match them and we have done that.
"If you had said to me at the beginning of the week that we would have seven points out of nine, and whichever way you work it out, I would be happy to accept it.
"We are getting better, the players are new and they are starting to get a bit more confidence in each other. Towards the end we were getting right at them and I thought there was only one side that would win it.
"We have to remember Wigan coming here and we couldn't compete with them last year, but we had a top of the side here and we more than competed with them.
"We now know that we can compete in this division and I am looking forward to the rest of the season."
Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock said the game was a good advertisement for Yorkshire football, and Blackwell agreed. The Whites boss was also taken with the Elland Road atmosphere and wishes more nights were like that.
"We need the fans back, it makes a real difference to us, so please come back wherever you are.
"It felt like a Premiership game and that's why we have to get back to the Premiership so we can enjoy some more like that."
warnock was naturally delighted to see his side come back and increase their stranglehold at the top of the division.
"I thought it was a good game and a good Yorkshire derby," said Warnock.
"It's nice to be talking about good teams in Yorkshire after all the doom and gloom of recent years.
"When you're 1-0 down it's good to come from behind and get a point. It was a great advert for the Championship and it would be lovely to have this game in the Premiership next season."