Dreaming of Glory…

When the FA Cup first round tie was drawn, feelings were mixed. With memories of the debacle at Histon still haunting, it was a relief to avoid a non league banana skin, but then again, it was another trip to bloody Oldham. Only the fact that is a short hop across the M62 gave some crumb of comfort and for that I suppose we should be thankful for small mercies. Upon parking up it was pissing down (check), fucking cold (check) and fucking miserable (check). Yes, it could only be one place in the world that has the most dismal micro climate in Britain. Oldham Athletic, our one time nemesis, remains a shit hole and the most perennially depressing of place’s to visit. The kick off was pushed to tea time to accommodate the first ever FA cup game shown on TheFA.com. website. This followed on from showing a recent England under 21 game on the net as the FA continue’s to struggle to find a broadcaster to take over the rights previously held by Setanta…

All that can be hoped for on night’s liked these is that the boy’s put up a good show and give the crowd something to feed off and escape with a win. Grayson had a few option’s team wise, but opted to tinker with the formation and play a 4/5/1 which could also have been viewed as a 4/3/3 at time’s. With Kandol’s 3 match ban kicking in and Vokes not able to play, Beckford was chosen as a loan striker. This was instead of a possible pairing with Enoch or Grella (both on the bench). With Snoddy and Johnson on the wing’s looking to support, the midfield trio was made up of Kilkenny, Howson and Doyle, the rest of the line up unchanged. It has to be said, the game was not exactly the best and with the exception of 2 early scare’s in which Casper thankfully came out on top, for 35 minutes nothing really happened. The game was controlled largely by Kilkenny and Howson as we tried to find an angle to get through the home defence, but it just wasn’t happening…

When it did fat arsed Gregan was picking up just about everything and Beckford was clearly not impressed with having to put in a lonesome shift whilst getting very little service. That said, Beckford had 3 defender’s for company whenever the ball got near his delicate little toes. So fast forward to 36 minutes in and just as we were about to fall into a deep freeze induced coma when Snoddy played a ball out to Howson on the left, about 20 yard’s out. Totally out of context to what had gone before, Howson took a touch then put his left foot through the ball and with the aid of a slight deflection, it whistled past Flahavan into the net off the underside of the bar for 1-0 to wake and warm the White Army for whom a small section of which rather disappointingly took their mind off the tedium presented before them with the Munich song and the odd racist chant. It’s fair to say that when looking around at the section it was coming from, there were no familiar face’s…

We had hoped that this goal would provide a springboard, however it proved to be a false dawn and we were just thankful to be ahead at halftime. A full 15 minute rendition of “Champion’s of Europe” cheered spirit’s and kept people warm during the break as we dreamt of a Bristolesq second half. It was not to be however as the second half proved to be as grim, if not worse. People watching on the FA.com website may well have been dropping asleep as Leeds passed neatly, but failed to do anything incisive. Oldham did there best to try get a foothold into the game while the White Army took their shoe’s off to show they hate ManU. Oldham did come close with a Taylor snapshot being pushed past the post by Casper with around 70 minutes gone, but after that the game sunk back into to its mind numbing nothingness. To our right, due to Oldham’s ground only really having three sides, the non footballing folk of Oldham did their best to help take our mind off matters…

Glorious firework display’s were melting into the wet dark skies, but there were no fireworks on the pitch.  The football was getting no better, though that’s not to say there was no effort from either side, because there was. Sadly just very little quality and what there was of it was coming from both sets of defender’s. Kisnorbo and Naylor again excelling, but equally, Gregan and Hazel were too. As thought’s were turning to more exciting thing’s like getting home in time for X- Factor, the assistant put up 4 minutes of injury time. Grayson was keen to run the clock down with Grella on for Beckford and White on for Doyle, who second’s before had just picked up his 5th Yellow of the season and will now be banned for 1 game. It was in the very last minute of injury time that the White army were again rewarded with another goal out of context with what had preceded it…

An Oldham attack was broken down and Snoddy raced away. Snoddy fed the ball to White who powered down the right wing before crossing perfectly to Grella. The man from the USA took a touch before hooking the ball in off the keeper for a 2-0 victory. This wasn’t the best game in the world though many will care too much given the main aim was to be in the hat and Macca would have taken this last season for sure. After being drawn away to Kettering Town in the next round of the FA Cup, next up was the JPT tie at home to Grimsby. It was the last game before another two week break as Swindon had been postponed due to international call up’s. It must have been with this in mind and the poor showing in the last round against Darlington that swayed Grayson’s team selection. It was a surprisingly strong side for the Sky camera’s and Grimsby must have feared the worst on the back of just being dumped out of the FA Cup first round by non- league Bath…

So with Casper in goal was protected by a back four of Lubo, Naylor, Hughes and White. Gradel was handed a start on the right, with Snoddy on the left whilst Kilkenny and Johnson took the central midfield spots. Beckford and Vokes started up front. In the last two season’s we have gone out of the JPT to lower league opposition in Bury and Rotherham and there was no desire from anyone to make it 3 in a row and the game began at a quick pace. The first 5 minute’s saw the White’s attacking the South Stand that held the visiting fan’s and we pinned them back. Poor defending saw Vokes get a header just over after only seconds played. Gradel was keen to stamp his mark on what could be his last game for the club by running at the defence whenever he got the ball, though his crossing was largely ineffective and was forced to switch wing’s with Snoddy midway through the half…

It was then that we started to enjoy our better moments, however, Grimsby managed to get into the game after a nervy start. Had it not been for their clueless strike force repeatedly getting called offside, Naylor and co could well have paid dearly for keeping such a high line at the back. As with Saturday’s game, it began to lose its way and it was on 40 minute’s that the crowd really had something to shout about. Gradel was fed the ball on the left, he twisted and turned before beating his man and firing across goal at pace. The ball took a wicked deflection off defender Lancashire and into the net for 1-0. Even Grayson could not deny that once again, fortune had favoured the White’s. It was then effectively game over 5 minutes later as brilliant interplay saw Kilkenny coolly picking up a one-two from Beckford, beating a man before striking a peach of a goal past the despairing dive of Colgan for a flattering 2-0 halftime lead…

It was harsh on Grimsby but there was little doubt that we would surrender the lead and the second half was only 10 minutes old when we made it three. Bradley Johnson had been pretty subdue in the middle of the park up until now, but he picked up the ball on the half way line and drove forward. Once on the edge of the box he fed inside to Beckford, who took half a touch before dispatching sublimely past the keepers diving left hand. A superb finish on a night where both he and Vokes had failed to ignite the crowd. That had been left to Gradel who had grown in confidence through the game and was proving to be a real threat. With 3 goals in the bag and 35 minute’s to play, we hoped for another goal spree, but Grimsby found a swift foothold in the game 2 minute’s later. A corner was punched away by Casper and ex Leeds man Sweeney, around 20 yards out, struck an instinctive volley back towards goal and in off the underside of the bar…

It stung the White’s back into action and after that man Gradel again showed magic, his perfect cross was met at the back stick by Snoddy, but his header was pushed onto the post and away to safety. Grayson threw on Robinson and Prutton as the Whites searched for a 4th and after Gradel lashed wide of the goal when a pass across the box would have been better, Grimsby had one massive chance to get into the game. Aidy White made a dreadful error at the back and Wood was onto it like a flash. Fortunately, he took a touch too many and there was Casper off his line to save the day. It proved to be decisive and after that, the White’s ran down the clock and marched into the JPT Northern Area Semi final. Two more games successfully negotiated making it 4 wins on the trot since the defeat at Millwall. With good football at time’s to boot and plenty of goal’s perhaps. in hindsight, it was the kick up the arse we needed. Next up Brighton and the return of Poyet…

Leeds United AFC… “Out to toast each other from that Silver Cup”… Keep Fighting…

Location, Location, Location…

It is unlikely that there were too many, if any, glasses raised in celebration from the football community when the M1 motorway celebrated its 50th birthday recently. Yet for football fan’s up and down the country, this road is godsend that is taken for granted as we follow our team. It’s not the most glamorous and it’s certainly not the most exciting part of fan’s match day experience, but life without it seems incomprehensible. It’s often called the “Backbone of the country” and it’s become like a reliable old friend in the era where it feel’s like every away game is in some far flung place. One can only imagine the amount of time it used to take getting from say Leeds to Highbury in the day’s before it’s construction in 1959. Well, that’s not factually correct as the first part of the motorway was opened in November 1959 and it only measured 62 miles (London to the Midlands)…

It was 1967 before an extension made it as far as Sheffield and then 1972 before it reached central Leeds. Though it’s not just travelling by which the M1 has significance for Leeds United AFC. You may well remember a time, just after the link road between the M1 and the A1 was completed back in 2001, it figured highly in relocation plan’s. The club’s PLC board, spearheaded by then chairman Peter Ridsdale, decided at the time that the club was now growing at such a rate that plan’s were needed to either redevelop Elland Road or consider a new ground on the outskirts of Leeds. This would be situated just off the M1 and be a state of the art affair, “Just what the club and its fan’s deserved”. A statement released by the club in May 2001 said:

“Leeds Sporting Plc, the parent company of Leeds United Football Club, today announced that due to the ever-increasing demand for its match day facilities, it has commenced a feasibility study into either building a new stadium on a virgin site in Leeds or redeveloping the existing Elland Road site.”

After months of spin by the board in the press, everyone was caught up in the hype with even O’leary getting in on the act suggesting that:

“If we can move and build a brand new, modern stadium it will only make Leeds bigger and better”

By way of a letter to supporter’s written in a way only Ridsdale could, a vote was to be held amongst the White army. In the letter he pointed out that “Option A” of redeveloping Elland Road would cause substantial disruption and be more expensive than building a new stadium. More importantly that “Option B” – the new stadium – would cost nothing to shareholder’s and O’Leary’s transfer fund as it would be built solely on the proceeds of the sale of Elland Road (Estimated £20 million)  and “Stadium Naming Rights” before going on to say:

“As a supporter of Leeds United for the last forty years, I truly understand the emotion attached to Elland Road. I do, however believe that we owe it to our children and future generations to provide both a world class team and a world class stadium.”

