Monthly update January 2024 including minutes from monthly branch meeting held Sunday January 14th 2024.

Apologies for being incognito since last year, it’s been a bit hectic.

January 2024 update.

It’s freezing!

Ray Fell

Very sad news that former LUSC Chairman Ray Fell sadly passed away in December after a long illness. Ray was a great friend and until he stepped down as Chair in 2016, was a very active, hard working and loyal servant to Leeds United Supporters Club. Even after he stepped down, Ray was still keen to attend exec meetings (health permitting) and always happy to have a quick pint and chat in The Peacock afterwards. Ray was given Honorary Vice President after stepping down from his 31 year tenure. But hestill attended the AGM and the odd exec even after lockdown. He probably saw more Leeds United Chairmen and owners than anyone I know. He met them dignity and humility. But always representing the LUSC with honour and pride. He always fought for our voice to be heard as representatives of season ticket holders, members and travelling fans both home and away.

Ray led us through our darkest hours when B*tes did his very best to destroy the Supporters Club and replace it with his very own “Regional Members Clubs” . RMCs who took the B*tes shilling. K*n’s masterplan of taking the LUSC down failed. We said at the time, “we were here before you, we are still here now and we will be here long after you are gone”. B*tes has gone from our Club at least. Thankfully Cellino did what needed to be done – cheers Massimo – I always liked you! (However, given K*n has made a pact with Old Nick and sold his soul, gone may be a long time coming.)

The LUSC is still growing, despite football changing “progressing” into what it is now. It is nothing like what it used to be when I started going, but time and tide stop for no man.

The fact that the LUSC is still going is testimony to Ray and Eric Carlisle before him. These two laid the groundwork. Building on the foundations of those before them, who founded Leeds United itself in 1919. It is something that we should never forget. Rest In Peace my friend.

Monthly Branch Meeting

The meeting was a week late due to us playing away (no surprise there then!) in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup the week before. Good job too, as we won at Peterborough. Woo hoo! And we are now proudly through to the 4th Round – yes – 4th round of the FA Cup. At home – yes – at HOME – to Plymouth.

Minutes from the four execs were read through and discussed.

1)There were lengthy discussions re the thieving charlatans at Sunderland who forced unsuspecting Leeds fans to part with their coinage, lighters, phone chargers etc. in order to gain entry into the Stadium of Light. Our branch feel that this is an outrage, and things need to be taken further. The buckets outside taking the coinage were allegedly going to be given to charity. Given that any legal charity collecting should be done in sealed buckets and clear signage of said charity should be clearly displayed, we don’t think that this is the actual case. We will await further discussions.  2)Turnstile problems were also discussed. There have been ongoing issues at the Captains Corner since the start of the season with many fans not being able to get in because the turnstile has jammed. These fans who have not been able to get in, have been forced to walk round to the ticket office to get a replacement. Some have had to go through Fullerton Car Park as an alternative to doing a 3/4 lap and back round the ground. Some fans have managed to fight through the away fans in the West Stand car park. Either way, it is not satisfactory at all, that in this day and age of electronic ticketing, the ageing turnstiles and infrastructure simply cannot cope. Luckily the ticket office staff were there to help out at the Ipswich game and then a man from the turnstile company was there at the Birmingham game. Some fans still did not get in, and were forced to go to the ticket office. If there are any other parts of the ground where people struggle to gain access, this may need to be noted and Leeds United informed of the issues. If they don’t know, they cannot improve. It was noted that when we had season ticket cards this was never an issue.

Memberships

The Membership Secretary is still very active. We are continuing to get more enquiries via the website, all forms with self addressed stamped envelopes will be returned with the 2023/4 season membership cards. No envelopes will mean you take your chances with getting to an away game or seeing us in the pub if we remember to bring the cards along.

Away travel

We have said we will try to run buses to every away again (tickets permitting). We have so far, and will be hoping to run to Plymouth, tickets permitting. All members are reminded and encouraged to buy their own away tickets if at all possible to save work for the rest of us. Bookings currently being taken for Bristol. Members are also reminded to keep an eye on the Leeds website for sale dates.

Treasurers Report

Despite running buses to every game this season we are still breaking even thanks to more new members joining and travelling. Long may this continue.

