 In our latest interview with a rival, Keith Ingham spoke to Riaz, a Bristol City fan that is currently loving this Championship season. Can we start at the beginning, how long have you followed Bristol City and why did you pick them as your team? Having grown up in the area, i've always supported Bristol City. My uncle would always tell me I was a Bristol City fan and I didn't really consider any other team. But it wasn't until I was 9 that i really got the bug. City drew Liverpool in the 3rd round of the cup and my dad took me - he could only get tickets in the Liverpool end, thanks to my useless uncle lol - that was the infamous day the floodlights failed and the match was abandoned. I never went to the replayed game which ended 1-1. But it was the replay at Anfield, that was memorable. I watched it back in Bristol, in a packed Colston Hall. City played some brilliant football that night and we ended up beating Liverpool 1-0. This was a Liverpool side which included Ian Rush, John Barnes, Bruce Grobbelaar, Neil Ruddock etc - these were players I was watching every week on match of the day and here was MY team beating them. At this point i was hooked! Favourite players and games you've attended? There's been so many favourite players over the years - but my favourite has to be Scott Murray. He was a brilliant player, but what separates him from the rest, is that he's now one of us and ALWAYS has time for city fans. A Lot of players, especially the good ones, can be quite arrogant. But not scotty, one of the nicest blokes you'll meet. My favourite games we're the play-off games in 2008 against Palace. They were managed by Warnock and city fans really don't like the man, its fair to say - so that added to the atmosphere. In the first leg, David Noble scored one of the best goals you'll see in the last minute to nick the game - that atmosphere at the end at Selhurst Park made it my favourite away game. Then the return leg, where Trundle & McIndoe are fired us to Wembley. Ashton Gate was rocking that night. Best era since you started following City? Definitely the Gary Johnson era - he took over a side which looked destined to be relegated to League 2 and he almost took us to the Premiership! His side, for the first few years at least, had a never say die attitude. He really got the fans on board and helped create a really good atmosphere at the club. The club at that time was buzzing and I had never experienced that sort of atmosphere at the club. His son Lee, seems to be doing something similar now. Who are your Biggest rivals? (apart from Bristol Rovers) Cardiff and Swindon are our other rivals. We haven't done well against Cardiff in recent years, though this year that's going to change lol. The rivalry against Swindon a couple of years ago was memorable. They got our captain sent off in the first game at the County Ground, beat us 1-0 and then celebrated like they won the league - the game was in November and only served to motivate the players and the club in general. We went on to win the league fairly easily, beating them in the return game 3-0, with famous Aden Flint interview after the game, where he said he didn't want his former club to join us in getting promoted. That was a priceless moment, against one of our rivals. A funny occurrence or something that stuck in your memory while attending a game? When I was a ball boy back in the late 90's and Wolves mascot picked a fight with our 3 pigs. It was hilarious - i'm sure its on youtube, definitely worth 30 seconds of your time lol. Player or players in your squad that could go up a level or one or two that you see as key to a good 2016/17 season? On-loan Chelsea youngster Tammy Abraham who has scored 9 goals in 11 games is clearly destined for great things - a future England star for sure. We hope many of our young players will be good enough for the Premier League one day, but the most likely would have to be Joe Bryan. Can play anywhere down the left and sometimes in midfield. Talented player with real quality - and for a smallish lad, has a terrific leap and beats most people in the air. Other important players would be Lee Tomlin and Korey Smith. Both players who would get into most Championship teams. You had Matt Smith, the ex-Leeds striker. What was your opinion of him? Matt Smith scored loads for us, but has since become a bit of a marmite player amongst City fans. Every transfer window his name comes up - half the fans desperate for us to sign him and the other half thinking we can do better. Personally, if we signed him, I would be happy. Think he is better than our current striker Aaron Wilbraham - who has never let us down, but is coming to the end of his career.  Former Whites striker Smith became quite a hero in his short spell at the Gate. Champions, Runners Up and six teams you think will challenge for the Playoffs?