Out of the 28,250 voting forms sent out, the club received back 18,577, of which a massive 16,276 (87.6%) were in favour of leaving Elland Road and starting again at a new ground.  As some dumbstruck fan’s asked for a recount, Peter pressed on: “I will now be packing my bags in search of a global sponsor” he said and the club prepared itself to move on, leaving behind the decades of history and a gypsies curse that encapsulated Elland Road. The naming right’s were crucial to the success of the whole project and with the club ruling out Tobacco, Alcohol or Sports supplier’s, option’s were proving pretty hard to come by. It’s not a new idea, over the year’s clubs up and down the country have of course travelled this same route. Arsenal have the Emirates Stadium, Wigan the JJB, Bolton have the Reebok, Leicester the Walkers and Stoke the Britannia to name just a few…

More recently the Cartoon army have been up in arm’s again with Mike Ashley, the only chairman of a club more unpopular than our own Ken Bates, announcing that Newcastle have confirmed that their stadium will be renamed by the mind boggling and somewhat amusing “sportsdirect.com@StJames’ParkStadium” until the end of the season. This was quickly followed by Chelsea announcing they will do the same and many wonder how long before Bates follow’s suit. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and history of course tell’s us that the then Leeds board failed to secure the deal they needed to fund the new stadium. One excuse for this was that we were all living in a different climate just after the attack on the world trade centres on 911. However there was also a hell of a bad smell hanging around the club due to the bad publicity surrounding the Woodgate/Bowyer court case…

If that wasn’t bad enough, there was also of course the fall out over O‘Leary‘s book. After all the hype and the fan fares, the board dropped plan’s for the new stadium in 2002 with little publicity and it was of course around this time that the wheel nut’s on the PLC bandwagon were beginning to loosen off. The new stadium was to have been ready for the 2004 – 2005 season but instead of a new ground opening, a new era was dawning as the club faced up to our first season after relegation from the Premier League. Shortly after, Krasner’s board had sold Elland Road to a chap in Manchester called Jacob Adler in a “leaseback deal” that got the club just £10 million, half that of what the PLC had aimed to get.  Krasner’s deal saw the club remain at Elland Road for the next 25 years, with the option to buy back…

In 2006 it then emerged that Adler had sold Elland Road to a company based in the British Virgin Islands called “Teak Commercial Limited“. When asked on the matter, Shaun Harvey said:

“The change in ownership has had no material effect on us. It makes no difference that the company who now own Elland Road is based in the British Virgin Islands. We still have the same lease as originally entered into, albeit with a different company. More importantly, the buy-back provision has also been transferred.”

At the time, many fan’s questioned “Who are Teak Commercial”? and what link’s do they have, if any, with Bates or Forward Sports. Some fan’s investigated, but found dead end’s along with conspiracy theories and rumour’s. The issue melted into the back ground somewhat until 2007 when plans were underway to find a location for the Leeds council’s “Leisure Quarter” including the much vaunted arena. However, counciler Andrew Carter had no luck tracking down the people behind Teak Commercial either and in a statement that man Shaun Harvey said:

“The club does not know who owns Teak commercial Ltd but our contact with them is still Jacob Adler so(we) have no reason to believe it is anyone but him.” Before going on to confirm that Bates had no connection with Teak Commercial…

Once again, the dust settled and the issue only came back to life when Bates took the club into administration shortly after. It was then that one of Bates long list of arch nemesis’s arrived back on the scene to try and buy the club out of Administration with a £10 million pound bid and a plan in hand to begin a development project which, Morris claimed, would see £400m invested in the Elland Road site (including two other pieces of land – one owned by Leeds City Council and the other by British Road Haulage) and would provide the White’s with a 50,000-capacity stadium. A source connected with Morris at the time told the YEP:

“SR Morris Group acquired an interest in Elland Road a few weeks ago.”

Morris was the person who brokered the deal with Adler in the first place but question’s were being asked as to why Teak Commercial would co-operate with Morris but seemingly not the club or council. As we know, Morris failed in his bid and was hit with scandal as the Daily Express revealed his true plan’s for the area via “Project Peacock” in which the aim was to acquire all three above sites for development, relocating Leeds United to a site nearby which would be supported by retail outlets and a 50,000-seat arena. Any interest that Morris had in Elland Road is now likely to have disappeared as in October 2009 he went bankrupt and was subsequently arrested along with his father Bryan as part of a fraud and money laundering investigation by West Yorkshire Police. To this day no one outside Simon Morris and Jacob Adler appear’s any the wiser as to who ultimately owns the ground…

All this is quite apt really given the current furore surrounding who ultimately own’s Leeds United AFC. We fast forward to the present day and despite still not owning it, plan’s are underway for redevelopment at Elland Road with the club investing half a million quid on Ken’s vision of hotel’s and shopping mall’s thus far. According to Bates, £80 million pound’s will be sunk into this project (you may recall we couldn‘t find £6 million for Thorp Arch). All this time on and many also wonder why the PLC felt it would be better to move than redevelop, yet Bates has the opposite view. Many fan’s simply wonder why on earth we are building hotel’s at Elland Road in the first place. As ever, Shaun Harvey has the answer’s and he claim’s:

“The development is designed to increase non-matchday income streams at Elland Road, which in turn will support and supplement the club’s efforts on the pitch. It will play a vital part in the regeneration of the area, and will also create opportunities for local people.”

So there we have it, not only will football be played at Elland Road for the next few year’s instead of some city outpost near the Birthday boy M1, but in a few years time, we will all be able to both sleep and shop at the ground too. All safe in the knowledge that the buy back option was taken and the club own the ground again because surely Bates wouldn’t place the club in debt to build something onto a stadium we don’t own. Meanwhile, those lucky Leeds United PLC fan’s in that parallel universe are very much at home in their new “Bank of Lehman” stadium along with a host of cup’s and Premier League title’s that O’Leary has won for them, whilst conquering Europe with the reserves. Whilst at the same time, Ridsdale has been given the key’s to the city and is running for the position of Mayor of Leeds, something he will do in his spare time. Where did it all go so very wrong…

Leeds United AFC… “Motorway’s, Madness and Leeds United”… Keep Fighting…

In The Paper Today…

The response by the player’s to the first league defeat of the season down at Millwall was to knock 4 goal’s past Bristol Rovers in a stunning away performance. This however went largely unnoticed in the national press as only a few column inches were aimed in Grayson’s boy’s direction. Whilst that was disappointing, it didn’t stop the club being written about in other area’s and mainly all linked to the Premier League. The promised land of the Premier League is of course a distant dream for many who crave the return to the top flight football and 6 year’s on from relegation it all sometimes feel’s like it is played on a different planet such have been the change’s since we left. As it stand’s, Match of the Day and keeping tabs on the score’s of the fantasy football team, are the nearest we get to feeling “part” of it…

This week however, you could have been forgiven for thinking that the club were still up there, such was the press coverage that has been bestowed on us by the media despite very little of it relating to the magnificent work that Grayson is doing with the team and strangely, no mention of Bates. First up was Paul Hart, our ex: player and youth coach during the “Living the Dream” era and who many tipped to take over as manager at one point. Hart is now charged with trying to keep Portsmouth in the top flight as they flirt with both relegation and Administration. Portsmouth are not the “New Leeds” he claimed as he defiantly answered the critic’s. The paper’s documented our fall from grace: Relegation from the Premier League to date. A nice reminder to all Leeds fan’s of the last few year’s – as if we will ever forget…

Next up was Stan Collymore who managed to come out with some sensationalist tripe about the how the top flight should be changed to make it a better league. This would be a league comprising of around 20 – 25 team’s, including Leeds United AFC, with no relegation out of, nor promotion in to it. This, Stan argued, would make it the best league in the world and by hand picking teams on “Who have been the biggest and most successful sides in modern history.” it would guarantee fantastic football. Team’s such as Bolton, Burnley, Stoke and Wigan would be cast aside and the like of Newcastle and Leeds shoe horned in. Of course, many were quick to point out the first obvious flaw in Stan’s plan. The inclusion of the Geordies, who have not won a pot since time began, would fail his initial criteria…

It is of course not something that would ever come to pass, but the very thought of denying club’s up and down the country the chance to make their own top flight history and to take away the dream of promotion for club’s and fan’s is one that many instantly dismissed. Lastly, we came to the story of Marlon King. King has been given18 months in prison for sexual assault and causing bodily harm. The headline writer’s seemed to miss the fact the lad had played for Leeds under Blackwell and there was no “Ex: Leeds Player to jail” headlines knocking around. You may have thought the club had got away with it, however the devil is in the detail and a few paper’s picked up on the alternate slant to the story after Wigan vowed that the player  would never play for them again…

This prompted reminder’s and little dig’s that Leeds United AFC never took such decisive action when every man and his dog were pounding the club to sack Jonathan Woodgate. Woody of course was convicted of affray and sentenced to 100 hour’s community service. It is claimed that King says he is disappointed at the decision and will appeal on the grounds of mistaken identity. That is a bit like when we all thought Blackwell had brought in a striker when King joined the club, yet played the lad on the wing during his short time at Leeds. With all this talk of Premier League it was a stark reminder that Sam Vokes decision to join the club may well be the nearest thing the White army get to seeing Premier League player’s wearing the White shirt for the next few year’s…

Vokes of course notched his first goal for the club in that magnificent win at Bristol and hope’s were again high that we could now build on that win and not suffer a Halloween horror show against Yeovil Town. Yeovil were unbeaten in 6 games prior to today’s game, playing attractive football were never going to be the push over that many dismissed them as. With Grayson sticking to the same side that took the point’s in midweek, once again he showed that if you earn the shirt, you keep it. Its fair to say that many were expecting the lads to slip straight into gear and carry on from the Bristol match, however it was never going to be that easy. Yeovil set out in a 4-5-1 formation and made the extra man in midfield count. Despite early pressure from the White’s, there was a distinct lack of zip about the play…

