Leeds 2-0 Millwall ... Snodgrass brace tops off week of tributes to Speed

Leeds United as a club can be very proud both on and off the field as they sought to pay their respects to a club great and servant of twelve years throughout what has been a difficult week for many, following the passing of Gary Speed. A midweek 0-4 thumping of Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, including eleven minutes of chanting, from the eleventh minute, in honour of Speed's shirt number was a credit to the fans, players and management. Saturday's home game against Millwall bore more importance than merely the three points, as everyone was eager to pay their personal respects at Speed's professional home.

An emotional afternoon began with footballing matters firmly pushed aside as Speed's midfield teammates, who formed with him one of English football's greatest quartets, Gary McAllister, David Batty and Gordon Strachan led tearful tributes through a minutes applause and laying of wreathes. Millwall Manager, Kenny Jackett laid a wreath at the South Stand end to warm applause, mirrored by Simon Grayson at the Kop end.

The Game

Simon stuck with the personnel and formation used against Forest and just as in Nottingham in midweek, the players seemed as eager as the fans to do Speed proud and started the game in a positive manner. Leeds garnered much of the early possession although struggling to create opportunities. Luciano Becchio's presence was causing some issue for Millwall from set pieces and the Argentine headed narrowly wide from a whipped Aiden White corner. 

Much of the threat for Leeds, as is usually the case, came from the flanks. White, tried out on the wing in midweek retained that position and his running power was causing trouble for the right hand side of the Millwall defence. Pugh also linked well, and the pair proved a danger. 

It wouldn't come as a surprise as the prime chance of the half for Leeds was fashioned by Snodgrass. The winger poked the ball carefully beyond their left midfielder and wheedled beyond two more inside the box, showing sublime close control. A sidestep to the right allowed him to dink the ball and the cross/shot was cleared off the line by a combination of two Millwall men. The ball eventually found a way to Pugh on the edge of the area, but a left foot strike cannoned off another Millwall body.

Leeds fans raucously adhered to this week's 11th minute, eleven minute chant of Gary Speed's name, with all inside the ground standing and many swinging their scarves - it was quite a spectacle.

Millwall were threatening. Darius Henderson was a massive target for Millwall's attacking play and Kisnorbo had his hands full. The busy Michael Brown was often on hand to sweep up his knock downs, and on the whole Leeds managed to cope with his aerial nous in open play. 

Henderson did, however, force a full stretch save from McCarthy who required all of his 6ft 4" reach to put the ball round the post from a corner.

The Leeds midfield had wrestled control, but were struggling to create clear cut chances, though they were dealing admirably with picking up on second balls and halting Millwall breaks. The 4-5-1 in general allows a greater handle on midfield play. Michael Brown and Howson in particular were trying to dictate what did happen in the middle of the park. So, when these two both left the pitch limping (with Howson now on crutches according to Grayson), it was a worry, especially after Tuesday's showing of the 4-5-1 formation. 

Elland Road seemed a little hushed as Lloyd Sam and Andy Keogh came on, with Snodgrass moving inside behind Becchio, Sam going right side and Keogh joining Becchio up top. These changes only added to what had been a slightly disjointed first half with little being created by either side.

During half time, Speed's wife, Louise made the unimaginably difficult visit to the Bremner Statue to take in the sea of memories - shirts, scarves, flowers and photos left by hundreds of fans over the course of the past week.

Leeds tweaked at half time and stuck Snodgrass and Sam on the left and right wings respectively, with Pugh coming into the centre of midfield and White dropping to left back. This gave Leeds the ability to threaten more from wide positions, and aimed to get Lloyd Sam to keep outside and run to the byline on his stronger foot.

Millwall had a free-kick saved well by McCarthy early in the second half but Leeds gained in confidence as time passed. Sam, who Grayson had told to do the number eleven shirt he wore proud at half time, was carrying the Leeds threat. being on his favoured foot allowed him to run more directly at the full back rather than preferring constantly to cut inside. Snodgrass clipped a ball across the box to Sam at the back post who fired acrobatically wide. 

Lloyd followed up his second half endeavor with an effort which saw him take the ball past three Millwall men and strike with his left from the corner of the "D" against what appeared to be a Millwall hand. The Lions man went down holding something-or-other in an attempt to disperse fears that the handball claim might have led to a penalty.