Huddersfield are looking strong (sorry) - but the top 2 should be Newcastle and Norwich. Other teams that could get into the top 6, I think will be Brighton, Birmingham and hopefully us! Three that will be Relegated? Cardiff are certain for relegation i feel - seeing as they recently lost to Bristol Rovers. Along with Blackburn and Wigan. Prediction and Scorers? Our leaky defence is our weakness, so there will be goals. I'm going 3-1 to us. Tammy Abraham most likely scoring for us, along with Lee Tomlin. Hopefully, Luke Ayling does not score for you and has a bad game lol - as he is well liked still by bristol city fans and former players always seem to score against us. We'd like to thank Riaz for answering our questions and hope that we see a good performance at Ashton Gate tomorrow evening. With both teams on fine form we are expecting a lot of fireworks. With the last fixture at the Gate between the sides ending 2-2. By Keith Ingham
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 I'm Leeds and I'm bloody proud of that but I have come across a situation far too many times recently.
Basically, it seems to me that supporters of the club are now staying away from the hallowed halls of Elland Road. The poor crowd of just over 8,000 for the Blackburn Rovers really spoke volumes on a cold Tuesday night in September. It was out lowest attendance since 2009. The promise of a day out at the local supermarket or garden centre with the Mrs has now become more enjoyable than watching their favourite team for some supporters. I don't think they do it without a heavy heart, they've just 'fallen out' with the club and are probably sick of seeing a team that seemed to had lost a little of it's identity. For me it's always been a thing I've tried to dismiss but nowadays I meet within my sanctum of my employment quite a few that have basically stopped heading towards LS11 on a Saturday afternoon. It was unheard of years ago but periods of mid-table mediocrity have seemed to forced people's hands and they are now doing different things! It's one of those things that can get out of hand fairly quickly, you miss one, then two and before they know it a season has passed them by with no improvement, so in their eyes; what have they actually missed ? When I'm at Leeds I feel within a 'family' and I've met many fans whilst following the team; Thom Kirwin, Eddie Gray, Michael (LUTV), Kevin (LeedsMad), accomplished authors David Watkins and Gary Edwards, Andrew Butterwick, who writes the 'Travels of a Leeds fan' and B R E are just a few of the names I can mention that if it wasn't for Leeds I'd never had met, so for that I'm thankful that I 'Kept the Faith'. Bob and Ryan and the Keighley Whites are others that have made Saturday's, Tuesdays such fun. Yes fun because even if the games have been s***, their company has brightened even the darkest of days. I have lost count of the times I've though to myself 'f*** it' and I'm not going back but knowing in my heart that the first time I got chance I'd be back on the train to Leeds to do it all over again. It's been said that a football team is for life and I can totally agree, yes I've seen other games as other stadia but it just ain't Leeds! The shirt we wear can be seen all around the world and I have lost count of the amount of people I have spoken to just because of the shirt I had on. A big family, sometimes a fractured one too as if you put two together I doubt they'd agree on everything when it concerned the team they follow. One day it might happen to me that a alternative to a day in the theatre of eternal hope with some of the best fans in the world loses it's appeal, but I really hope that day is a long, long time away. Loyal and Proud. Yes, Proud as a Peacock! MOT By Keith Ingham  Head of Content Keith Ingham spoke to Aisleen Connelly who is extremely excited for Saturday's clash at Elland Road.
