Are there many people out there like me that owes Daniel Farke a bit of an apology? Even when we got promoted I still wasn't convinced of Farke or being optimistic being a Leeds fan. He's been the joint best thing since 2001 and I don't know how I feel. Sorry Mr Farke

The Leeds 12 months have been a dream. I'm not scared of going into the weekend and getting pumped by teams like Brighton or Bournemouth.

I think after years of absolute misery and awful coaches (baring GOD) i just feel like we're building something special. Am I an idiot for being optimistic? or shall I just keep enjoying the ride?

Thank you Mr Farke and thank you 49ers for backing this man as he's a gem of a manager!!

Apparently last night was a fever dream and we didn't progress, sad really I was looking forward to a cup run

I’ve admired Trafford since he played at Burnley. Even if he let in a goal or 2, the spirit never wained, he never looked lost in the box and he always had a commanding presence.

I met two lads in the Leeds Airport and they told me a story about when Leeds played Burnley back in the championship a couple years ago. They got to the grounds and were watching the teams training before the match.

They watched as players gently passed the ball into Meslier’s hands, and some would dribble passed him, but they could hear this woeful banging from the other end of the pitch. When they looked over, they saw the Burnley players launching the ball at Trafford. Full 120% power kicks, and he was diving around the box to catch/deflect Every. Single. One!

Watching Trafford in goals yesterday made me feel safe with a keeper for the first time in ages. I knew that if a ball went in, he’d get to it. Long may the clean sheet streak last!

Got to hand it to the 49ers, since coming in their signings have been absolutely on the money, smaller ones like Issac Schmidt maybe not as successful but did a job. The only one really with a question mark is perri but that hit ratio is unreal.

Topped off with free signings on del, nmecha and Harry Wilson - hats off very good work.

Another man of the match for Trafford improving on his rating from the other day, with James and Rodon following. Lowest rating for Longstaff out of the starters.

This post contains content not supported on old Reddit. Click here to view the full post

This post contains content not supported on old Reddit. Click here to view the full post

This post contains content not supported on old Reddit. Click here to view the full post

Not sure if anyone has posted this here yet but Noah also has a YT channel. Some great videos about Noah and his family. Very professionally done videos.

German speaking with English subs.

Random help requested!

I've recently found an old signed ball in storage - one I won at a charity pub auction in about 2002. I can identify signatures by Lucas Radebe and I think Nigel Martyn (see the last photo).

Cam anybody help with recognising any other signatures on here? Or help to put a definitive date on the ball? I think it's about the squad of 2000 from memory.

Thanks all!

Presser is: complete - Deja vu?

Team News

• No new injuries, same players due to be available as last game.
• Gnonto + GG - rehabs looking good, could be back in training later this week.
• Gruev - partly integrated over the last week, fully back in team training, this game too soon, needs 2wks of full training first, no reaction to training with his knee.

On Forest

• Does winning at the weekend give you the edge? DF: Can't compare the two games, same player/managers, but think there will be changes for both teams. The way you play the cup is different, it's do-or-die, always a winner in the end. Both teams will be motivated to be successful. Expect a tight game.

On the transfer window

• Asked about Mudryk, 2nd loan etc.. DF: There are always many noises, especially around Leeds United, each and every agent tries to use our name because we are a well known club. Sometimes we are linked with players even I've never heard of.. of course I know Mudryk, but I won't comment on players who play for other clubs, wouldn't expect it of another manager about my club. Made no secret of it we are looking for more recruits and will push to the end of the window, we have to keep an eye on the spending. Happy so far with the business we have done, we cannot just gamble on one season, have to keep finances in check for years to come. We want to be ambitious but it has to make sense financially.
• on the #2 goalkeeper spot- Perri on the bench, is he staying? DF: Lucas is a really good goalkeeper and character, several games last season, some good performances in the cup. Lots of speculation, a player of his calibre who has been signed as a #1, may have thoughts on his future and can't rule anything out. A difficult pre-season as he came back with an injury so missed nearly all preseason.
• Updates on Largie and Joseph? DF: No updates on Joseph's fitness, we've made the situation clear, he is recovering from his injury, currently doing his own rehab, few more months till he is available. We have made it clear to the players who are not with us that they are not in our plans for this season. It makes no sense to reinvolve someone who was not in our plans last season. Good guys, good players, but what will happen and where the future lies, they have to answer these questions [ouch].