Leeds again had the most of the midfield battle with Pugh sweeping up behind Clayton. Adam's performance undoubtedly improved as a result. He was competing well, finding space and breaking forward nicely, as shown by a free-kick won on the edge of the box.

Snodgrass stepped up amidst several expectant shouts of "...come on Snoddy" and the Scot duly delivered. He promptly swept the ball home into the opposite corner, at pace, and with terrific curl, right into the top left of the Millwall goal - Mildenhall had no chance. He ran over to the South Stand arms aloft, and held his "Speed 11" black armband aloft, it was a strike the Welshman would have been proud of.

Minutes later, Sam shimmied down the right and whipped in a low cross. Snodgrass stooped 8 yards out and beat his man to head home, despite a hand from Mildenhall. Great goal. 

With Snodgrass recently, it hasn't just been about the 6 goals in the last 6 games, but his all round effort and contribution all over the pitch. Snoddy took on the Captain's armband on Saturday and was quite literally everywhere and involved in everything - he relished the leadership role he was given in Howson and Brown's absence. He'd float in from the flank to help the team pass through the middle and dictate play but he'd be there to provide from out wide when most necessary. His closing down was also tireless, and priceless, as he and others forced Millwall to hurry and make errors.
 

Pugh, White, Clayton, Connolly and Snodgrass had all but nullified Millwall and were nipping in and stopping attacks on almost every occasion. 

In the last quarter of the game it was Keogh who impressed most. He was finding more space in behind Millwall as they pushed to try and force something further up the pitch. His running and link up play was exceptional, and if not for Snoddy's selflessness could have provided the Scot with a third after a deft flick on the turn. Being the team player that he is, Snodgrass squared, only for Keogh to narrowly miss making contact when sliding in.

Sam was next to provide, this time Becchio, with a golden opportunity. The Argentine bustled ahead of his man and poked a toe at the ball. This time Mildenhall got down impressively to turn the ball to safety. 

Moans and groans followed as Elland Road willed Snoddy on for a third when Becchio froze with Snodgrass open inside the area. He instead laid the ball to Sam who curled towards the bottom corner, only for Mildenhall to save again, ruining his planned tribute to Speed.

To Sum Up

Not the best performance creativity-wise but it was an encouraging midfield performance, given we'd both reverted to the 4-4-2 where we have struggled at times to assert our game in the middle of the park, and Howson and Brown had been taken off injured.
 

Becchio took another step back to fitness and caused issues for the Millwall centre backs and was denied his goal by a great save. His hold up play was intelligent and good, as we have come to expect - he just needs his sharpness back as his touch was lacking more than usual.

Kenny Jackett's post match interview, with no mention of their performance or result showed just how little football did matter to most Yesterday afternoon.

The Support

The atmosphere was great throughout with all sides of the ground paying a fitting tribute to Speed and showing just how much he will be missed. Hopefully his family and all those who knew him can take heart from the week's support from all quarters, while the football fixture list pounds on with selfish disregard for such events.

Football's culture shift: since we've been gone...

Last night's game more than any other in the recent past served as a stark reminder as to how much football at the highest level in this country has changed since Leeds last graced the Premier League with their presence. Having been outside of the big money bubble for over half a decade, and delving as low as the Third Division; one-off cup encounters had served to remind the faithful of what we were missing - and to the surprise of ourselves, as well as the whole footballing community, we managed to stack up against, and outplay on occasion "Big Four" sides, despite our lowly status at the time.

Leeds' latest encounter was, however, a wake-up call. It wasn't the result or the performance that was worrying but the real gulf in quality between a Manchester United second eleven - one that was worth over 70M in transfer fees, which is staggering in itself, and a current Whites first eleven - a good Championship side, was clear for all to see. The road back to the top is a very long one indeed.

The downward spiral of Leeds United and the culture shift in the Premier League where money is no object makes one wonder if it is possible for a prudently run club, without huge infrastructure to compete on a season to season basis with one such as Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal or Spurs, especially when lacking such large stadia, corporate facilities and brand pulling power or the backing of some form of Oligarch or an Arabian Royal Family.

