By Andy Gregory Welcome to this week's interview with a Leeds fan, our feature where you can have your say on all things Leeds. This week we are talking to someone who went to his first game in 1941 and has had the pleasure of all the highs and suffered all the lows of following Leeds during that time. Name: Gordon Richards Tell us a bit about yourself: Leeds born in 1931, five hundred yards from Elland road. Musician & teacher then sales manager for large national Company retiring at age 75 How long have you supported Leeds? First match was in 1941 when Leeds were in wartime league north when the team was made up of any players who were stationed at Catterick from any club. One who I remember & admired was Eddie Burbank (Chelsea) a very skilful left winger. I remember well the disastrous first season when Div 1 resumed in 1948 and Leeds were relegated with a record number of low points (18). What is your favourite memory? Many great matches but Cup Final 1972 got to top the lot. Favourite player? Billy Bremner a joy to watch highly motivated very skilful with the heart of a lion.  If you could bring one player from any era back to the club, who would it be and why? I had seen Stanley Matthews ,Tom Finney, Tommy Lawton etc playing against Leeds. But no one came anywhere near John Charles who still remains head and shoulders above anyone. Best goal scored by a Leeds player? Tony Yeboah against Liverpool What would you say are the proudest and worse moments in Leeds’ history? The Revie years restored the pride for all Leeds supporters with the calibre and the quality of the squad. The worst was relegated under Denis Wise to League One. How do you think the squad is shaping up for this season? Regrettably while there is a little improvement the defence still remains very suspect, sort this out and we have a chance of the playoffs. Very disappointed with Aidy White who appears to have sacrificed skill for pace  Who’s the player to watch this season? Luke Murphy (very impressive) What do you think to our three summer signings? Apart from the above Smith looks like work in progress and I haven't really seen enough of Hunt McDermott has been told he can bring in some new players, who would you like to see come in? A winger with pace and a tall commanding central defender. What is your view on Brian McDermott? So far very impressive. Likeable manner with obvious problems with inability to sign the players he needs due to financial restraints What is your view on GFH’s time at Leeds so far? A difficult question. First they have done lots of things to benefit the supporters but the team needs improving if success is to come. I'm optimistic about the future however. Score prediction for our next game v Leicester? 2- 2 Where do you think we will finish this season? Possibly top ten Anything else you would like to add? This club has tremendous potential with a wonderful history, I hope the future will bring hope to all the very loyal supporters. I hope I will still be around to see it !!! Massive thanks to Gordon for taking part in this weeks interview. If you would like to get involved and take part in an interview on our site, please contact us via this link
16 Comments
Kim Bjerregaard
10/8/2013 04:40:53 am
Great interview with a true Leeds fan from way before most of us were born, a true joy to read, MOT Gordon.
mark
10/8/2013 05:03:33 am
Wonderful reading. I read so much inexperienced rubbish on the Internet but you need to learn from our elders. Keep your views coming Gord
wilko
10/8/2013 05:23:08 am
I'm a relative youngster. First match 1954. However, I agree with Gordon's every word. 10/8/2013 05:23:40 am
At last a positive interview with a genuine Leeds fan steeped in history. Wonderful to hear from our elder statesmen & a joy to share such fabulous memories and insight. This is truly a step up from the poor effort last time out by a certain pretentious individual who doesn't regularly go to games. Well done Gordon & take a well deserved bow Sir - i sincerely hope that Leeds give you back some of the success that fans like you especially deserve. MOT
Van White
10/8/2013 05:30:00 am
An excellent view of Leeds United past and present, wish I'd had the opportunity to see the great John Charles play. One of the games true gents by all accounts. Wonderful to hear from an elder statesman of the club. As a supporter of over 50 years myself, one who supported Leeds because of John Charles, I loved to hear another senior (by far)fan who feels as I do that Big John was the best ever. I feel sorry tor those who never saw this giant play. World class at the centre of defence or up front as an attacker. Sadly missed.
ChrisN
10/8/2013 08:00:20 am
This is simply the best 'Interview with a Leeds Fan' I've read on this site. My own first game at ER was in 1966, so I never had the privilege of seing John Charles play, but Gordon's view reflects, almost to the word, exactly what my dad used to tell me about one of the greatest ever players. Also, spot on about the history, the potential, and our present situation. Nice one Gordon - let's hope we're soon back up there eh? MOT mate.
Ilkleywhite
10/8/2013 09:12:32 am
You probably know my Dad Gordon as he attended Elland Road for the first time in 1945 (aged 12) he is a season ticket holder at Elland Road with me (I am 55) he is 78 and like you he is a lifelong supporter of the mighty whites, and like you he says John Charles is the best player he has ever seen, (by a country mile) he cant stop talking about him, and he also says Billy Bremner was the most committed player.ever to play for Leeds.
Mark
10/8/2013 03:30:29 pm
I posted earlier. Lovely to see so many appreciative and respectful comments.
Mark
10/8/2013 03:31:09 pm
I posted earlier. Lovely to see so many appreciative and respectful comments.
Keith
10/8/2013 04:04:18 pm
Great interview in a series I love to read, being a 'baby' of only 40 years of support it's always fascinating reading about the days before I first donned a Leeds shirt. Keep them coming Andy, you never know you might get enough to do a book on us all. Keep the Faith, the great times will be back
Jonty
10/8/2013 05:51:14 pm
Great interview.
Steve Jennings
10/8/2013 06:29:15 pm
Great interview - really enjoyed it. So many memories.
Allan
10/8/2013 08:57:43 pm
John Charles was not only the best player I ever saw playing for Leeds but a gentleman also. I do believe it is a fact that he went through his whole career without ever being cautioned. My abiding memory of King John was the headed goal against Bristol Rovers at Elland Road that gave us a 2-1 win and eventual promotion. I bet Mr.Richards would remember that goal also.
Ashley
10/8/2013 10:25:39 pm
A very good interview. Not being blessed with seeing John Charles in his heyday I cannot help to wonder the most entertaining players would include him. Stanley Matthews is certainly one that did when I look at the clips of the people watching him play. Makes me wonder what is the most entertaining Leeds XI ever - would it include, Giles, Eddie Gray, Cantona, McKenzie, Currie and even Yeboah from recent times. we just don't see dribbling skills like those of Best, Jimmy Johnstone, George Best any more. I know it is a team game .. but ... perhaps I see soccer as a place I go to be entertained!
mr orange
10/8/2013 11:20:05 pm
i bow down , we are not worthy sir , MOT Leave a Reply. |
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