Leeds United

Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds

Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Leeds United host Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

It is the first time in an FA Cup tie since they last made the final of the competition in the 1972-73 season. It was at the same fourth-round stage when they beat the Pilgrims 2-1 at Elland Road thanks to goals from Allan Clarke and Mick Bates.

• Archie Gray's grandfather Frankie Gray was on the bench that day for United but his grandson will be not be involved 51 years later after picking up a knee injury in the 1-0 midweek win over Norwich City. Gray could be back for the trip to Bristol City next Friday but winger Dan James (abductor) will miss both games.

• Multiple changes are expected from the midweek win over Norwich but winger Willy Gnonto is available after a hip problem. Meanwhile, Pascal Struijk (adductor) will miss another two games at least, plus Stuart Dallas and Karl Darlow are still sidelined.

• He gave an update on Charlie Cresswell's future, saying, "the door is back open" for Cresswell to be re-involved on matchdays. Farke has spoken with Cresswell in the past couple of days and seems happy with what his centre-back has said.

• The boss is very proud of Junior Firpo's recent performances after all he has experienced in terms of injury, form and criticism.

• Having cleared a rescheduled fixture in midweek is this the chance to have a right go at the Cup though? "Nobody wants a replay but [Leeds] are taking the tie more than seriously. But we also won't do anything stupid. Not one per cent less effort will go into our preparations."

• He remained tight-lipped about what might happen before the transfer deadline next Thursday: He repeated his line that there are positions where Leeds could do with more depth, but also his view that getting players they want in this window is tough. He said he would be lying if he thought “we definitely go with this squad” after the end of the window.

Leeds United's Patrick Bamford and comedian Joe Wilkinson talk footballing outfits on this week's My Mate's A Footballer podcast.

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford spoke to the My Mate's a Footballer podcast about what he does to prepare for a match: "Under this manager, on the Friday, we're at home having dinner with the family, It's just like a normal week night. We have breakfast in the morning at home, and then we meet up at the stadium at about quarter past eleven.

"We then get on the bus to the hotel in town where we have a pre-match meal, anywhere between three and a half and four hours before kickoff, it's just like a breakfast. You end up eating a big meal the night before and something before you go to bed to load up a bit.

When asked about team news, Bamford said: "With some managers, we know the team the day before the game. Now just before we leave the hotel, so about an hour and a half before kick-off is when he tells us the team.

"I do prefer to know the day before, because if you know you're not starting, you can get your head round it by the time the game comes, you're not angry about it.

"If I'm going into a game, I give myself a list of three things I want to focus on in the game. It might be working on peeling off a certain centre-back, or finish in a certain position every time I attack the box, because that's where all the chances have been against that team. Sometimes I come off and think 'I didn't do that!'

Listen to the full episode here

BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan was in buoyant mood on the latest episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast after the 1-0 win over Norwich City at Elland Road.

"Victorious not vintage, but who cares? We got the win," he said. "What a week. I think [it is] pivotal. I really do. Absolutely pivotal.

"[Daniel Farke said we have] got to win 17 games out of 19. That's two. So 15 games to go [and we are] champions!"

Co-host Adam Pope agreed with Buchan, issuing special praise to one of Leeds' full-backs: "I gave my man of the match to Junior Firpo. I think he was absolutely fantastic.

"In the press box, people were saying Joe Rodon and others, but I thought Firpo because he did his job on both sides."

"He is growing into it, isn't he?" added Buchan. "Archie Gray was good but Firpo was great. I feel like he is a goal or something away from a song, isn't he? He is really close to getting that.

"Bristol City away [in the next match] is a place isn't it, when you can get a song."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds

Somewhat under the radar Mateo Joseph committed his future to Leeds United last Friday.

While everyone was talking about defensive needs in the transfer window and wondering how Archie Gray would handle Preston's Liam Millar, the 20-year-old striker signed a new deal until 2028.

Forty-eight hours later, there were no new faces but Gray and United had won, with Joseph joining the action as a substitute just in time to celebrate Joel Piroe's match-winning late penalty.

It was Joseph's 13th appearance, all from the bench since starting in EFL Cup defeat at Wolves last season. That was followed by appearing in the last throes of defeat under Jess Marsch in the Premier League at Spurs.

Shortly after that, while with the squad in Elche during the World Cup break, he said: "Training with the first team every day, having breakfast with them, gets you that confidence. Games like Tottenham, one of the best teams in the world, give you the confidence you want. Maybe you feel nervous but I was looking for it and wanting to make an impact."