How long have you been an Ipswich Town fan? I have followed Ipswich all my life since I was old enough to say the word football! When was your first game and who are your favourite players? My first game was John Wark's testimonial against Arsenal in august 2006, we drew 1-1. I was 5 at the time and have probably never shouted so much in my life! Favourite players for me (that are within my lifetime) would be Pablo Counago and Martijn Reuser. I also loved Matt Holland too, that was when we had so much passion in team! When was your favourite era as a Town fan? Best era for me was when we got promoted in 2000. The trip to Wembley on a double decker bus was definitely a day I will never forget! and the 2000/01 season where we finished 5th and Leeds finished 4th, that was a great season! What is your favourite away ground? I would say from personal experience Derby was the best for me. Was a few years ago I went but was a very enjoyable day out. And of course I am excited to go to St James' Park as I have never been so will be heading up there in October. What's your opinion on your gaffer? My opinion on Mick McCarthy? this is a tough one. I personally have nothing against the man I think he is doing the best he can with what he has been given to work with. As a team who have been in the championship 16 years, we are in a place that isn't going to change over night. I think he needs more money to bring in players. we need a shake up to be able to get anywhere, and anyone can see that just looking at the standard of football in the Championship. I can understand our fans frustration with the situation and another year mid-table potentially. But I do like Mick McCarthy and I think given the chance he could do the job... let's face it anyone is better than Roy Keane!! What's your opinion of Luke Varney? Is he any good? Varney- this is quite funny as all I have heard up until the Derby game was that he is rubbish! Even when he came on... and he scored! I think he can play really well, consistency is the issue. Who should Leeds be looking out for? Player to watch for me this season is Adam Webster. He's only 21 and I think he has some real strength on the ball as well as some great clearances so far. Against Villa he was brilliant. Who are your Champions, runners up and relegation contenders? Champions - I'm gonna say Newcastle, I can't see them staying down. Runners up- It pains me so much to say this but Norwich... parachute payments and good results. I can see them up there again. 6 playoff contenders- Brighton, Reading, Huddersfield, Leeds, Brentford and Forest. 3 to go down- Blackburn, Rotherham and Preston. What are your predictions for Saturday's game? Predictions for match day? I'm going for a sneaky 0-1 to us with Ward scoring. Being a town fan I am forever an optimist :) We'd like to wish Aisleen good luck for the season and hope that Ipswich, like Leeds, gets a chance at the big time once again. By Keith Ingham  Saturday 17/9 Cardiff City vs Leeds United  Two changes for Leeds; Bridcutt misses out through injury, Vieira replaces him. Chris Wood replaces Marcus Antonsson
Team: Green, Ayling, Bartley(c), Jansson, Taylor, O'Kane, Vieira, Sacko, Hernandez, Dallas, Wood. The Game: Leeds registered two wins, back to back for the first time this season in the Championship. The 2-0 win over Cardiff was well deserved, even though it was not without a scare or two along the way, especially in the first half. Cardiff hit the post through Morrison before Hernandez stung the hands of Amos in the Cardiff goal. Wood should have done better with a glorious opportunity when through on goal, beautiful set up by Sacko and Hernandez. Gunnasson then hit the other post via a Peltier deflection. 0-0 at the break. The breakthrough came after 62 minutes when Connolly wrestled Jansson to the floor in the penalty area, Wood scored the spot kick and the Whites took the lead. Leeds were resolute at the back, with Bartley and Jansson playing their part in keeping Cardiff's chances to a minimum. Leeds doubled their lead when Hernandez curled a superb shot past Amos to make it two and claim the three points. Players that stood out, Sacko and Hernandez in the midfield and Men of the Match Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson at the back.  Thursday 7/9 Garry Monk's look ahead to the Huddersfield Town game: Berardi, at least seven to ten days away from starting full training with the squad, very happy with the transfer window, still would have liked another striker, very pleased with the signing of Eunan O'Kane (he will wear number 14), Bamba basically had to leave and understood Monk's decision. When the team runs out on Saturday the players and everybody else will know who is to be the new captain of the team (two or three were considered), would consider getting a 'good' free agent, Luciano Becchio isn't a player he would be interested in, paid tribute to Town boss Wagner, Saturday's derby will be the team that is most focused, that was the reason Leeds won at Hillsborough, lastly paid tribute to Sol Bamba for "helping me understand what it had been like here before". A focused Garry Monk. This happened Thursday night  The Club is delighted to confirm that Leeds United Football Club is now 100% owned by Eleonora Sport Limited, it having purchased all of the shares previously held by GFH Capital. All Massimo's now! Friday 8/9 Social Media was alive with the talk of now Massimo has complete control will he keep the club or as most have indicated, sell it but remain a minority shareholder just to annoy the anti Cellino lobby, another that will probably smoke for a while and finally happen or not. Life at Leeds is never that simple. Match Facts: Leeds v Huddersfield Town 76 games played Town 30 wins 19 Draws Leeds 27 wins Last ten years: Leeds 6 wins Town 6 wins 2 draws After four straight Leeds wins, Town won the last game 4-1 at Elland Road. Of 41 away games Leeds have won 19 with Town 12, 10 ending in draws.  