Another American is going on loan to a club associated with US National Team alum Eddie Lewis. This time it's defender Eric Lichaj joining Leeds United for a one month loan.
Why Are We Here?
In need of regular playing time, Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj has joined Leeds United on a short-term loan. Lichaj has shown well enough in his appearances with Villa this season, but he remains out of the first choice eleven. The loan will give him game experience with a contending team in The Championship.
Where Are We?
Leeds, in West Yorkshire. It's a city of roughly 440,000 on the River Aire that has always had grand ambitions for its namesake football club. The metropolitan area almost doubles the population, giving Leeds United a large area of support. Though Bradford City is only ten miles to the west, that's a significant enough distance to give Leeds a large territory where it's the local club.
And The Club?
Leeds United were supposed to be among the giants of Europe by now, with a run of Premier League and Champions League results to prove that point. Instead, they grasped at the big time only to go falling down the divisions. Historically one of England's stronger clubs with three top tier titles and a1975 European Cup final appearance, they made the semifinals of the 2000-01 Champions League but missed out on the tournament the following season. Without Champions League money, the club had to sell players. Without their high profile players, they began to slide down the table and eventually out of the Premier League. They were relegated in 2004 to The Championship and again in 2007 to League One. They were promoted to The Championship at the end of last season after finishing second in League One.
How Tough Is The Championship?
For a newly promoted club, staying out of a relegation fight hasn't been an issue for Leeds. They're currently sixth, good for the final playoff slot. They're also within 10 points of the top of the table. Leeds has a recent history of slipping after a strong first-half of the season, so the pressure is on to keep the club in the playoff places while trying to challenge for direct promotion by finishing first or second.
The Stadium?
Elland Road holds 39,460 with the East Stand dominating the stadium. It was built in 1897 with several redevelopments. Not surprisingly, part of the Leeds as elite European club plan was to rebuild Elland Road or build a new stadium in the early 2000's. The economic collapse at the club means they're still at Elland Road. Had England won the rights to host the 2018 World Cup, two of the stands at Elland road would've been rebuilt. The stadium remains a work in progress, with current plans to redesign some areas to increase capacity.
