Interview with a Leeds fan: Ryan Ingham

By Andy Gregory

Name: Ryan Ingham

Tell us a bit about yourself:  
I’m a 20 year old student at Sunderland University, where I study Magazine Journalism and hope to eventually land myself a Sports Journalist Job. I’m also a fond footballer and cricketer and tend to follow the sports every day.

How long have you supported Leeds?
I’ve been a LUFC since I was born, I think the first game I went to I was around 5 years old. I’ve seen a lot of players enter and leave the gates at Elland Road and I’m hoping we can utilise our youth like the past.

What is your favourite memory?
I’d have to say the game against AC Milan when we scored late on, my dad had took me to the game and I just remember be thrown in the air when we scored, an amazing experience.

Favourite player past and present?
Although when I play football I’m a midfielder and I was a very big Howson fan until he left for our parent club. I’d have to say the chief, no one was lit up the Elland Road pitch for me like Radebe did. He was my hero and I had posters of him in my room. Another close favourite has to be Robbie Keane I always celebrated like him. Present is a big struggle for me, we have some good players and a strong youth set up, I’d have to say I’m still a big McCormack fan if he can find form but Sam Byram has come in and really cemented himself in the team, that’s a big achievement and a good compliment to Redfearn.

If you could bring one player from any era back to the club, who would it be and  why?

First on my mind was Billy, he’s my dad’s hero and I always struggled to see how good we was as I wasn’t there. But of someone who we need the most would have to be Gradel, I want to see this guy back in a White shirt and if the twitter rumours are ever true, this one would have to be my dream.

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Best goal scored by a Leeds player?
Tony Yeboah against Wimbledon, there is no comparison. I watched that as a kid and always begged it to happen for me in a game, no luck I’m afraid.


How would you sum up our season so far?
Positive in areas, the players like Warnock and they still know who is the boss. We have had some spirited performances but I still see Leeds regressing to the older times with Blackwell and Wise, we lose games we should walk through and the excuse it is a hard league isn’t good enough anymore, I want to see less loan players and new and young players come in.

Which player has impressed you most this season?

Diouf still has to be picked for me, it’s not every time you see someone so hated come into our club and walk out looking like a hero, he can save this season for us with some form.

Which player have you been least impressed with?
It’s a good job we signed Diouf because our worst player is McCormack, the guy is just too lazy, if you want to play for our team then do something on the pitch to show us you’re worth the first team. Ross is a fantastic player but he has to snatch his chances with Becchio on such great form. A switch to the right hand side and a change of formation to 4-2-3-1 could see Leeds unlock some good potential.

How would you describe our current team?
Slow and Incomplete, we have had some fantastic signings this summer, there’s no doubt Warnock has improved this side. I’d like to see us use youth like Sanchez Payne who can be an explosive midfielder and at this time using your youth seems to be working for a lot of clubs, look at Southampton. He may not be completely ready but the chance is all he needs. We also need to look for improvement in defence, midfield and up front without spending serious cash.

What are your thoughts on our new owners?
Positive, they are media friendly businessmen that look like they want to get Leeds back to the Premiership, the one problem being that they have a plan and I don’t see Promotion and investment for a good 2 years. I can’t help but be nervous of the fact we know nothing about how much GFH really have, it’s a big concern for me that we may lose players yet again.

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Who would you like to see us sign in this month?

I would honestly like Blackstock, he could play well with Becchio and also be good off the bench. I’d like to see us utilise our scouts and not rush, of course everyone wants to see business, but I want good business and good knowledge of a player. We don’t desperately need a left back, we have 2 players that are capable and without injuries we can be fine. Barkley was a fantastic signing for  us, exactly what we need an enthusiastic midfielder with a fantastic passing ability. I’d like to leave the transfers to Warnock, Colin has always had a few tricks up his sleeve.

Where do you think we will finish this season?
With a few new players, I can still see us being around the play off area but the reality is we won’t sign anyone too influential and be lucky to be in the top 12.

What is your view on Neil Warnock’s time at Leeds so far?
I never liked him before, but he’s a character. I’m a big fan of his honesty and I’d love to take him for a beer. Unfortunately it would not go well because he is very narrow minded and could not see what the potential Leeds have if they can only stop playing negative football against weaker teams, I’d hate for us to become a Stoke.

Which game are you most looking forward to this season?
It has already been, I have a friend up here and she’s a Bolton fan and is always going on about Leeds. So when Leeds beat them on New Years Day (my birthday) I couldn’t get to my phone sooner, she wasn’t very impressed.

Score prediction for the Barnsley and Birmingham games?
Our bogey team will make it tough tomorrow, with a few players back from illness (I hope) we should be able to get 3 points tomorrow so I’ll say 2-0 Leeds. As for Birmingham, our chance was to beat them at home, an away fixture is tough, either way the game will be decided early and will finish 2-1 either way, you have my word.

What team would you put out against Barnsley?
A strong one, the league is more important than the cup. However I really want to see Ashdown get his chance, so I’d give him a go tomorrow. I’d also start McCormack if possible and see on the fitness of Austin and a few regulars before going all out, some could do with the rest before a match.

Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for letting me write about my passion for Leeds United. I’m hoping for a strong finish to the season fuelled by some strong signings. I’d also think it was time to look around for a manager if it is true that Colin is waving goodbye in Summer, you can’t be too prepared. MOT

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Thanks to Ryan for taking part in this weeks interview. If you would be interested in doing an interview, or would like to find out about other ways you can be involved with our site, then check out our "Have your say" page to find out how... MOT!

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