When Leeds do return to the top flight, it is currently impossible to fathom anything above mediocrity and functionality - much along the lines of Stoke, Everton, Villa, or Bolton. Perhaps Fulham's foray into the Europa League is the most a side without a long established off the field income, and Premier League income, or a spend-for-fun benefactor can muster. Despite reluctance to accept otherwise, Leeds United will not be a sustained force in the Premier League for years to come, without first owning our assets, and secondly greatly expanding our brand and year-round services.

Whilst being stuck in the Championship may not be the correct time to be doing so, and selling off key playing staff without reinvestment is not acceptable, building off the field at some stage is completely necessary. Premier League money is significant but still unable to cover the cost of even being a mid table Premier League side, as Everton's Bill Kenwright will attest to. Hardly amongst the big spenders, Everton have been forced to secure their club's finances through borrowing against future television revenue streams, as the banks have at last said enough is enough.

Even the Football League is succumbing to the "Sky factor" with increases in parachute payments and an influx of wealthier owners making achieving in the Championship an increasingly daunting prospect. The likes of West Ham and Leicester's spending, whilst not always guaranteeing success, is certainly a sign of the times - where spending £14M in a transfer window, in the Second Division does happen. Luckily, for the most part the Football League remains a bastion of tradition, and such spending is founded on the gamble of getting the big bucks upon Premier League return, and not yet on business sense that is viable in the long term.

Returning to the Premier League is every fan's Holy Grail, but the return, to play against more of the major players in club football will also signal the start of a monetary battle Leeds and its fans are currently unprepared for. It seems to compete and survive in Leeds' current state, in the Championship, player sales are necessary to turn a profit, combined with "top-four" ticket prices. The step up will only see further hikes in pricing, and success on and off the pitch will demand that.

The club's wait to truly compete with the big boys in top flight football since Leeds last appeared there will be a long one and many years combined with heavy investment both on and off the field is necessary before the Whites can be an established side once more. So much work would still need to be done, and that's hoping the Championship escape occurs in the near future.

Patience is a virtue, unless we bag an Oligarch!

What Bates Said ... March 30th 2011

Ben Fry: First let’s start with loan signings. Before the window closed last Thursday, Jake Livermore joined from Tottenham. Were you pleased to make the capture from another Premier League club? 

Ken Bates: Well again, as I said last week, I doubted if we would make any more signings because it looked unlikely but in the event, Simon was successful in getting Livermore and he just adds to our midfield strength at a time when we are looking at possible injuries and suspensions as we go into the last eight, 10, 11 games of the season. So yes, it’s a good deal.

BF: At the same time, Ramon Nunez and Adam Clayton have gone out on loan do you see them having a more long term future and they need football at this stage?

KB: Well I think the thing is, at the moment we have seven strikers and Nunez is a Honduran international and that’s not fair on him playing against Gateshead, Lincoln and these kind of two-bob reserve teams on a very poor pitch. So it’s better to go out and play first-team football – and Clayton of course needs more experience so again, I think Simon has done a good job there.

BF: Now with so many players out on international duty this week, have you been sat there with your fingers crossed that they all come back fit and healthy?

KB: Well of course they’re all bloody meaningless friendlies and as we have already seen on TV, quite a few players have come back injured or whatever and in fact they’re damaging their respective clubs’ run-in to the end of the season. So, I’m agreeing with Ferguson when he says most of these friendlies are useless anyway and they’re only money-making jobs. They’re not for football, they’re for money.

BF: You mention there are either eight, 10 or 11 games left this season. Four of those will be at home and they actually turn out to be the four sides directly below Leeds in the Championship. Does that mean that fate is in the club’s own hands?

KB: It is indeed. Win those four games and we’re definitely in the play-offs because they are all six-pointers. But of course the four games away from home – it’s funny how the fixture list turned out that three of the four are in London, plus Derby. But they’re all important. We’ve simply got to reach the play-offs and maybe even nick the second place although that’s becoming increasingly difficult.

BF: Early start against Forest on Saturday. Another six-pointer however you look at it. Do you think the early start makes any difference for a game of this magnitude?

KB: No, I don’t think so. It just reduces the suspense by three hours (laughs). Hopefully, if we win on Saturday, we can turn around to the rest of the league and say ‘Catch us if you can!’. But I must say, it’s very encouraging because as of last night we had nearly 29,000 tickets sold, which is a tremendous tribute to our fans.

BF: Couple of months ago it looked like Forest were going to the side to beat for second place – are you surprised by how their form has dipped?

