Now we are back to normal, here is the September 2026 update / monthly branch meeting minutes.

Monthly branch Meeting

The Chairman opened the branch meeting with it’s new start time of 6pm. This change from the old 8pm meeting time was discussed at the last branch meeting. It was decided that there was never a particular reason for the 8pm time. 6pm kick off meant that even though The Chairman would have to change his usual Sunday teatime, it may be easier for the further flung branch members to attend.

Minutes from LUSC exec

The Secretary read out the minutes from the LUSC exec meetings. There has been much debate about the changes in the home ticket sales. It was pointed out that this would affect families in the main who are in different categories for the sale. i.e if parents are in the priority group but their children are newer members, this would mean they would struggle to all be seated together. The difference between consultation and just disseminated information was discussed. All are in agreement that there is disappointment across the board about how this has been implemented and the lack of actual consultation.

Wilko 92 fundraising. In the current difficult economic climate, it has been a bit of a struggle to raise funds for the statue. This has been impacted by lots of events involving the title winning ex players, but not necessarily contributing to the fund itself. LUSC are discussing with Dave Tomlinson ways in which the LUSC can assist with organising events etc.

Concerns raised re booking parking at ER and parking / travel in general to home games due to pre booked cashless system.

New branch in Rothwell – Angel Whites welcomed.

Interbranch transfers were discussed

Memberships

Good response so far. Almost 100 renewals, which is good considering it’s school holidays still and people are away. We will aim to meet up with the Membership Secretary for a curry next week or so to retrieve the forms and cards which have not got a stamped self addressed envelope. New enquiries / members all the time now from the website.

Treasurer

£20 paid for website updates (see AOB).

Made a surplus over the two Forest games, but hefty deficit at Brighton. But the bank still looking good.

Away travel

Like several other organisations, insufficient demand has meant that the usual coach travel to Chelski in the League Cup has been abandoned. Diesel costs (and therefore coach costs) and time off work etc (especially after long away to Brighton) have impacted the decision. As with last season any branch members who have asked for assistance to this game have been signposted to other official LUSC branches. We will continue to try run / organise official branch coach travel to all away games this season. As has happened frequently in the past when we weren’t very good etc, we will be sharing with other LUSC branches to make sure official LUSC travel is available to all branch members.

A.O.B

We have banned an individual for failing to honour a coach booking.

Steve Smith discussed Scottish clubs seemingly being the best choice for the card.

The future of website was discussed at length. The website is now 12+ years old and realistically no one thought it would still be going. However, it has proved very successful in increasing our profile in Harrogate and resulted in quite a few new members. There is s steady stream of enquiries throughout the season and it was decided that we should continue with it. It needs updating as it is an old format. Pricing was discussed, and it was decided that the branch should go ahead and look to getting the updates required to continue for another few years at least.

The return to a London Weekender was discussed.

Facebook Closed group / email list

In the next few weeks the closed group will be reviewed. Currently the closed group is used to disseminate information re away travel / ticket sale dates / meetings / raffles etc.  It also updates people who are not attending games to where the games can be watched. We will look to changing the way away travel information is made available to reduce duplication and ensure the correct information goes to the correct individuals. The email list etc. does tend to get cluttered as does facebook and it does become quite time consuming. We also get many many requests to join the closed group and restricting it to just branch members may need to be changed. It will go through a trial revamping period.

Cheers to the new season from the Chairman

 

July 2025 update

Just to remind folks, the main LUSC AGM will be held on Sunday 6th July 2025. Billy Bremner Suite (West Stand) . 11.30am arrival for 12 noon prompt start. Our president Josh Warrington will be present. It’s your LUSC AGM, so come along and hear what is going on with it all.

Our own Harrogate & District LUSC AGM will be 7 hours later. So Sunday 6th July 2025 7.30pm arrival for 8pm prompt start please.

Renewal / new members forms

Renewal forms will be available on the night. Otherwise please check your inboxes for email version, and whenever Harrogate posties deign to deliver your letters, hard copies will be sent out soon.

Apologies for the delay. As usual, we have been very busy this summer in paid employment, and there’s been a few technical issues.