However, opportunities for the Santander-born forward to do so have been scarce. In the midst of a relegation battle and managerial turmoil, he faded out of contention but now his diligence appears to be paying off.

An England under-20, international, with three goals in 10 appearances, he has bided his time and caught the eye of manager Daniel Farke. He is a squad regular now and, on Boxing Day came off the bench ahead of experienced team-mate Patrick Bamford.

Joseph's attitude appears exemplary. Asked about training with former team-mate Rodrigo Moreno, he revealed his desire to learn: " I'm not perfect in anything. I have to improve everything to be there in every detail. Be stronger, be quicker." Former Spain international Rodrigo taught him to "when a long ball is coming to bump in (to his opponent), have less touches in the box, things like that. Small details."

Farke clealy sees a path for a forward who has an English father of Antiugan descent and a Spanish mother. There is a family connection to former England striker Emile Heskey, just a part of his interesting backstory. He left home at 13 to play for Espanyol, before moving to England when 18.

"I am lucky that my father's family is from England and I have not had any complications with the language," he told Marca. He has settled well and it is testament to him that he has remained at Thorp Arch when a loan move may have appeared more attractive.

Farke told the media the new contract was "good news for Joseph and good news for us too", saying the player along with Gray and Ethan Ampadu "are the future of Leeds United".

"We love to have players who haven't achieved their peak yet," Farke added. "We are one hundred per cent they'll play a major role for us."

Joseph's patience is beginning to be rewarded.

Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds

The Football League's only unbeaten side on home soil take that impressive record in to the visit of Daniel Farke's former club Norwich City. (Wed, KO: 7.45pm).

After the bruising victory over Preston North End the elation and relief of a late winner will hopefully have eased the aches and pains as Farke looks to do the double over David Wagner's side.

Here are the best lines from his news conference:

• Farke says all the players who were available against Preston will be for the visit of Norwich. Willy Gnonto (hip) may make the bench. Pascal Struijk (adductor) remains out as do Stuart Dallas (leg) and Karl Darlow (hand).

• Farke has reiterated the message to agents that his key players are not for sale. As for Gnonto and the efforts to tie him down to a new deal he says: "We will speak about business when business is done." He offered the same response when he was asked about any new signings by the end of the transfer window.

• The manager says with Luke Ayling and Djed Spence having left, Leeds are now "two players short". He added that they are another man down due to the Charlie Cresswell situation not being sorted yet. With Struijk being out longer than expected the length of his absence might dictate if Leeds bring in a centre-back before the deadline.

• Farke believes it was best to rearrange tomorrow's game for the earliest date, rather than to hang onto it as a game in hand, stating: "For us, it's a good moment to play. It's never a guarantee that it's successful, but the next months will be busy."

• He intimated he will rotate his squad for the visit of Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Adonis Storr, The Roaring Peacock, external

For years at Elland Road there was a dearth of quality options in midfield. Now they are spoiled for choice.

Archie Gray, Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev – four central midfielders – in the absence of defenders – have become mainstays in the Leeds line-up. And it shows.

You might trace the problems in midfield back to Marcelo Bielsa, whose philosophy – while approaching art – often left huge gaps in central areas.

Meanwhile Jesse Marsch's strange style required central midfielders. When Brenden Aaronson arrived in July 2022, it was the first midfielder Leeds acquired since Adam Forshaw joined the club four-and-a half years previously.

But Marsch's incomings were failures at best.

Weston McKennie and Aaronson combined to disastrous effect. Darko Gyabi – seemingly a makeweight in exchange for Kalvin Phillips – never got going. And, despite the talent of Marc Roca and Tyler Adams, neither could maintain fitness or form.

In Ampadu, Kamara, Gruev and Gray, the Peacocks have found a solidity in transition and an ease in possession previously missing. Looking comfortable on the ball all over the pitch, these midfielders are spearheading Leeds footballing renaissance.

BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan has been praising the development of Leeds United defender Junior Firpo, who currently has the most assists in the Championship this year, on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast: "After the game, he's always one that's out on the pitch having a walk around and his kids are kicking the ball around, all that sort of stuff. He does seem to like it at Leeds!

"He's growing so much into it now and I know this is ridiculous to say because he came from Barcelona, we paid a lot of money for him and he should've grown into it in the Premier League, he should've settled in the Premier League. It was just carnage when he arrived at the club, let's be honest."

Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix added: "Everyone loves an underdog story and what is more 'underdog' than a £15m defender from Barcelona, but it does also kind of work doesn't it. He's finally playing some games, he's getting some confidence from getting some assists, and he's actually doing some defending.

"I mean, having said that, I did think when Sam Byram came on that he does offer something different. It's good to have two people that can play there, but then again we could end up not signing a left-back in the transfer window and then they could both get injured on the 1st February. Then we would be stuck and kind of screwed.

"So I don't quite know what the correct thing to do there is. If we were to get someone like Ben Davies [from Rangers], who would play in front of both of them, then what are you doing with those two [Firpo and Byram]? You can't just pick one over the other because when they've been fit they have definitely done their jobs, haven't they?"

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Has Leeds' latest win got the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet team buzzing for the promotion push?

Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix was not blown away by the display in what felt like a "must-win" game against Preston.

• Listen to the episode in full here

BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan believes Georginio Rutter has reached "cult-hero" status following the forward's celebrations after Leeds United's 2-1 win against Preston North End.

"I think he has cult hero all over him now," Buchan told the latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.

"The way he was celebrating after the game, the way he ran onto the pitch with his hands in the air, the way he was getting the fans to jeer, he was slapping the badge and he's got a big smile on his face.

"He plays football that you want to watch because you don't know what he's going to do with it. You think he's got it, no he hasn't he's lost it, he's lost it again but no he's still got it. He was doing that a little bit too much during the game against Preston, as Neil Redfearn was saying to us, but I think cult hero wise he is that.

"Alright, they have paid a lot of money for a cult hero that is now playing in the Championship but I just think that affection that the fanbase seem to have for him now is huge. That's a really big thing."

Adam Pope added: "In terms of his performance against Preston, it wasn't his best game. There were just too many touches from Rutter which slowed things up. The first thing he did in the second half was quick and Leeds got on the front foot straight away and I think he was like that for most of the second half, so he was loads better then.

"There's something about him, isn't there? It's the right position for him in this side definitely but I still have questions about whether it can happen at the next level though, to be honest."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards has been discussing why Everton are looking to sell defender Ben Godfrey and why the 26-year-old might be looking for a move away from Goodison Park himself, on the Transfer Gossip Daily podcast: "What a wonderful choice dilemma this is for that young man. He's got the choice where he can go to AC Milan and play for one of the most glamorous clubs in Italy, live in Milan, and play for some of the most passionate supporters in Europe. However, some of that is wishful thinking.

"His second choice is a team struggling against relegation but showing a bit of fight. He wouldn't have to move very far from Merseyside to Yorkshire. They are a good side and have Chris Wilder who has been allowed to strengthen his squad. He wants to bolster his backline as well and they are going to have a fighting chance of staying up this season, particularly if Nottingham Forest and Everton are docked points.

"Or do you go to Leeds United? One of the great football clubs. They are a one-club city who are going really well in the Championship. They aren't guaranteed promotion, but Godfrey can take part in a promotion campaign. However, it also runs the risk of playing for a Championship club.

"So there are three options there. I would choose AC Milan all day every day. But I have a feeling this will come to a straight shootout between Sheffield United and Leeds United.

"It's one of those debates which you can put yourself into as a football fan. These are three very different clubs, very different parameters, expectations and situations. I think it's a brilliant three-way choice."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Tom Gayle, BBC Radio 5 Live at Elland Road

Amid the ecstasy of a late winner against Preston, Elland Road was also able to demonstrate it was simply just a game of football, and there are much more important things in life.

Sadly, winger Jaidon Anthony lost his mother Donna earlier in the week. As a mark of respect Leeds United players, along with those from his parent club Bournemouth, wore black arm-bands during their fixtures on Sunday afternoon.

Anthony, on a season-long loan in West Yorkshire, was named in the match day squad and went on to be an unused substitute. I certainly felt a huge tug on my heart strings each time the 24-year-old and his team-mates jogged along the touch line, where he received rapturous applause from the home fans and, despite having a snood pulled up to just below his eyes, it visibly meant a lot to him.

Afterwards, manager Daniel Farke said: "We are a family at Leeds United and when there are tough times we have to be there. Jaidon is a brilliant lad, a brilliant team-mate, and all our support, help and thoughts this week are there for him.

"We are happy that he was really willing to be back in training to help us, and also to attend today [against Preston] to help us achieve these three important points. All our thoughts and support are with him and his family."