This contributed to Yeovil not being overawed and indeed at times during the opening half hour, they were the better side. Playing passing football and fashioning chance’s, Leeds could have been 1 down on a couple of occasion’s, notably with Casper making a superb save from Obika. Going forward, Vokes was making his presence felt, as was Snoddy, but with little back up from the midfield pairing, no real chances were fashioned until we won a free kick on the edge of the area after Snoddy was fouled on 38 mins. Johnson smashed the free kick over the wall, but it fell into the grateful arms of McCarthy. The game was drifting uninspiringly to half time when the Whites benefited from another rub of the green and it was to prove decisive and woke up a crowd who were about to settle for a snooze…

Johnson’s cross from the left took a deflection which took the ball towards the near post. Beckford reacted quickest,  swung a boot at it and though he missed, it did enough to confuse McCarthy with the ball ending up in the back of the net for a 1-0  halftime lead, admittedly against the run of play. Grayson had been quick to defend accusation’s aimed our way that his team had been lucky at time’s this season, but there was no denying that, once again this season, lady luck was rubbing our face in her ample bosom. Still, as we have said before, we will take it when it comes as we have had our fair share of the rotten stuff. The second half was a much different affair as the White’s came out firing and whatever Grayson had said to them had clearly worked…

Yeovil were now unable to get their flowing football going and unable to fashion any clear cut chance’s. At the other end, Beckford thought he had a second but was ruled offside by a nat’s hair and Vokes showed class to work a great opening, but fired wide. With an hour on the clock, what was looking like one of those “Keep what you have got” performance’s was suddenly transformed thank’s to an inspired double substitution from Grayson. On came Gradel and Kilkenny for Doyle and Hughes with Johnson ushered to left back and Snoddy to the left wing – What a transformation! Gradel was again instrumental as he whizzed around the pitch like a man possessed. Gradel set up Beckford whose strike was palmed away by McCarthy which was followed by Howson trying to bend one into the top corner…

The White’s had built up a head of steam and it was duly rewarded by that man Gradel. Bromby gave him the ball on the right of the penalty area, a shimmy later and he fired a stunner across the keeper and into the bottom hand corner for 2-0 and effectively game over. Moment’s later, Beckford thought he had scored a third, but it was again ruled offside, though the lad was not to be denied. On 78 minutes he pounced on an error from the Yeovil back line to fire past McCarthy for 3-0 and with word filtering through that Charlton were losing, things didn’t seem they could get better. They did though as Grayson took off Beckford for the rejuvenatedKandol, the lad followed up his midweek goal by getting his head onto the end of Snoddy’s cross for 4-0 and the first outing of his somersault at Elland Road for a long time…

As the final whistle went, there were some handbag’s in the centre circle. These were, to be honest, out of context in what was largely a match devoid of any aggravation and was quickly nipped in the bud. As news from other result’s confirmed the club were now 7 points (8 if you include goal difference) clear at the top of the league it topped of a great week for the White’s as Grayson’s tactical nouse once again shone through. The Premier League may be a distant dream, but if we can emulate Swansea and Leicester by getting out of League one in style, it will at least be one step closer getting there. That is a long way from reality though and as ever, we can enjoy the moment and then move on. Next up it’s cup competition’s with firstly the FA Cup tie at Oldham before Grimsby head to Elland Road in the JPT…

Leeds United AFC… “Total Media Whores”… Keep Fighting…

Lucky…

Many would agree that this season has surpassed general expectations, no matter how low they may have been initially set. Only one defeat in all competition’s and to a side from the premiership is no mean feat. Despite this however, whilst our jet setting international players spread their wings, a collective sigh of relief could be heard from the White Army. Strange to say it, but even when standing tall and proud at the top of Division Three, the postponement of the Bristol Rovers game could not have been better timed. Whilst the off the field distraction’s have been coming to a boil, on the pitch we have been blessed with a settled side…

Manfully taking on what has been thrown at them in their stride and with a tad bit of good fortune, they have made great headway in the league. As we all know, good thing’s in football never last forever and performance’s since that glorious defeat against Liverpool have been patchy to say the least. The last gasp win at MK was covered in four leaf clover’s and the subsequent point dropping home draw’s against Carlisle and Charlton were never destined to live long in the memory. Neither, it is fair to  say, was the  JPT tie against Darlington which prompted Grayson to blast a Leeds team in such a way not seen since the depth’s of Hereford last season by saying:

“I don’t care if it’s a JPT or Champions League game – I’ve got high standards and a lot of players have not reached them tonight.”

What has been such a big factor in Grayson’s tenure is the way he stick’s to winning team’s. It was something that blighted McAllister’s reign, in that Macca was never sure whether to stick or twist and as we know in the end he bust. Grayson however seems to be of the mind that if you earn the right to wear the shirt, you keep it. That is fine until injuries begin to play a part and the player’s then thrust into first team action may not necessarily have merited it. However that is the nature of the  footballing beast and it is down to the squad player’s to come in and grasp the nettle. Worryingly, as Grayson made of point of saying, this is just what they didn’t do against Darlington in the JPT…

So it was hoped that some of the wounded would be back in time to face Norwich in front of the SKY camera’s. As it happened, the rumour mill had kicked in suggesting that striker Sam Vokes was on his way from Wolves. When no official comment was forthcoming from the club, many had simply thought it was a no go, so it was a surprise to see him in the starting line up against the Canaries. Not only that, but Grayson had also brought in winger Max Gradel from Leicester, again under the radar. With the return of some of the wounded, the teamsheet at least made for good viewing, only Kisnorbo’s omission was a worry. Higgs and Crowe returned to the back four and Snodgrass was also reinstated…

The distraction of the new signing’s had everyone talking and the mention’s of protest’s about Bates handing of Thorp Arch subsided as the home fan’s backed the team, perhaps that was the plan. Either way the game proved to offer food for thought to anyone thinking this league was going to be a walk over. Norwich’s recent result’s have shown they have bounced back big time from that early season 7-1 thumping and tonight proceeded to play some wonderful football. Norwich were nearly ahead early on, great approach play saw them cut through the White defence and what looked like a routine shot was allowed to bounce over Higgs shoulder before Higgs recovered to make a tremendous stop…

Two other attempts at the United goal later and against the run of play, we landed the first blow. A corner from Snoddy found Bradley Johnson at the back stick to power home a header for 1-0 as the crowd blew a huge sigh of relief. With a goal in the bag it was hoped we could push on and impose ourselves, but before we got chance we suffered yet another injury. This time it was Higgs who felt his thigh go again and on came Casper to take his place. As play restarted it was apparent that Norwich were the ones again bringing the game to us. Our midfield was chasing shadows, especially in the centre as Howson and Doyle struggled to keep up with the swift and neat passing by Norwich…

When we did get the ball, our attacks were pretty much one dimensional. Vokes was eager to impress but saw a couple of efforts go high and wide and a moment of excitement from the subdue Beckford saw his shot drift wide after good approach play. On 38 minutes, Norwich were deservedly level, a cross to the far post saw Casper in no man’s land and Holt was on hand to crash home. Elland Road was silenced as we proceeded to cling on till half time for really the first time this season. The Whites had looked ring rusty, too many players not up to speed with the game and Norwich were taking full advantage. As the game restarted, Grayson had changed tactics to match up Norwich’s system…

Initially it paid off as we began to get forward and give them something to think about with a Beckford chance, however it was soon the same old story. Quicker in just about every department, Norwich swash buckled their way though the United team but lacked a finish. When they did get a shot on goal, Casper was there and potentially saved the game with a stunning leap to his left to tip a shot round for a corner. Norwich were simply running rings round the Whites in a way that even Liverpool didn’t. It seemed only a matter of time before they edged in front. After Holt missed a great chance and then shot wide, we managed to win a free kick up the other end and a bit of respite…

Snoddy took a stunning direct free kick and it looked in until Foster got his hand to it and clawed it away. It wasn’t long before Norwich began pressing though and Grayson decided to act. Off came Vokes, who will no doubt have better days, to be replaced by Kandol. Tresor immediately got involved, winning vital header’s and holding the ball up well. Still it was Norwich looking the more dangerous and then it happened. With 10 minutes to go, Grayson took off Snoddy and threw on young Gradel. Gradel, with a Yellow stripe down the middle of his head and florescent boot’s on, made an immediate impact and gave the White army new hope…

Within minutes he had played Beckford though, but his left foot strike was brilliantly saved by Foster. Gradel now seemed to be winning every ball and running at the Norwich defence with pace. This brought other player’s to life and all of a sudden, with minutes ticking away, we were hopeful of ensuring a hard earned point. As we entered injury time though it  looked like thing’s could get better. Gradel bursting clear down the right and playing a perfect ball across the area for Beckford, who just couldn’t direct it into the net. It seemed like the chance of an unlikely winner had gone, however the god’s were shining on the White’s. As Foster took a goal kick deep into stoppage time, he sliced it to Beckford, 40 yards out…

Beckford controlled brilliantly, surged forward and despite attention from oncoming keeper and defender’s, slipped the ball into the net and sparked pandemonium around the ground. As the whistle went, the Norwich player’s sank to they knee’s probably thinking this was daylight robbery and perhaps they were right. Leeds will play much better and lose, but tonight it was three more vital point’s to take us back to top spot. So with more luck, we remain unbeaten in the league and stay top. The luck will not be around for much longer, so best take what we can, whilst we can! Onward to Millwall and hopefully, a spot of payback…

