Fighting spirit still on the pitch at Elland Road, shame it’s not happening off it.
After the worst few years in the history of Leeds United, from the Champion's League to almost extinction, I’m glad to see that the club seems to be rising from the ashes. Although I’m from a place across the Pennines that wears red and is not so popular in Yorkshire (I won't link you to their site), I believe that Leeds are finally on the way back to the big league.
The Yorkshire Post wrote a very positive article about the performance in the FA cup against Wigan, and comments from the fans had deserved praise for manager Kevin Blackwell.
Even though the team was playing against Premiership opposition midweek, the attendance was just over 15,000, nothing to the regular 40,000 that they achieved week-in week-out in the Premiership, making Elland Road a very intimidating ground to play football.
Fans are still angry at controversial chairman Ken Bates for the rise in ticket prices, and the policies he’s brought in for season ticket holders. I understand the financial difficulties that the club are still trying to fix. However, an FA cup third-round reply against a Premiership side should have brought in the numbers and increased the attendance. I don't think that I would have payed £35 at the turnstile.
Evidence of spirit from the team has been shown all season, and all credit should go to Blackwell and his players, but an evening cup-tie should be enjoyed by more than 15,000 Leeds fans. Mr Bates needs to think more about the history of the club and what the FA cup means to football fans, instead of counting his money.
As a fellow student in Leeds, wouldn't it be nice to see live football at a discounted price. Sheffield United have a student fee, which never fails to fill their stadium everyweek! Take note Mr Bates!
Posted by: Tom Kenny, Leeds | Monday, 10 April 2006 at 17:40