Boss Paul Hurst felt Town were always going to be in for a tough evening against Leeds United, who comfortably beat the Blues 2-0 at Elland Road to return to the top of the table.

“I think if anyone was expecting anything [other than] it being a tough evening then they clearly haven’t been paying attention to Leeds United this season,” Hurst said.

“It doesn’t matter what we are, it was always going to be tough and, to be honest, I’ve seen Leeds outplay teams more than I have tonight.

“Whether or not they were stretched we can debate that, but I didn’t feel as threatened as perhaps I might have expected to at times, albeit they upped the tempo in that second period.”

After an even opening to the game, Kemar Roofe’s 22nd minute header set the Whites on their way.

“It was a fantastic ball in, I think we could have done more to stop the cross in the first place but it was ultimately a moment of quality in terms of the delivery,” Hurst added.

“I’d probably fancy myself to score that. But he was back in the team, he’s a goalscorer and he was back in the goals tonight from my point of view.”

Asked whether he has found this week’s speculation regarding his future hard to deal with, he said: “I’m not one to go searching for it but at the same time I don’t lock myself in a room and don’t speak to anyone. Unfortunately, those things are out there. At they healthy? Realistically, no.

“But at the same time, as I said going into the game, all you can do is focus on your job and do it to the best of your ability. And ultimately if it’s not good enough or deemed not good enough, then so be it.

“It doesn’t help, it’s something else I’m not happy about but at the same time I think if we were a team that was full of players that weren’t willing to fight we’d have lost by more than a 2-0 scoreline.

“I know they hit the post but what I didn’t see, and I don’t if anyone felt differently, but I didn’t feel like I saw a team which would just roll over and let Leeds do what they want.

“Ultimately Leeds are a very good team, we couldn’t take advantage of them maybe being not quite at their best in terms of confidence coming into the game, a little bit of a difficult run for them in terms of how well they’ve done this season so far.”

Hurst says no one has spoken to him about his future in relation to the speculation. Asked whether he’d like a reassuring call from owner Marcus Evans tomorrow, he added: “I keep saying it, that’s not for me, that’s whether Marcus feels that he needs to or not. All I’ll do is get on with my job.

“In a lot of ways, I’m not going to lie, managers are pleased if they can just be left to get on with their job, so I’m not going to complain that he’s [not] ringing me every day, I just have to get on with it.”

Although still bottom the Blues are level with 23rd-placed Hull City with Reading three points ahead in 22nd and then Rotherham, Millwall and Preston all a point further ahead outside the relegation zone.

Asked whether one good thing about the current situation is that his team are far from adrift at this stage and whether he’s confident his players can turn things around, he said: “Yes, we hope so. It’s interesting you said that because I was told at the weekend we were ‘rock bottom’. I don’t see it like that and from that question I’d say you probably agree.

“We’re in a pack of teams that, whether we all like it or not, in my opinion are going to be fighting to stay in the division.

“Probably I would say one team out of that will have a run and pull away and there’ll be one team, maybe two, that will probably drop back down.

“We’ve got to hang on in there for as long as possible until we gain more confidence, maybe try and improve the squad.

“We’ve lost Jon Walters, we’ve lost Ellis Harrison at the top end of the pitch, we’re very limited on what we can do there. It’s difficult for the two lads in terms of how we want to try and play.

“It’s not an excuse but sometimes things go against you and you’ve got to try and find different ways and at the minute we’re still trying to do that.”

Is there an understanding regarding that? “I think in some areas there is and in others there won’t be. And I think that’s football.

“Again, that’s opinions, some people are sympathetic, other people expect you to win the league. That’s the industry that we’re in.”

Town next face 20th-placed Millwall at the Den on Saturday, Preston, 19th, at home and then 21st-placed Reading at the Madejski Stadium, big games for the Blues.

“We thought QPR was as well,” reflected Hurst. “Every game is big. What I will clarify is, despite the fact I think unlikely getting a victory was unlikely or maybe even a point here tonight, we didn’t turn up with that intention.

“The team wasn’t changed round thinking we’ll just try something and give it a go, it was to come and get something, albeit it was very difficult. Just to quash any thoughts of that.

“The next three are big games in a way that you look at teams that are down towards the lower reaches.

“But at the same time, even then it won’t be done and dusted either way after those three games. There’s still a long, long way to go. But we certainly want to try and not - at the very worst - let that gap get any bigger and hopefully reduce it.

“I haven’t seen the results tonight, certainly as was mentioned going into the game, one victory and you can be out of the relegation zone, albeit not clear of it. We’ve got to make sure we stay in that pack of teams.”

Leeds manager Marelo Bielsa felt his team was worthy of the win which took his team back to the top of the Championship ahead of Middlesbrough on goal difference.

“It was a necessary win and a deserved one too,” he said. “There were two different halves and in the second half we had fluidity which we didn't have in the first half.