Please remember you need to fill in a renewal form EVERY year and pay subs (still only £7 as it stand today) as required.

New members are welcome, but you need to contact us for a NEW members form. This needs to be filled in and returned with two passport sized photographs please and the necessary subs if applicable. We will email one out to you or will send one in the post if you provide a snail mail address.

Social media

We will NOT accept or send out friend requests for you oldies on facebook, purely because we have attempted hackings continuously. The public page is open to all. The closed group is really only for paid up branch members and only has info on departure times etc and events. So, if you intend to participate in any events or are lucky enough to get a ticket to an away game, you’re in. Otherwise there is no need to ask to be on that group. You might get someone randomly inviting you, but until someone else takes over the running of the page (and the hacking attempts) I won’t accept you.

If you are a paid up / signed up member, and I have forgotten you. Please get in touch and let me know. If I haven’t included you on the email list, again let me know. I am only human and prone to mistakes.

We aren’t on any other social media platforms. Not enough time in the day!

Cheers. Back in the PL!

GDB

 

March 2025 sees us start with a draw against West Brom.

It was back to playing the ball out from the back again, but given our two games against Sunderland and T’Blades, it’s not so bad. It is still average 2 points per game.

Monthly branch meeting

This was held on Sunday March 2nd at the Londesborough Club. The usual minutes from the LUSC execs were read out, as well as the SAB minutes and notes. The Football Governance Bill is still being discussed in Parliament. It is now at the House of Lords at the Report Stage. Dave says that he isn’t sure whether anything will change as there is so much money involved. There is always hope that it might stop another Bury event, but remember, it is the hope that kills.

There was a discussion regarding the pre-season friendlies. Angus was evidently in with the away fans at T’Blades and was apparently hinting about a trip to Helsinki and then a game against Sc*m or Rangers. We weren’t sure if this was before or after he went to the bogs at half time, and if anyone had offered him anything. I’d hazard a guess that until the actual pre seasons are announced, there isn’t any point planning anything. Given it is still March 2025, there is plenty of time to plan.

Away games

There’s been a dearth of tickets lately. It is basically luck of the draw in all the sales. we just haven’t been very lucky! Despite being 120 in the queue for QPR, the cupboard was bare! Bear in mind, we used to get that whole end for QPR (crap view that is is) but the allocation’s now restricted due to QPR not selling the lower tier anymore. Apparently we are also being limited by previous bad behaviour. We are managing to pick up passengers requiring travel, so funds are ok as it stands. But with Luton and Oxford looming imminently, the bank is going to be severely depleted by April. Luckily, we decided not to run a bus to Plymouth ages ago.

Memberships

We will be looking to stop memberships at the end March, as the season will hopefully be drawing to a close by then. The website is still attracting members. If there is more stuff on there to read, it may prove even more valuable. Hint to anyone who wants to contribute articles / pieces!!!

A.O.B

The quiz!

Thank you for everyone who has got back to us. The LUSC Annual Quiz is a good laugh and there will be a raffle for a signed Leeds shirt from 2016/17 donated by our President Josh Warrington. The teams are as follows:

Chairman Charley, Steve Smith, Dargs and Acid

Andy Yates, Rob Cartman, Ricky Greenwood and James Proctor

The Tovey and Barry team

Smuff, Max Littlefair, Ben Simpson and possibly Paul Ingles

Ripon Mark, Leoni and Jane Parkin and Maz (or Emily if he can’t make it)

The Secretary, gdb, Dave Poole and Peter Hart

Ripon Kev, Jordan, Morro and Adam (Dougie’s lad) from Ripon.

Sponsorship Hospitality Tickets

Still awaiting confirmation, but hopefully, it’s the Swansea game on Saturday 29th March 2025 3pm. SkyTVisf**kings**t have announced their televised games, and it isn’t one of them. Tickets available from Andy or The Secretary at £1 each. Will draw the winner nearer QPR game. Good luck everyone!

Annual Summer BBQ

We will discuss at the next meeting and speak with Trish to see what availability the Londesborough have.

