With little to complain about on the pitch, Leeds United fans’ attention has once again shifted to the broadcaster, who they believe is intended to ruin their weekends.
Leeds United continue their march towards promotion.
On Saturday afternoon, Leeds easily defeated Plymouth Argyle, extending their winning streak to eight games. The Whites are now second in the Championship table, having recovered from a poor start and appear to be on track to return to the top division at the first attempt.
Leeds’ recent success has been attributed in part to ruthless attacking displays, with Wilfred Gnonto seemingly back in favour at Elland Road and making a mockery of second-tier defences. Five goals in his previous five games have placed the Italian back in Daniel Farke’s good books and aided Leeds’ push for promotion.
Striking developed a combination with Crysencio Summerville, the two wingers have been the catalysts for their teams’ success and will deserve all the credit if Leeds are promoted.
While Leeds’ free-flowing attacking football is enjoyable to watch, fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the logistical difficulty of following their team, which is aired on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports speaks with Leeds over chants.
As one of the largest fan bases in the second division, Leeds was bound to be chosen for a large number of televised games. A joyous occasion for fans who can watch their team from the comfort of their own homes, but a hassle for those who want to go.
Leeds fans have seen their customary Saturday 3pm games moved to a weeknight or lunchtime position to accommodate the Sky cameras almost every week. For example, this month’s match to Bristol City was rescheduled for a Friday night, resulting in fans returning home well past midnight following a nearly four-hour journey back to West Yorkshire.
Writing for The Athletic, journalist Phil Hay reported that Sky attempted to communicate with the club regarding the criticism to the fixture changes: “Not so long ago, an employee of Sky Sports asked a member of staff at Leeds United how the broadcaster should go about making peace with the club’s support.”
“Like clockwork, every televised game involving Leeds was generating chants about Sky, chants no television company would choose to air before the watershed.”
This weekend’s trip to Plymouth Argyle provided another opportunity for Leeds fans to vent their concerns with the broadcaster. The excursion to Home Park had been rescheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, forcing fans to get an early start to make the long travel to the southwest.
Hay believes the solution to this problem is easy, stating that Sky could “perhaps stop sending them to Plymouth Argyle at lunchtime on a Saturday”.
Until supporters are prioritized, it is probable that expletive-laden chanting regarding the broadcaster will persist. Fortunately for Leeds fans, on-field performances can help alleviate the effects of these inconveniences.
READ MORE…….
Crysensio Summerville’s attitude emerges amid Premier League interest.
Leeds United are concerned over Crysencio Summerville’s long-term future amid interest from Premier League clubs, with promotion likely to play a role, according to Ben Jacobs.
According to a talkSPORT journalist who spoke with Give Me Sport, if Leeds do not get promotion this season, any interested teams will have the option to discuss a prospective transfer.
However, he has revealed that Summerville does not see the situation the same way, having always preferred to stay at Elland Road despite past interest from Everton, Bournemouth, and Burnley.
Speaking to Give Me Sport [18 February], Jacobs explained: “Everton, Bournemouth, and Burnley have looked in the past, but nothing has progressed because Summerville has always indicated that he wants to stay at Leeds during the summer and January.”
“Leeds are very relaxed about the issue because they believe the player wants stability and game time, which they can provide.
“It’s probably a little anxious for Leeds because they know that if they don’t get promoted, there will be a possibility for interested clubs to reconsider the issue. But I don’t think Summerville sees it that way.
Will Crysencio Summerville stay with Leeds United this summer?
Summerville’s future was never going to be quiet, with speculation starting as soon as Leeds were relegated from the Premier League and only rising as a result of his strong performances in the Championship.
His 15 goals and eight assists in 30 games this season have garnered him tremendous accolades, and he has shown to be the standout player under Daniel Farke’s leadership, demonstrating what he can do at this level and propelling Leeds into contention for automatic promotion.
With numerous Premier League clubs interested in signing him, Leeds’ continuous promotion campaign might mean the difference between keeping him until the end of the season or losing him to a club in a higher tier.
Aston Villa, a team targeting European football qualifying, has been linked with a £30 million move for the winger, and if Leeds stay in the Championship, it could be a difficult offer to refuse.
In other Leeds United news, Graham Smyth revealed the newest Leeds dig on Sky Sports.
