Hey all, Leeds fan here, and yes, from WACCOE.
(That's not me saying bye, I just thought i'd wave "hello"
).
Anyway, I jsut wanted to come and say how this is a good signing for you guys. Obviously in the latter stages of our season Douglas was falling down the "midfield" pecking order, after having to play at right back for a significant spell. He wasn't really going to get a look in under Grayson again after Howson, Kilkenny and Delph started performing consistently, and that's a shame. In certain games we missed the strength that he offers, as well as his more defensive attributes.
I just thought i'd give a bit of information, from my perspective, on the lad. As you all know, he's a more defensive minded midfielder, 27 years of age, and experienced at a higher level of football. There is no doubting his talents are there, he's shown them at this level for us, and in certain cases in the league above, during our playoff-final season in 2006/07. However, his mental ability can lack sometimes, and sometimes bigger occasions can make him easily frustrated. This was recognised in the playoffs when he'd shown signs of giving up against Carlisle, and again at Wembley. He's also made mistakes and eventually got sent off in heated derbies.
However, said all that, he's performed in some of these higher profile games, captaining Leeds to a 4-0 victory over local rivals Huddersfield, and scoring in that game. Should his ability to keep calm in higher profile games be improved, you've got a player able to match any occasion in this league.
To be honest, it's a shame that Douglas' own wage valuation was not the same as ours, as i'd have liked to have seen him sign on, although probably in a more squad-role position.
Anyway, good signing you have here. Good luck for the rest of the season. Oh, and shame about signing Lucas!
P.S, is STC Gazza retarded or something?
