Leeds United have a somewhat dirty image within England, despite the beautiful white shirt. But the rough edge makes a visit to Elland Road more interesting, one of the country's finest stadiums.
Leeds, the sleepiest giant of all the sleeping giants. England was in shock when Leeds United relegated in 2004 and it was proven that it is very hard to immediately find your way back to the top flight. It took the great Leeds United sixteen years to return to the Premier League, with the help of El Loco, Marcelo Bielsa. But now it feels like they are really back. Elland Road is usually packed and the legion of Leeds fans often go to away games in great amounts too. A club that dangles at the bottom of the list of most likeable clubs in all of England, however, it is definitely worth a visit.
Elland Road has been the club's home ground since Leeds United's foundation. As far as we're concerned they will also never leave. A classic English stadium on the edge of a gritty working-class neighbourhood. The exterior of Elland Road is, except for the imposing East Stand, not very special. But the inside tells a different story. The home of Leeds feels intimidating. The crowd is right on top of the players on the pitch. Make sure you get to the stadium in time to hear 37,000 people chant 'Marching On Together': Goosebumps guaranteed.
Leeds United has always had players who tend to have a bit of an edge to them. Think of Eric Cantona, Lee Bowyer and Vinnie Jones, just to name a few. It has given Leeds an image of a notorious club, both on and off the pitch. This dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, when Leeds was managed by Don Revie and led by captain Billy Bremner. The opponents feared Leeds' physical game. This, together with the fact that Leeds was unbeatable in England, made them the country's most hated team.
But as often is the case, those who are most hated are most loved among their own fans. Likewise in Leeds. People are proud of their rough image and the heroes from 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 immediately catches your eyes when you arrive at the stadium. A few yards down Lowfields Road you will find the statue of his manager, Don Revie.
Centenary Square can also be found on Lowfields Road, It was created in 2019 to celebrate the club's 100-year anniversary. Diehard fans can have a tile with their name on it and there's also a wall that shows all the trophies the club has won in these 100 years.
Directly opposite the stadium is the famous pub 'The Old Peacock', inextricably linked to Leeds United. The pub already existed when the club was founded, hence why one of the club's nicknames is 'The Peacocks'. Across the street, you will find Billy's bar, obviously named after the club's legendary player. A real sports bar, with Bremner's Scotland shirt as the biggest showpiece.
Leeds United is the pride of the entire city, which is the fourth largest in the country. Unfortunately, it was impossible to celebrate the promotion back to the Premier League due to the Covid pandemic. However, in 1992 Leeds became the champions of England and celebrations were widespread. More than 150,000 people came to the City Hall in Victoria Square to cheer their players on.
Buying a ticket to see Leeds is not easy. It already was hard in the Championship, let alone in the Premier League. But it's not impossible. Firstly, you need a membership. The lowest one costs you £50.
Elland Road is on the street of the same name in Leeds, not far from the M621 towards Manchester. Because the stadium is a bit far 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
