With the news that Leeds United remain one of the most hated teams in the English leagues, we try to fathom as to why we are still so disliked?
Many a fan would suggest that the 1970`s “dirty Leeds” tactics of old are still lingering in the memories of opposition supporters. Baffling when you consider most clubs try to encourage young members, I myself wasn`t even a twinkle in anyone`s eye whilst Leeds were busy roughing up visiting teams.
It seems that the survey, commissioned by sales training company Sandler Training has found that we are even more unpopular than:
Manchester United (2nd): Sir Alex Ferguson, Cristiano Ronaldo (Man U fans, you`ve loved him, then hated him, then loved him, now hate him, love him again?) and Wayne ‘Shrek` Rooney, do we really have to say anymore?
CSKA Chelsk (3rd)i: With all their referee surrounding, diving, crying, over-priced players, their hoards of “I`ve been a ticket holder all my life” fans, not to mention the smug, bizarre, secretive owner that they have in Roman Abramovich, who fancies himself as somewhat of a ‘Football Manager` football manager.
Millwall (5th behind Wolves!): They turn up and trash the place, yet we`re still worse?
Bolton (7th): Probably the most un-interesting, aggressive style of football within the modern game.
Ok so we are worse than Man U, Chelski, the Lions and Bolton, but why? Here are just a few suggestions:
1.) We have been hated for years – Everyone hates Leeds right? So why change a thing?
2.) A dirty club! – Are we? Really? Well with a number of no-nonsense defenders and some tough tackling midfielders you`d expect us to pick up the odd yellow and red card. I would have said however that since the Revie era, and even post-Bowyer and co, we`ve looked to play attacking football with some style. The addition of Argentinean forward Becchio should help that. Potentially, the signing of big man Enoch may waste that? I think compared to the likes of Bolton, Millwall et al we`re no worse!
3.) The Football League tried to bury us, and we fought back. Who wouldn`t hate us after this one? A 15 point deduction unfairly awarded to Leeds, and we still nearly managed promotion, gosh our rivals must really have not liked that!
4.) We`ve strengthened, and it`s clear that we`re on the up. Everyone knows Leeds, like Nottingham Forest (somewhat Angel`s compared to our devilish features) are on their way back to the promised land, and not even points deductions and financial difficulties can stop us.
So to the remainder of the English League club supporters all I can say is, like us or lump us, Leeds are on their way back.
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