Interview with a Leeds fan: Hilary Attard

By Andy Gregory

Name: Hilary Attard

Tell us a bit about yourself: I'm the chairman of Real Leeds Malta Branch and a proud supporter for more than 43 years. I've formed the club here 3 times and can't live without Leeds United.

How long have you supported Leeds?
I have supported Leeds since 1969 when we won the First Division championship (equivalent to the premiership of today) and have been infected ever since, in fact I don't want to be healed!!!

Why Leeds?
Because they were a pleasure to watch and gave me a lot more pleasure than sorrow week in week out. They were the best team in Europe without a doubt. Although they were robbed in 2 European cup finals as everyone knows!

What is your favourite memory?

To mention a few... The FA cup final in 1972 vs Arsenal and the Uefa cup final win in 1971 vs a very strong Juventus side will be with me till I die! Also when we won the last league title against our enemies across the Pennines was surely the Greatest because they thought they were the best in the land and we showed them that we shall not be moved! On a personal note presenting Jonny Howson and Sam Byram with the player of the year awards at the end of season dinners will remain very proud moments!

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Favourite player past and present?
Having grown up in the Revie era it is hard to pick one single player because they were all fantastic players. But I will mention 3 from the past in Bremner, Clarke and Lorimer. At present it's Byram, McCormack and Mowatt.

If you could bring one player from any era back to the club, who would it be and why?
A player from any era must surely be Billy Bremner for class, passion,determination and will to win every game for Leeds united.

Best goal scored by a Leeds player?
Just 3 in my memory till I die : Eddie gray vs burnley, yeboah vs Liverpool and Clarke in the cup final 1972.

Your best Leeds 11?
Martyn, Madeley, Cooper, Bremner, Radebe, Hunter, Giles, Lorimer, Clarke, Charles and Eddie Gray.

What would you say are the proudest and worst moments in Leeds’ history?
Proudest moments are: winning 3 league championships , FA cup and two Uefa cups. Promotion to the premiership and to div 2 under Simon Grayson.

Worst moments: Every relegation and all the cups we were robbed of in Europe by the corrupt sides aided by referees.

Who’s the player to watch this season?
This season's player to watch after last years emergence of Sam Byram must be Alex Mowatt and Chris Dawson

What is your view on Brian McDermott?
I think he is the the man for the job as he knows the game that is played in the right way and knows what it takes to go up.

What is your view on GFH?
Still early to say but they know we need more investment and are doing everything to put the club on a solid base to secure a long term success in the premiership.

Things haven’t been going great recently, but we turned it around v Birmingham, can we go on a run now?
Everyone knew that we needed width in the team to create scoring chances. With the introduction of Byram on the right and Ross on the left hand side proved that sooner or later we are gonna fervor right. A couple more signings should see us in the top 6 for sure.

Prediction for our next game v Huddersfield?
I was present last season vs Huddersfield and enjoyed a great 4-2 victory and I'm sure that with the same passion we showed vs Birmingham last week we will get the 3 Pts... I'll go for a 2-0 win for Leeds United.

Where do you think we'll finish this season?
It all depends on the loans and the signings we make in January. But personally I think we will definitely be in the top six.

Anything else you would like to add?
My wish is that the management, players and supporters unite together to get back where we belong in the premiership. A dream that will become reality if we march on together a now solid group.

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Massive thanks to Hilary 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