Fund Raising and Events

Andy Yates would like to thank everyone who participates in the football cards. Draw tonight for the Big Card was won by Mick Pratt. We will aim to do a raffle at the Spring event, anyone who wishes to donate a prize, please get in touch with Andy

Rowsey and Andy have spoken to The Londesborough. The plan is for the Spring event to be held there on Saturday March 23rd from 1pm to 7pm approx. Paul Wilson will be providing the music later on in the day. We are hoping to have special guest(s) to do a Q and A session and hopefully help to draw the raffle prizes out. No decision made yet re tickets etc. but we will expect either pay on the door or some donation, if no formal tickets organised. Once costs paid out, there will be a donation as usual to St Michaels Hospice, Harrogate.

A. O. B

The Annual LUSC quiz night will be held in April. Format will be the same, 4 people per team and pie and peas supper (bring your own mint sauce). We had 6 teams last year. We still didn’t win. Come on people – let’s at least try to give Fullerton and Griffin a run for their money this year. Please try to revise. 1st goal scorer is good bet and some random question about soaps (not the stuff you use to wash with).

We have put a request in for Millwall to be the chosen game for our Hospitality tickets as part of the sponsorship package. Still awaiting confirmation.

Anyone who has any experience on wordpress is welcome to help with the website. It is hard work to keep everything going. Anyone who thinks they can help out with any aspect of running the branch is very welcome to get in touch.

 

Apologies for the absence, here is the October 2023 update.

Hopefully we are back on track with doing monthly updates and a blog once in a while. Life has been getting in the way as usual, but we just keep plodding on. Cheers to everyone who reads the website, sorry there hasn’t been too much of late.

Monthly Branch Meeting

Monthly branch meeting was held on Sunday 1st October at the Londesborough Club. Thanks to all who attended. The minutes of the last meeting were proposed and seconded and agreed as a true representation of the last meeting. No matters arising.

The Secretary read out minutes from the previous LUSC exec meetings. Stadium improvements / repairs are continuing at ER. Nothing major will be done until we get back to the PL as there will be more money to do so. Police feedback from away games is essential whether it is good or bad to ensure our safety is maintained. There is a new branch in Mallow (Ireland). The Sponsors event at the U21 game against Nice to be attended by branches who requested to go into the draw. Griffin, South Kirkby, Us and Darlington. Max Littlefair got drawn out as our branch member. Still waiting to hear back from Leeds re meeting (been a long time) and plan is still to hold another event like last year at Skybet, but with more attendees. We will look to attend Annual Quiz and we need to let exec know how much interest there will be for an Annual (?end of season) dinner.  Everyone who attended the Thorp Arch event had a good time. The manager and players very excellent. Thorp Arch event (see AOB). LUSC Hospitality raffle game will be the last game of the season (Southampton). On account that the day is fixed and cannot be moved, so it will be easier for International branches to plan. Minutes from the last SAB glanced over.

Membership Report

We are still taking memberships and actively encouraging anyone who travels on the coach to join up. We have been the beneficiary of Mick Grinch’s policy of ruining rail travel for the 21st century. The feared losses on the long away trips have been placated so far, meaning finances are ok at present. The first tranche of cards have been sent to all those who enclosed stamped self addressed envelopes and The Membership Secretary has asked for more cards as he has nearly run out. Those who have not supplied return envelopes will just have to wait for The Secretary to remember to bring them for away games or pre match drinking.

Treasurer Report

Sponsorship of Charlie Cresswell cost £1800, which has been paid in full and a receipt obtained, so we are legit now. Financially, thanks to Mick Grinch, despite Ipswich, Millwall and Southampton games, we are still in the black. Only Norwich this side of Christmas, but then January / February is going to hit us hard with Cardiff, Bristol City, Swansea and Plymouth in quick succession. We will need a lottery win.

Away Games

We have run a bus to every game so far (apart from Salford). Bookings being taken for Norwich and Stoke. A reminder that if people can get on and order their own tickets, they need to do so. Leicester now has been moved to the Friday night for the True Gods of Football.

A.O.B

Chris Bowes has very kindly offered us a holiday stay. Info will be sent out via closed group on noseybook and via the email list. Great gift. Thanks Chris Bowes. It is very much appreciated. Our sponsorship hospitality tickets will be requested for Millwall in the first instance, Rotherham as second choice. As always, only paid up members can participate in the raffles. All members need to fill in a form every season.

Thorp Arch event organised by LUSC was attended by Ken and Grace Anderson. Both had really good time. Grace got load of photos with players on the day. As always, these events are excellent and all members will be given a chance to apply. Hopefully LUSC can organise more in the coming season.