Season tickets

There was something on the Leeds website on Friday. No one has actually clicked on yet to see how much they are. Last year they told us they would be going up again to “equalise” the pricing. I take it it means making things level as opposed to Edward Woodward’s The Equaliser from the 80s or the Denzel Washington latest versions. At least that would make it interesting!

Monthly updates have been scarce. Apologies. Here is the February 2025 update / info from previous monthly branch meetings.

Monthly branch meeting February 2nd 2025

Exec minutes read out and SAB reports.

LUSC sponsored player is now Isaac Schmidt, seeing as Charlie Crew is now at Donnie and Harry Gray wasn’t an allowable option. Leeds United are going to start asking fans re stadium new build, keep eye out for emails etc. Annual quiz will be March on a Thursday night (see AOB). Last year the place was full to bursting, so LUSC need to confirm numbers to ensure enough seating and food. No info yet if there will be any opportunity to do an Thorp Arch children’s event as in previous seasons.

SAB – feedback from Manor Solomon chant, police and EFL say no hate crime etc. but Leeds don’t want people to sing it and season ticket wait list. Club saying not all seats are being filled at home games , so desperate to get bums in seats – sorry get more revenue in from people buying tat from the Club shop and overpriced food and drink. They are warning that you will lose your S/T if you don’t transfer on to a F & F or at least sell it back to the Club if you can’t go / get stuck in traffic. Apparently, even if you seat doesn’t get sold, you will still get some money back, so if you can’t make it, just return it.

Memberships

Numbers still increasing, some from website and some from LUSC website. Need to set a closing date for memberships. We need to set up a meeting with the Membership Secretary soon to retrieve the forms. Reminder that membership forms need to be filled in, and subs paid EVERY year.

Away games

Due to the paucity of tickets, it has been a challenge for some games. Hence the need to raise money re raffles / footie card etc. We will try run buses to every game, bar Plymouth at the end of the season. We will try to get seats on other buses for Plymouth away for members who succeed in getting tickets / away season ticket holders. Pompey will be a struggle. As will Oxford, Luton etc. As of February 2025, realistically there’s probably only Boro left with a decent allocation. We urge EVERYONE to try to log on and get their own tickets, as many hands make light work! We haven’t been doing so well lately. We will still try, but with us doing well, there are more people wanting to go. Even with the likes of T’blades charging £40+.

A.O.B.

Sponsorship

As of February 2025, we are now the proud sponsor of Josuha Guilavogui. The decision had to be taken rather quickly, so The Secretary and gdb took that decision, but it was agreed at a previous meeting that we could. He seems like a nice bloke, I think he donates most of his wages to a orphanage in Guinea in West Africa.

Josuha Guilavogui Foundation

Although he hasn’t started a game yet, he has come on as sub a few times. He might not be here very long, but we haven’t lost a game that he has played in, long may that continue.

As part of the hospitality there may be opportunities to go to an event at ER and of hopefully some Hospitality tickets, which we will open out to all members as usual.

LUSC Annual Quiz

It will be held at ER on Thursday 13th March. Usual pie and pea supper and quiz. I need potential players and team names please asap. I think the Smuff and Littlefair brothers combo did best from our branch last year. Probably as they were sober (or at least the most sober, most of the night). It is a good do. You get to see people who you see at football normally and get to have a chat with some of them. So we would encourage you to attend. It’s the taking part that counts – not the winning! Although that doesn’t negate from people doing a bit of revision! The branch will help towards transport costs and the first round if you get a receipt.

Fundraising

Anyone with any ideas for fundraising, please get in touch. The branch is not for profit, anything we make gets churned back into the branch for events like the quiz, the annual BBQ and any other events that we can organise. We also aim to donate to St Michaels and the Christmas Day event that Bruce Reid organises in Knaresborough. The Alan Sutton event was excellent the other year, as was the 40th anniversary event. I’m sure Andy Yates would appreciate any help. Please try to participate in the raffles / etc.

Monthly branch meeting

This is held on the 1st Sunday of the month (unless we are playing). Please try to attend if you can. This is the only way to keep up to date with what the branch / LUSC etc is doing, and it is your chance to contribute. Not everyone is on social media / contactable, and we are really struggling with away tickets, so just turn up if you can please.

