 Keith Ingham got the chance to speak to a Norwich fan ahead of today's nail bitting fixture at Elland Road. Here's what was said;
How long have you supported Norwich City and why did you pick them as your team? I have supported Norwich since I was 7 when I could finally sit through a game of football. It was also the year my Grandad bought me my first season ticket at Carrow Road. Your favourite players in your time as a supporter? I think my favourite player would be a shared on amongst most Norwich and that's Darren Huckerby. Well known around Carrow Road as Mr Norwich City!! Favourite era you've witnessed as a Norwich fan? I think the best era I've witnessed is a rather recent one and that is the back to back promotions we went through 2009-2014 Greatest games you've seen, at home or if you were there, Europe? Norwich 4-1 Ipswich There really nothing better than putting one over your rivals like this and it will go down in my mind as the best game in a long while that I have witnessed! Your opinion on how the season has gone for your team? Our entire season has been a shambles away from home. I know it's a lot to expect to go straight back up after being relegated. But I was still hopeful to finish in the play offs again but seeing as our awful away record has let us down this season we are now set to rebuild and hope we can earn promotion next season. Your own player of the season and one to watch out for next season? POTS- Jacob Murphy Been fantastic this season for a youth player breaking into the first team. One to Watch- James Maddison Superb young midfielder who will now shine for Norwich after a successful loan spell in the SPL. What's your Championship team of the season? (Only two from any team and at least two from your own team) GK Lee Westwood (Sheffield Weds) RB Chris Gunter (Reading) CB Pontus Jansson (Leeds) CB Lewis Dunk (Brighton) LB Mitchell Dijks (Norwich) RM Helder Costa (Wolves) CM Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle) CM Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield LM Anthony Knockaert (Brighton) ST Chris Woods (Leeds) ST Dwight Gayle (Newcastle) Who was your Manager and Player of the season? Player of The Season: Anthony Knockaert Manager of the Season: David Wagner Playoff teams and who you think will join Brighton in the Premiership? Brighton Newcastle ------------------- Reading Huddersfield Shef Weds Fulham (POW) Score and Scorers for today's match? Leeds 2-2 Norwich (Woods x2) (Pritchard, Oliveira) We'd like to thank Jay for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him best of luck for the next season. By Keith Ingham
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 Yesterday was the anniversary of the day when in 1992 Leeds United FC won the Division One title. At Victoria Hotel, nine of those title winners were at a event organised by MJK Events. This is how the evening went. Andrew Brewer organised the tickets and we arrived before the players and Sgt Wilko arrived. Victoria Hall was filling up when we took our place at the front near the stage.  Just after seven o'clock the players arrived; Chris Whyte, Steve Hodge, Mel 'Zico' Sterland, Jon Newsome, Rod Wallace, Tony Dorigo, Lee Chapman, Gary McAllister and the manager that assembled them all Howard 'Sgt Wilko' Wilkinson. We'd paid a little more than the ones sat on benches at the back of the hall, for that we got to 'press the flesh' and get much valued autographs of our heroes. I shook each of them by the hand and thanked them for their efforts, they were happy to sign and chat to every person that put a picture, or in my case a DVD of the 'Champions of 1992' in front of them. My wife had found a badge on an old coat that no longer fitted me and to my amazement it had a Division One League Champions 1992 badge on it. This was twenty five years old and I thought it appropriate that the man who brought the team together should have it. I said; "You deserve it Howard, for what you did for my club". He thanked me and carefully put it in his pocket.  My souvenir of a great night. The near on three hours they were there was spent remembering good times and sad times (Gary Speed's passing) of that special season for them all, what was plain for all to see is that this club still means so much to them. Jon Newsome's mimicking of Mick Hennighan was especially funny, Howard's assistant hasn't been well or he would have probably joined the celebration.  'Zico' celebrates his goal shown on the video screens behind him. They showed key goals from 1991/92 and they talked about how new players were taken out for Gordon Strachan and his wife as a welcome to the club. Gary McAllister caused a few throats to swell when he mentioned about how he heard about the death of Gary Speed, he'd worked with him the day before on a BBC sports programme, he also said of the Welshman what a pleasure it was to play alongside him in the best midfield's seen at that time. After a break, it was time for Howard Wilkinson to tell about how he'd told the Chairman of Leeds; "How do you want to do this, quick or slow? If it's quick I want three million quid to buy the players I need." Imagine three million to buy good enough players to win a League Championship! His memory is as sharp as his wit, often seen as a dour man, his humour filled the hall with laughter. A clever man motivator who got the best out of players like Batty, Speed, Vinnie and countless others. I could have listened to his stories until the 'cows came home', such a joy to listen to.  That was that, a night to remember. Sometimes when you meet your heroes it can ruin the image you have of them, but not tonight. They were great players and people and it was so special.