KB: Well, I mean, the manager (Billy Davies) has been saying for some time he thinks he has a small squad and obviously injuries and suspensions  have caught up with them. Long may it continue.

BF: I know you have got a busy week ahead of the game on Saturday. In Oslo tomorrow night for a Leeds on the Road event with Peter Lorimer. Are you looking forward to meeting the fans?

KB: Of course, I mean… what actually happened was we had to go to Norway on business and I just thought it would be an ideal opportunity to double up so we’re looking forward to meeting 80-100 members in the Hard Rock Cafe in the middle of Oslo and have a great evening. Of course, Peter Lorimer, Billy Paynter, the usual Stix and Lorna will be there as well as Shaun and myself. And of course Susannah.

BF: Is that because Billy Paynter is suspended, so is available?

KB: Yeah. We still pay his wages so he is coming over to meet the fans.

BF: And talking of meeting the fans, Simon is going to be at Lorimer’s Bar next Tuesday as well. Do you think it’s important that the fans get a chance to put their questions to the manager, even at this crucial stage?

KB: Well the whole thing is, every game is a crucial game and every stage is a crucial stage. Simon’s the manager and therefore he will be there, answering and explaining his views, plans and thoughts.

BF: Many players when they come to the club are surprised how many opportunities the fans do get to meet the players. Is that part of your philosophy of running a club?

KB: Well I think so. I was thinking about this regarding the Select Committee queries on this, that and the other. When you actually think about it, first of all we have got nearly 39,000 members, we are the fourth biggest most visited website in the country from a club point of view, we have 65-70 regional members’ clubs including overseas, we try to attend every regional members’ club at least once a year, all the letters we get are answered, in fact Susannah is on the phone as we speak talking to somebody about Wembley ticket allocations. Yes. Frankly we don’t need self-appointed, self-important representatives of nobody except themselves in supporters clubs. We like to deal with the people themselves. Direct, talk to them, not through people who presume an importance which they don’t have.

BF: Now talking of support, more than 700 have booked already for the members’ end of season event which takes place (interrupted)

KB: Well it’s absolutely fantastic isn’t it. Let’s hope it’s a great evening after we play Burnley. 700 yes, and it’s still rising. So, who knows, we might even touch 1,000. That will be a record for Leeds. Absolutely fantastic.

BF: And of course if you would like to book for the members’ end of season event you can call 0871 332 1919 and choose option two. And now on Monday there is going to be and upgrade for the online tickets services which means the ticket office will be closed, but in the long term what will this upgrade provide to fans?

KB: Well the whole thing we have been working on this for some time actually. To change over, well I don’t understand the technicalities, I’m too old but to change over we have to shut the whole system down for 24 hours, which we are doing. But it really means that when that reopens on Tuesday, members, fans or whatever can booked almost anything they want from a shirt, to a coach ticket to lunch in Billy’s Bar, to anything. And of course, they can do it 24 hours a day, seven days a week which is a quite fantastic facility for the fans. So well done to the IT boys and Katie Holmes who spent all this time organising it and I’m very pleased for them and I’m obviously very pleased for the fans.

BF: And that new ticket service, online service will be available from Tuesday April 5 at leedsunited.com

KB: Before you go. Let’s remind people that if members haven’t renewed yet, they can still renew up to April 30 online only. Our new extra time memberships are still available until April 8 so it’s getting close.

As usual, thanks to WACCOE and TSB's Fax Man for the use of the transcript.

What Bates Said ... 23rd March 2011

Thom Kirwin: First of all, the Sheffield United game on Saturday. A shock defeat, how were you feeling after the game? 

 

Ken Bates: Well, like every other Leeds fan, I was both shocked and disappointed. I gather the team turned up and had a good view of watching the game but didn’t contribute much to it. Very disappointing. Three points were there for the taking and it wasn’t good enough.

TK: Did it surprise you, the performance, considering what the team had been performing like in recent weeks?

KB: Yes, of course. As I said, Sheffield United are in the relegation zone and we should have shoved them further down there. We could have been up with joint-second or joint-third. So it’s very disappointing. Still, we’ve eight games to go and it’s up to the players to put the last eight behind them and look at the next eight.