Sponsorship is now secured. We have the certificate signed by Ain’t Nobody, like Mckennie, plays with Adams, for the U S A – Weston McKennie. The shirt is proudly on Frankie’s wall at the Hunslet Club. No Thorp Arch event like there was pre Bat flu at present, but there might be a chance once the manager has had the chance to settle in a bit. The Nice game was attended by Max as part of the LUSC Sponsorship of Archie Gray. We will email Leeds requesting Millwall as our preferred choice.

Rowsey has agreed to coordinate an event. We will try to plan ahead in hope that we get someone attending from Leeds United. Dave will try for Bilton Club again or maybe Manhattans. Both previous events were well organised, well attended and excellent. So fingers crossed, Dave and Andy Yates will get something sorted which will be a good night and hopefully some prizes to raffle off to help pay for facilities.

The giant football card winner was Makaela Rolph. Well done. Definitely not a fix. Decision not to film it was an easy one, seeing as we made such a hash up of it last time.

Website

Even though it is difficult to keep this site updated we are still getting new members through it which keeps the branch going with new blood. If anyone is able to help out, PLEASE get in touch. It is an on going cost, which will no doubt increase, but the branch is continuing to expand. We are all getting older, some people have obviously passed on, but if the branch is to continue we need new members who will travel, contribute, attend functions etc. to help keep us going. If anyone is able to share the load of posting new articles / posts etc. please get in touch, there is only so much one person can do.

Merchandise

There are still drawstring bags, shopping bags, wristbands, car stickers and pint glasses here if anyone wants anything I will try to remember what the prices are.

Christmas cards

There will be an LUSC Christmas card again this year. Please can you get in touch if you want any. When the first print is available, hopefully in early November, we will get the photo of it to you so you can place your orders. They are always good quality.

In the immortal words of The King in Blue Hawaii “wise men say, only fools rush in”.

These words however, we conceived by another goliath of art, Alexander Pope. The saying was coined in 1711 and is also the origin of the term “Where Angels Fear To Tread”.

thanks to Grammarist for the pic: https://grammarist.com/proverb/fools-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-tread/

Elvis however, is The King and he did it better! He knew that “wise men say, only fools rush in, but I can’t help falling in love with you” is the mantra of most , if not all, Leeds  United fans.

Edict, belief, faith, religion.

Call it what you will. Whichever word you use to describe it, it is the same. It is the thing that drives us to do what we do, and ultimately drives us mad. The phenomenon that is Leeds United.

Not only are the fans affected, the madness also afflicts our owners and managers alike. Like Sergeant Wilko, we start off as sane as the next man, often achieving greatness at times. Then it all goes downhill. Nay, plummets. Like a sack of spuds. The affliction subsequently transfers from our leaders to the team on the pitch. Resulting, ultimately, like in 2004, to a dramatic descent down the leagues.

Reliably, the affliction got to our most recent owner, Mr Radrizzani. No one is spared. No Quarter, as the phrase goes! To be fair to the guy before him, he was already as mad as a box of frogs anyway. Cellino was an entity in himself. The ones before Massimo? I won’t even go there.

In Star Trek terms, Cellino was the epitome of that cloud of mysterious, mischievous dust that flummoxed James T Kirk. He’d be voiced of course, by Roddy McDowell, should Massimo have been there in the 60s and Marcello Mastroianni not been available. The perfect misunderstood bad guy, Roddy McDowell. They don’t make actors like him anymore. There will never be another Cornelius. Truly, the Golden Age of acting. (Planet of The Apes, in case you don’t know what I am on about).

I digress, Radrizzani, like Ridsdale started off ok. Both experienced good times at Leeds United, although, only Peter “My Leeds United” Ridsdale got us into Europe. I cannot fault him for what he did in that very challenging time in Istanbul. Radrizzani never had anything like that Turkey moment, but, as sure as eggs are eggs, there is the potential for a goldfish tank moment. Who knows what the 49ers might find when the finally get into the offices are ER? There might even be a racing car garaged under the East Stand.

The Madness of Leeds United

Like many before him, Radrizzani just went a bit cuckoo. He got caught on the crest of a wave of success and got carried away, along with the rest of us.

Well, some of us.