Twenty five years, where has the time gone?! MOT By Keith Ingham  With Leeds' playoff hopes now on the verge of being crushed, there's time to reflect on what should have been done. Leeds' recent run of just one win in six is the reason the club is now looking at a finish outside of the playoffs, even though they have been in the top six since November '16. A lot of fans including myself have pointed out the lack of plan b being the chink in a somewhat perfect armour of Garry Monk. It seems that squad size and not enough thought in January has been a major factor with Leeds lacking goals and support for an over-marked Chris Wood during the past six weeks. However, it's not like we have no options within the squad at all. Doukara has been used sparingly on occasion to somewhat effect, Roofe has been given opportunity but failed to capitalise and we've even changed formation but nothing seems to work. This is where you have to look at last summers signing of Marcus Antonsson and feel a little bemused. The deal was said to be over £2million yet we are not allowing a striker with a proven track record in July to have a real go. Antonsson has not even been used sparingly, he's hardly ever on the actual bench for Leeds. The Swede forward has featured in 66 minutes worth of football for Leeds without taking into account his appearances in the cup in which he's scored 2 in 2.  Could this have been a more regular occurrence if the Swede forward was given a chance? That's two million spent on a striker that hasn't even been given the opportunity from the bench since he featured against Sutton United with a group of young players making their debuts in an embarrassing performance.
Whether he's ready for English football or not, Monk and Clotet clearly thought he was someone who could bring something to Leeds. Yet they haven't even tried to get it out of him. Burton was a must win match, a team threatened with relegation and everyone knew it was going to be a battle. In my opinion, if you need a win and you're current striker is being marked out of matches, you bring another in to find him some space. I know the 4-4-2 was nearly Monk's undoing at the start of the season but with the team making strides in such a short period, it's bloody worth a go! Antonsson is a mobile, pacey striker that can find space to shoot on a sixpence if he's given a go, so why has Monk not allowed him to? No idea. Leeds have been their own undoing once again this season after such an impressive campaign, little choices like this have haunted us and will remain to if we don't open our eyes. By Ryan Ingham  Many fans will have woke. up this morning and looked in their brew this morning searching for answers on why the wheels have fallen off the bus on Leeds' run to what looked like a certain place in the top six. I know it's not over until the large lady sings, but she's warming up her throat already. A lot of things need to happen for this season to deliver what it had promised since November. If I may I will put my case on why it seems to have gone Pete Tong; 1. Strength in depth The most important reason is that if you look at most of the teams challenging, Leeds' squad is small compared to most and the reluctance of the co-owners to invest in January has in my opinion come back to bite the team in the arse. I'd like to put a little 'meat' into my argument too, around the time the window opened we'd just beaten Preston North End away, without Chris Wood who was out injured but still a few negative murmurs were coming out of the club. In one Massimo Cellino said the squad was too big and advised his co-owner Andrea Radrizzani to keep his euros or pounds in his wallet. Big mistake boys, as we have found in April the squad is 'treading water' and a few, in some games look to be honest, knackered. I don't like to single out player's but can anybody tell me one contribution that Mo Barrow has done since his arrival from Swansea on loan?  Barrow has not been present during the loan spell and seems a poor price of rushed business. At least Alfonso Pedraza on occasions has shown he has the ability to score a goal and go past a player or two, signing Barrow came out of desperation from the owners not the Head Coach. 2. Sutton United FA Cup There are times in a Head Coaches tenure at clubs when with the best possible intentions you get it totally wrong. I'm sure Garry Monk thought he'd pick a decent team to beat their Non League opponents but the one's left out may not have been so impressed, a live TV game with a chance to show football what they could do. The performances straight after that showed a 'chink' in the armour and maybe morale was affected. I'm not privy to the inner workings of the club but that's how it seemed to me as a supporter. 