The Opposition View: Leeds United

Last updated : 24 February 2012 By Jim Bonner

As a fan of a club who knows the lows of administration, do you feel sympathy for the Pompey fans during our latest crisis?

Obviously it is sad to see any club in trouble off-the-field, because it always seems to be the fans that are punished. It's a horrible time to be a supporter when the future of your beloved club hangs in the balance, bitter with the regime(s) that contributed to the downfall.

Obviously not everyone was sorry when we were in such a state, but I do hope Pompey can make some forward steps in the imminent future.

There is a distinct possibility that, should the club survive going bust, it will be relegated at the end of the season. Did you enjoy your time in League One when Leeds were there?

Even though we've been seen as a big name regardless of the division we've played in, I suppose it is quite nice to be big fish in a small pond.

That's not to say it's easy, because clubs do up their game against you. In many ways, it was an interesting, and exciting period for us. The first season (-15 points) there was a remarkable season for us, and there are many new stadiums and places to visit. However, three years was plenty enough!

Did you think Simon Grayson deserved to be sacked and what do you make of Neil Warnock as his replacement?

It's a really tricky one, really, because I do believe Grayson did a very good job for us. He built a side capable of promotion from League One, and had lots of bright talent who just failed to make the play-offs last term.

However, the side was decimated in the subsequent transfer windows, and by all accounts hasn't had the funds to really replace them. It was a difficult job for him, for sure, but the growing unrest both inside and outside the camp, meant it was probably time to leave on good terms.

As for Neil Warnock, he was very much the first choice as far as the fan's were concerned. It is a rare show of ambition from the club to appoint someone well-respected for promotions from this league.

It seems unlikely he will get this squad into the top six, but if he sticks around for next season, we could be in for a good one, with sufficient backing in the market.

Does Michael Brown feature for Leeds often these days? If he does, how has he performed?

He's been in and out of the team, really. He hasn't done anything spectacular for us to be honest, but I guess that's to be expected. Would have been nice to see him have a bit more of an impact in the middle of the park.

He's looked okay at times, though, and it's possible that the appointment of Warnock will see him more prominent in the squad from now on.

Earlier in the season you mentioned that scoring goals was Leeds' biggest strength but conceding them was their biggest weakness. Has this changed over the course of the season?

Well the problem still exists, but we went through a spell of struggling to find the net quite so regularly - not a very good combination! Warnock has said that the defence remains the priority for strengthening, and that is no surprise.

The opposition's goal has been breached a bit more of late, and we usually look a threat with Snodgrass, McCormack, and Becchio in form.

What sort of match are you expecting at Fratton Park on Saturday?

A tough one - as always. We tend to struggle down there, but we really need to get the win by any method. It might not be the prettiest game of football as ever, with Warnock taking full charge for the first time, but it will hopefully be a battle that we win.

I haven't seen much of Pompey this season, so I'm not really sure what to expect from them, but teams can use their problems to galvanise performances, so I don't expect a rollover!

Predict the outcome of the game.

First game with Warnock in the dug-out, and a vital win, I hope. 3-1 Leeds.