Leeds United have a somewhat dirty image within England, despite the beautiful white shirt. The rough edge makes a visit to Elland Road all the more interesting, one of the finest stadiums at the highest level.
Leeds, the sleepiest giant of all the sleeping giants. After the shocking relegation in 2004, it took no less than 16 years before the great Leeds United returned to the top level, with the help of El Loco, Marcelo Bielsa. Yet now, it feels like they are really back, especially that the supporters can be there again. Because they have lots of them, Elland Road is usually packed and often the legion of Leeds takes thousands of fans to an away game. A running joke in England is that ‘Leeds would’ve taken more.’ A club that dangles at the bottom of the list of most likeable clubs in all of England, is somewhere you should visit anyway.
The club has played at Elland Road since the foundation of Leeds United, and as far as we're concerned they will never leave. A classic English stadium on the edge of a gritty working-class neighbourhood in the south of Leeds. The exterior of Elland Road is, except for the imposing East Stand, not very special. But how different it is inside. The home of Leeds feels intimidating at times, with the fanatic crowd on top of the field. Make sure you get to the stadium in time to hear 37,000 people chant 'Marching On Together': Goosebumps guaranteed.
In the history of Leeds United there have always been players with a frayed edge. Think of Eric Cantona, Lee Bowyer and Vinnie Jones, just to name a few. It has given Leeds a certain image of a notorious club, on and off the pitch. This dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, when Leeds was led by manager Don Revie and captain Billy Bremner, when other teams feared their physical play, which was on the brink, but often over it. That, combined with the fact that Leeds was unbeatable in its own country in those years, made the team hated throughout England. But, as is so often the case, those most hated elsewhere are the most loved among their own supporters. Likewise in Leeds. People are proud of the image and the heroes of the past, as portrayed by the statue of Billy Bremner on the corner of Elland Road, right in front of the fan shop. The Scottish captain is the eye-catcher when you arrive at the stadium. A few yards down Lowfields Road – turn right before Bremner – is his old manager Don Revie, somewhat hidden but nevertheless unforgettable in Leeds.
A little further than the Revie statue is Centenary Square, also on Lowfields Road. It was created in 2019 to celebrate the club's 100th anniversary as a sort of journey through Leeds United's history. Diehard supporters can have a tile with their name put on it, with there also being a wall shows the club's trophies. There are a few large, shiny stones with historic moments in the club's history.
For something to eat and drink it is best to take a look at Elland Road (the street) beforehand. Directly opposite the stadium is the famous pub 'The Old Peacock', inextricably linked to Leeds United. The pub was there when the club was founded and is why one of the club's nicknames is 'The Peacocks'. Across the street, next to the stadium, is Billy's bar, named obviously after the club's most legendary player. A real sports bar, with Bremner's Scotland shirt as the biggest showpiece, worn in his international matches.
Whilst Leeds United's history is mostly on and around Elland Road, the club is the pride of the entire city and region, the fourth largest in England. Unfortunately, due to the corona crisis, it was not possible to celebrate too much during the last promotion, but in 1992 it was different. Leeds United then became champions of England, the last champion before the Premier League was created. More than 150,000 people came to City Hall in Victoria Square to cheer their players on the platform.
It is not easy to get tickets for Leeds United. It wasn't in the Championship, and it certainly isn't now that fans can finally enjoy Premier League football again. But where there is a will there is a way. However, you will need a membership, and they are not cheap at Leeds United with prices starting from £50.
Elland Road is on the street of the same name in Leeds, not far from the M621 towards Manchester. Because the stadium is relatively located a bit from the centre, it is more difficult to reach by public transport, although there are shuttle buses from Leeds station to the stadium. These leave from the back of the station on Sovereign Street, a return ticket costs £3.
Images: Coddou