Not me. Too long in the tooth for all of that nonsense now. To be frank, I expected more of us to be just as cynical as myself. Don’t get me wrong, I was enjoying being enthralled by Bielsa. That period in our history, was some of THE best football I have ever had the displeasure of not seeing live. We were lucky to see what we did until the world went mad and our global elite locked us away. That 1st season back, when we were deprived of our liberty and humanity, was one of the few things to look forward to. Albeit sometimes via dodgy firesticks and bein sports!

The Brolin

The 7 deadly sins; pride, avarice (greed in 20th centuryspeak), gluttony, lust, envy, wrath, sloth (not Casper). That list sounds like the pre requisite skills for any job in the Premier League and FA, doesn’t it? Pride and greed are the ones which are most to blame for terrible decisions at Leeds United. Pride comes before a fall, is how the saying goes. The pattern is that the Club start doing well on the pitch, and then someone takes their eye off the ball. Football for 90 minutes once or twice a week, becomes less important and fame or publicity takes priority.

Random signings once the Club start doing well, also known as the Brolin Phenomenon. Wilko (and Silver) had the inaugural Brolin moment. After Euro 1992 success and a storming World Cup in 1994, Tomas Brolin came to Leeds to join Yeboah up front. Those of you too young to remember, or those who have conveniently forgot, 1996 Coca Cola Cup Final. That is all I need to say. Coca Cola Cup Final. Oh, and Ian Rush. Tomas is now the leading vacuum cleaner salesman in Scandinavia.

Ridsdale and O Leary had their “Brolin” phase with Seth Johnson. Seriously, we could have bought John Arne Riise. But we didn’t. Because, Seth Johnson was the better choice. Seth Johnson. £7 million quid for Seth Johnson to Derby and we paid him upwards of £35 grand a week. After all, what could Riise do? Did he ever amount to anything at , er, Liverpool? Enough said. Oops, nearly forgot, Robbie Fowler.

Radrizzani? Well, under Bielsa – we had such a small squad, history would have us believe we never bought anyone. Of course, he got rid of Bielsa and all of a sudden, Leeds were free to buy all the players that they wanted. Because Bielsa held the purse strings and refused to buy anyone remember? Just think, without Bielsa, we could have got Aaronson, Roca, and McKennie so much sooner. Oh sorry, that’s not correct is it? It was Orta who stopped us buying “quality players” sooner.

If only Radrizzani listened to the real fans on social media in the first place. Had Radrizzani bowed to the pressure from the proper football managers, tippy tappying on their keyboards sooner, we wouldn’t be in the EFL now. That’s for sure. If only Radrizzani had listened to the “real” fans he would have known that all our players ignore fans all the time, especially children. The “real” fans should never have been forced to go on social media and the press to tell the board that Leeds fans had lost faith in them. Because fans would be able to do the job better.

A bit like in the Bates era where the “real” fans engaged (allegedly – I think I have to say that) with potential buyers to get Bates Out. Well that worked out really well didn’t it? The most skint people of middle eastern background ever. I think that is how I have to say it now, in case I am accused of breaking some sort of protected characteristic law.

Football by keyboard

Ridsdale, thankfully didn’t have to deal with social media. In the early 2000s, football was mostly played out on the telly or on the pitch. Football discussion was done in the pub after the game or at the ground. Agreements (and disagreements) were dealt with by talking face to face with people, or phone ins on the radio. Fools did not rush in to any of those conversations in the pub, I can tell you. If you ever said anything really stupid, people would just point and laugh at you. If any one of these keyboard warriors who chuck out death threats to our players did that in a pub, they wouldn’t be saying it twice, I can tell you. They’d have had a bunch of fives in their face.

22 and a half hours

Nowadays football is played out on social media. Actually, football is played on the pitch, but the 90 minutes of getting a ball into the back of the net comes second fiddle to other 22 and a half hours in the day. What actually happens on the 76,000 square feet of green stuff, is at times, completely irrelevant to the volumes of discussion on social media. Where angels fear to tread? Nope. Social media is where no one but fools rush in. Quick to accuse. Quick to confuse. Those tippy tappy fingers are responsible for some of the most hateful, intolerant abuse that footballers, managers, Chairmen and football fans alike, are subject to nowadays.

Why are we waiting?