Sheffield United and Leeds United are interested in Everton defender Ben Godfrey, but the 26-year-old could also be an option for Serie A side AC Milan. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United forward Mateo Joseph has signed a new long-term contract with the club that will see him remain at Elland Road until the summer of 2028.

The 20-year-old, who signed from La Liga side Espanyol in January 2022, has made six first-team appearances this season under Daniel Farke.

He has also scored three goals for England Under-20s in 10 appearances.

In a club statement, Leeds said, external: "Everyone is delighted to see Mateo commit to the club until 2028, and we look forward to seeing his future development."

Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds

Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Leeds United host Preston North End in the Championship on Sunday (12:00 GMT kick-off).

Here are the key lines from the Whites boss' news conference:

• Centre-back Liam Cooper and right-back Sam Byram are in full training so could be involved. Left-back Junior Firpo has recovered from a dead leg, but Willy Gnonto (hip) is a major doubt. Pascal Struijk (abductor) will be out for a further week, while Karl Darlow and Stuart Dallas remain sidelined.

• On midfielder Archie Gray, who has signed a new long-term contract: "I trusted him to play, but all the credit goes to Archie in his development... and to his family instilling the right values in him. I enjoy working with him."

• Farke said there was nothing to report on transfers, but added: "I won't lie, some additions in the defensive areas would be helpful."

• The German said he is not worried by the lack on signings to date, adding that Financial Fair Play restrictions and bringing players in without a pre-season make this particular window more difficult. "It has to make sense for us," he said. "If not, we go with what we’ve got and I trust my group. We’re in a good position. We didn’t win it in the lottery. We won it with good development."

• On whether Leeds will look to sign on-loan Joe Rodon permanently from Tottenham: "We see him growing more and more into this club as a leader. I think he’s happy to be here. We would like him to stay a bit longer, but for now it’s not an urgent topic. The next 12 days we have other topics to concentrate upon."

Leeds' Archie Gray speaking to BBC Radio Leeds about being a fan, his age and playing in different roles: "A few years ago I was fully a part of the fanbase and I always have been. It's amazing from when you're watching the games in the crowd to playing on the pitch, you know how the fans are feeling so you get to understand it a bit more.

"I get treated as equally as the first team, which is right because if you're good enough you're old enough. You're in the same team and you're playing for the same spot, so everyone gets treated equally.

"We all get on really well and we all have the same interests, we have a great blend in the age of the group, it's amazing.

"I'm getting loads of experience from playing different positions and it helps you understand the game more. You see the game differently at right-back and as a midfielder. You can come up against different wingers, some who are lightning fast or some who are technically good and try to take you on one on one. It's about learning against the player you're playing against. There's loads more I can learn."

Listen to Gray speak to BBC Radio Leeds here

Leeds United are working on a permanent deal to sign on-loan Tottenham and Wales defender Joe Rodon, 26, who is valued at more than £15m. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds

"You want to be at the right place and I think being here is definitely the right place for me. It's the club that I support I've been really comfortable here."

After signing a long-term deal at Leeds, 17-year-old Archie Gray spoke to BBC Radio Leeds, external with the maturity he shows on the pitch that belies his tender years.

Gray has been around the first-team squad since the Marcelo Bielsa era but it is current coach Daniel Farke who has given him all of his 28 appearances to date.

Of the transition Gray said: "It's been a lot of hard work obviously off the pitch and away from football, but I'm just lucky with the team-mates, the coaching staff and the managers that I've had to integrate me into the team so far.

"You've just got to trust your ability and stay calm before a game - just believing in myself too."

The Gray lineage at Elland Road stretches back six decades after Archie's great Uncle Eddie made his debut on New Year's Day 1966. He was followed by grandfather Frank and then his own father Andy who had two spells at the club. As well as being great players in their own right they all have something in common when it comes to Archie's development.

"They just let me get on with it," said Archie. "It's your own path. Everyone is different. My time is different to my dad's and my dad was different to my grandad's time.

"Obviously their advice is some of the best out there, but the game has changed. But the main time when they'll give you advice is in games when you've done something wrong. They'll just put out little tips and just make sure you've always got a good attitude, helping to get the stuff in and out of training, stuff like that."

There is little chance of Gray being anything other than humble with the experience of a family steeped in football around him. Plus, like all older brothers, Archie has siblings who keep him grounded.

"There's been a few times when I've come home and my seven-year-old or 10-year-old brother is saying, 'you should've scored that!'.," Archie said.

"When playing in the garden they're really talented but they'll still try and tackle you as hard as they can. It's amazing - you just want to show them that there is a pathway here."