x

Has pre-season optimism finally hit the Wal?

A bit like the heat wave, there was something of a rain check at the Bescot Stadium yesterday as a lacklustre but strong Leeds side never recovered from a Craig Westcarr strike.

The 2000 or so travelling Leeds fans who had the unusual experience of having to buy advanced tickets for this one probably wished they hadn't have bothered. Leeds slipped to their third defeat in a row and Brian McDermott described it as the worst day in his short-time as Leeds boss.

"There is not a lot you can say. You have to move on after a performance like that really quickly and get ourselves ready for Tuesday, because I didn`t see it coming," McDermott told Yorkshire Radio.

"It was really disappointing today. There wasn`t enough energy in the team.

"You have to be concerned when you see a performance like that. I do not get carried away when we have a great victory and performance and I do not when we see a performance like we did today. We certainly don`t want to see many more like this.

"Today was the worst day I have had as the Leeds manager."

Leeds head to Stevenage on Tuesday before taking on FC Nurnberg next Saturday at Elland Road, just a week before the curtain raiser on August 3rd against Brighton.

Obviously the old adage not to read too much into pre-season results does apply, however it is worrying to hear McDermott talk of the side lacking energy at this stage of the season.

Lets hope the boost of a new signing or two over the next week is forthcoming, so our worrying form of late does not tip over into the new campaign.

What to read next:

Refwatch - Gateshead v Rochdale
Dale’s trip to the Gateshead International Stadium on Tuesday night will be refereed by PAUL MARSDEN.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Oldham Athletic
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s Vanarama National League fixture against Oldham Athletic.
Refwatch - Rochdale v Oldham Athletic
Dale’s lunchtime local derby against Oldham Athletic on Saturday will be refereed by GREG ROLLASON.
Dale Drawn Against Leamington In FA Trophy
The draw for the 3rd round of the FA Trophy took place on Monday and Dale have been drawn away from home.
Refwatch - Wealdstone v Rochdale
Dale’s trip to Grosvenor Vale to take on Wealdstone on Saturday will be refereed by STEPHEN PARKINSON.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Sutton United
Refwatch - Rochdale v Sutton United
Dale’s home game versus Sutton United on Saturday will be refereed by RICHARD ASPINALL.
TVOS Preview - Rochdale v Bromley (FA Cup 1st Round)
Rochdale AFC’s matchday programme – The Voice of Spotland – is back for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup first round tie against Bromley.
Refwatch: Rochdale v Bromley (FA Cup 1st Round)
Dale’s FA Cup first round tie at home to Bromley on Saturday will be refereed by AARON BANNISTER.
Refwatch - Barnet v Rochdale
Dale’s trip to Barnet on Saturday will be refereed by JACOB MILES.