“Our team was constantly offensive and we had 10 clear chances to score a goal.

"In the first half we spent many minutes not playing. We had the obligation to change this and make the right pass. If we do this, we play.”

Photo: TWTD

tabber1981 added 00:15 - Oct 25 I've heard him say other teams could have lost more than 2-0 too many times now. Fact is if you concede two almost every game you won't win many
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karl1426 added 00:46 - Oct 25 Just leave PH! 1 win in 14 games, if you use Math, it's 3 win in 42 games! We are doomed if you still insist on staying! Please leave PH!
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andygizmo added 01:27 - Oct 25 Out. Simples Out with his mate out as well
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shakytown added 01:36 - Oct 25 The absolute truth is that all the players you signed are not even close to the standard for this league and you and your support staff are woefully out of your depth. Either way if you go or are still here you will be back in league one next season. Time to gather what dignity you can muster and take the walk of shame out the door.
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Henrietta_R_Hippo added 03:23 - Oct 25 Her we go again: Beating around the bush (us being blatantly shambolic! Period!) and instead mostly concentrating on beefing up the opposition on and on and on (much like his fellow Yorkshire prat & former manager just luvs to do it btw). Sure Leeds are much better than us incl. in the manager seat! ... both on paper and on the vast majority of nights in reality... but NEVERTHELESS the only had 1 win in their last 5 coming in to this one, including 2 losses to 'so-so' teams.... alas a completely unstoppable force they most certainly ain't ! But then again, with the truly pathetic & utterly tame performance we showed up with tonight, they really never felt compelled to step up from "2nd gear" did they? LOL ... much like Boro, another thoroughly solid team & sure contender, didn't have to either & comfortably cruised by us 3 weeks ago. HURST OUT NOW! EVANS OUT A.S.A.P.!

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muccletonjoe added 05:31 - Oct 25 Evans paying off his new managers contract and getting another one in ? I can't see it myself.
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hongkongblue added 05:36 - Oct 25 Sorry unknown 100 didn't mean to press negative like can't seem to restract it Well said 👍
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Telford_Blue added 06:44 - Oct 25 It is Paul Jewell all over again. It cannot go on. What Evans must also realise is that he has a choice. He must either roll the dice and get someone proven in and invest heavily or he must accept that he will always own a club that will do well to stay in this division. Yes occasionally a team will have a run without it, Millwall came close last year but they are also being found out this year. We are now lagging further and further behind and FFP is simply not levelling things out. It's not even close. The change in personnel this summer and a host of league one players arriving has also been ridiculous and is clearly now being proved as an experiment that is not working. Mr Evans it's time to bite a very large bullet and make some big decisions. Hurst sadly has to go, you need to stump up and a proven name (of which there are now one or two available) needs putting at the helm. What makes this even more sad is that Mick McCarthy I'm sure is laughing his wotsits off I bet.

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jas0999 added 06:48 - Oct 25 Demonstrates yet again how out of touch he is. Out of his depth. Leeds aren't Barcelona. They just have a good manager who plays the right way and good players. We have neither.
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Woodbridgian added 07:01 - Oct 25 Desperate times. Hursts only defence of the situation seems to be if mathematically were rock bottom or not. Well even if mathematically that is the case the morale of the players and the confidence of the fans definitely is ROCK bottom. Bielsa's comments about 10 clear chances to score is correct and without Bart and a lot of luck we could of been hammered. Hurst has to go today if we stand any chance of getting anything from the next 3 absolutely crucial games. Evans now needs to accept that he has to invest heavily in an experienced manager and heavily in the squad in January otherwise it's league one football and revenues next season

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DurhamTownFan added 07:01 - Oct 25 Those next 3 games are huge, but can we afford to wait and see if he can nick something? What if we lose all three, as seems perfectly likely at the moment? I'd change it now
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Zondervanromeo added 07:22 - Oct 25 If we lose at millwall can't see How he could stay any longer
4

Swn98 added 07:38 - Oct 25 Rather be in leg 1 than watch another MM game well it doesn't sound like that's what you really wanted. Be careful what you wish for.
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martin587 added 07:50 - Oct 25 Mr.Hurst,it will always be difficult if you send a team out without a plan and lacking confidence from the start.There was very little fight from at least eight players last night.A few hardly broke into a sweat. Thank goodness Bart was in goal otherwise the score could have easily been 5-0. I spent good money to watch that inapt performance like I do every week as do thousands of us.we have had enough of this and your same comments after each match. You have had 14 matches to sort a settled team out but are nowhere near this and I fear never will be.Seven changes last night.I rest my case. Confidence comes within.It shows in the players,them just seem scared. The players have lost confidence in you and it will never return now.It stands out a mile that there is unrest within the camp.Its difficult to deny.Even Chambers was arguing last night and he was poor,ball watching for the first goal. As for the team,two strikers but not one ounce of support again.A midfield that was totally lost and a defence that was lucky to have only conceded two goals.Had Leeds have played to there level we could have been out of sight by half time. Critical I may be and some might disagree but this is how I see it as a Town supporter and I'm sorry to have to criticise them like this. I am absolutely gutted to see the demise of my club with an inept clueless manager totally out of his depth and unless a change is not made very very soon it will be too late.

