The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 4th September) Blades 'made up' Piroe rumour as retaliation
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 4th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Blades 'made up' Piroe rumour as retaliation
The Sheffield Utd hierarchy attempted to cause friction between Joel Piroe and the Whites by spreading the rumour that Leeds were trying to offload him as part of a deal involving Gustavo Hamer. That's the firm opinion of BBC Leeds journalist Adam Pope, who is insistent that the leak came from the Blades. Leeds have always denied the claim, but rumours such as this can cause irreparable damage to the confidence of players, especially those who aren't firing on all cylinders.
Sheffield Utd are already understandably upset about losing Jaiden Bogle, so when Leeds returned several weeks later for Gustavo Hamer, all hell would have broken loose at Bramall Lane. It has been suggested since, that Chris Wilder threatened to quit if Hamer left for Leeds for £18m, prompting them to raise the bar to £22m, which was out of the question! Speaking on his 'Don't Go To Bed Yet' podcast, Popey retorted...
There’s a lot of dispute over Joel Piroe. If I’m being honest, it’s my opinion, that’s not true, from what I’ve been told. It was more done as a retaliation to disrupt. So I’m not, I’m not buying that.”
Phillips instrumental in Summerville exit
Kalvin Phillips encouraged Crysencio Summerville to make his £26m move to West Ham, when asked for advice. Phillips 28, Leeds born and Bred, spent 12 years at Elland Road developing his skills, before breaking into the England squad in August 2020. He is one of only seventy players to have played over 200 times for the Whites. His big money move to Manchester City in 2022 broke the hearts of many die-hard Leeds fans who worshiped him.
The England midfielder endured a torrid spell with the Hammers back in January, making just two stats, and completing 320 minutes of game time. It comes as a total surprise that he would give them a glowing reference, even telling Summerville that he would have no problems settling in, when perhaps the Dutchman was expecting to hear difference. Former Sunday Times, now Athletic correspondent for West Ham Roshane Thomas wrote...
Former Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who struggled during his six-month spell at West Ham, also encouraged Summerville to join when he sought his opinion. Phillips praised staff behind the scenes, the player care team and how likeable the squad is. He stressed Summerville would have no issues settling in.
Leeds and Cardiff to honour late 'inspiring skipper'
Leeds United and Cardiff City are set to honour the late Sol Bamba when the two two sides meet in several weeks. The former defender, who tragically passed away at 39, had a significant impact during his time with both clubs.
Having joined Leeds in 2015, Bamba quickly became an integral part of the Leeds side, even skippering them in place of Liam Cooper during their 15/16 campaign. He made 56 appearances and scored five goals for the Whites. Beyond his contributions on the field, Bamba's resilience was evident as he battled and defeated non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021.
Prior to his passing, Bamba was serving as the Technical Director for Adanaspor in Turkey. His legacy will be remembered as Leeds and Cardiff come together to commemorate his life and career at the Cardiff City Stadium later this month. Bluebirds’ chairman Mehmet Dalman...
Discussions are already underway to pay tribute to Sol at the Leeds game. They are willing and happy to go along with us. There are preparations taking place for this.