What was your favourite moment whilst commentating on Leeds in the past?
The 4-3 at Southampton and the win at Old Trafford. However I think my favourite is now Luke Murphy’s winner v Brighton. It was a surreal moment which capped a wonderful day. It was a just reward for all the hard work by all associated with the club and especially the supporters who voted with their feet by turning up.
As well as the matches working with Eddie Gray and Andy Ritchie has been brilliant.
Away from the action some of the most rewarding times were interviewing Eirik Bakke in his native Norway, Rui Marques on the struggle his family faced having to flee Angola and some memorable nights doing Leeds United Unplugged on the road in various pubs with live bands alongside Andy Ritchie and our sports editor Gareth Jones. Andy singing Teenage Kicks was memorable on his birthday!
Is there one game you’re most looking forward to commentating on this season?
No particular match… other than the one which clinches promotion! I genuinely am excited about every game.
It’s always good to go to new stadiums so Brighton away will be great as I’ve not been there yet.
I do enjoy the derbies with Town because they have been great contests in recent times.
I’ve also missed the midweek fixtures massively.
What do you think Leeds’ expectations should be this year?
I’m trying to think of this season in terms of anticipation rather than expectation. These are positive times and there is a sense of something special happening. I think with a couple of signings Utd can finish in the play offs.
Do you think Aidy White could finally come good, and do you think Ryan Hall’s Leeds career is over before he’s even had a fair chance?
Ben Parker who did the game with me v Brighton reckons left back is Aidy’s best position. I like his attacking qualities more so prefer to see him further forward. I think this is the season when Aidy has to nail it and I believe he has the talent to do so.
As for Ryan I only saw him play three times last season I think. He did well as a sub at Hudds but against Birmingham in the FA Cup at Elland Road he struggled. However I did ask Brian McDermott about Hall’s future during pre season and he did not rule him out of his plans. I hope he has a chance to give it a lash. Hopefully his new born doesn’t keep him awake too much! I think most fans feel the squad has lacked width and pace.
What do you think the main areas for concern are in the Leeds squad?
I think centre back would be the one area I would concentrate on if I was pick one.
What were your initial thoughts on GFH, and have they changed over the summer?
Once I met with GFH Capital I was impressed with their ability, particularly David Haigh’s, to deal with Ken Bates. The energy required to see through the protracted negotiations should not be underestimated.
They have withstood a lot of criticism and have delivered on a lot of their aims.
I would like to hear more from them on air but I understand that they want the focus to be on the team and the manager.
The last month has shown their intentions are well thought out and it’s clear they want to be involved at close quarters now.
Overall I think they are winning hearts and minds. I think it will be interesting to see what role they take once more investors come on board.
I thought it showed a touch of class to walk around the ground and meet with fans.
What are your thoughts on the ideas they have tried to implement to re-engage the fans?
A better pricing policy was a sure-fire winner. I particularly like the efforts to meet with the Supporters Club and the Trust . The ideas GFH Capital to make the club more visible in the city are welcome. They understood that dispensing with the Bates regime would be the best way to bring fans back. To have 33000 at the opening game says it all really.
And finally, is there an update on the investment and do you think it could happen before the end of the transfer window?
No further news at time of writing about the investment which includes the repurchase of Elland Road. I understand that it was not designed to encourage ticket sales ahead of the Brighton game!
We would like to thank Adam for taking the time to have this interview with us.