Brian McDermott has now managed to bring in his all elusive forth signing, in the shape and form of Scott Wootton. This signing hasn't been a straight forward one by any means, many Leeds fans felt that the squad would not be seeing any more additions during this transfer window, and in reality were looking at the prospect of players going in the opposite direction.
During this post I am going to look back at another two of Brian's signings from the summer along with his latest squad member. Luke Murphy and Matt Smith have both been with the squad during pre-season, and have managed to get themselves well acquainted with the White following and their squad mates.
Ace among cards - Matt Smith
The first of the three to arrive was striker Matt Smith, He found himself out of contract at Oldham at the end of last season, and soon found Brian knocking on his door. Smith had a cracking season for Oldham as his goals helped to know Liverpool out the Capital One Cup, and hold Everton to a replay. Despite these big-time goals he has had trouble find the net, and had been said to be one of those player who only find the net when a goal is most needed. He won himself a two year contract with Leeds and found himself scoring twice in his first game for the Whites in a 5-0 win over local team Farseley A. F.C. His first competitive game came with the first match of the new league when he came on as a substitute and provided Luke Murphy with an assist for Murphy's 94th minute winner against Brighton & Hove Albion.
A Pair in the Hand - Luke Murphy
Next to arrive at Thorpe Arch was Luke Murphy. Murphy had a bit more of a buzz about his arrival due to the fact he was our first 7 figure sum for player since 2005. Not only did we pay a million pound for his services but we also fought of competition from other Championship clubs. This to many other clubs will not seem a great deal, yet to Leeds United it is a God send, it is something so out of character for us it almost felt too good to be true. Brian chose Murphy as a promising midfielder from Crewe Alexandria. Murphy made his debut in the same game as Smith and found himself scoring a dramatic late winner in the 94th minute. He has been saying all of the right things in front of the fans, and insists he is there to get our club back in the Premier league.
Three of a Kind - Scott Wootton
Scott Wootton is another player that has caused a bit of a stir amongst the Elland Road faithfull. This is not just because he has come as an unexpected signing, but slightly more so because of where we gain him from. Wootton joined from that dark place across the pennines. He is a young centre back who has played twice in both the Champions League, Capital One Cup for Manchester United. He left the club not because he wasn't good enough either, yet because he could not get the game time at the Old Trafford club. He has seen the light and has joined us at time when we could use another centre back, and one like Wootton will do nicley. Brian has stated the he bought him because of his footballing talent.
Pat Crerand has said. “They’ve (Leeds) done a terrific bit of business there. I wasn’t expecting him to be sold and, to be honest, I’m surprised he’s gone. There are a lot of kids at Manchester United and many of them aren’t going to make the grade but I thought he had a chance. He looked like he had a chance."
So there we have it, these three young players are three of a kind, they are all hungry players who will give their all for the badge on the shirt. They are all here cause they want to play good football, in front of loyal passionate fans who are there to cheering them on each week. They are all here because Brian McDermott, saw a quality piece of something in each of them.
In Brian McDermott we trust, Leeds United are Marching on Together.