As it stands today (Monday 17th July) we still do not have any official owners. They are still yet to be ratified by the EFL, apparently. It is a bizarre set of circumstances, isn’t it? The 49ers, as I understand, were already part owners when we were in the Premier League. Now we are in the EFL and the 49ers want to buy out Radrizzani (seeing as he is in Sampdoria – allegedly), they aren’t fit and proper? Do the EFL have a higher standard than the PL? Do the 49ers know what they are letting themselves in for? Have they researched this through properly? Surely they did their due diligence? Wise men say, only fools rush in … yikes.

I think it is something to do with the number of new investors into the 49ers group. Don’t quote me on that though. I suppose it is there to stop anyone of any disrepute being able to use their ill gotten gains to influence football. After all, it’s not like Sepp Blatter and Platini did anything wrong with £2 million quid. It’s not like big tournaments have ever been handed to random countries without thought for fans, is it?

What is going on? If only the “real” fans could be contacted to see if they could broker a deal with the new foreign owners. Oh wait, that has already happened once upon a time, a long time ago, allegedly. Lightning surely cannot strike twice.

Nearly there.

Nevertheless, the season is starting, new owners or not. The fixtures are here, and if the news is correct, it may be good news for the travelling fans. With the PL cap set at £30 for away tickets now a distant memory, our travelling support were fearing the worse. Namely £49 quid for Hillsborough and the rest. But if the gossip is correct, the Club have agreed a reciprocal ticketing policy for away fans. They have listened to the fans. The Twentys Plenty thing was never realistic, but £50 for a ticket for 90 minutes is just absurd.

Having sat through the Wimbledon Men’s Single final at the weekend watching two blokes compete for the best part of 4 hours (apart from that toilet break), you can understand getting what you pay for. Don’t ask me about the ladies final. The classic 11 hour game between Isner and Mahut was epic.

But realistically, some games of football are utter dross of two teams going through the motions for 90 minutes. Some are 90+ minutes of cheating, diving, fouling aka game management in 21st Century speak. There are some games where most of the entertainment is found in the concourse, or, if you are that way inclined smoking in the bogs.

We cannot help that at ER the away fans are sat in the West Stand. That is the legacy of money grabbing Bates. He moved them from the South Stand because at the time the rules were that you couldn’t charge away fans more than the price that home fans pay in the equivalent stand. For me, they should stay there. Separated from the South Stand by the scoreboard, with little if any, interference from the corporate West Stand. No fools rushing in from the posh seats.

With bated breath, we await confirmation that we have new owners. Without a sign of fools rushing in

July 2023’s update including AGM highlights.

Well it’s July 2023 and we finally have a new manager – Daniel Farke. I’m sure the whole branch would like to extend a heartfelt handshake to the guy and wish him all the very best.

All we need now is EFL to ratify our new owners and with it confirmation of who owns ER. Yeah, I’m aiming high, but honestly, is it really too much to ask to know who owns the club and who owns the pitch and/or stadium? Seriously? Is it too much to ask?

Anyway, back to the July 2023 update.

Thanks to all who attended the AGM on Sunday 2nd July 2023, and all those branch members who attended the LUSC AGM earlier in the day. It’s been a bizarre end of season and pre season but I’ll digress further in the up coming blog. The branch is about our members. We are a not for profit organisation with all monies made being churned back into the branch with the odd donation to St Michael’s Hospice and the Firestation Christmas Food drive. There is an awful lot of work going into the branch to keep it going year in year out. But, despite all the obstacles being chucked at us, we are still going.

The branch managed to run a bus to every game last season, despite growing issues with away tickets. A number of games ran at a massive loss. Some games broke even due to help from other supporters travelling on the bus, and some managed a surplus. Thanks to all members who travelled with us. Thanks to all those who did their part by securing their own tickets. Some of the trips were long and fruitless but it isn’t just about the 90 minutes on the pitch is it? It is about the day spent with friends and fellow football fans.

Memberships were slightly down last year. But given the cost of lockdown crisis and the ridiculously high energy bills etc. we have done well to be the fourth largest UK LUSC group. Let alone managing to run a bus to every fixture.

The 40th anniversary do was very well attended last year, thanks to all attendees. Our monthly branch meetings are still going ahead, fixture changes notwithstanding.

Branch members turned out in force for the LUSC Annual Quiz held at ER, along with a team from Ripon. It is highly unlikely the branch are ever going to win the quiz. Especially given there are so many questions about Leeds United, but we do turn up in good numbers. Any branch member is encouraged to attend. It is a good event and the pork pies are tasty! You get to meet up with other LUSC members for a chin wag. It’s just like an away day but less people are pissed and there’s no 90 minutes of football to ruin your day. There is also a trophy at the night.