3. Constant Changes A can count on my fingers the time Garry Monk keep the same team, even if we'd played well and won the week before, look at most teams that do well and you'll see that their supporters could name their team week-on-week, at Leeds this didn't happen and I'm still not sure Garry Monk knows his best eleven even now. 4. PontusGate There is no doubting the ability of the Swedish marauder but two incidents remain within the confines of the Theatre of Everlasting Hope. On both occasions whatever happened was serious enough to drop the centre half and the way it was kept quiet still needs a little explanation and his agent hasn't helped with constant hawking of the talents of said player around the Premier League. Rumours they may be but it doesn't sit well with fans or colleagues if you might be 'talking the talk, but not walking the walk'.  Is it a simple misunderstanding or has their been a divide between Jansson and some of his colleagues I hope he stays; maverick or not alongside Bartley he has been immense, but I feel he may always have a little 'baggage' with him.
5. Defeats Barnsley A, Cardiff City H, Brentford A, Wolves H and Burton A. All games that you'd expect at least to get a point from each. We didn't seem to come out of international breaks in the same way as we went into them. I may be a bit premature, because if Ipswich, Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday do Leeds a favour I may be writing a completely different article, my head made me write this article not my heart. As it stands I don't see anybody doing that and we've still to beat Norwich City and Wigan Athletic to give us a chance again. I'm not saying it's been a poor season, because it hasn't. The links developed between team and supporters has been superb and the belief is that this is the start of better times at Leeds United. We've waited so long for a team that we could aline ourselves with. I'm immensely proud to be a supporter of this team, I just feel that like the team that got so close in 2011, a little bit of money spent on the squad would have been the difference between a good season and a really great season. MOT By Keith Ingham  Sunday 15/4 Heidi Haigh on a Sunday, no better start to the day. http://www.followmeandleedsunited.co.uk/newcastle-14th-april-2017 Happy Easter Heidi hope your stressful week ends with a Leeds home win, all my best x  Monday 16/4 We've met before Leeds 2 Wolves 1 Champ Apr 16 Leeds 1 Wolves 2 Champ Oct 14 Leeds 1 Wolves 0 Champ Aug 12 Leeds 0 Wolves 1 Champ Sept 06 Leeds 2 Wolves 0 Champ Aug 05 Preview Leeds face Wolverhampton in another 'must win' home game, after the hard earned point gained in the North East. The 'Whites' have only two home games left of the regular season and we need to win them to make sure a place in the top six is guaranteed. Wolves won't be a pushover, they've some good players and in Paul Lambert they have a manager that knows this Championship 'like the back of his hand' so Leeds need to be wary but not scared as they prepare for this game. Garry Monk must decide if to keep the midfield of Kalvin Phillips and captain Liam Bridcutt or bring Ronaldo Vieira back into the starting eleven. If Leeds can get a early goal I can see them winning by a couple of goals. Leeds 2-0.  Leeds v Wolverhampton Wanderers Team News: Unchanged starting eleven, Coyle for Vieira on the bench Team: Green, Ayling, Bartley, Jansson, Berardi, Bridcutt(c), Phillips, Roofe, Hernandez, Pedraza, Wood. The Game: Leeds dropped out of the top six for the first time since November as Wolverhampton ran out 1-0 winners. Leeds were very poor first half, too many passes failing to get to get to the man it was passed to. Wolves goal that won the game came strangely from a Leeds attack, Jansson ran through the Wolves midfield but lost the ball and as he causally strode back. The ball was moved upfield quickly by the visitors to their striker Dicko, who slotted the ball past Green to give the midlander's a deserved lead, Jansson must take a little blame for the goal. 1-0 at the break. The second half was better but still Leeds passes went astray. The introduction of Sacko, Taylor and Doukara gave Leeds more attacking threat, Doukara's header within minutes of coming on forcing Lonagan into a instinctive save. A penalty shout in both half's was missed by a pretty feeble referee and try as he might, Pontus Jansson could not force the referee into giving him a yellow card. Chris Wood had Leeds' last opportunity in injury time, but he was high and wide with a header. On balance Wolves were the better team and the fans streamed away from Elland Road knowing that at least six points, maybe seven may be needed to get a playoff place.   