Leeds United AFC… “Luck is believing you’re lucky”…Keep Fighting…

Déjà vu…

As Leeds United AFC reaches it’s 90th birthday, anybody who has the time may well enjoy digging deeper into the fact’s surrounding the club’s birth and the circumstances surrounding the demise of Leeds City. It is a truly remarkable story and one that if it happened today would leave most of the football world in shock. It’s easy to dismiss the possibility of this ever happening to a club again but there certainly appears to be an element of déjà vu going on. Leeds City were a club holding it’s own, formed in 1905 it played most of it’s fixtures in the 2nd division and was making great strides towards promotion under the management of Herbert Chapman until World War 1 broke out…

The Official Football League was postponed until 1919, though football continued through out these years in an unofficial capacity and players were unpaid. When the official league began in 1919/1920 season, Leeds City started well & had played 8 games when all hell broke loose as the club was first suspended and then expelled from the Football League due to a scandal off the park. The scandal was over an accusation that the club had paid players during the unofficial war time games. A player by the name of Charlie Copeland had made this allegation after falling out with the club over terms on his contract. The player made what were deemed unrealistic wage demands…

Copeland threatened the Leeds City board that they should pay up or he would go to the authorities with his allegations. The Leeds City board refused to give in to and the player was given a free transfer to Coventry. Copeland followed through with his threat and the football authorities investigated, suspending the club whilst they did so. A Commission was set up and the club were made to answer the charges and ordered to make the club books available for inspection. When City refused to do so, the club were given a deadline to do this or face the music. The brilliant Mighty Leeds website recall’s:

“The Commission’s deadline came and went with no sign of the documents, so the following Saturday’s fixture against South Shields was suspended and after a meeting of the inquiry team at the Russell Hotel in London, City were expelled from the Football League and disbanded. League chairman John McKenna announced: “The authorities of the game intend to keep it absolutely clean. We will have no nonsense. The football stable must be cleaned and further breakages of the law regarding payments will be dealt with in such a severe manner that I now give warning that clubs and players must not expect the slightest leniency.”

An FA order formally closed the club, leaving everyone associated with Leeds City shocked and uncomprehending, the unfortunate players out of a job and City officials to face further punishment. Although there had been no concrete evidence of the alleged illegal payments, City’s silence – whether to protect themselves or a misguided move to shield players – was deemed to be admission of guilt. Not even the personal intervention of the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alderman Joseph Henry, who offered to take over the club from the directors, could persuade the inquiry to reconsider and League football came to a halt in Leeds after just eight games of the 1919-20 season.”

More detailed accounts of the demise of Leeds City and the birth of Leeds United AFC, including how we were only weeks away from being merged with Huddersfield Town can also be found on :

www.mightyleeds.co.uk/history.htm

It’s a must read for fan’s of all ages and it also highlight’s that, even from the very first day, there was always some sort of drama at Leeds United AFC and following this club is and never has been dull. However in recent years, that drama has tended to revolve around the same person and many fans are finding this has become quite tedious. Here we sit all these years later from the demise of Leeds City due to off field problems and some would say, things do not seem to have changed nor lessons appear to have been learned. Over recent years we have seen the club lurch from one crisis to another with a cast of people in the boardroom playing their part…

In what has become the longest and most frustrating soap opera in football, the latest developments have led to widespread shock throughout the White Army and more questions are being asked as to just “What the fuck is going on”. The failure of the club to secure the buyback of Thorp Arch has left many fans angry and puzzled. Time and again the fans have been led to believe by the current board that it was imperative that this purchase happened. Yet this prized asset was allowed to slip through the club’s grasp. Whilst the club still can rent it for the next 20 years, once the lease is up, it is then questionable if the club will ever have this facility back on the books…

At this time, it appears that it is everyone else’s fault but the current board. After all, they have been working with Leeds City Council for 3 months to get an agreement in place to get a plan into place for the council to buy the facility and rent it back to the club. Many are asking why this deal was only actioned three months ago when the current board have had 4 years or so to figure out a way to buy it back. In this time lots of ideas have been floated, including an option for the fans to get involved in raising the funds but none were taken and it was widely believed that everything was in order to exercise the buy back option…

So it was a shock to many to hear the club were going cap in hand to the council for help considering the monies appearing to come into the club via transfers such as Delph and various incoming compensation payments. As it transpired, this was not the case and those who want some answers are left to sift through half arsed statements from both parties that seem to include smoke and mirrors as blame is apportioned. One thing is for sure, Thorp Arch is no longer fixed at a purchase price of £6million quid and it is currently valued at £11 million quid. Not being in a position to buy back Thorp Arch at the option price appears to be a stunning error on the current boards part…

People want answer’s and some believe that the attack on Bates from the Guardian may have had some bearing. Over the years the club have been attacked from various angles and Leeds United AFC have been hated by the press and public due to our history and tradition, but now also by the actions of one man. The fact of the matter appears to be that there are so many knives out for poor old Kenneth, that it now seems that hatred for the club itself is becoming secondary to the hatred of Ken. Many will know that David Conn of the Guardian has been following Ken’s exploit’s for a while now and it would appear that Ken has now dropped one to many bollock’s in his recent court cases leaving him wide open to attack…

In one of his blogs on the subject, Conn says:

“The revelation by Bates that he made “an error” when he said he jointly owned Forward, and the Château Fiduciaire letter, means the ownership of Leeds, still one of English football’s potential giants, is undeclared. The Yorkshire club apparently belongs to the holders of 10,000 shares in a company registered in the Cayman Islands, administered in Geneva by trustees who refuse to reveal the owners’ identity.”

Conn has followed up his recent Blogs on Ken with a Q&A session in talking about the Football League’s “Fit and Proper” test:

Q: Why is Leeds United on the agenda: doesn’t Ken Bates own the club? A: Leeds United’s actual owner is the Forward Sports Fund, which is registered in a tax haven, the Cayman Islands, where shareholders’ identities are kept anonymous. Earlier this year, Bates stated that he and his financial adviser, Patrick Murrin, co-owned the only shares in Forward, but now he has said that was “incorrect”.

Q: What has Bates said now about who owns Leeds?
A: He has now said that in fact Forward Sports Fund has 10,000 shares, held by people who have not been identified. Bates stated it was “an error on my part”, when he previously said he and Murrin jointly owned Forward.

Q: How did Bates make such an “error” over whether or not he owned the club himself?
A: He has not explained that, either in answers to questions from the Guardian or in his match programme notes, a regular treat for Leeds fans, who can read their chairman’s insightful views on people and subjects of significance to the club.

Q: What does the Football League have to consider regarding Leeds?
A: Two different questions. If Leeds previously supplied Bates and Murrin as the owners of Forward, have the club and their directors broken the rule which requires them to state truthfully and accurately to the league who the owners are? Also, the league needs to discover who the actual owners of Forward are, and make sure they are “fit and proper people”.

As we are all now aware, Conn’s accusation’s and allegation’s have led to the Football League writing to the club for clarity over who owns Leeds United AFC. One can imagine the delight that Lord Mawhinney felt upon reading Conn’s work and also thinking that a tad bit of payback may well be in order. It has also led to MP’s getting involved and the council had stipulated that they would not go through with any deal unless these issue’s were cleared up. Was this the reason the deal didn’t go through? After all, Ken seems to think the question of ownership of the club is a simple one and Conn is talking out of his backside yet only banned the paper from the ground rather than go legal…

Infact Ken spoke on Yorkshire Radio to confirm that Sean Harvey has cleared up any confusion with the Football League. So why did the the deal collapse? Ken blames Red tape and the council adding on clauses to the deal. The council say they were protecting taxpayers monies. Many agree the whole thing stink’s and it is doubtful the truth will ever be known. What is confusing some people is the question of why we were reliant on the council in the first place and questioning where all the monies coming into the club gone? Others ask why didn’t Bates buy it back out of his own pocket and the club pay him back? Or why didn’t the club speak to the mysterious Astor for help, after all, they were willing to wipe off £18 million quid…

The question of what would happen if the answer of the club’s ownership was not a simple one was open to speculation. Panic had set in the masses with talk of punishment’s ranging from fines for Bates or the club having points docked. Worse still, some were fearing being kicked out of the league because as we have already seen, it tends to be the club that suffer & not the individual steering the ship. 90 years on from Leeds City, could history really repeat to that level? All this was of course speculation and would be out of the club’s hand’s if action is to be ultimatley taken. Out of the club’s hand’s is also the case for Thorp Arch…

We have been here before and it’s not the first time that off field problem’s have dogged the current board. Whatever the final outcome, many suggest that, like last time, it won’t be in the fan’s interest’s but painted White, Yellow and Blue to try make us believe it is. So with the club sitting at the top of Division Three with a game in hand the White army hold’s it’s breath as we await further development’s and revelations. One thing is for sure, the failure of the club to buy back Thorp Arch has left many more questioning the current board’s long term intention’s and specifically the buy back of Elland Road before that option expires…

Leeds United AFC…”More Question’s than Answer’s”… Keep Fighting…

Dream Date…

Tony Yeboah was simply majestic during the early part of the 1995-1996 campaign. His  wonder goals against West Ham, Liverpool and Wimbledon were topped off with the stunning hatrick away at Monaco to ease us through to the UEFA cup second round. When the draw which paired the Whites against the Dutch Masters PSV, I was simply in heaven. After being dragged up on a diet of Second Division football most my early years, this was really only the second taste of European football I had experienced as a Leeds fan. Mostly it was a case of  looking back in envy at the great 70’s sides and their exploits and really, a  humbling experience in the European cup in 1992 -1993 season left no real room for comparison…

So when the news of the draw filtered through I was delighted to the point of walking on air and this continued for a while, until reality sunk in. Leeds were to be at home first, not too much of a problem other that the date set was Tuesday 17th October. Nothing unusual there either, as most midweek games are Tuesday nights. What was unusual in this case was the game was to be played the night after my wedding. We weren’t the most well off at the time and had chosen to marry on the cheapest day (Monday). The realisation had hit me like a truck and all I could think was how on earth do I get to the game? how do I break it to the missus that her honeymoon was to be her first ever trip to Elland Road? Unless, well, perhaps I could go without her?