We are still attending the LUSC branch meetings at ER and on zoom, and will continue to do so. Any member of the branch is welcome to attend the LUSC face to face meetings at ER, only branch officials can vote though.

Our members continue to vote in numbers for the monthly Player of The Month. Congratulations by the way to Player of the Season 2022/3 Jack Harrison. Please stay and help us get promotion out of EFL, thank God we stopped you leaving. It’s a shame Klichy got kicked out before we could save him too. We might still be in the PL if he’d have been in our midfield. Seeing as he didn’t mind passing the ball forwards, as opposed to backwards or sideways.

Our sponsorship of Joe Gelhardt was abruptly halted when they sent him out on loan to The Mackems, where he did quite well with some Mackems actually wanting him to permanently stay. During his absence we were given Ain’t Nobody like –  Weston McKennie. Plays with Adams – for the USA. He’s gone back to Juve now, so hopefully we get Joffy back. As soon as I know, you’ll know. That song, by the way, was truly terrible. If the sponsorship price increases to beyond our means, we will organise an extraordinary meeting to discuss what our options are. Unless it coincides with a monthly branch meeting.

Renewal forms have been emailed out to everyone on the emailing list and posted out 1st July 2023. £1.10 for a 1st class stamp! can you believe it? Anyone who hasn’t received one, please email pjmcmanus2011@yahoo.co.uk . Renewal price remains the same as last season, and seasons before. It seems a little unfair to increase it given the cost of living has gone up so much. Unlike Leeds United, we have not put the prices up but promised to give you all some money back if we didn’t stay up. Oh, and only given you another 10 days for you to remember your password and get the refund back.

The website https://www.harrogatewhites.co.uk will continue to be used, as it still a good tool for new members. Anyone who possesses a working knowledge of WordPress is most welcome to join. We still have photos waiting to be put up in the gallery for anyone who can do it better than the GDB.

We will not be running any transport to any of the pre season fixtures. Apologies, we were not aware the trains would be on strike – again. Safe travels to all who can afford the time and money to go to Norway, I’m sure it will be a great, albeit expensive, trip.

Monthly branch meetings will continue to be held on the 1st Sunday of the month, unless we are playing. Our August meeting will be held on Sunday 13th, seeing as we are playing on the 6th.

It took us a long long time, and a dip into Division 3, last time we got relegated. Fingers crossed, it will be a quicker return this time round. I never saw us get promoted last time due to the clownfest that was lockdown. The open top bus round town that was promised, never materialised. We better see it this time round! Oh and I want to see the panda again

(thanks to googlepictures for this)

On On On

Yep, this blog will give no quarter to those who have inflicted the same to my beloved club.

No quarter.

This term was derived I think from military combat, where enemies of war would be treated harshly, with no mercy, no pity, no clemency. Killed rather than being taken prisoner.

Coincidentally, it was two of the 380 words spoken by Keanu Reeves in the latest John Wick film, John Wick Chapter 4. 2 hours 49 minutes of classic  John Wick – go and see it if you haven’t already!

https://www.insider.com/keanu-reeves-john-wick-chapter-4-dialogue-380-words-2023-3

No quarter.

Part of the appeal of the John Wick films is that there is so little dialogue. The mainstay of the John Wick films, is that actions speak louder than words and all actions have consequences. Keanu Reeves’ character is strongly resolute. He is accountable for all his actions. Whether purposeful, misguided or unintentional, he takes full responsibility for what he has done. In the context of John Wick 4, the scene is where they select the way that they choose to fight the final duel. Pistols – no quarter. 

This weekend was, unfortunately, one of no quarter.

Bournemouth

Once upon a time, a long long time ago – ok – 33 years ago, Leeds went to Bournemouth, and  our fans showed them no quarter.

This weekend, we went to Bournemouth and Bournemouth showed Leeds United no quarter. With two right backs, no left back and Lord Bamford on his own up front, it looked like we were just hoping for a lucky draw. As in the home tie, our team of lightweight midgets (McKennie not included) just could not compete with the giants in the Bournemouth team. Out jumped, out tackled, out challenged and out cheated by the ridiculous diving and biased refereeing. We didn’t stick a chance. Even with Gnonto starting, our back 7 just could not cope with a Bournemouth team playing for the 3 points which would basically guarantee them PL survival.  Ultimately, Bournemouth, players and fans, wanted it more.