In a twist of reality Head of Content Keith Ingham got the opportunity to speak to two Burton fans ahead of Saturdays match. Double the people, double the fandom! Here's what they had to say; Please tell the readers a little about yourself and your earliest recollections of the first game you saw live? Robert: I'm Robert, I'm 18 and now live in Leicester. I started supporting the Brewers after going to the Pirelli just after moving to Burton to see what it was all about. I remember it was a 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley on the final day of our first season in League Two. I missed our goal that day because me and my dad were still sat in the bar so he could finish his pint. Bobbie: I come from Burton and all the family are supporters. I attended very Saturday home matches with my father and sisters at the old Eton Park ground, which in time had outgrown its support so was demolished to provide more space for fans. The Pirelli stadium was exciting news for the town the land was previously Pirelli tyre sport and social club the land was donated to the club from the Pirelli for naming rights Who's your favourite ever Burton player? Robert: Aaron Webster, who played for us for 15 years and he still comes to the stands to watch us play every now and again. Billy Kee gets a shout, helooked more like he should be working in construction but he scored a hatful every season. Currently it's Lucas Akins, our top scorer for the promotion seasons in Leagues One and Two. Bobbie: My favourite player was Darren Stride. What are your high and lows as a Brewers fan? Robert: The low point had to be going to Port Vale away to watch us lose 7-1. The highest point would be when we confirmed promotion to the championship last season! Bobbie: Highs are Burton Albion v Manchester United FA CUP third round. Burton drew and then lost 5-0 on the replay at Old Trafford, so many travelled 11000 the biggest ever fan support the town was empty. Man of the match was Darren Stride. Under Jimmy Floyd Hasslebanink 2014/15 promotion to League One and then again 2015/16 with Nigel Clough from Burton earning a draw with Doncaster to second spot behind Wigan to the Championship was an amazing day. Playing in the Championship has been exciting playing huge clubs and worth every penny to watch so that is why I'm a season ticket holder. Lows would be throughout the Championship Burton have exceeded so well, the game is faster developed more skills and play as a team every touch of the ball has meaning and to be honest should of won more games but unable to get goals. Nigel Clough: What's your thoughts and opinions? Robert: I think Nigel Clough has made some poor decisions in his approach to certain games this season. His treatment of Stuart Beavon I found to be wrong and we've lost essentially a club legend because of it. On the whole though I think he's done well this season and the players have given some really spirited performances to pick up key wins against local teams and other high flying teams like Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield. He's made fantastic use of the loan market which has now kept us out of the drop zone.  After six years away from the brewers Cloughy now looks back home and settled at the Pirelli.  My name is Dickie Isted and I have supported the Mighty Whites since 1972. Influenced by my Grandad at the time whose immortal words have stuck with me after watching them on the Big Match one Sunday lunchtime - "You want to watch this team son, they are fantastic". And so it started. I am from Sussex, some 283 miles from Elland Road. 28th April 1973, I was 7, my Dad took me down the road to The Dell for my first live game... the Mighty Leeds United were in town to face Southampton. Significantly it was Jackie Charlton's last game and at the same time, his brother Bobby played his last game for our hated enemy Man U at Chelsea. I can't remember much about the game apart from losing 3-1 and Leeds having goals disallowed for offside. Southampton comprised of Channon, Paine, Gilchrist, Stokes etc., and the crowd was just over 24,000. I cried in the car all the way home, but proudly wore my newly purchased Leeds rosette from outside the ground. The match was on Match of the Day that night, so Dad got me up to watch it again... more misery. Ever since that day, the addiction started and has continued to the present day. Travelling to Elland Road from Sussex, London where I worked in the 1980's, Bermuda 1989/91 and now back in Sussex. Away games in Europe, play offs, League Cup, Charity Shield, Champions League all of this whilst my son started Academy Football aged 7 at Portsmouth. Then on to Southampton at 13 and his first Professional contract at 17, and now 20 at Stoke City with their Under 23's. He's Leeds too!  Dickie's young son Harry is currently on the books at Stoke City and plays in the clubs development squad. There is a small group of Leeds fans in my village known as the Selsey Whites and I am involved with Selsey Fc in the SCFL Division 1.