Town sit proudly at the top of the Championship after the early games, Leeds sit too close to the relegation places to feel comfortable even at this early stage. Garry Monk is in need of a confidence boosting victory for him, his players and the long suffering Leeds fans. Form usually 'flies out of the window' especially in local derbies. Last season Leeds were the form team but Town turned the tables and handed out a hammering to their hosts, the game at Town finished 3-0 to Leeds, so goals aplenty in 2015/16. This time I see a tighter game with Leeds just edging it 2-1. Liam Bridcutt was named club captain, in my view an excellent choice. Midfield 'general', now where have I heard that expression before ! A delighted Bridcutt said: “It’s a real honour, the manager has shown great faith in me by giving me the captaincy.”  Captain Liam A very good interview by Phil Hay with Sol Bamba. Honest as ever was the ex captain of the club. Goodbye Sol, you might not have been the best centre half to wear the white shirt but you were one of the most honest. Saturday 10/9 Leeds v Huddersfield Town Team: Three changes, Jansson, Mowatt and Phillips replacing Cooper, Vieira and Hernandez. The Game: Whatever the coach says, this was dire from minute one until the ninety ninth when it ended. Town played well but within themselves but were in total control and their keeper will have have one of the most easiest days of his career. Although we looked solid at the back with the inclusion of Jansson, we were 'bullied' off every ball in the middle of the park and the strikers had very little opportunities. Terrible substitution of Antonsson, at least he looked interested! The question remains on why two full internationals were not even on the bench (Dallas and O'Kane). The boos at the end were not nice to hear but were fully warranted for a squad that just isn't 'clicking'. A disappointing game and result.  Post Match:
Garry Monk: "I thought both teams were trying to limit any mistakes and from the one mistake we made – not closing the ball down quick enough – they scored from distance with a strike, but I don’t think either team did enough to win the game today – it looked like a 0-0 game to me, but unfortunately we were on the wrong end of the result. He added “It wasn’t through a lack of effort from ourselves – it was just one of those games where both teams cancelled each other out.“You could tell by the atmosphere in the ground that there wasn’t much for both sets of fans to really get their teeth into, we didn’t get going but I think that was down to the way the two teams were set up – a lot of the game was played in midfield and there wasn’t much goalmouth action. Both teams had exactly the same amount of shots on target. Unfortunately for us, one of their shots went in and we couldn’t find an equaliser.” I didn't agree at all with his post match interview, we were not good enough in the middle of the park and the final third of the pitch. His comments later to Radio Leeds commentator Adam Pope did little to appease the fans, he said, when asked about his 'relationship' with Cellino "It's none of your business” and added “I’m not going to give someone else’s opinion - you have to ask the man himself.” David Wagner: "We are very, very happy and it's great to see the fans very, very happy as well" he added "We had a great moment of celebration here a few months ago and now we've been able to have another in exactly the same place, so it was special for us and for the fans. "The togetherness, the fighting spirit and the working ethic of the players was unbelievable and with a great strike from Aaron Mooy, we deserved to win it." Sunday 9/11 The day we remember, Fifteen years ago today.  With both Leeds and Blackburn suffering so early in the season, they meet tonight in a game that could kickstart an early season revival at Elland Road. Both sides are struggling with poor ownership and the loss of the best stars and are seen of two of the biggest sides outside of England's top division. Here, Keith Ingham speaks to a Rovers fan about all things Blackburn. How long have you been a Blackburn fan? I have supported Rovers from birth (1990) Who is your favourite player of all time? Tugay, Matt Jansen and Tim Sherwood. Can you name a season you'll never forget? Good or bad reasons? 1994/95- winning the Premier League (good) 2010/11- Venkys bought Rovers (bad) Your opinion on the owners of both Leeds and Blackburn Rovers? Don't really know anything about Leeds owner, but the Venkys have/are destroying Blackburn, selling all the better players we have and then replacing them with frees and loan. The sooner they have gone the better. Current player you think can go far from your squad? Scott Wharton- cb- came through the academy.  Last time the club's faced off, Leeds left well deserved winners with a strike from Sol Bamba and Antenucci giving us a 2-1 away win. Predictions for this years Championship?