After the ritual chatting it over with the whole office, the consensus was this was a no go. I had to accept the responsibility of being an adult, take it like a man & I would have to miss this vital game and bite the bullet. After all, that’s what marriage was clearly all about and after much soul searching it was finally agreed. I made my mind up and with heavy heart rang the ticket office with a cunning plan. Two tickets for the “ASICS” South Stand were purchased and arranged to collect the next day. Sure enough the tickets were ready and as I drove home that night I prepared my speech to the missus. To be honest it went really well in the car, but the words just wouldn’t seem to come out as planned with her in front of me…

Me: “You know – I was kinda thinking – it’s – errrm – like tradition isn’t it”?
Her: “What is”?
Me: “Well – you know -  to give the bride an – errrm – wedding – gift”?
Her: “Awwww, that’s so sweet of you”!
Me: “Yes – well, errrm, I thought so”!
Her: “I really Love you “!
Me: “Errrm yeah -  thanks, here you are sweetheart”…(Ducks)

It was a face that I will never forget. At first it wasn’t even the date, it was simply the fact I had handed her “FOOTBALL” tickets! Now to be fair, the missus and I are like chalk and cheese in some respect‘s and it’s a simple fact of our life. She doesn’t hate football, but she doesn’t like football, where as Leeds United dominates my life, so that reaction was totally understandable. I was prepared for a negative reaction but what I didn’t know was the reaction when she found out the date:

Her: “Oh -thanks! that’s a surprise, which Saturday is it?”

Now at this point I am a dead man walking, furiously trying to figure out what to say. My heart was pounding and my mouth was dry. I had to choose my words carefully, think on my feet, act fast, be clever, be a man, I mean, what would Carlton Palmer do in this situation? However before I could speak I heard:

Her: “Your having a fucking laugh”!

Over the coming week’s the wedding dominated everything, from getting suit‘s and dresses, to ring’s, invites and sorting the reception. When the day finally arrived, the wedding came and went in a blur and the ceremony was over in the blink of an eye. It was nothing like as bad as I imagined, you know, like the of sheer hell listening to a Leeds away game on the radio. In fact, the day had gone so well I was feeling quite relaxed and allowed my mind to begin working on more important thing’s. What time should we arrive at the ground? It was a Tuesday & we had the day off so we could get there early? Wait around for a few hours and get autographs & photos with the players? Blimey, she could meet my Idol McAllister & get Fish and Chips at the United Fisheries and you know, we could really make the most of it…

Now it’s fair to say that most people that I know had there first taste of football in a certain way. It’s chucking it down with rain, the game is 0-0 and it’s frankly dull. If your lucky and this really is the deal breaker, your half time pie is luke warm and that’s it, your hooked for life and you are indoctrinated with your love of your team. So as it was dull, overcast and raining, I was quite happy that this just might be a turning point in our relationship. We got to the ground in good time, parked up but due to the rain, we wandered up to my friend’s Rich’s. Rich lived just a stone’s throw away from the ground and over a pre match cuppa Rich kindly proceeded to put the shit’s up the missus with exaggerated tales of football violence…

Before she had chance to get any whiter, I decided that now would be a good time to go see if we could get some autograph’s. Wandering round the West Stand car park in the rain was proving to be no fun for her and I could see a glazed expression descend over her face, so we decided to go in. I was waiting for that moment of wonder as she entered Elland Road for the first time. I knew that the excitement would overcome her any moment, any moment now, it would hmmm, maybe it was the lack of floodlights? For me, the tallest floodlights in Europe, those Diamond shapes glistening high in the sky were the 8th wonder of the world. The new East stand had meant these were no more, so I guess it was understandable that she may have been a tad less impressed?

By now the atmosphere in the ground was building and in the South East Corner, the Dutch fan’s were in fine voice. What was clear passion to me as a football supporter was being misunderstood by the missus as anger and intimidation. Of course this was mainly thank’s to Rich’s explanation of how the Dutch have the worst hooligans in Europe. What was going on in the away section could have been interpreted as perpetuating this myth, but in truth, the Dutch were just having fun and a good old sing song. Over at the other end of the ground, the Kop was beginning to find it’s awe inspiring voice: “WHO THE FUCKING HELL ARE YOU”? At which point a somewhat shell shocked missus made me swap seat’s so I was nearest the Dutch “Hooligans” as she called them…

By kick off, the old place was buzzing and after putting Monaco to the sword, there seemed an extra sense of Leeds being on the verge of something great tonight. The PSV side was packed with stars but so were Leeds. It had been a good start to the season for the Mighty Whites aside from Yeboah’s goal exploits. At the back. the defence were not leaking too many goal’s and managing to make the hapless Lukic look half decent. McAllister was playing fantastically well, Speed was chipping in with goals and Carlton Palmer was actually looking not too bad, when you consider he wasn’t really a footballer. The boys were playing left to right, rampaging towards us in the South Stand and it wasn’t long before our superb start was rewarded with a great goal…

A freekick awarded on the left saw Macca swing in a gem of a cross. Speed launched himself full length to head the ball home. What a start, the White army went mental and the look of horror on the missus’s face as she was thrown around the South Stand was a picture! We were leading the mighty PSV 1-0 and Elland Road was like a cauldron. I was thinking all those stupid thought’s that football fan’s do. Never mind the lucky pant’s or lucky song, never mind the stupid superstition of putting my left sock on first in the morning of a home game. Maybe, just maybe the missus was my lucky omen, I mean we had barely started and we were beating the Dutch masters 1-0 and it had all gone quiet to my right. Unfortunately this didn’t last too long, a mistake at the back let the Dutch back in…

1-1 and just as Leeds were beginning to reassert ourselves on the game, PSV got a lucky second. A deflection had wrong footed Lukic and all of a sudden the mood of the crowd turned. From where there was unbridled joy and smiles there was anger, grimaces and part of the crowd was slowly turning against the White’s. One lad in particular somewhere behind us became more outspoken: “GET A FUCKING FOOT IN SPEED YOU LAZY TWAT” Was quickly followed by “GET SOME BLOOD ON YOUR BOOT’S PALMER YOU FUCKING FAIRY“. Harsh as it seemed, if the missus had enjoyed the good side of football, it was only fair that she should see the other side too I thought. As Leeds pressed and probed half chance‘s were being created, but to no avail…

The ball wasn’t getting through to Yeboah or Deane and we suddenly didn’t look like scoring. As another attack broke down just before half time, PSV swept up field and were awarded a free kick around about 25 yards out. In front of a hushed Kop and to the right of the penalty area it was a dangerous position, but no one could have expected what was going to happen next. With the Leeds wall back more than the full ten yards, two PSV players stood over the ball as the game seemed to go into slow motion. On the whistle, one player scooped the ball into the air and Vonk, the other player, struck a stunning volley into the top right hand corner (Think of the wonderful Sheridan freekick against Derby in 87), leaving Lukic in his familiar “grasping thin air” pose to leave us 1-3 at half time…

It was cold and it was raining, I should have been on my honeymoon but here we were. 3-1 down and staring defeat in the face. I looked at the missus and she said the immortal word’s that you just know are coming from someone who doesn’t understand, who just doesn’t have the passion, but is trying: “Oh dear, well that isn’t good is it, but its only a game. Do you think you could go get me a hotdog and oh, and a coffee would be lovely”. After a failed mission to get to the toilet and then tackle the huge queue for food, I decided to go back to the seat’s and feebly explain that they had run out of food and hot drink‘s. It was timed to perfection as the players were talking the field and Leeds came out a different side All pumped up and now regaining the initiative and fighting for every ball…

It wasn’t long before we got a foothold in the game, Yeboah found space in the box and played a ball across the area. It landed at the feet of Palmer who rocketed in a fantastic goal! We had hope, we went mental and as the Dutch started lighting flares, the missus wanted to go home. This was it, the come back was on as we pushed forward again, the Elland Road crowd in raptures. Where there was once silence, now gave way to the strain’s of “Marching on Together” and Pride, Passion, Commitment and Desire. It was transmitting onto the park and as a cross came into the box, David Weatherall challenged the keeper and knocked him for 6. Both players lay on the ground as the ball came out to Gary McAllister who, without looking, lobbed the ball into the back of the Kop Net from a fully 30 yard’s for 3-3…

It was fucking amazing, we were back in the game and we were level with the crowd going mental! The missus asked me for that cup of coffee but I was on cloud 9! My man, the star, the Rolls Royce, Captain FanFuckingtasic had got us level, this was it! This is what European football is all about! This is what Leeds United AFC is all about! A never say die, attitude borne from the history and traditions or King Billy and Hunter and Giles now stick that in your Dutch porn and smoke it!  My mind was wandering, we could easily take  this tie *FREEKICK TO PSV* we could show Europe that United were really back *BALL LOFTED OVER THE UNITED DEFENCE* and if the missus was such a lucky charm *LUC NILLIS LEFT FOOT VOLLEY* She could come every game. *GOAL  3-4*…

It was another fantastic goal and the Dutch “hooligan’s” were bouncing in the corner as the wind was cruelly taken out of our sails. Before we could rally, two more simple defence splitting ball’s later and Nillis was in again for 3-5. That was really it, game was over in the blink of an eye. All that passion had evaporated, all that optimism had simply disappeared and it could only be one person’s fault. The missus was clearly a bad omen, how on Earth could I have even thought about bringing her to a football game, let alone the biggest of the season. At the final whistle, as I sat devastated with my head in my hands, my White world collapsing around me, she tenderly lent over me and whispered: “Can we get that hotdog now…”?

