independent view of each of the playing staff, from club captain to youthful members of the squad.

Neil has two plans in parallel: the drive to the PlayOffs this season and, at the same time, planning for the next. He has also reviewed staff and practices at Thorp Arch and will be looking to re-organise certain areas with perhaps a different philosophy. Last Friday evening, we had our annual Academy Dinner; an initiative of Suzannah's to help build a closer relationship between the parents of our Academy scholars and the club itself. To bring youngsters through to the first team is a long-term project and it requires the parents to have a full understanding of what is involved. That's because it needs their full support for their sons to ensure that they work hard at their academic studies, as well as being totally dedicated to their football education. The dinner was a great success and the parents were made fully aware of the dangers of clutching at the fool's gold sometimes available at so-called larger clubs, to the detriment of their sons best longterm career interest. The case of Tom Taiwo leaving Leeds United at an early age and finishing up in the Carlisle squad was a cautionary tale. In my programme notes for the Southampton game, I inadvertently stated that Gerald Krasner, my predecessor as chairman of Leeds United gave a personal guarantee when borrowing money to acquire the club. He assures me that irrespective of what his fellow directors may have done, he himself did not at any time give a personal guarantee in regard to the club. Happy to put the record straight. Just a reminder to existing Season Ticket Holders that they have until Friday March 30, to renew at the current prices and to claim their existing seats. To correct a few myths and negative vibes (oh, the wonders of the internet!) as I write these notes, at 9,374 we are just 176 below last year's renewal figure of 9,550 at the same date. Don't forget that those still waiting to renew, interest free stage payments are available via Zebra Finance or by using your Leeds United MasterCard. The club Membership package for 2012113 has just been finalised and renewal forms for existing Members have been available online since yesterday and until March 30. After which Membership renewals will be posted out. But remember, it is cheaper to renew online. Meanwhile, Extra Time Memberships are still available for fans who want to hedge their bets in case we get into the Play-Offs. Back to tonight. Get behind the team, three points to the string 0' beads!