Those loveable Geordies
As a statement of intent and a welcome expression of loyalty, Leeds United skipper Ross McCormack’s tasty little soundbite towards the end of the season would take some beating. “I think about the feeling of being at Elland Road on the last day of the season, winning promotion and being captain,” said United’s 27 year old, 29 goal top-scorer. “That would surpass just playing in the Premier League for any old club and I don’t say that lightly.”
It was indeed a weighty statement, neither to be made nor taken lightly. McCormack was letting us know of his burning ambition to play at the highest level, whilst at the same time telling us that it would take a special club to tempt him to do this in any other but the white shirt of Leeds United. Ross is happy here, he can see himself achieving much at Elland Road – if the club’s ambition is seen to match his own. And if not, then he is well enough aware of his own value as a potent striker to be sure that he could command a move to another club in the same bracket, reputation-wise, as Leeds.
All of which on-the-record disclosure makes me feel that the rumoured interest from Newcastle might be just the start of what could develop into a bit of a clamour for Mr McCormack’s valuable services – that’s if his one-to-one with Signor Cellino has left him thinking that his future would be best spent elsewhere. If he is to leave, then this one rumoured bid could spark off an auction – with, presumably, more feasible suitors waiting in the wings.
It’s not as if McCormack will necessarily be on the radar of the “Big Four”, after all – but you’d have thought there might be interest from the likes of European make-weights Spurs and Everton, just below that élite level and pushing hard. To see our Ross go to a Newcastle or a Man U or a Southampton, though, would be somewhat perplexing. Such a transfer would put him smack in the middle of the “any old club” territory that he’d appeared conclusively to rule out. There are even rumours of interest from yet further down the food chain, with relegation fodder West Ham and Joke League Champions Glasgow Celtic reported to be sniffing around.
As far as this week’s alleged bidders Newcastle are concerned, they do have prior form as stalking horses. Their enquiry to Everton about the availability of Wayne Rooney led directly to the then-effective forward making his move to Man U – back when they were a leading club. So you may well surmise that mention of the long-trophyless Geordies, as prospective employers of the talented McCormack, might spark more serious interest among bigger, more serious clubs.
The more you look at it, then, the less likely it might appear that McCormack will end up in those oddly humbug-esque black and white stripes. And if he did go to the Wonga Stadium, you’d have to question his motivations – an area that he’s been at some pains to elucidate to those of us Leeds fans out here who have looked for ongoing reassurances of his commitment to Elland Road. Has it become a case of any Premier League port in a storm for Rossco? Or is he actually still committed to achieving success at the club to which he’s time and time again reiterated his loyalty and commitment? This blog thinks we should be informed.
Time, as ever, will eventually tell. One significant factor is the length of time left on our leading scorer’s contract. That would tend to drive the price upwards should an auction commence – and then it would rapidly become a question of where lie the best interests of Leeds United Football Club.
And whatever the priorities and motivations of Mr Ross McCormack – whatever the level of interest out there from Premier League clubs of whatever status and calibre – it is those best interests of our beloved Whites that should be the deciding factor. Not even our top goalscorer, our heart-on-the-sleeve inspiration in that No. 44 shirt, is bigger than the club – and that, my fellow vile animals, is the real bottom line.
Life, Leeds United, the Universe & Everything 
8 mill. No brainer. Sell
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Newcastle Uniter are far more than “any old club”. Having the 3rd highest crowd in the premiership proved that. Newcastle have been used to having star centre forwards through the club’s history, signing McCormack would be a mighty blow to the fan’s confidence in the club as to the direction they want to go. Gone are the halcyon days of Leeds United doing anything of note in the football world apart from showcasing the art of financial mismanagement. I sincerely hope we don’t sign any old striker like this McCormack.
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Congratulations on the first vaguely literate response from a Barcode.
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Great retort. I don’t represent the entire Newcastle fan base so couldn’t really give a @&£! about how literate or illiterate Newcastle United fans are perceived to be.
I just hope and pray this is just paper talk and we have no intention of signing this nobody of a player who happens to be Leeds’ best player (for quite some time).
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Sorry Rob your like all Leeds fans completely disillusioned about your club being a big club. You had your Andy Warhol 15 mins of fame in the late 60’s and early 70’s now your club are where they have spent 40 per cent and rising years of existence in the lower leagues . Just come to terms with it, and seek help.
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I have soft spot for Newcastle, wonderful fans…. Ross could certainly do worse…. As for Ross being a nobody…. That’s a very ignorant statement… To you Snodgrass was a nobody a few years ago but after a fine season in the prem hes seen as a a real talent. McCormack has more in his locker than any striker outside of the premier league. He’s pacy, intelligent, a good crosser and reads the game beautifully…. Then you throw in the 29 goals in one season with a crap team behind him. I don’t think he’d score 30 in the prem but I do think he’d score goals and contribute…..
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Byker:
I think you will find we also won the title in 92 and had euro semis since.
When was the last time Newcastle won a major trophy? I’d ask my grandad if he was still here, but I’m not even sure he would have remembered that far back.