I've not had a chance to see our boys this season live in the League but managed to scrounge tickets for the League Cup tie v Liverpool at Anfield (standing in the middle of the Kop with my mouth shut) torture! Mind you over the years I've stood in Chelsea, Derby, Portsmouth, Southampton, Coventry FA Cup semi final, Crystal Palace, Millwall, QPR and Arsenal... any way to get in to see the Lads. Thanks for the chance to put memories to you. By Dickie Isted  Friday 7/4 As per usual the Manager and Player of the month went elsewhere. They just don't like us, we don't care!  Leeds United spent nearly 800k on agents fees from February 2016 until January 2017, basically a centre forward! Saturday 8/4  Leeds v Preston North End Team News: Three changes, Vieira, Roofe and Pedraza replace Bridcutt, Dallas and Barrow. Peacock-Farrell on the bench for the injured Silvestri. Team: Green, Ayling, Bartley(c), Jansson, Berardi, Vieira, Phillips, Roofe, Hernandez, Pedraza, Wood. The Game: It's was the away team that spurned two good chances early on, Barkhuizen the guilty Preston player, Leeds though got their noses in front when Roofe benefitted from a Chris Wood pass to lob Maxwell, they thought they'd made it two but Chris Wood's effort was disallowed for offside. On the stroke of half time Pablo Hernandez made it two, when he won a race with Maxwell for a loose ball in the penalty area. After the early scare Leeds deserved the lead at the break. Wood and Barkhuizen took paint off the woodwork in a busy second half and former striker Jermaine Beckford received a warm welcome from the home fans, he nearly got a goal back for the visitors but he missed a cut back from the lively Barkhuizen. Substitute's Souleymane Doukara and Stuart Dallas fashioned another chance but Doukara's effort bounced wide, Baptiste was then sent off just before the end of normal time for a poor challenge on Pablo Hernandez, in injury time, Doukara again found himself free on goal after a great ball from Kalvin Phillips found him, this time the striker made no mistake. A much needed win and important three points with Newcastle (1-2 at Wednesday), Reading (1-7 at Norwich!) and Huddersfield (0-2 at Forest) all loosing. Maybe another couple of wins to guarantee the playoffs.  Kemar Roofe celebrates the opener.
Post Match: Garry Monk: "It was really important to respond and we were determined to after two defeats, away from home and that was key. We spoke as a group after the game at Brentford and felt what is important is when the group (of players) is focused on showing what they are capable of, it's thenthe deliver their best performances. In the the games earlier in the week, there was a lot of talk going on about league positions and points and this would mean this or that and I understand that. We're fully aware of where we are in the league, but the the key is focusing and always showing what they are capable of. On the crowd. "Once again our fans here at Elland Road were incredible again." Grayson: "Leeds are playing effective football. They've got threats and fantastic home form. There's no reason why they can't be promoted." |
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