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Bluffers Guide to Leeds
Bluffers Guide to Leeds
Sunday, 17th Jul 2011 18:00 by Col

We do another bit of wikirobbing to bring you the low down on our opposition. This time, Leeds United are in the firing line as we look to welcome them to Spotland on Tuesday evening.

Leeds United FC in a nutshell..... To summarise the self styled Champions of Europe in just one small paragraph is an impossible task. All I can say is that supporters of Leeds have perhaps endured more contrasting emotions in supporting their side than any other set of supporters in the country over the years, collecting more than their fair share of villains in the process.

Who's the gaffer..... When Simon Grayson left Blackpool to take over at his hometown club of Leeds, it probably looked an odd decision, and some would argue he was mistaken to do so given the success of Blackpool since then. But Grayson clearly knew that in the long term, he'd never get a better opportunity to manage one of the country's genuine big boys. Since taking over, he has led Leeds back to the Championship and a very credible position last season in doing so. You'd have to assume that a further promotion will happen eventually, but his real challenge could be his ability to get Leeds to compete in the Premiership against sides who have had several seasons of earning millions. Uncle Ken isn't noted for his patience.

The current lot..... Big things are expected from the current crop of Leeds players, and whilst last season was probably too soon, there will be genuine expectations for this side to be pushing for promotion back into the top flight. Luciano Becchio is probably the pick of the current crop, and it's no surprise to see him linked with moves to the top flight. The Argentinean is not expected to be playing on Tuesday night as he recovers from a hamstring injury, but he will be vital to Leeds' cause if they are to make a return to the Premier League. The current Leeds squad is a refreshing contrast to their star laden squad of a few years back, with manager Simon Grayson instilling a vital team ethic.

Played for both Dale and Leeds...... Derek Parlane, Lyndon Simmonds, Dean Walling, Carl Harris, Matty Edwards, Frankie Fielding, Neil Edwards, Chris Armstrong, Brian Greenhoff, Anthony Elding, Ted Burgin amongst others.

Dull but true..... Leeds came to Spotland for a friendly game in the early 1980's. There were three players in the Leeds line up who would go on to play for Dale later in the decade: Parlane, Greenhoff and Harris. Dale ran out 3-2 winners against Allan Clarke's men thanks to a Barry Wellings brace.

Youtube Golden Moment.... Former Dale boss Eddie Gray was a bit useful during his time with Leeds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkd3HWQu32Q

He was a bit good..... Whilst his subsequent move across the hills may have diminished his reputation with Leeds supporters somewhat, you can do nothing but admire the sheer genius of Eric Cantona. Whilst Trevor Francis dithered over whether Cantona was good enough for Sheffield Wednesday, Howard Wilkinson stormed in and made the Frenchman the final piece of his jigsaw which brought Leeds their first title since those halycon days of Revie, Bremner and Hunter. Brought from Nimes for just £900,000, Cantona's role on paper doesn't look to be the most influential, but as proved with his years at Old Trafford, there was something of a winner about him that could never be doubted, and that touch of flair in an otherwise extremely hard working side proved to be the difference leaving Leeds as deserved champions.

Try not to mention..... Peter Risdale's rented fish. Whilst in today's footballing climate being £80 million in debt would probably be classed as good financial management, for Leeds it was the beginning of the most spectacular fall from grace in modern day football which saw United go from being knocked out of the Champions League semi final by Valencia to being knocked out of the Johnstone's Paints Trophy to Rotherham. Whilst the cost involved was probably negligible, Risdale paying out £20 a month for tropical fish being hugely symbolic of the vast overspending that happened under Risdale's watch. That Leeds side came so close to glory both domestically and on the continent but ended in such financial devastation that even the Greek government were left shaking their heads. Robbie Fowler will no doubt still be having some of his wages subsidised by Leeds.

Leeds' famous five

  • Headingly
  • The Who album "Live At Leeds"
  • Royal Armouries
  • Harry Ramsdens
  • Otley Run
Famous sons / daughters..... Barry Cryer, Leigh Francis, Frazer Hines, Ellery Hanley, Alan Bennett, Jimmy Saville, Vic Reeves, Gabby Logan, Malcolm McDowell, Jeremy Paxman, Ernie Wise and Marco Pierre White.

Last ten years.....

 

Photo: Action Images



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Sniffer added 20:34 - Jul 18
Don't The Kaiser Chiefs count as famous sons?
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