'Dad came home with a wooden box with the FA Cup in' - fan stories
- Published
We know the relationship between a football fan and their club is a special one so, as we gear up for the new season, we asked you to share why you fell in love with Leeds United and some of your favourite moments supporting them.
Here are some of your submissions:
Brian: Dad first took me to Elland Road in 1962. I saw the return of the great John Charles and a 50-year-old Stan Matthews. I was hooked for the next 42 years. I saw every final and went to many European away games.
One Friday, Dad came home with a wooden box with the FA Cup in. It stayed at home all weekend and we took it to the pub for photos with Gary Sprake. Dad took it back on Monday morning! Can you imagine that happening now?
Sandra: I started supporting Leeds as a child in the 1970s. My dad supported Leeds and even though we lived in Lincolnshire, which is miles away, it was the only team I ever considered supporting.
My first match was a friendly at Belle Vue against Doncaster Rovers. My dad didn't drive so we were never going to make it to Leeds. After starting comprehensive school, a friend and her dad invited me to Elland Road. What a thrill! I can't remember who we played or even if we won, but it was amazing.
My favourite players were Allan Clarke, Peter Lorimer, Billy Bremner, the Gray brothers, Paul Reaney, Gordon McQueen, Tony Currie... the whole team! I would follow the team in Match Magazine.
After sixth form, I started my nurse training in Scarborough, but why didn't I go to Leeds? Shift work and no TV made it harder to follow them and I lapsed for a while, but the passion remained and, following the long road back to the Premier League, I was able to watch them again on Match of the Day.
I still haven't returned to Elland Road, but it is on my bucket list. If anyone wants to take a young lady, I'd love to go! A vintage 70s scarf and last season's third strip awaits the opportunity.
Howard: I was first taken to Elland Road as a nine-year-old in February 1974. Leeds beat Arsenal 3-1 with two goals from Joe Jordan, I think. I was hooked and I knew I would always be Leeds from that day forward. I've seen us lose a League Cup final and two play-off finals, but I have also been there to see a first division league title, a Championship title and of course the Covid title under Marcelo "The God" Bielsa. Forever Leeds. I now go to games with my daughter Josie.