Leeds United AFC… “14 year’s on, for better or for worse”… Keep Fighting…

Passion, Pride, Commitment and Desire…

Before the midweek cup game against Liverpool, there were a couple of train’s of thought from people you asked about the game. Many suggested that the game could not have come at a worse time for the club. After sauntering past every set of opposition players thus far this season and sitting 2 points clear at the top of Division Three, what could the club gain? Should they be humbled by an avalanche of Premier League goal’s, then all the confidence earned this season could be wiped out in 90 mins. It was also suggested that if they had gone on to win the game, too many players feet would leave the ground and too many eye’s taken off the job in hand of promotion…

Some simply concluded that irrespective of who progressed through, with all the money generated, the real winner would be Bates. As it turned out, a stunning night at Elland Road left these concern’s irrelevant. Grayson’s boy’s, chest’s proudly puffed out, took to the game like gladiator’s. For 90 minute’s the team in Red were chased, harried, closed down and in the main made to look like second rate opposition. Without allowing a harshly ruled out goal for offside disrupt them and roared on by a magnificent vocal White army, the boys in White made the city proud. The only deciding factor’s on the night coming from the official’s in charge and one switch off by the Leeds defence…

Liverpool won by one goal but even in defeat, the White army left Elland Road feeling 10 feet tall. It could be argued that it was a little bit of history repeating and memories flooded back of my first ever Leeds v Liverpool game back in 1991. Different era, different team’s and different circumstance not withstanding, it was a defeat by a single goal in the most stunning of games that saw Liverpool escape from Elland Road and out of jail. A halftime score of 0-4 had shocked some of the White army into walking out as Champion’s Liverpool were majestic in everything they did. All over the park they were a yard ahead and at times, it looked like they were playing on a pitch of their own…

Then, led on by skipper Strachan in a search for some semblance of pride, something of a football miracle happened. Chapman nicked a goal and was quickly denied a hotly disputed goal by the officials. Still, the momentum was now with the White’s and Shutt scored straight after for 2-4. Liverpool were rattled as the Kop found it’s fearsome roar and forced the Champion’s into action. For a while they clicked again and when Rush made it 2-5, it appeared game over. However this Leeds team had an amazing never say die attitude and Batty picked out Chapman superbly for 3-5.  By the time Chappy had hit his hatrick to make it 4-5, Elland Road was in rapture’s…

That was the way it stayed but had the official’s not cancelled out that” good” Chapman goal it could so easily have ended 5-5. There may not have been the same goal action on Tuesday, but the performance from the Whites was such that we were left “Gutted but Proud”. The Pride, Passion, Commitment and Desire show by the White’s was stuff of Leeds fan’s dream’s and the boy’s were given a standing ovation at the end. It was of course once again left to interpretation of the rules that assisted in Leeds losing a game. No one can say for sure what the outcome would have been if Beckford’s strike had not been chalked off, or even if Liverpool had been reduced to 10 men…

Whilst it was a night of what could have been, a feeling we are used to, the positive’s far outweighed the negative’s. For example, over recent seasons, full house’s at Elland Road have led to the home team freezing on the night. Not this time as every player played a part in a valiant effort. None more so that young Howson, who would have only been 2 years old on that Saturday in 1991. In the mix of top class players, not only was he not out of place, he shone like a beacon. At the back, Kisnorbo simply had a blinder and it had a positive effect on the much maligned Lubo who stepped up to the plate alongside him. Snodgrass was also superb and a constant thorn in the Red’s side…

Becchio held the ball up superbly at times and whilst Beckford missed a couple of half chances you would normally back him to net, it would be overly harsh on this occasion to label him as “going missing” as he often has in big games. it is fair to say he was not as much as a threat as we see in Division Three when gainst defender’s a yard sharper in body and mind. It was a measure of the performance that the Leeds boys had put in, that by the time Gerrard was introduced onto the Elland Road park, Benitez was shutting up shop and settling for the one goal win. One other positive of the night was the Elland Road atmosphere, which has been much criticised over recent home matches…

However, whilst the White army were in fine voice, there was a sad lack of banter from the silently amassed away fans. With the whole of the South and South East corner, they were seldom heard and were quiet even after the goal. As we headed to the MK, the performance in midweek could not have been further away from what we witnessed here on our last visit. McAllister’s limp and disorganised side were simply ripped apart in a 1-3 defeat and it was no surprise at the time to see Macca fired shortly after. Grayson has so far addressed those defensive problems and we now have healthy competition for those centre back spot’s…

After midweek, it was surprising to see him draft in the cup tied Bromby at the expense of Lubo at the back to partner Kisnorbo. With Becchio at his pregnant wife’s side, Grella was given a starting spot ahead of Enoch despite his reserve hatrick. Enoch was then supposed to be on the bench but due to an error on the team sheet, the big man was not allowed to and had to sit it out. On this day 9 years ago we beat Besiktas 6-0 to announce our presence on the big stage. Today we would just be happy to nick a priceless 3 points and scurry home and if possible, avoid one of those “after the Lord Mayors parade” performance’s but that was pretty much how it panned out…

Aided and abetted by woeful and nit picking refereeing by Andy D’urso, the game was not allowed to flow and in the sterile reserve game like atmosphere of the MK’s stadium, it didn’t spark on or off the pitch. In fact, after an early spell of none threatening possession from the Leeds team, it was it was the host’s who took control. Over the course of a 5 minute spell the lads were exposed down our left or through the centre, each time MK’s finishing was as bad as our defending. Thing’s changed when Crowe took a knock and had to be taken off. Lubo came in to partner Kisnorbo and Bromby moved out to right back. We immediately became more balanced and began to pass the ball a little better…

Up the other end, Bromby’s “Delapesq” throw in’s caused a couple of scare’s in the home defence, but nothing really for the travelling fans to get excited about. Higgs made a great stop just before halftime and with only seconds of the first half remaining, Puncheon dived in on Doyle. D’urso reached for the Red and off the lad went. At halftime we consoled ourselves by thinking we really couldn’t play any worse, but that was weighed against the fact that none of us could recall the last time we beat 10 men without a struggle. True to form, that’s exactly what happened. For the opening period of the second half, we huffed and puffed and it was again difficult to see who had 10 men…

MK defended well but were beginning to take the piss with time wasting. Along with D’urso again wanting to be noticed, it made for grim viewing at times. Every Leeds attack was broken down either by a poor pass or a whistle and every time MK attacked they seemed to get a free kick. Poor Kisnorbo couldn’t breathe without being penalised. Grella was lively, but in good positions, he lacked a final ball or a decent connection. Beckford had one real opportunity as he ran at the defence but fired just over and Bromby headed into the side netting. Other than those chances there was very little quality from Leeds coming forward. Indeed, it was beginning to look like the game was there to lose…

That was made to look even more possible when Higgs went off holding his thigh. On came Casper and the Leeds crowd held their breath as MK were by know growing in confidence, attacking as often as they could and pumping high balls into the area. With Casper in goal, you just never knew what to expect but thankfully, D’urso was as keen to blow up for innocuous things against them as he was for us. With the clock running down, Beckford had a goal ruled out for offside in what looked like a harsh decision but there was no other real goal threat. After all their time wasting, it was disappointing to only see 4 minutes of injury time added, but it did spur us on to a final attacking flurry…

It was still beginning to feel like it was too little too late. With a couple of minutes of injury time played, a free kick was given out on the left we still had hope. Johnson swung in a peach of a cross and Snodgrass was there to meet it with a superb header to send the  4,100 White army into delirium. It was a crap game, it was a below par performance but by fuck, it was an amazing last minute away win, the first since Westlake’s winner at Oldham and 3 points in the bag. It was the sort of win that could really define the season and a game that we would probably have lost last year. With Charlton winning we remain 2 point’s clear at the top of the league…

So we extend the unbeaten league run to 9 game’s and after a sapping week, we continue to show great fighting spirit. We know that nothing is decided at this stage of the season and in fact, let’s not forget that McAllister’s Leeds won every game in September 2008.  That said,  the signs are looking very positive as we move on to a testing run of games beginning withCarlisle on Tuesday night.  Oh, and by the way, even after all this time, Paul Ince is still a cunt…

Leeds United AFC… “It ain’t over till it’s over”… Keep Fighting…

Great North…

With a confident swagger, Grayson’s boys had thumped Scally’s Gillingham 4-1 and extended the unbeaten run to 10 game’s. At the same time, they continued to blaze a trail in the record books by recording a 15th home league win on the trot.  My Great North weekend couldn’t have got off to a better start. So with 3 points in the bag, I left Elland Road with a now familiar warm glow and set out on my trek up North and the culmination of half a years training. An hour and a half later, the Angel of the North greeted me with open arm’s and shortly after, the silhouette of Newcastle United’s St James park arrived in view. Its fair to say many of the White army don’t hold much love for the Toon…

Over recent year’s it’s often been felt that Newcastle were following too closely in the shadow’s of the Whites. On the playing front, there was of course a history of players giving their service’s to both clubs long before Batty and Speed made their way to St James park. However that list of ex: players has begun to expand at a rapid rate in recent years and at one point it was like seeing Leeds United Mark Two. Woodgate, Bowyer, Bridges, Viduka, Milner and Smith readily spring to mind of a few that ended up playing there. Whilst the most painful and controversial of the list was clearly Woodgate’s departure due to the way the transfer came about, some feel Bridges move up North was also a kick in the knackers…

After sticking by him during injury after injury, just when the club needed him the most, he bailed out and headed for Newcastle on loan. It was reported at the time that he boasted being glad he missed a chance to score in a defeat at St James park, so it wouldn’t scupper his dream move thus ensuring he left behind him a lot of ill feeling. It wasn’t just on the playing front that the similarities end and the Toon also draw further comparison’s, aside from taking our manager Wise in 2008. Much like Leeds in our relegation season, the Toon turned to a favourite son and ex: player to try get them out of the mire. Just like Eddie Gray at Leeds though, Shearer also failed to stem the tide and Newcastle went down…