After the game, some of our fans showed no mercy. Booing and hurling insults at our players who hesitantly came towards us in the corner. Those of us who were still there, that is. The ones who hadn’t stormed off in disgust, not willing to stay for the full 90. Some of the players were wishing that they hadn’t stayed for the full 90 either.

Some of our fans were livid. Quite rightly so. The display was shocking. No fight, no passion, no commitment. Some of them just gave up. They didn’t chase the ball down, they didn’t challenge for the headers, some didn’t even look that interested in passing to each other. At times, the ball was in the air so much, you could have mistaken it for Sunday morning five a side.

As you would expect there was lots of booing. Lots of shouts of “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” and “sack the board” , “Orta out”. The usual then. Granted, it was a little more fervent, fuelled by a Bank Holiday weekend of drinking , no doubt. No one can blame the fans for shouting and screaming. We have paid our money for the ticket and travel, we deserved to see a bit better than what we did.

I was just despondent. It looked like we had surrendered. Surrendered without a fight. Not like the Leeds of old. No surrender, remember?

Whereas I wouldn’t boo the team, I wouldn’t tell them they weren’t fit to wear the shirt, and I certainly wouldn’t sing “sack the board”, I wouldn’t begrudge anyone else. I did get very near to it once though, at Rochdale away in the Cup in 2014. The only time I can remember really going against my Club was when it was at the mercy of Bates. Get out of our Club, get out of our Club. You Chelsea Bast**d, get out of our Club. Bates Out! I think it went.

Oh don’t worry, at the time, I certainly complained about the pitiful passing and failure to hold the ball up. Sh*t corners and wasted free kicks. At the time, I was unremitting in the “f**king useless” , “what the hell was that?” , “who the f*ck was that to?”, “f**cks sake”, as I always am. But that is pure emotion and passion. It passes and We All Love Leeds again. Never have I been moved to run down to the hoardings and hurl abuse at the players at the end of the game. Never. 

When they sacked Bielsa, I was fuming, but even then I still never sang “sack the board”. I said the Board were clueless and they’d regret it (and they were and they have), but at the end of the day, this is MY club, not theirs. They are temporary custodians, I am Leeds for life. Luckily, we live in a country where we are allowed to express our views still, and luckily Leeds United haven’t seen it fit yet to punish me for mine! Woo hoo!

Every game a Leeds fan travels to, is a game where we are the ambassadors of the club. The fans represent what it is to be Leeds. Granted in the 80s and 90s, we weren’t the best ambassadors, but that was then, this is now. Some of our fans are less than models of perfect football etiquette, but that is just how it is. As much as Leeds United has put me through some of the worse times in my life, ultimately, I will never give up on it and I certainly wouldn’t deliberately besmirch it.

To find out on the way back home from Bournemouth that a group “representing” Leeds supporters had written a letter to the Club telling them the fans wanted the whole lot of them out was pretty unbelievable. Who they hell are these people? They aren’t representing me. They might be representing someone, but unless they have had a season ticket for 30+ years, watched Leeds home and away for decades, watched the total dross that was division 3 football (and the rest), they don’t represent me. If they turned up at Cardiff away that freezing cold night in 2018, or that night game at Villa 17/18 where you couldn’t give a ticket away, I would grant them some concession, but otherwise  – no.

No one has the right to tell the Chairman / the owners what to do with their money. Apart from the B*tes era of course, but that was a long time ago, football was different then and B*tes screwed the fans over. Radrizzani however, has pumped so much money into this Club, frankly he can do what he wants. He can sack who he wants and hire who he wants. It is his money. As it was with Cellino, he who stumps up the money, does what he pleases. It doesn’t mean we can’t criticise him, but there’s criticism and then there is conceited, egotistical, self serving, narcissistic petulance.

“Orta Out”.

A far cry from when Victor was the fans best mate after the whole Derby debacle and Fat Frank. The picture of Orta doing the spying thing was made into T shirts, everyone shared it on social media. People had that as their profile picture. Everyone loved him. Without Orta there would have been no Bielsa. No Bielsa – no return to the PL after 16 years in the wilderness. Some folk have very very short memories. I’m not saying Orta has never done anything wrong, but he has done quite a bit right. 

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9083384/leeds-victor-orta-scarves-elland-road-derby/

Remember that Jack Priestley4?