TK: The results on Saturday elsewhere were forgiving I would say for Leeds. Six points the gap to second place (Interrupted)

KB: Well that’s what is so annoying because all the other clubs were faltering and we should be taking advantage of it instead of faltering ourselves. And, as I say, very disappointing. But that’s the past. We have a break, time to recharge our batteries, look back in sorrow and plan to go out with a bang in the last eight games of the season.

TK: The way the results have been going, do you think second spot is still achievable?

KB: It’s still achievable but it’s getting more difficult. If we do get second spot, we want to do it without having to rely on QPR having points deducted. But of course, we all hope they will be. I remember QPR voting for our 15 points, so 20 off of them would be gratifying.

TK: As far as the final eight games is concerned, how do you assess Leeds’ run-in?

KB: Well the last four games at home are the next four clubs below us, so it’s certainly a chance to consolidate our play-off place but we really want to do a bit better than that. Three of the last four away games are in London, which is unusual and interesting. It’s not going to be easy but other clubs are dropping points every week. That still gives us an opportunity to catch up on them. We have to concentrate and tighten up our defence. We spent a lot of money, relatively speaking, on our defence this season and yet we have conceded more goals than every other club in the league, except those in the relegation spaces. It’s disappointing.

TK: The loan window closes tomorrow. Is there any chance of anything happening as far as players into the club is concerned?

KB: I think it’s unlikely, not through the want of trying. But the trouble is the big clubs are now picking up injuries and of course because so many clubs are in the relegation battle, they are loath to release their players just in case anything happens to them and they are having injury problems. As I say, it’s not through the lack of trying but it looks now that we will have to go with what we have got.

TK: Which is a pretty much fully-fit squad, bar Patrick Kisnorbo now…

KB: Fully-fit squad and a large one. And a talented one when they switch on their game. I’ve suggested to Simon that he makes the whole squad sit down and watch the QPR game. We beat them 2-0 and we got a clean sheet, so they can realise how good they are and how the next eight games should be, not easy for them but very positive. Go out of the season on a high.

TK: Another bit of news that has happened in the last couple of weeks, the Burnley game – obviously lots of interest in Leeds’ run-in – that’s been moved. The kick-off has been brought forward and it has been shown on Sky. I think that’s three out of the last four home games now on TV.

KB: Yeah, I’m sorry for the fans about that but we had to fight very hard on this one. First of all, they wanted to move it to a Friday night, we said no. Then they wanted to move it to Monday, either midday or in the evening. We fought against that because apart from the fact our police bill would have doubled, it’s also highly inconvenient to our out of town fans who have booked. I can assure fans we are not happy about going on TV because we get £100,000 fee but it usually costs us between £200,000-£250,000 in lost income. So believe you and me, we don’t want TV. We have had more than our fair share this year. We think it’s unfair to the fans so midday on Saturday was the least objectionable time we could agree.

TK: Also this week, Leeds United have around seven players on international duty. Will you be keeping right up-to-date with their progress?

KB: Ermmm, not particularly. We wish them all luck but they are all playing for different countries aren’t they so we have to be careful who we support and who we don’t. Wish them all well, hope they do well for their countries and hope they come back uninjured – that’s the important thing. If they are good enough to play for their countries then they are certainly good enough to play for Leeds United and make sure the last eight games go well.

TK: It’s great for Robert Snodgrass to take on Brazil at the Emirates Stadium where he has already scored there for Leeds this season. And Max Gradel as well, in the Ivory Coast squad. It has been a great turnaround and transformation for Gradel over the last 12 months.

KB: Yeah, Mad Max is now becoming a legend in his own lifetime. Just wish sometimes he would steady himself a little bit before he shoots. He has got us 14 goals this year. I think he could have got us 20 but still, he has got eight games to go. He could still get another six for us and get us up to automatic promotion. But we wish them well. Max, Snoddy, Bannan, Nunez.

TK: Also, off the pitch, the East Stand redevelopment is well underway. What’s the latest you can tell us on the progress being made?