Champions- Newcastle Runners up- Norwich Play offs- Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa, Huddersfield Town and Fulham Can you name the three teams that will go down this season? Rotherham, Wigan and Burton Any Leeds player, past or present that you'd have at Blackburn? Gary Speed or Eric Cantona Where do you think both teams will finish at the end of this season? Leeds-12th Blackburn-21st What is your prediction for tonight's game? 2-2 (League) 2-1 (Cup) Home Win (We like it!) by Keith Ingham  Yesterday Leeds United officially and in a coy fashion announced that Eleonora Sports Ltd now controls a 100% stake in the club.
This means that former owners and clueless idiots GFH capital are no longer anything to do with the club. You can all breathe a sigh of relief that you'll no longer see them w****** again, unless you're a big fan of Judge Judy, but that's another story. For now, the most important part is seeing the back of GFH. Our former employers came in to the club with so many promises about how they'd save Leeds post-Bates and all we really got was a £1million bench warmer and the bloody smiley face tweets. Let's not forget the time that David Haigh and Hisham Alrayes argued a toss over who should be paying the wages for Brian McDermott and the players, risking administration and a points deduction simply because they thought it should have been Cellino. We've had some terrible owners, Bates and Cellino to name a few and I still believe the worst time was with GFH. The other two aforementioned tw**s at least knew the basis of how to run a club. GFH however, knew sweet f*** all about anything. The worst part of this ordeal is that Leeds will have to pay the crooks £17million in owed loans. This is a group that used to email each other saying the club and themselves had no means to pay the players! I'd love to see where this money has actually come from. The buy-out means that our egomaniac and general all-round sociopath owner Massimo Cellino and his holding group owns 100% of Leeds United. And why would he be doing this? Surely he's about to sell the club! In any whole purchase of the club that would have been considered by Cellino, GFH would have had a say in what they believed was a fair price for their shares. Any negotiation could have fallen on its a*** if GFH decided to dig their heels in. There's no secret that Radrizzani and Cellino have had talks over the past few feels since the former was invited to the QPR game, but talks seem to be slowly progressing. What was initially thought to be Radrizanni wanting to invest in the club or purchase a minority stake seems to be completely wrong. Radrizzani does have plenty of links in China and with the recent flourish of football over there, it could be that a buy out is on the cards at LS11. With GFH finally gone, I do think we have to remember that the fantastic work of both TTGM and Leeds Fans United has to be applauded in this situation. The ousting of GFH may not have been on their terms, but both groups have stood firmly against our previous owners and at some time or another got under their skin. Overall, if I was stuck in a room with a gun beside Donald Trump, Salem Patel and Roy Keane, I'd put two through Patel but only after he sent me a smiley. By Ryan Ingham  Keith Ingham spoke to two Huddersfield Town fans ahead of Saturday's clash with the Terriers at Elland Road. How long have you both followed Town? Chris: I have followed Huddersfield for around 20 years. Richard: I have supported Town since I started working at the old Leeds Rd ground, when a young Andy Booth started playing for Town, Your both from different era's so what is your most memorable time following them? Chris: The League One play off final in 2012 against Sheffield United has to be the most memorable day. While the game wasn’t the most exciting the result was decided following a penalty shoot-out which ended with the winning goal being scored by our keeper after eleven rounds. Richard: I think my Favourite time supporting Town was after we moved to the new ground and got promotion after we beat Bristol in the playoff final.  Last season was a joyous occasion for Leeds after a wonder strike from Alex Mowatt |
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January 2019
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