The finances have been much aligned as well, for example, Newcastle also took out the same 60 million quid mortgage deal that brought down Leeds United PLC. The difference being that the Geordies used most of it to expand the ground rather than blowing it on the likes of Seth Johnson and Robbie Fowler and boy did they gloat about their business model. However, When Mike Ashley took over they were massively in debt, he paid £110 million quid just to reduce the debt after buying the club for £134 million. At the moment they are a club in turmoil off the park with the chairman trying to offload the club and players sold at a rapid rate. Crucially though, unlike Leeds, they have managed to keep a squad that it appears is too good for the Championship…

You would think that in itself should at least provide something for the Newcastle fans to be thankful for, however it’s Saturday night on the Toon and they are arrogantly crowing as to how easy the Championship is. It’s hard to find sympathy for Toon Armies current plight, after all, many in the White army will know a Geordie who felt the need to dance a daily jig of delight on the grave of the SS Leeds United as it was buried in Division Three. Most Leeds fan’s will agree that whilst the pain the Geordies felt as Newcastle were relegated last season was not as intense as the White armies over recent years, it was still a start. So after hearing enough Toon drivel to last a lifetime, I took my leave and had an early night in preparation of the next day…

Awoken by the early morning sun, I have only 90 minutes before the start of the Great North Run. After some nifty artistry scrawling King Billy’s “Keep Fighting” motto on the back of my running shirt, it was time to aim for the start. As an unusually hot sun beat down, 48,000 people crammed into pens at the start line in one of the most nerve-racking moments I can remember. Tantric lover Sting has the honour of starting the race and it’s a full 30 mins before I manage to shuffle over the start line. Running is a strange and at times lonely thing, most of the training I have done over the last few months has been alone. Nothing can prepare you for the real thing and running at the heart of such a mass of bodies…

We wind our way through the underpasses and head onto the Tyne bridge, Just at that second, the Red Arrows screech past in the most surreal of moment’s. On the bridges, on the side of the road it is packed with well wishes and spectators as it appears the whole Geordie nation is out to watch. The sun is getting so hot it’s not funny, as its hard to get into a rhythm. The idea is to try and pace yourself, whilst at the same time, try not to fall over the masses in front of you. By 10k, nearly an hour in, there is the first sign that the race could end in tears. Some runners laid at the side of the road with Ambulance men doing their work. The crowd is now becoming sparse but still cheering you on…

One can only guess what the reaction would have been had I been wearing a Leeds Shirt. Talking of football shirts, no other football shirts so far other than Black and White. The hardest part of the course comes between 8 and 10 miles. The crowds by now have thinned to a tickle and the support is now internal. This is what you have trained for and you begin to question yourself and wonder how big your heart is. At 10 miles the GNR team have laid on a wall of sound, massive speakers banging out The New Radicals “Get what you give”. A massive boost as it’s my lucky LUFC song. It’s added motivation as you feel that you are in some way destined to be there and it boosted my tired heart and soul…

As my heart swelled, so did the crowds as we hit the outskirts of South Shields and finally there were football shirt’s other than the Toon. Sadly it was the Red of Scum that came into view. The temptation to shout “We hate Manu” was there, but by then, the body was not responding and it was all I could do to just put one foot in front of another. 12 miles gone and it’s now a fight between me and the course as more hill’s begin to take the piss, but at least the end is now in sight. As the sea comes into view at South Shields the amount of people lining the streets is breathtaking. There is just one final push on the 800 metres along the coast line which feel like 80,000…

I have to admit, crossing the finish was a feeling like no other. All that training, all that hard work culminated in a 2 hour 3 min run. It could have been better, but on the whole it was a very respectable time and gives me something to beat for next year. As with most things, coming down is the hardest thing and after you come down from the high, all your left with is knackered legs and memories, a bit like Michael Bridges some have suggested…

Leeds United AFC… “Four a.m. we ran a miracle mile”… Keep Fighting…

Viduka…

“HEY UP, HE’S ONSIDE AS WELL..HE’S ONSIDE, OH MY WORD, OH MY WORD, MARK VIDUKA..AGHHH, IT’S GONE. HE’S DONE IT! OH MY WORD! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! IT’S MARK VIDUKA, AND HE’S DONE IT, HE’S DONE IT FOR LEEDS UNITED…” Sky Fanzone commentary on Viduka’s winner against Arsenal in the 3-2 win at Highbury – 4th May 2003

Where were you when it happened? On that sun drenched terrace at Highbury being flung around like a rag doll? Watching Sky in a pub or at home? Listening to Radio Leeds? Wherever in the world you were, it was one of those moments in football that you just can not forget. No matter how bad things have been at Leeds United AFC since, it will always bring a smile and whilst it was probably not Viduka’s finest moment for the club, it certainly was one of the best moments I can remember as a Leeds fan in recent years. Away at the multi talented and title chasing Arsenal, Peter Reid’s side were not given a prayer. With only minutes to play, the score is 2-2 in a game that Leeds needed to win and after an exhausting game the boys looked like nicking only a point on the way to staying up…

Then, in a footballing gift from the gods, it happened. 87 minutes on the clock, Matteo breaks up yet another Arsenal attack and bursts forward. A couple of strides into the Arsenal half he knocked a ball over the top which finds Viduka out on the right. He looks offside, but the game is waved on and it feels like someone has hit the slow motion button. 5 seconds later, Viduka has burst forward and on the edge of the area, used a bit of shifty skill to get the ball onto his left foot and curled a beauty past Seaman for the winner and 3 priceless points leaving the Cockney‘s tearful and silent. It was the first thing that sprang to mind when news broke of Viduka’s possible retirement, his agent Steve Kutner was quoted as saying:

“It is all over, Mark will not be seeking another contract in England or Europe and is coming home to Australia to live, he’s about to enter a new phase in his life and whether that includes playing again in Australia I am not sure. He’s had a superb 11 years or so in the UK (at Celtic, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Newcastle) and he’s made his mind up to now move on. Mark has other priorities and wants to take his life in a different direction.”

Viduka was part of O’Leary’s revolution, joining from Celtic in 2000/2001 for £6,500,000. Despite doubts from sections of the White army based on his actions at Celtic, that season Viduka more than played his part as the club went on to reach the Champions League Semi finals and a 4th place Premier league finish. Scoring his first goal for the club in the 6-0 Champions League demolition of Besiktas, Viduka then went on to notch an impressive 22 goals in all competitions. That haul of course included the amazing 4 goal salvo against Liverpool on a sunny November lunchtime. O’leary’s side quickly found themselves 0-2 behind thanks to sloppy defending and were given a lifeline as Viduka scored just before halftime…

The second half simply belonged to Viduka as he gave a master class in finishing. Quickly scoring the leveller, he went on to notch two brilliant goals in two minutes to ensure we beat the Scousers 4-3. A repeat of that score line in the upcoming Carling cup match would be very nice indeed. Viduka had an amazing first touch and held the ball up well. Quick over a few yards, he could also bring others into play and for a big fella he was also surprisingly agile when the ball was at his feet. He had no end of trick’s that bamboozled defender’s and more importantly, had an unerring ability to score stunning goal’s. That said, it’s fair to say that Viduka wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea and he was far from perfect with a questionable attitude. As 2001/2002 season unfolded, Viduka was again at the top of the goal scoring chart’s…

On New Year’s day 2002, Viduka’s goal’s had fired Leeds to the top of the Premier League with the 3-0 defeat of West Ham. The Duke continued to score goals and again finished the season top scorer with 16 goals, even though the team’s performance’s dropped. Eventually the club finished 5th and missed out on Champions League football costing O‘Leary his job. In came Venables and 2002/2003 started brightly for all connected with the club, but it was to prove a false dawn. Off field problems were beginning to be made very public and although he was hampered by an incompetent board and high profile player departures, new manager Venables was clearly not up to the job in hand and was duly dismissed. Peter Reid stepped into the managers seat and steered the club to an unlikely escape from relegation…

Throughout that very testing season, Viduka’s goals were one of very few bright spot’s in a dark time culminating in that last minute winner against Arsenal. In that season Viduka bagged 22 vital goals as the club’s freefall began to take hold in earnest. Even after all this time, many feel it’s impossible to look back at certain goings on at Elland Road without feeling bitter or betrayed. The season 2003/2004 is one such example and as we know, it ended in the total meltdown of the club off the pitch and relegation from the Premiership on it. The season as a whole was one that led to many of the White army being forced to look at football in a different light and take crash course’s in the finance of football along side being football statto’s…

The mood was somber as Kewell had already fucked the club over before the results in pre-season began set alarm bells ringing. Rumour’s of bust up’s between Reid (Given the manager’s job full time) and Viduka were widespread and Viduka found himself in and out of the team. By the time Reid was sacked after a 6-1 drubbing at Portsmouth, Viduka had only found the net 3 times. The team lacked confidence and lurched from one disaster to another. With Eddie Gray in temporary charge on the pitch and Trevor Birch in temporary charge off it, the club was in chaos. Unlike the previous season when he sparkled, Viduka had slipped into the background somewhat. He missed games when his father was ill before getting into a scrape between club and country…

In a farcical situation FIFA ban Viduka for 5 days for not turning up to a friendly international on the other side of the world due to injury. This meant he missed the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford though he did return to help the club to vital win’s over Man City (Krasner and co‘s first game in charge), Leicester (Despite getting sent off in the last seconds) and Blackburn. However after a 5-0 twatting at Arsenal and a painful home defeat to Portsmouth, we headed to Bolton needing a vital win. As we fan’s sang our defiant hearts out, the farce played out in front of our eye’s simply summed up that era of Leeds United AFC. Viduka scored a penalty, but had then managed to get himself sent off before halftime with a blatant elbow attack on Bolton’s N’Gotty …

There was simply no excuse for his action’s and there was simply no way back for the club, effectively relegated on the final whistle. Due to suspension and injury, Viduka never played for the club again. At the time, Eddie Gray was quick to defend his actions saying:

“His sending off last week is a disappointing way for him, and for the football club, to finish his career. But I don’t look upon him as a villain, and neither should anybody else. I think he was a bit over-zealous last week and he knows that. But he’s been a good player for this club, although I would look upon his time here in the same way he would look at it – disappointed we never won anything.”