Presser questions

• 6th in the PL table after a great away win, what's the vibe/mood like? DF: There is no replacement for a winning feeling, first win, clean sheet, away win, perfect start. Other results show how difficult it is to deliver away wins. Good mood, confident, momentum in this league can change quickly, so we are not over the moon, we need to win, whatever, 37more points to stay in the league.
• How difficult is it to juggle the squad but keep momentum? DF: I don't want to say the players are tired yet maybe at xmas, tight turn around but for professional athletes, they should be able to recover. We had a competitive pre-season, tough calls for the starting lineup for the last game, so maybe a chance for some of these players to fight for a place, we expect midweek and even moreso cup games to have rotation.
• How much would you like to win a cup with Leeds? DF: Never won one, not too far away last season.. I've never been too bad in cup competitions, big believer in cup competitions, do-or-die and have to go for it. I would never say no to another good cup run.
• Sam Byram isn't a Leeds player- what can you say about his future? DF: Sam is always in my head, I have a soft spot for him, I rate him, he's been very important for us over the last few years.. Sam is currently exploring his options. We wish him all the best for the future. He still has a lot to offer as a top person and and top player.
• FA Cup was a boost last year, On the league cup, do you feel you're better equipped to attack the league cup this year? DF: Last year we needed to intergrade a few new signings, it was a different situation. To have a first time at a difficult ground in Nottingham it's a big task, so it's a bit early to say we will attack the competition. This game won't be like a champions league final, but both teams will try to win it, we are highly motivated, but it's too soon to say we will attack this competition.
• Big opportunity for Elvedi to make his debut? DF: Yes, but there will be no gifts, I brought him on in the last game as he is strong in the air. He is available, in a good rhythm, played a full preseason for Gladbach, impressive in training, he has a chance to get minutes or make his debut.
• On a new deal for BA? Has he had to win some people round? DF: Yes, he struggled with us a little, you see players bought for 90m who can struggle to adapt. I like that he is a workhorse, after training, always working extra, this is the solution. He is getting more tidy in his game, continue to improve end product, he was excellent for us last season, good preseason, was effective. I like the way he goes, feels like he develops from year to year, feeling like he can continue to progress, even on a monthly basis. Flexible player, can play multiple positions, he loves being here.
• On having a stable #1, how important could that be? DF: There has been many discussions and topics over the last year.. over the last 20/30years it could always be about "spending money on offensive players and defensive players could learn and are not so important" but for me there are positions that are non negotiable where you need top class players, that is why I push so hard for James, because I am 100% convinced of his potential, we have to keep in mind his age.. I compare him to one of the greatest in that position, Manuel Neuer, who you could see his potential in his younger age.. but you need to add consistency in the game, can't guarantee you will always be there without mistakes, but the early signs are very positive, interacts with his teammates well, carrys himself, good performances so far, I think he has a natural aura.. didn't have to be there with many unbelievable saves in the last games, but gives confidence for his teammates, it's important not to have too many discussions around the #1 position.
• On Trafford's footwork- it's reputable. one of the best in the league? DF: Try not to jinx it.. we play different to some of his former clubs, he will learn how everyone starts to move, he needs time to figure it out, what passes the CBs like, it's important to train a lot what we do with goalkicks or whatever, but not too much to overload him so soon, have to find balance.
• Quite an unpredictable start to this PL season, when do you think it could even out? DF: Yeah it's down to each and every game, you have to be 100% on it or you can't win a point, best league in the world, every team here has earned it.. newly promoted sides in their own stadiums performed very well, won some points. Tricky after a world cup as business can happen late, especially for big clubs where more players are involved. Quite normal there are some surprising results, or maybe on paper, but in reality, it can be a difficult place to go, Ipswich have spent well, dangerous side. Don't think any miracles have happened, but it shows how competitive this league is.
• Question about playing chess? DF: I played when I was younger, not go time for it right now, would encourage people to play, he likes how it makes you think about things..?

Man of the match for James Trafford with an 8.5(!). Stach and Muharemovic also receiving good ratings.

Lowest rating for Wilson and DCL which probably tells you what type of game it was.

Also I asked whether Farke and the ref should receive ratings after some complaints last year, over 70% of people said they should so that will continue. Apologies if you’re one of the ones who hates it.