Review of 2010/11 – Part 2 – Losing Their Way
Review of 2010/11 – Part 2 – Losing their way Leeds United’s return to the Championship had seen them exceed expectations, despite heavy defeats at home to Preston and Cardiff and an embarrassing 5-2 reverse at Barnsley. The sheen of beating table-topping QPR on 18 December had been dulled by losing two-goal leads against Leicester and Portsmouth, but as 2011 opened, Leeds were fourth in the table, level on 40 points with Cardiff and Swansea, with Rangers seven points clear of that pack. It was heady stuff after three years in the League One wilderness and supporters were hopeful of a real promotion push in the New Year. Andy O'Brien, pictured celebrating his goal against Hull City on 9 November, made his move to Elland Road permanent on New The positive mood was enhanced by the Year's Day announcement that Irish international centre-back Andy O’Brien, on loan from Bolton since 29 October, would make the move permanent. O’Brien, who represented himself in contract talks, commented: “The meeting with the chairman was something I will remember all my life. It was a bit like when I signed my first contract at Bradford with Geoffrey Richmond – that was entertaining as well. My Dad came in with me initially and he is a big bloke of around 20 stone. The chairman’s first words were, ‘We’ll sign the fat one instead.’ My Dad replied he had been on a diet for six weeks, to which the chairman said, ‘Well that isn't effing working, is it?’ Dad is quite quick-witted and said back, ‘Well I don’t know what your excuse is’.
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