As for Leeds being “naturally in the second tier” well that would be the same as Newcastle when I started going the footy in the 80s, when you also had fuck all in terms of crowds.
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Indeed. I’ll always remember being shocked when, after one of their too many to count relegations was confirmed, a princely 7,000 turned up at SJP – meaning around 30 or 40 thousand loyal fanatical Geordies had crawled straight back into the woodwork.
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They maybe gone, but if you want to know what having halcyon days is like just ask!
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I don’t live in the past. Get over it.
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good one Dave , coming from a club that sold thier best players in the January window when the champions league was in thier grasp and then having thier manager banned from the touch line for head butting a player, “mismanagement” is not a word you should direct at other clubs fella , as for Ross Mc , Leeds should keep him rob, I think its pretty obvious if you’re aim is to do well in the championship and push for promotion then its a no brainer to keep the championships golden boot to help you do that…
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I’m sorry Rob but if West Ham are relegation fodder and Glasgow Celtic the Joke League Champions just WHAT exactly is ‘our’ club right now? No manager, no money, no structure and absolutely no idea who will be wearing the white shirt come the opening game in August (and I dread to think who will to be honest!)
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I’ve had plenty of snipes at our own disaster-prone club – it’s nice to stand in the tent and piss out occasionally!
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Yes Rob but your supposed to open the tent zip flap first !
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Byker Boy – THE No 1 source for all things camp.
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Celtic are in a one team league.
Rangers are in the shit.
The teams that have traditionally battled for 3rd spot like hibs and hearts are also in the shit.
The next best teams, motherwell & aberdeen finished 30 or so points behind Celtic.
Any league where the leader is 30 points in front us a one horse league.
Most championship sides would finish in 2nd to 4th spot if they played in the spl
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I reckon next season the Scottish Championship will be the best league, with Hibs, Hearts and Rangers all in there. More entertaining than the processional Premier League. At least in England you have a traditional big four of Citeh, Arse, Liverpool and Chelski, with up and coming teams like Spurs & Everton, before you get to the mid-table no-hopers. Like Man U.
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It’s nice to read a reasoned assessment of the situation regarding RM. Sick and tired of seeing the comments from the ‘I told you so’ brigade doom mongering and positioning themselves for if he does leave, with the smarmiest face imaginable ‘seeeeee I told you he would go!!! We’re doomed I tell ya, dooooommmmedd!!
My opinion would be no I don’t want him to go, no he doesn’t want to go, unless said ‘not quite top four’ come in for him. Bit as you say if a small time relegation team like wet spam, or Southampton want to get into a bidding war starting price 8 mil. Then let him go!! MOT
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Ross’ loyalty has always impressed me however it is the direction of this loyalty that I can’t fathom – ie seemingly BM rather than LUFC or us the fans – if this is really the situation and if it is a case of BM out and I’m following I really can’t understand why
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oh – and by the way – I love that casually slipped in “back when they were a leading club” – never miss a chance do you Rob!
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Not if I can help it 🙂
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Seems about right Rob,the Silver thieves will have a go at stealing our prize possession, as they don`t seem to have a striker for next season, Remy will either go back to Frog-face (our Arry) or the frog (Wenger) he wont be freezing his cobblers off up by the Angel, Cisse is a Cisse, so he will probably earn his “Wonga” somewhere other than the “Wonga”. We all know that players say things they don`t mean, similar to most Politicians but not as bright! Macca was second to Suarez in the goal scoring list, so I think he is on his way, I cannot be to harsh on him, he deserves a crack at the top (although I think he will struggle). Age is his biggest worry, he does not have long left at the “top” of his game. So the Magpies may have a go at getting him, and succeed, even so, I cant help singing, one for sorrow……
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“Macca was second to Suarez in the goal scoring list, so I think he is on his way”.
What a ridiculous statement. Different leagues – literally!! ‘Macca’ must be superior to Sturridge, Rooney, Aguero as he scored more than these feeble players.
He’s not worth half the £8m that is quoted.
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Good read again rob,if they really are offering 8 mill for him i think we should sell [i dont like it where will our goals come from] but i would rather he went to newcastle than wet spam. My biggest concern is will the money go back into the team or cellinos pocket, 8 mill would get us some pretty decent players which we are in need of,hope you had a good holiday rob……………..MOT
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It’s been great thanks mate.
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Iff he stays great iff not .I pray that what we get for him is put back into the transfer kitty and spent well on replacments (not like the Becchio Morrison shambles)
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You could sell him to our small time barcode clad club if you like where he may do well and he may not ,though as the selling club you could ask to be loaned two newcastle forwards in Armstrong and Abied who would certainly get you goals in the championship
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to be fair rob,
newcastle is a step up from the prior relegation fodder clubs like west ham, that were in for him. At least they’ve got the fan base and play half decent football and stuff.
I wouldnt blame him going newcastle or malaga, any of the others taking an interest though, is a step down in the long term.
