David Haigh our Managing Director claimed that ER would be "buzzing" for the visit of Barnsley. Forgive me for admitting my pre-season festive blues but are we really getting over-excited about Haigh's latest interview on ITV stating it is not our "intention" to sell Ross McCormack, oh and Robbie Rogers is returning to promote gay-rights amongst footballers!

In a five minute interview with ITV, Mr Haigh reflected on GFH's achievements on the eve of them being in charge for one-year, the mantra was simple, Leeds were no longer a selling club which Haigh claimed was evident by the fact that Leeds have extended the contracts of players such as Alex Mowatt and of course Ross McCormack. The Leeds MD insisted that it was not our "intention" to sell McCormack, but does this mean that Leeds would accept a silly offer for our 17-goal-man? bearing in mind we snubbed £2m for him last August from Middlesbrough.

Haigh spoke a lot of truths to be fair, about attendances increasing and the "feelgood factor" returning to the club and although it is fair to say that GFH have not spent "silly money" they have "invested significantly" in the club over the past 12 months. Haigh was somewhat cagey about a takeover he is rumoured to be leading which is expected to be confirmed imminently, stating that if it does happen it will be "business as normal" as many of the parties involved in the proposed new investment are already on board in some capacity.

Although it is expected there will be something of a carnival atmosphere to celebrate GFH's anniversary in charge, a fancy dress competition and season ticket refund draw have been confirmed, there will be a serious side as former winger Robbie Rogers returns to promote the "beyond it" campaign.

Rogers played just five times for Leeds, however he is probably best remembered for being only the second footballer in the English game to come out as gay behind the late Justin Fashanu. The "beyond it" campaign goes beyond homophobia and encourages all sportsmen and women to take part in sport without any fear of discrimination. Leeds also recently pledged their support to Stonewall, the gay rights organisation and seem to be the English club leading the battle against homophobia.

But back to matters on the park and earlier this week, it was claimed that the revitalised Danny Pugh was battling injury so Stephen Warnock may return to a line-up otherwise unchanged.

Amazingly for the FIFTH time this season, Leeds face a team who have changed their manager and Danny Wilson has made a sentimental return to Oakwell which has largely been a popular re-appointment, however they could be missing top scorer Chris O'Grady.

Barnsley do have something of an Indian Sign over us, usually we save our worst performances of the season for Oakwell and we actually managed to win at Elland Road last season, a 42nd minute Luciano Becchio penalty settling the game in our favour.

However with our current form and despite the bounce Wilson's return will give the rock-bottom Tykes, I fancy us edging this one 2-1 with McCormack (who else?) on the scoresheet.

Photo: Action Images

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