Memberships

PLEASE remember you need to renew EVERY year by filling in a membership form and pay subs (as required). You cannot participate in the events if you are not a member. One form, once a year. That is all. It has been like this every year. For ages.  If you aren’t on the email list, you ned to let us know. Or at least give us a postal address.

We are NOT a ticket service though. We can help you order tickets if you are a F & F and cannot navigate the website, but that is the only way. We try to run a bus to most / all away games, tickets permitting. Tickets are not that easy to come by anymore, now that we are doing well. 10 years ago, away tickets were not a problem. But that was because we were crap, and no one wants to go back to those days ever again.

 

 

 

 

Here’s the slightly delayed September 2024 update.

After a decent end to September, October has had a bit of a poor start.

I have got over Meslier’s mistake (as we all make them) and now fully lay the blame on

a) messing about at the corner flag instead of going for a third goal to kill the game off

b) Bogle’s daft needless foul when there were another 4 Leeds players around him and that guy was going nowhere

c) decision to sub Willy at 95 minutes which extended the game further

Although, realistically Sunderland hadn’t conceded at home all season, let alone let two goals in.

Consequently, I like most, would have taken a draw at kick off. Nevertheless, I just hope we won’t be rueing this result in March. However, it hasn’t been the worse September that we have ever had, Willy is still here. So, as we used to say under Bielsa, we go again. Like Earth, Wind and Fire, we will remember, the 21st night of September.

Monthly Branch Meeting

Thanks to all who turned up. LUSC exec minutes read out as were SAB minutes. Discussions around stadium development were had, Leeds are asking for feedback. Thank God we still have Gnonto. LUSC fixture lists are now available, please remind us if you haven’t got one.

Memberships

Everyone who sent a self addressed stamped envelope with their renewal form should have received their LUSC cards back. The ones who haven’t will get them on the bus at aways (if you are lucky enough to get a ticket!) or in the Holbeck Club matchday or at a monthly branch meeting. The Membership Secretary is processing them as quick as he can.

Away games

Members should continue to inform us if they want to go to aways and we will try help out with ordering tickets for those who have no access to the internet / website on sale days. Members are reminded to book a seat on the bus as soon as a ticket has been secured, as we will try to fill the bus for every game.

Player of The Month

Thanks to everyone who has voted so far for September. It is good that the majority of the branch do vote every month and have their say. Pretty much everyone has voted for Willy, but Firpo has been excellent as has Pascal. Not forgetting top scorer No Piroe, No Party

Leeds United Sponsored Player

Still no news despite several emails. There is a decent amount of money in the bank to pay for it. It just depends how much it has gone up by from last year. It was overwhelmingly decided that it is important for the branch to have a sponsored player. A local born one if possible, but certainly one from the Harrogate & District area.

A.O.B

It was good to see a Wrays bus for Cardiff. I’m sure it brought back some memories from the good old days. There were certainly enough comments on the Noseybook post. One from Malcom Wray himself!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=7946811375448334&set=a.442033869259493&locale=en_GB

August 2024 monthly update as follows:

Thank God that transfer window’s shut. The January window will be here before we know it, but at least Gnonto is still here. And, after all that mega whingeing from all the superfans about how much the Club were letting the fans down, it looks like we have got some cracking signings in Soloman, A O – let’s go Tanake et al.

I’m still griping as I thought Rutter would have stayed. But, the lure of the PL and the massive agent bonus fee, was obviously a bridge too far. By all accounts, had Archie not gone when he did, the EFL was going to hit the Club hard with a points deduction for not balancing the books by the 1st of July. FFP – if you put money in, something has to come out. It’s not called balancing the books for nothing!

After a not so brilliant start to the season, it has improved. August 2024 had at least one Cup game at home, woo hoo! Though, to be honest, if that is how we play at home in the Cup, we’re probably better off not getting a home tie! The less said about the drivel that was that Boro game the better.

Maybe that was the straw that broke the back when Georghi was deciding whether to stay or go. Perhaps he’d had enough of passing sideways and dead ball, set pieces in the oppositions half going back to Meslier. I don’t hold a grudge against him. He took so much stick when he arrived and at the start of his first proper season, I’m surprised he lasted that long. No doubt at all he was playing with an injury at the end of the season. Hernias don’t heal that quick, and stop / start / turns aren’t going to help in any recovery.