After relegation, he was finally sold to Middlesbrough in the July of 2004 as the club desperately needed money and also get him off the wage bill. It was only then that it came to light that the club would see little of the money received from Middlesbrough. Unknown to the masses, the PLC had financed his transfer from Celtic to Leeds by way of a leasing agreement and most of the fee went to them. It seemed an inglorious end for a player who, at times, gave so much pleasure to the White army. With 59 goals in 126 appearance’s, there is no doubt that Viduka was one of the best goal scorer’s the club has had. He went on to do very well for Middlesbrough before heading off to Newcastle where he failed to find any form, mainly due to injuries…

Just before the news of his retirement broke, some Leeds message board rumour’s linked him with a fanciful return to the club on a pay as you play deal, though it’s unlikely that deal would have happened. Viduka became one in a long line of player’s who’s departure is still clouded somewhat by the financial meltdown of the club. In many people’s eye’s that should not detract from his goal scoring legacy and wish him well. 6 year’s on from that goal at Highbury and Leeds United AFC are in a different place, but we still can’t hear the Cockney’s sing…

Leeds United AFC…“Where’s Pie Lad now Eh? Where’s Pie Lad?”… Keep Fighting…

1973…

As the current Leeds United AFC side took all three points in the 2-0 win over Stockport, they were also rewarded by a place in the history books. After notching 8 wins out of 8 this season, the lad’s 14th home league win on the bounce set two new club records. Both were previously held by Don Revie’s teams – the 1969 record of 13 home league wins on the trot and of course, the 1973 record of 7 wins at the start the season in all competitions. Whilst the record set in 1969 was impressive, it was 1973 that had recently  been brought back into focus. Back in 2007, Dennis Wise’s side won 7 league games out of 7 and would have won 8 but for a disastrous afternoon at the mercy of referee Danny McDermid in the game at Gillingham, in which the home team scored a last gasp leveller in the most controversial of games…

Whether that win would have been enough to claim the record I suppose is open to question as a previous defeat in the cup at Portsmouth had spoiled the 100% record for the season. Still, the 1973 record is now overtaken and it’s Grayson’s Leeds side that will be the ones mentioned going forward. However, despite the record being overtaken, it is unlikely that the events of 1973 will ever be forgotten by any of the White army. As a whole, 1973 was an interesting time for Leeds United AFC. The year started with a 2-1 home win over Spurs and ended with a 1-1 draw away at Birmingham City. Those two results however spanned two seasons and though the final days of the 1972/1973 season would only bring heartbreak for the White Army, the 1973/1974 season was altogether a different story…

Back in 1973, the world was a different place, as Sam Tyler from “Life on Mars” would be quick to tell us. It was the Year of the Ox and all manner of things were happening in the world, notably the UK entered the European Economic Community. The US and North Vietnam signed the Paris Peace Treaty. Juan Peron returned to power in Argentina and whilst the new Sydney Opera House was opened,  Skylab was flung into Earth’s orbit by a Saturn V rocket.  In music, David Bowie killed off Ziggy Stardust, The Who released Quadrophenia  and Pink Floyd released the amazing Dark Side of The Moon. Noddy’s Brummy lot Slade were on top form – “Cum On Feel The Noize” rocketing to number 1 and “Merry Xmas Everybody” topping the charts for 5 weeks at Christmas…

On the old telebox debuts for Last Of The Summer Wine, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em and Are You Being Served began to etch themselves into comedy folklore with Lee Major’s “Six Million Dollar man” influencing kids up and down the country to run slow-motion in school playgrounds. Out of many new releases at the flicks, The Exorcist proved a to be a bit of a head turner and Roger Moore’s first James Bond film, Live and Let Die was released. In other – more important – news, just 6 days after Revie’s team had lost their winning start to the 1973/1974 season, yours truly was spat out into this world with White, Yellow and Blue blood pumping through my veins…

1973 seems to have been a year tailor made for a Leeds fan to be born into. It typified everything that supporting this great club is all about. From being hated by all around to “Dirty Leeds” to the “Eternal bridesmaids” tag and to being ripped off by bent referees. However despite all that, there was still scope for stunning football and reasons to be proud. In May of 1973, Revie’s boys had Finished 3rd in the old Division One, a massive 7 points behind Champions Liverpool. The title had already been put out of reach by the time Arsenal, who finished second, had been thrashed 6-1 at Elland Road. This final league performance came on the back of being beaten by second division Sunderland in FA Cup final just 4 days earlier. Lots have been written about that day, but Wembley’s own website claims:

“For many people the FA Cup Final of 1973, Wembley’s 50th year, remains their favourite final. Second Division Sunderland, with a team containing no internationals, defeated Leeds United who had no fewer than ten, for a classic Cup upset. Sunderland ’keeper Jim Montgomery made a miraculous double-save from Cherry and Lorimer and manager Bob Stokoe’s post-match charge across the pitch to embrace him, raincoat flapping in the wind, is one of the Cup’s most enduring images. Leeds had their chances and might have been ahead before Ian Porterfield volleyed the goal that won the Cup on the half-hour.”

If these events were a hard pill to swallow for all connected with the club, 7 days later it was the boy’s 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in the Cup Winners Cup Final which was the icing on the cake. That night in Greece, referee Christos Michas undoubtedly robbed Leeds United AFC out the European Cup Winners’ Cup and over the subsequent years, the game has become infamous. In an interview back in 2000, Peter “Hotshot” Lorimer claimed that it was injured Giles who told the Leeds players on the lunchtime before the game that:

“We couldn’t win, no matter how well we played. Sure enough, when the game started we soon realised the referee was giving us nothing, turning down penalties, while there were a number of other very dubious decisions,” Lorimer continued: “Milan went on to win 1-0 and at the end of the game the crowd chanted a word to the referee which meant “shame” in Greek. It was so obvious to them what had happened.  Although we didn’t get the trophy, we did get a standing ovation and the acclaim, with the referee later banned for life.”

Indeed he was, after he disallowed one clear goal, turned down three Whites penalty appeals, sent off Hunter for a spot of retaliation and allowed the winning Milan goal – scored  by Chiarugi, direct from an indirect free kick after just four minutes – it was then found he had been bribed by AC Milan. Reports claim he was sent to jail, fined by a Greek court and banned from football for life by UEFA. Questions are still asked today as to why Leeds were never allowed a replay and in April 2009, Richard Corbett, who was a MEP for Yorkshire and Humber had tried to petition UEFA in the hope of getting some justice done. Despite a 12,000 strong petition, UEFA claimed that nothing could be done so long after the event. Footage of the game can be found on:

www.thebeatengeneration.co.uk

That summer, Don Revie regrouped the squad and told them in no uncertain terms that he wanted them to not only win the league, but do it in style. More importantly, he challenged them to do it unbeaten and ram it down the throats of the critics in the football world who had written off his now ageing side. As the 1973/1974 season unfolded there was an air of amazement as the Whites, wearing a new kit showing off the now iconic “Smiley” badge on their chests, won the first seven games in the league to create the long standing club record. Led by King Billy (voted 5th in the 1973 European player of the year poll), it was swashbuckling stuff with goals and entertaining football stunning football fans across the country:

Everton (H) 3 – 1 – Giles, Jones, Bremner
Arsenal (A) 2 – 1 – Lorimer, Madeley
Tottenham Hotspur (A) 3 – 0 – Clarke, Bremner, Bremner
Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) 4 – 1 – Jones, Bremner, Lorimer, Lorimer (pen)
Birmingham City (H) 3 – 0 – Lorimer, Lorimer, Lorimer (pen)
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) 2 – 0 – Jones, Clarke
Southampton (A) 2 – 1 – Clarke, Clarke

The game that saw this impressive run of displays grind to a halt was the 1-1 draw against Stromgodset Drammen. From there, despite a couple of set backs in the cups, Leeds marched on to a brilliant undefeated 29 league games. It’s a record that still stands today and one we would very much like Simon Grayson’s boys to better.  Revie’s boys finally came unstuck 2-3 at Stoke City in February 1974. It was a frustrating game for Revie and Cocker, especially as this was a game Leeds were winning 2-0 before becoming complacent. According to interviews, Eddie Gray told how the players always knew when Don was mad with them as he would be combing his hair in the dressing room mirror as they came in after a game. Joe Jordan recalled the sombre mood after the Stoke game saying:

“ On that day, he was combing his hair, with Les Cocker beside him and whether he allowed it to be overheard or not, he said to Les as he was combing his hair that – Les, I think its about time we got some players in here, I think we need to get the cheque book out”

Perhaps an over reaction by the great Don, but the defeat at Stoke City led to a mini wobble as the boys only won 2 from the next 9 fixtures before regaining some composure. By the time May 1974 had come around, Leeds United AFC were champions of England in Don’s last season. With a record of Winning 24, drawing 14, losing only 4 games and scoring 66 goals in the process, this Leeds team made their mark one of the best in football history. Don Revie was manager of the year and Norman Hunter took the first ever PFA player of the year. Shortly after, Don left for the England job with a certain Brian Clough chosen to take over the reigns. That however jumps into 1974/1975 territory already covered in detail thanks to the release of the film “The Damned United”…

36 years later and it may not be as blatent , but the club still face the same sort of battles as 1973.  Still defiantly hated by the masses, reluctantly still bridesmaids (after three recent Play Off defeats) and at times, still ripped off by refs (fuck off Danny boy) and the powers that be (fuck off Mawhinney).  All connected with the current era at Leeds United AFC can feel rightly proud of what has been achived and with 8 games gone, the class of 2009/2010 have the chance to blaze a trail and go after the 29 league game unbeaten run. For now though, that is all pie in the sky and that record remains frozen in time along with memories of Don Revie and his wonderful 1973/1974 side…

Leeds United AFC… “The greatest team in football”… ” Keep Fighting…