2010/11: Football – a matter of life or death?

There are currently clubs who consider themselves to be in “crisis”, perhaps they should reflect on their choice of phrase in light of the recent events at Croydon Athletic.

 Last season the south London club nicknamed “The Rams” won the Isthmian League Division One South title and started life in the Isthmian Premier, one division below the Conference South in 2010. This was a remarkable achievement for a team that only came into existence in 1986.

The club, bought in 2008 by Mazhar Majeed, a UK based property developer, looked to have a bright future. The London outfit showed their intent in the pre-season with a number of signings, many of whom had professional experience.

As the football season got underway, in the world of cricket a major scandal was emerging which has had a devastating impact on the Croydon club. Owner Mazhar Majeed as well as a property developer, also has a role as an agent for some members of the Pakistan cricket team. Allegations were made that Majeed was involved in spot-fixing during the Test matches between England and Pakistan. As a result Croydon Athletic was investigated by HM Revenues and Customs with regard to allegations that the club owner had been using the club for money-laundering purposes. These claims were captured by an undercover journalist.

Since that point the club has been in turmoil. The management team left the club in early September and matches in the League were postponed. Their FA Cup tie with Kingstonian was forfeited and players uncertain of the clubs future left in droves. However, there has been hope on the pitch, with the bond required by the League now in place, caretaker managers Dave Garland and Bob Langford have managed to get a team back together and “The Rams” are once again fulfilling their fixtures.

On Saturday Croydon Athletic travelled to Hendon and suffered a 4-0 defeat. The most devasting news that day though was that club chairman, David Le Cluse, had been found dead, in an apparent suicide.

‘Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I’m very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.’ Bill Shankly

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2010/11: The Chief – Lucas Radebe. True gent and a Legend.

As part of my work for the Leeds World Cup Bid team, I had the privilege and honour to interview Lucas Radebe at Elland Road on Saturday. The Leeds legend was in England to promote his biography, Lucas: From the Streets of Soweto to Soccer Superstar. The former Leeds United and South African captain had visited local schools as part of his brief trip to this country which also included attending the Championship fixture at Elland Road between Leeds United and their Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United as “Guest of Honour”.

Lucas opened the interview by saying how much he enjoys being in England and how he considers this country and especially Leeds to be his second home. Discussion soon turned to the recent World Cup in South Africa and the opening game between the hosts and Mexico. Lucas recounted how he wouldn’t believe that the World Cup was really happening in South Africa until the kick-off of that game. He was there as he witnessed his countrymen get a draw in the game, but says his over-riding memory is of the crowd and the atmosphere in the build-up to kick-off. He vividly remembers the teams coming out onto the pitch and people around him weeping in joy that this moment had arrived. Lucas added that even recalling those memories now gives him goose-bumps.

Lucas was especially proud on that opening night as the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg was so close to where he was born. The South African considered the hosting of the 2010 tournament as a triumph for the country, and one which signified its arrival to the world as a place that had developed not only on the football stage but politically. It was a victory after the years of Apartheid and was testament to the influence of Nelson Mandela. Lucas believed though that it was also an event that united the continent of Africa and showcased what this part of the world has to offer. He stressed that the legacy for the country goes beyond that of just football and that technology, infrastructure and the nation as a whole has and will continue to benefit.

As part of South Africa’s bid to host the 2010 tournament, Lucas took on the role of an Ambassador. This is a role he is also undertaking for the England 2018 bid. He agreed to take on this position because of the unforgettable 12 years he had in England. In carrying out the duties of an Ambassador, the ex-Leeds United star has had regular contact with various FIFA delegates, and he has pressed the claims of England to host the 2018 competition, by emphasing the quality of the infrastructure, the stadiums, the passion of the fans and the fact that he considers the Premier League the most exciting in the World.

“The Chief” as he is affectionately known by Leeds fans, also extolled the virtues of his adopted City as a great World Cup venue. Lucas recalled how he and Phil Masinga had been warmly greeted at the club and by the citizens of Leeds when they arrived. In talking about his time in Yorkshire, there was a genuine warmth and admiration for the people of Leeds who he described as special and very friendly. Lucas believed that the unique tradition, culture and humour of the Leeds public would be translated to and experienced by visitors who might attend England if the tournament comes here in 2018.

The interview closed with Lucas saying that whilst it was a pity Leeds United were not in the top flight, he believed that they would return to the Premier League in the near future. Of his time at the club, he was honoured that the fans took to him as one of their own and that the camaraderie of the players meant that he felt at home.

The mark of the man was that in me thanking Lucas and saying what a pleasure it had been to interview him, he replied that “…the pleasure was all mine…”. Lucas Radebe, football legend and a gentleman. Premier League players take note….

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2010/11: Football – where did the romance go?