6

thechangingman added 08:08 - Oct 25 Evans out and hold the door open for Hurst to follow you...
2

Surco72 added 08:17 - Oct 25 With Evans under spending and selling of our best players over last 10 years we are where we are . In reality how many of Hursts games should this shoe string squad have beaten compared to their spending power ? Maybe should have got results against Blackburn , Bolton and QPR at home and Rotherham away but the rest we should on paper be losing to Villa, Brentford , Boro, Norwich at home . Derby, Sheff Weds , Hull , Brum , Swansea , Leeds away , these teams have multi million pound squads and players . We are massively missing Waghorn this season who made things and goals happen and covered over this from happening last season , his leaving was Evans decision

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Europablue added 08:18 - Oct 25 Give him the next three games. Unfortunately, as much as I want to be patient, he needs at least one win from those games or his position is untenable. At this point it is really difficult to tell whether he is building something that will bear fruit or if he is totally clueless. If we did change manager, the only way we are going to be successful is if we choose a manager who plays to a set identity, that would be the "Ipswich way", so like Bobby Robson or George Burley. I seem to remember that we had a manager who liked to pay that way, Jim something, but he was replaced for the chance to rub shoulders with big names. However we look at it, there was general agreement that Hurst was the right choice. We can't criticize the appointment, but we can express our disappointment on how it has gone so far.

10

LWNR2013 added 08:33 - Oct 25 Just re-read this carefully. Totally demotivating for players, staff, fans on all fronts. Leadership - negative.
4

benknight73 added 09:02 - Oct 25 I'm likely the only person on here that is supporting PH through this difficult time. Feel luck has evaporated just when he needs it most. On top of that, the owner has also dissapeared, surprise surprise. Having watched the game, I agree with PH that "it would have been a tough evening for most teams". With confidence so low, it's even harder to go to a place like Elland Road and put on a 'pretty' performance. I feel he has three games to prove himself. I'll be at Millwall on Saturday supporting my team and hopefully most others on here will do the same. Anybody that thinks Matt Holland, George Burley, Mick Mills etc can do a better job is deluded. Having loyalties to the club doesn't make you a good manager. Now to rid myself of the negativity that is the TWTD forums.

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brittaniaman added 09:24 - Oct 25 I just looked at News Now forum it is all about Leeds, in fact I thought I got the wrong Forum until I looked at the top of the page. Well Hursty even a win will not get us out of the bottom 3 now. Carry on like this we will be relegated Before Christmas let alone BY Christmas ??? So Mr Evans a plea to you, get something sorted out NOW !! unless there is a Magic Wand you are going to wave before Halloween and make this Disaster disappear, . and we can restart the season again, with the similar team we finished last season with.

2

marco007 added 09:26 - Oct 25 I thought it was yet another awful performance and it just shows how far this club has sunk under the reckless leadership of Hursty. After 14 league games, making 7 changes shows that he has no idea of his best team, or a formation that is going to work in this division. The players looked confused, the shape was all over the place and there was absolutely no cohesion. I fail to see how pumping long balls to Sears and Jacskon is the answer?? Midfield is bereft of creativity and Nolan, Skuse and Downes were passengers. Leeds are decent but in no way would they be competitive in the Premiership. What shone through for me was that it was like watching a strong Championship team against a Division 1 side...............that might be linked to the players that we signed! :(

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Elizabeth added 09:28 - Oct 25 The team were defeated before they kicked a ball last night ! They couldn't string three passes together! He obviously doesn't have a clue with formations or setting a team up to compete ! All these changes is absolutely ridiculous! Can't see any light at the end of the tunnel with this regime ! Hoping for good news soon !
3

norfolkbluey added 09:31 - Oct 25 Hurst just has to go asap. The energy of the club is disappearing down the plug hole. I keep banging on this drum. Get a proven manager and give him 20 Million otherwise we are down.
2

pegasus added 09:34 - Oct 25 We have another manager who never seems to stop taking, and an owner who never says anything. Does the club have some sort of media advisor who could alter the balance, a bit?
2

richagedoldsupporter added 09:42 - Oct 25 Seems everyone agrees. Mr Hurst you state you don't lock yourself in a room and face up to things well you didn't feel you could face the fans at the recent golf day you didn't address one person and totally failed to support the sales team who once again provided a super day for all players. Mick and his team were always there took part fully had dinner with those taking part and presented the prizes. Mr Hurst it seems you don't know how that side of the job works either. Best you get back to the lower divisions ASAP where no doubt they don't have those type of events

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