Leeds United are busy preparing for the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final against Norwich and Mike Grella has sent a brilliant video and message to his old side.
The Whites avoided defeat in the first leg by drawing 0-0 against David Wagner’s side as Daniel Farke chose to pack the midfield by swapping Archie Gray in for Joel Piroe, helping keep a clean sheet.
A solid result at Carrow Road given Leeds had one clean sheet in their preceding eight matches before Sunday’s first leg. Four defeats in the previous six games, so it was crucial Leeds ended that run.
They did just that and have gathered some momentum with a solid performance at Norwich ahead of the second leg at Elland Road. The whole season now hinges on Thursday evening, against The Canaries.
The pressure is on Leeds with Josh Windass making the point that Norwich and West Brom are just happy to be in the play-offs. But Leeds will be confident after two wins against Norwich in the regular season.
Mike Grella has now sent a message to Leeds fans on X, posting a brilliant video of his son ahead of Thursday’s second leg. Here is what he put on social media:
Mike Grella posts brilliant video as Leeds take on Norwich
Grella joined Leeds in January 2009 after scoring a hat-trick on trial with the Yorkshire club’s reserve side against Barnsley. The American forward went on to play just 33 times for Leeds, scoring five goals.
He went on to have a career in The Football League with Brentford, Bury and Scunthorpe after loans at Carlisle and Swindon while on the books at Leeds, playing 107 games in England and scoring 19 goals.
He returned to his home country after a spell in Denmark and starred for New York Red Bulls before retiring and becoming a pundit with CBS Sports but clearly, a soft spot remains for Leeds inside Grella.
The 37-year-old posted a video of his son in a Leeds shirt on Twitter ahead of Thursday’s second leg against Norwich, with the caption: “Wishing the best to Leeds on Thursday!”
David Wagner gave an injury update on two key Norwich players
It is a quick turnaround from Sunday’s game and for both sides, there will be a few knocks and bruises for players to overcome. At Leeds, Dan James and Connor Roberts should be fit for the semi-final second leg.
Doubts remain regarding Patrick Bamford who continues to fight to get himself fit for what could be the last two matches. Meanwhile, Norwich boss Wagner gave an update on Ashley Barnes and Josh Sargent.
Sargent was forced off in the last 10 minutes on Sunday and Wagner is confident the 16-goal star will be okay for Thursday but there is less hope regarding the availability of veteran striker Barnes.