If he’d been allowed to just run at goal and shoot, rather than stopping to pass to that mardy git Summerville, so he’d look good in the shop window, he’d have got back to fitness much quicker. We might have actually gone up. However, Summerville needed to be paraded about so we’d get maximum profit. It’s funny how the relatively inexperienced Gray netted us more up front, than the Elite EFL Player of the Season. You can guess who I have a grudge against.

Back to August 2024.

Monthly branch meeting.

The monthly branch meeting is held on 1st Sunday of the month at the Londesborough Club, Bower road, Harrogate at 8pm, unless we are playing that day. All members are welcome.

Memberships.

Most people have renewed, thank you. If you haven’t yet because you are having problems with printing it out etc. please get in touch as soon as. You’ve got another 4 weeks tops.

Bookings.

Please get in touch if you want a seat on the bus or you’d like us to try order you tickets. Genuinely, we do not have psychic powers. If I hold messenger up to my head, there is no osmotic type transference. You need to tell me and I need to confirm it. Booking on but failing to turn up without a decent excuse, results in one strike and then  you are out. As of August 2024 Cardiff bookings currently being taken.

The rule is that paid up branch members get first dibs. Given the fuel rises and the subsequent increase in coach prices, we will take new members to fill the coach.

We won’t be running a bus to Plymouth, as voted on at the meeting. There won’t be that many tickets, it’s an early kick off and it’s a bloody long way. Please feel free to start looking into alternatives like train fares and accommodation. The likelihood will be that it will be moved to 12.30pm kick off.

Mailing list / facebook closed group.

The new 2024/5 season email list has been updated. If you find that you have renewed but are not on the mailing list, please get in touch. Those of you on facebook, you will be added to the closed group once the form has been processed. Currently anyone can post on the closed group, but if you start sharing rubbish which isn’t related to the branch, that will be changed. The public facebook page is open to all. No friend requests are routinely accepted as the AI / WEF / globalist bots keep trying to hack the page. Until this stops, I won’t be clicking anything.

Player of the Month vote.

Each branch member has a vote in the LUSC Player of The Month at the start of the next month. There will be a mail out or facebook post with a deadline for replies. Please reply to get your say. At the end of the season, the player with the most points will be awarded the trophy, provided he is still at the Club. Given most recent winners have been Kalvin, Harrison and Summerville, it’s not exactly a glowing recommendation. At least we are consistent.

Fundraising.

The Fundraising Officer is still continuing with his efforts. Please make sure you renew so you can be included in all the events. All events will be advertised as and when.

Leeds United Sponsored Player.

As usual we have to wait until the end of the August 2024 transfer window. Our last season’s sponsored player was Charlie Cresswell, who is currently doing well at Toulouse. When I get more info on who our potential sponsored player will be I will be in touch. More importantly, if the price is amenable, and we are given a choice, there will be an update.

Website.

This website is very difficult to keep up to date. If anyone is good at wordpress and has more time than me, please step forward. The blog is out of bounds, but any other news or events or photos are appreciated. It is hoped that once the Chairman retires, he can do his own Chairman Charley bit. I am sure he would appreciate any offers to be his Secretary.

LUSC Programme page.

If any branch member does anything spectacular and would like it to be in the programme, please get in touch. I need a decent quality photo / jpeg > 1mB and some (140 or so) words please. It doesn’t need to be spectacular, as God loves a trier – JOKING! Just something that you may be proud of or a group photo at a game. Nothing illegal / disreputable please! Any articles will be heavily vetted before they go to print.

A.O.B

Any other business, as opposed to A O Tanake.

There is a face to face LUSC exec meeting at ER once a month. Any branch member is welcome and you can come and hear / see what the LUSC do. Only Exec committee members can vote, but anyone can chip in and ask questions and contribute. The LUSC are the reason we are here and we do what we do. If you have any suggestions or if there are any issues that you think need to be raised, come along.

The season has begun in earnest. 1st, 2nd or 7th again. Wembley and it’s £7 pints can do one.