So we have 5 more games left, and we are still in with a chance of going up either in the play offs or a very slim chance at automatic promotion. There is no way any Leeds fan could ever have dreamt that we could be in this position in August 2016, but let’s all just take a deep breath, and here we go…
After two losses on the trot at Reading and Brentford, most fans could be forgiven for fearing the worse. After all, history tells us that the Leeds United team tends to falter after an international break. Normally players get injured or concentration lapses, and any pre break momentum hits the proverbial brick wall.
For those individuals who slated those wishing to express their concerns, please note, in this country we still have freedom of speech (within the remits of political correctness of course). Everyone has the right to say what they want without discourse. As long as it is within reason and they don’t take to death threats, name calling, social media abuse etc. and political correctness of course. I have seen some of the comments and can I please just ask people to just have a think before they start tippy tappying on their phones? Some stuff I have read is appalling, and the worse thing is for some bizarre reason, after these keyboard warriors have slagged off fellow Leeds fans, they then sign off “All Leeds Aren’t We” or “Marching On Together”. Oxymoron anyone?
Before anyone starts with the pot, kettle, black, I admit I had a bit of a pop after Sutton, but that was an exception, and it took an awful lot for me to do that. It also wasn’t personal, it was aimed at the group of people who think that they are better than anyone else, and those people know who they are. Plus, come on! Sutton! For crying out loud!
So back to the football. After Reading and Brentford, Garry made the changes that were needed on Saturday for the return of prodigal son, Simon Grayson. The midfield has been crying out for a bit more of a holding midfielder, and Kalvin Phillips duly stepped up. Ayling was back on form after his untimely absence (timely for Mrs and Baby Ayling though), and after hanging fire on the substitutions against Reading and Brentford, bringing on Dallas and The Duke gave Roofe and Wood a well deserved break. Wood had just got booked, and frankly Roofe played his (rolled down) socks off, in his first start for the team for a while. With Newcastle dropping points as well, it just goes to show that anyone can win a game in this league. It will be funny if we end up getting promotion and Newcastle fall at the last fence.
For those who have been backing 2-0 and 2-1 at home most of the season, the signs were all there when Wood hit the bar and Captain Kyle’s header was cleared off the line. After Roofe and Pablo’s two efforts, which both incidentally felt like they took an eon to cross the line, Fate was finally sealed by The Duke, putting everyone out of their misery. Even my postman backs 2-1 at home! I am just sorry that Wood didn’t bag one of them, I hope he gets his 30 goals this season, he completely deserves it.
Speaking of which, after years of not knowing who to pick for Player Of The Year, basically because no one has actually deserved it for the last few seasons, there is a raft of candidates. Wood, obviously, fans favourite Jansson, and the outstanding Beradi and Ayling. Green has put in a good shift as well, so it is going to be difficult to pick one player, and even harder for the fans across the board to agree on it. I have said this before, and will say it again, what a brilliant position to be in, as a Leeds United fan!
After the game on Saturday, the whole team came out and applauded the 30,000 strong crowd in what can only be described as a mini lap of honour. Every single player looked like they were playing for the shirt and more importantly, playing for the fans. yes, it was brilliant that we won, and had won 3-0, but it was a fabulous feeling to see fans crowd at the front of each stand, applauding the players and the players reciprocating.
There is real camaraderie in that team, even if there are a few little niggly differences in opinion. The fact is that on the pitch they are playing as one. After decades, we may finally be Leeds United.