KB: Well it’s total chaos at the moment because as far as the offices are concerned, they are all living out of their suitcases like the starfish (?) staff, living out of suitcases, like displaced persons. The noise is now going to be absolutely phenomenal. We have got jack-hammers and banging and crashing going on so they can’t possibly work. So we have got to disperse them to temporary areas throughout the stadium so if fans don’t get their usual good service, I’ll ask you to bear with them because they are working under terrible constraints at the moment. The work is going well. There’s a real ‘get it’ attitude which is so great to listen to from the contractors. It’s not a ‘can’t do’ it’s a ‘can do’, which is fantastic and we are confident we will get the whole thing done in time. A bit more inconvenience because they are now going to start the piling in front of the East Stand after the Notts Forest game but we have to do that pile to get in to do the new entrance to get the thing done on time. So if there is inconvenience, just remember the staff are doing their very best to make sure it’s back and on time for the start of next season. And I must say, the interest in the new facilities are phenomenal. I think we have already sold a third of our new boxes. And not just upgrades. These are new people who don’t come to Leeds, like what they see and are coming in and training up, so it’s looking good. Everything is looking good so thanks to the fans, the season tickets we have now sold 11,200 for next year, compared with 13,000 this year. So we are obviously going to beat that figure. Our membership renewals are coming in. It’s just great. All we need now is a few nice wins between now and the end of the season and we’re on a high. If we do get to the play-offs, well it’s about time we won it.

As always, courtesy of WACCOE and TSB's Fax Man 

Jake Livermore brings midfield presence, Howson suffers ten day injury

Simon Grayson looks to have added at long last that much sought after midfield key, in the strong and combative role. Bradley Johnson has shone this season in his deeper lying role, using his undoubted physical attributes to carve himself a nook in the Leeds United starting eleven. However a side lacking Johnson had been lacking someone who was able to fulfill the role of breaking up opposition plays and often left the midfield prone to being over run, so Jake Livermore's loan - until the end of the season including any possible playoff campaign, is a necessity.
 

Livermore scores the equaliser in Wembley Cup friendly against Barcelona

Spurs' website touts him as a "strong, combative midfielder" and at 6ft 2" he certainly has the potential to be that midfielder we've lacked at times this season. This might not be all the central midfielder can bring to the side however. Here's a few Ipswich Town opinions:

"His work off the ball is immense and he has decent composure on it as well. He played a sublime ball through for the first goal after beating a couple of players in the middle. Also looks to have a bit of pace about him and he always shows for the ball which is nice to see for a central player."

"Impressed me today. Looked strong on the ball. Made some tackles. Good passes. Think he will become a permanent fixture in the midfield."

"Livermore was excellent. Always looking for the ball and showed a good work rate as well as creating the chance for the first goal."

His apparent all round game and work rate are most certainly encouraging traits.

Further to covering for a lack of Johnson (who is one yellow card away from having to serve a two game ban), Livermore's addition could also give Simon a more substantial midfield able of coping with the 4-4-2 formation better than previous personnel have managed so far this season. Grayson also has the option of using both Livermore and Johnson in a holding role, which would on paper seem the pairing most able athletically to play shield to the back four - and with the above reviews on Livermore's all round game, competition is sure to be rife in Kilkenny's starting berth in addition to Bannan's presence in the squad.

After the abject Sheffield United performance, it also gives Simon the option of completely shaking things up. With Howson and Johnson in particular failing to impress (albeit with Howson out wide right for a fair portion) a Kilkenny, Livermore coalition infront of the defence with Bannan in behind Becchio might not be as unlikely as we'd expect, even given Simon's steadfast trust in his players ability to bounce back. What would be most likely I'd suggest could be a Livermore-in-for-Johnson swap with Howson holding onto his position "in the hole" and Bannan retaining his Kilkenny ousting role - after he managed to be the only outfield player to come out of the Blades game with any credit. Then again, Simon will no doubt do something completely different, he's a challenging manager to second guess.

Whatever happens to our lineup in the upcoming Forest clash, Leeds fans must surely be encouraged by this addition for the remainder of the run in and what it has done is ensured we're catered for in the midfield, and throughout the squad as a whole should the worst happen regards possible injuries and suspensions.

Howson's Hamstring

The above paragraph is immediately noteworthy following news of a "could be ten days" injury to Jonny's hamstring, preventing him linking up with the England U21's for a game against Iceland this weekend. Obviously, that ten day period would mean a race is on for fitness before nest weekends Forest fixture. Grayson's recent additions look ever more timely.

Sheffield United 2-0 Leeds ...

For the sake of completeness here are my thoughts on the game: less desire than Sheffield United, less hunger, outfought, unacceptable and unwatchable. Are these the traits harboured by promotion winners?