Schmeichel Hopes Glory Days will Return to Leeds

When football fans hear the name Schmeichel they remember a commanding goalkeeper with an intimidating physique who loved nothing more than denying a striker a certain goal.

Most fans will of course be thinking of the Manchester United great who helped the Red Devils win five Premiership trophies, three FA Cups and the Champions League.

However, to a new, younger generation of football fans the name Schmeichel is associated with Manchester City, Notts County and now Leeds United. Kasper has many of the same traits as his famous father and is hoping to enjoy just as much success.

Since leaving Manchester City, the club that nurtured the young Dane’s talent but offered him limited opportunities, Schmeichel has won promotion with Notts County and made the move to Yorkshire to join a sleeping giant in Leeds United.

Leaving a Premiership club to join a League Two side may have seemed like a strange move but Schmeichel is adamant it was the right decision for his fledgling career. “The best thing I ever did was get away from Man City where there was absolutely no prospect of playing and join a club where I could be part of something.

“I had another two years on my contract so I could have easily stayed and lived the life of luxury but that is not what I am in football for. I wanted to play every week and I was given that opportunity which was all I ever wanted.”

Unfortunately Notts County was a club in turmoil. Their visions of grandeur led to financial problems and although promotion was secured they could no longer afford to retain the services of Schmeichel. County’s loss was United’s gain.

Leeds have experienced their own financial difficulties but at long last the club seems to be on the right path. With Simon Grayson at the helm, the Leeds faithful have had something to cheer about and Schmeichel feels he has made the right move.

“I have been hugely impressed since I arrived at the club. I have known what Leeds are about for a long time and it really is a massive club with a great tradition. You come and see the stadium and it is unbelievable. The training ground is second to none and it is a great club to be at.”

Schmeichel’s Championship debut for Leeds may have ended in defeat, 2-1 to Derby County, but the young keeper impressed with several crucial stops. Kasper appears to have inherited his father’s agility and presence in goal.

“I think we showed enough in our first game to prove that we will be just fine this year. We need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal and cut out a few small mistakes, but we can count ourselves a little bit unlucky. It’s an unforgiving league and you get punished for your mistakes.”

Still just 23-years-old, Schmeichel has a maturity beyond his years. He speaks confidently about his own game and the fact that he will make mistakes. “In England there is the tendency to slaughter keepers when they make a mistake. Just look at Rob Green at the World Cup. We are all human and we will make mistakes but you have to learn from them.”

After another impressive display in the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, Schmeichel will be hoping to clinch another promotion and finally have the chance to shine in the Premier League.

Kasper Schmeichel has launched his own range of goalkeeping gloves with Precision Goalkeeping.� Precision Goalkeeping are part of Britain’s fastest growing sports brand – Precision Training - go to www.precisiontraining.uk.com