Football Shorts

City, fresh from their hard-fought boxing day triumph over Accrington Stanley, will take on John Coleman’s Rochdale tomorrow, and talismanic winger Kyel Reid could make his first league start since early October, following his successful cameo against Accrington.

One injury doubt, however, is fellow winger Zavon Hines, who had to be substituted following a scratched iris against Accrington, while Nahki Wells is still struggling to overcome his stomach bug, which could pave the way for Alan Connell to make a rare start.

Off the pitch, there has been good news for City, as yesterday’s first day of ticket sales for the two legs of the Capitol One Cup semi-final with Aston Villa saw more than 11,000 tickets sold in total.

Huddersfield Town also have reason to rejoice, as defender Anthony Gerrard had his red card overturned by the FA. This means the 26-year old is available for the Terriers’ clash with Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow lunchtime.

Gerrard, who told his Twitter followers he was “buzzing” following the decision yesterday afternoon, and will also be available for the New Years Day clash with Leicester and the FA Cup game with Charlton on January 5.

Leeds United have underlined the importance of GFH Capital’s recent takeover by publishing new figures which reveal a major financial downturn at Elland Road.

The club’s results for the 12 months leading up to June 30, 2012 show marked decreases in turnover and gate receipts and an operating loss of more than £3.3million.

United posted an overall profit of £317,000, helped by the sale of ex-player of the year Max Gradel and former club captain Jonathan Howson, but the figure decreased dramatically from £3.5million during the previous 12 months. Gate receipts were down 10 per cent and turnover fell by almost five per cent to just over £31million.

The 12 months covered by United’s latest accounts span a period in which Bates faced long-running protests against his running of the club and average league attendances at Elland Road fell by almost 4,000.

On the pitch, Leeds, beaten 4-2 at Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, will be hoping for a big improvement tomorrow against Hull in front of the KC’s biggest crowd of the season.

Manager Neil Warnock was critical of his side in the wake of that reverse at the City Ground, not least because it diluted an encouraging run of five wins from six outings.

The Leeds chief, who yesterday made Ryan Hall’s loan switch from Southend United permanent on a two-and-a-half year deal, said: “In a way, I am glad we are facing Hull.

“If any Tigers fan saw our defending at Forest then they will be rubbing their hands about Saturday. But that is the Championship.”