Mid season report - how have the players done?

By Andy Baggott
January 3 2006

Into the new year, and time for reflection. How’s it gone so far? Well, a fantastic recent run that has brought 8 wins from 10 games suggests that the future is looking bright for the men from Elland Road.

After a mixed start to the season, there are signs that the team is at last starting to gel – something that Kevin Blackwell predicted early in August. We have had our fair share of luck in games – pinching points where we have underperformed – but to get anywhere in this division, you have to ride your luck – on the flip side, no other Championship team has hit the woodwork more than us this season, so it’s not all one way. The team has slowly evolved as Blackwell has had to work out which is the best team as opposed to which are the best 11 players. A prime example of this is Sean Gregan. Gregan did little wrong in the early part of the season, and with Paul Butler kept many clean sheets. However, the lack of pace was starting to get exposed, and Blackwell had to leave one out – Gregan is likely to be sold in the transfer window. So how have the players done so far – marks out of 10

Sullivan 7 – dependable as usual-few concerns with his kicking, but rarely lets us down

Kelly 8 – improvement from last year, and his experience is vital to the side.

Butler 7 – lack of pace leaves him exposed at times, and may need replacing if we go up – good leader.

Gregan 6 – little bit unlucky as has no settled position. Lack of pace is his main problem.

Kilgallon 8 – improving match by match. Starting to live up to his earlier billing.

Harding 7 – difficult start, but gaining in confidence.

Richardson – 6 – done a job on the right side of midfield, but is a better right back-his time will come there.

Derry 8 – massive player for us-the arrival of Miller has taken a bit of pressure from him.

Miller 8 – done well – would be a huge boost if we can keep him longer.

Lewis 7 – bright start, then faded a bit – his performance against Plymouth showed what he can do

Douglas 7 – has done brilliantly since getting his recall over the last few games. Much improved, and could be an important player in the run in.

Healy 7 – struggled with injury, and been played out os position-still scoring goals though

Hulse 8 – star player earlier before injury have hampered him over recent weeks. Cresswell 7 – almost an 8, but too few games – looks quality and works for the team

Blake 8 – can create something from nothing, and has forced his way into the starting line up.

Blackwell 7/8 – has improved as a manager. Tactical changes, half time team talks and getting the right team are starting to work. Is completely committed to the cause, and starting to win over some of the doubters

Bates 9 – has delivered-in style. Impressed with the way he’s stayed out of the limelight, and taken a back seat. Has backed the manager financially, and is attracting investment – the club is going in the right direction. The one black mark is the handling of the season ticket prices. Although he may have had little choice, it could have been communicated better…

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