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Ste! This blog is NOT about being fair!! 😉
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Its more I’m less offended if he wants to go Newcastle, than say players in the past who’ve left for piss ant clubs like norwich, or like back in January when baadiff and west ham were in for him.
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Personally as a newcastle fan i would love to see mccormack at newcastle qnd having read 1 or 2 comments i question how fickle some toon fans are especially dave. Mccormack is certainly not a nobody he happens to be top goalscorer in the championship and IF he is given the chance in the prem im almost certain he would be a success simply because hes what every team needs, (especially newcastle) a prolific goalscorer.
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Well said
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£8m on a 27 yr old who has no premiership or top flight pedigree (Scottish football does not count)!?
I would rather nufc take a punt on Jordan Rhodes than any old striker like McCormack! Can’t see Ashley sanctioning either deal with the ridiculous numbers being qouted.
This has nothing to do with being fickle. Very confused individual you are.
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Cut to the quick, the skunks are going with the “any old” thing as their best shot at repartee.
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From a Newcastle fan
you better respect yourself moron !!!!!!!!!!!
Absolutely shameful and disgraceful article
8 Million Pound and you’ll will see him in the Black & White shirt
next season , it’s called the transfer market
why the abusing and the disrespect idiot ??
Pathetic ….
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Can we have that in the original Geordie now? Ya bugga….
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Whyaye man, where’s me string vest and bottle of dog.
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One comment I have not seen is that although Ross has 3 years on his contract he already has one foot out of the door due to being upset about the loss of McDermott. He may have past his best years and although he has been a good servant to us I doubt if he will better last years goal scoring performance.
If he plays in the Premier he will be faced playing against larger and faster defenders and since he is diminutive will prove to be challenge.
8,000,000 pounds is a lot of money and this will go a long way to helping us get out of debt as well as buying us some promising young talent. We need to find a partner for Matt Smith who I think will be dominant next season.
I concur that he should be a barcode and not go to Celtic or the Hamsters.
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I HAVE NEVER BEEN A LOVER OF McCORMACK,BUT CAN NOT DENY HE WAS BRILLIANT LAST SEASON.IF THIS MEANS HE IS NOW WORTH £8M WE SHOULD SNAP THE HAND OFF OF ANY CLUB WILLING TO PAY IT.I HOPE WHEN MR.CELLINO HAS FINISHED HIS OTHER BUSINESS,HE GETS DOWN TO SORTING OUT A MANAGER A CD,CM AND STRIKER.OH,ANOTHER GREAT ARTICLE ROB.
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I find small minded bitter comments about us Skunks totally pointless and more over more than a tad distasteful. It’s moronic and immature- now fuck off you Yorkshire Bastards!!! lol Yes even us thick Geordies are capeable of satirical wit- strange that,
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Now you just need to sort out your spelling, bonny lad 😉
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Difficult one this Rob.
I don’t disrespect Newcastle .love the trip and they have had similar lows but without the highs!
I do think Cellino can build a team around Ross like Wilko did with Stachan
Just hope we can buy Vinny ,Fairclough,Sterland et al during the summer.
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That little lot would do nicely mate, I can tell you’re a Wilko nostalgia-head like I am.
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when people make an issue about spelling on a football banter site you know the games been hi-jacked by the oikes!!! lol Shame as I’ve been to many a great game between the two sides over the last thirty years and thought the two sets of supporters shared quite a bit in common. Seems us getting Woodgate, Bowyer and Smith has got you riled. We let you have Petter Haddock so what’s your gripe? lol
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Peter* you mean.
While you’re here, is your great-grandad still around? I’m planning an article on the Toon’s last title, so I want to speak to a skunk who remembers 1927.
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lol My great- grandad does remember 1927 and as this is a banter site I will add that he also remembers that you were a non entity as a team for most of his lifetime!!lol p.s He also thinks your a bit of a clever Kurnt!! quite an observation for a bloke who’s fast approaching 112 years old, which goes some way to prove he’s not suffering from dementia after all but is in fact an astute judge of character. He also adds that you must try much much harder- good luck with that BONNY LAD!! ho ho ho.
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If he’s really approaching 112 years old – banter or not, just give him a one word message from me: respect. It’s what he’s due (seriously) for all that suffering AND for being the world’s only grown-up Geordie 😉
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LOL fair play- no- me old grandad passed away in 2008 and the last game he remembers was getting turned over by Man city in the old league cup final in 1976l!! Denis Makem bastard Tuert and his flukey bicycle kick. Yes it’s been a long time since we won owt but what you never had you don’t miss. Imagine how bitter all the Mancs will be in a few years when they haven’t won nowt, lol lol lol that should make you miserable sods happy at least!!
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We’re ecstatic about the season they’ve had this time around 😉
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unfortunately it’s likely that they’ll try and buy success like they’ve tried to deny they’ve done in the past. With only four trophy’s up for grabs a season though it’s gonna be tough so this could be the start of a bad few years- I wish we could have a few more bad years like them though like!!!lol Another few years and lets see how many of the feckers turn up at Old Trafford!!
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