20 years for me. I started getting into football just in time for a title win. John Lukic hasn't aged well.
44 years for me. Don't know if there's been more ups than downs, but we wouldn't have it any other way....would we...
I started playing the "game" my older brother played in 1965 as a 7 year old, but realised with the 1966 WC, that this was a great world wide "sport" which I have played, coached and administered most of my life. My father took me to see manure in 1967 v NSW in Sydney, saw Best, Laws, Charlton and was besotted by their wizardry. But they beat us....and I couldn't give my heart to them. Back then we only had black and white TV with occasional coverage of games, so around the late 60's (not sure exactly when), when I saw a team from the north that wore white, beat manure, I thought, these guys must be the BEST and I was hooked. Also loved the album, The Who Live at Leeds (1970) and I thought this town must be some place. Great music, great football. Lapped up any magazines I could get hold of, Lorimer poster on wall etc, and finally made it to ER in 1981. On holidays in Spain with then girlfriend, now Mrs O of thrity years, we met a bloke from Leeds who invited us to stay. We had a wonderful time with some great memories of Leeds, but my best is going to ER on a weekday to buy scarf etc when I noticed a gate to the playing area was open and unattended, leading to an empty stadium. Stuck me head in for a look, expecting to be ejected, but no one was there. A couple more steps and I was at the side line, still no one. A few more steps and I was standing on the edge of the penalty area at the south end. I just stood there and breathed in the atmosphere, just couldn't believe where I was standing! (I wasn't game enough to go into the goalmouth or take a make believe penalty). During that period I rememeber Leeds had just signed Peter Barnes. The shirt sponsor was RFW and I was informed this meant he was a "Right F*cking W*nker". I aslo remember the reception Andy Gray (Wolves) got from the kop (who the f**k is Andy Gray?) and the Everton supporters when they equalised (you're gonna get your f**king heads kicked in). With the team on a downward spiral at the time, I was advised to take my boots and get there before 7pm, as I might get a game if I wanted. Had the opportunity to take my own kids in 2007, when we saw a lacklustre 1-0 (Howson 84 min) win over Bristol Rovers, the hightlight of a great trip away (Picture next to Billy's statue). Gotta bring em up right! With the internet bringing the world closer, I am now able to follow the fortunes of the team regularly and can even keep in touch with LUFC supporters from around the world. Planning a trip for March next year to attend the WHU and NF games and looking forward to meeting up with some fellow leeds supporters. So, while I can't say I'm a season ticket holder or attended home and away for years and years, I have followed the fortunes of this great club from afar for over 40 years and its been an great ride, with some championships and relegations (we've had our ups and downs), heroes and villans, links to a few aussie stars (still love Viduka) and I wouldn't change it for a red shirt and 19 premierships, not for a minute. MOT
One of my fond memories is prior to being able to get replica kits here in Ireland, as a ten year old, my mum made me one. White t shirt, drew on the badge and stitched Peter Lorimers number 7 on the back. Stitched two number badges on white socks to replicate the trend then. Finished it all of with a pair of white boots. Thought I was the dogs b****x with my mates. Great memory though
40 years here too - Dad was Leeds, he was sick of the Old Firm sectarian b******s in Glasgow, saw the Whites in the '65 Cup Final and that was it. He would always be explaining the sheer beauty of the Leeds way of playing. Of course, half the Scotland squad played for Leeds then, and he thought Billy was fantastic, but his real favourite was Paul Madeley, he thought he was the ultimate professional. He died during the Champions League 'adventure' so didn't see our decline, it would have broken his heart to see us in the Third Division. I'll always be eternally grateful to him for giving me the privilege of supporting Leeds United.
Followed Leeds United for 41 years since I was 7, though I didn't see my first live game till Feb '75 I believe,a 1-1 draw at West Ham, Duncan McKenzie scoring the equaliser.
i think i was about 10..that'd be 1968 ish - i remember being 5-0 up at half time (norwich/nottingham?) at home and think it ended up that score...anybody help me work out exactly when?
My first Leeds game was a home tie against Rotherham in the old League cup, in 1967. Leeds came from behind to win 3-2 with Cooper getting the winner IIRC. I never saw him score another.