How about this one after the Spygate scandal and those infamous binoculars?

https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1284891571104735232

Orta was everyone’s favourite mad uncle not so long since, wasn’t he?

Stop crying Frank Lampard.

Orta – once with the highest accolade of the master of sh*thousery (this is some millenial thing – yes?) has fallen in the graces of the social media class of Leeds fans.

https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/6-times-leeds-united-director-victor-orta-has-been-a-superb-shthouse/

How quick we are to forget. For Victor has gone. No quarter.

This falling from grace thing isn’t a new thing. Older fans will remember when Wilko went bonkers and bought Thomas Brolin. Sgt Wilko, won us promotion and then we won the league and then he just lost it.

The trouble with 21st century football is that it is played out on social media as well as on the pitch. Social media has the ability to blow everything out of proportion, and the discussions that 30 years ago were had in the relatively private confines of the pub, now go global. In my opinion for the worse. 

Exaggeration and character assassination.

You know what I am going on about. I’m not going to put that little boy and his family through any more shenanigans. It must have been bad enough being forced onto ITV to tell the truth regarding those Tw*tter posts from Piers Morgan and Jeff Stelling. The initial accusers were quick to condemn a video without the customary 21st Century “fact check”. Then, social media took over and the usual suspects who take offence on behalf of someone else blew everything out of proportion. Quick to slam the team and pile more manure on the sh*t pile. No quarter.

Back to John Wick. Every action has it’s consequences. The consequences of this viral video were that some of our players were subject to abuse and Leeds United were slated on social media and mainstream media. In the end, it was a load of bollocks. Yes some of the younger players did walk past, but realistically this is what the younger generation do anyway. Swagger past, headphones on, ignoring everyone. Grunting replies and casting disdain on anyone older than 25 because they are irrelevant. Gen Z. The most self important generation ever. I’m not defending their behaviour, but ALL footballers do this, not just Leeds.

Realistically, these players are just young adults with massive wages. Some with so much money, they don’t know what to do with it. Bear in mind, they probably haven’t actually paid for these headphones. Their agents have probably been given them as a freebie in order to promote the brand. What better than a walking talking advert for your products? Look what those quaver shoes did for Kalv. Agents are not stupid people, where they can see a way of making more money, they will do. Brand ambassadors. That’s what these influencers do on social media isn’t it? They don’t have proper jobs. They just make money by going on social media and using products that companies send them. And they do make money.

What the accusers didn’t know was what happened before the video was taken. But once they found out, where was the apology? I hope there were immediate retractions and cringing, embarrassing hand wringing apologies all round? I’m not sure there were though. Where is the responsibility and accountability?

What happened to all that hashtag bekind stuff? How do they know if the players had just received a bollocking of the manager? Maybe they’d just had some bad news. Maybe they were listening to a self confidence tape. Who knows? Whatever it was, the footage should never have been used by Leeds fans to damage the Club. What sort of supporters would deliberately do something to harm the Club? Not people who represent me.

I’ve said in an earlier blog, the fan base has been polarized. Some of it is quite, quite poisonous at times. Thank God we don’t have fans on the board. Can you imagine if one of them has a hissy fit? Fan representation on the board isn’t good, unless that fan has injected 100s of millions of pounds into the club of course. He can have as many hissy fits as he wants then.

I think the owners should engage with the fans, don’t get me wrong. On certain things and not others. As a matchgoing fan, I’d like better, cleaner facilities, maybe the Pavilion back? I’d like reasonably priced refreshments and more than one cash till at the bar. I’d like my season ticket card back please, and the YELLOW away strip, with a blue / white / yellow combo for the third strip please. Oh and the massive puddle at the NE corner to get another layer of tarmac on it. I’d like fan input into the development of ER, seeing as I will hopefully be going when it gets done. I’d like considered investment in the team not knee jerk panic buying.

I don’t want another 10% hike in my season ticket again. I don’t want the Club to waste money at the expense of lack of player investment. I don’t want any say into how the owner chooses who buy in the transfer market. It is their money, not mine. As a matchgoing fan, I will stick to what I know, and leave the rest up to them.

Whoever the Club chooses to engage with next, let’s hope they make a better choice than the Entitled lot who wanted everyone sacked and publicly slagged our own players off for something that never happened. We’ve four games to go, the last thing we want is so much unwarranted negativity.

Leeds and proud of it