The sixteen Third Round ties this week will feature six all Premier League pairings. However, my bet is that none of the teams lining up on Tuesday and Wednesday this week will resemble those that take the field when the respective fixtures take place in the League. For instance at White Hart Lane, the fixture might be better titled as Spurs Reserves v Arsenal Youth. At the Britannia Stadium, tickets are available at £12, testament to the lack of drawing power of Fulham and a major hint at the selection policy of Tony Pulis for his Stoke line-up.

At Stamford Bridge, ticket prices for the League Cup have been slashed to £20 and Chelsea have been rewarded with a full-house. Newcastle will be concerned about the Blues fire power and the number of goals visiting teams have conceded at The Bridge this season, but may also be questioning that if reduced ticket prices are de rigueur, will post match meal prices also be reduced after Blackpool passed on the £15.50 plus VAT a head, lasagne offered to them after Sunday’s League fixture?

There are possible banana skins fixtures for Everton (away at Brentford), Liverpool (home to Northampton), Manchester United (away at Scunthorpe) and Wolves (home to Notts County). However, these days it is less likely as even teams outside the top flight, look to “focus” on the League. Presumably The Iron will care more about ensuring their Championship status rather than victory over Manchester United?

Is it time the competition was discarded or can it be saved? As a passing thought, what about making it a joint League Cup with teams from Scotland? It may for a couple of seasons create a novelty value around the competition (and some nervous police forces both here and North of the border), but little sustainable interest in the long-term. The reality is that in England clubs are only interested in money and that is generated through participation in the Premier League and the Champions League. Both the FA Cup and League Cup have been reduced to “nice to haves”, mere trinkets, because of their lack of financial clout.

Clubs strive to finish in the Champions League places at all cost. It is a curious fact that teams will battle all season to finish in a European spot, but then some of those who earn Europa League places, proceed in the following season to treat the competition with disdain.

Regrettably cash is king….will the romance of the Cup ever live again?

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2010/11: The England Job – runners and riders

When new football season kicks off in August 2012, England will have hosted the Olympic Games and the European Championships in Poland/Ukraine will be a distant memory. What we also know is that England will have a new International Manager. Now assuming that England qualify for the tournament and Capello isn’t sacked before then, the highest paid International Manager will step down from the job in 2012. In all likelihood and without wishing to be defeatist, that will be without England taking the European crown in 2012.

Already we have seen “candidates” throw their hat into the ring and there seems an inevitability that the next incumbent will be English. My concern about anybody declaring their hand this early is with regard to their focus on their current role. If a manager is thinking about another job elsewhere, even in two years time, it must act as a distraction. As a Chairman or a fan, I would be worried that any uncertainty would spread through the club and translate to the players. Would this for instance affect players signing for a club, if they thought the manager would be leaving? Some may argue that the possibility of the England job would spur on the manager to achieve even more at the club they are currently with. Unfortunately, as I’ve said I see it as a point of distraction.

So what of those English managers in the frame? Can somebody explain the role of Stuart Pearce? Is he genuinely being groomed as the next England manager? Pearce holds the position of Under 21 Manager and has had some success with the team. However, the images of Pearce beside Capello in South Africa and the inane “explanation” of the antics by Pearce, leave me with the impression that he is no more than a jester in Capello’s Commedia dell’Arte, and that the ex-Forest man will be gone once the Italian departs the stage.

Then we have Henry James Redknapp, who has managed Bournemnouth, West Ham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Tottenham. “Harry” has had some success along the way at these clubs, with the FA Cup win at Portsmouth his major prize and  taking Spurs into the Champions League this season. Is it coincidence that the clubs Redknapp has managed have gone on to suffer serious financial problems?   Add in the corruption allegations that have dogged him since the Panorama investigation of 2006 to the point of him being charged in January 2010 with two counts of cheating the public revenue and his suitability for the England job starts to look a little tatty around the edges. Although it never stopped El Tel……

Then we have Samuel Allardyce, who in his time has managed at Limerick, Blackpool, Notts County, Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United, with his current posting at Blackburn Rovers. His darling of the media reputation as all things good about English mangers was built at Bolton. However, he has never won any of the major domestic honours as a manager and the style of football was and still is direct to say the least. Some will argue he did well with limited resources for the Trotters, but is that a major criteria for a future England Manager? Then like Mr Redknapp, “Big Sam” was featured in the football bribery expose by Panorama in 2006 and so a whiff of corruption also lingers around Mr Allardyce.

Roy Hodgson has not put his name forward, and that is the mark of this modest and respected football figure. He has International and European experience, although his detractors may argue he has got teams to Finals, but ultimately his teams haven’t  gone on to take the trophy. If he manages to work his magic at Anfield, how likely would Liverpool be to release him after the barren years on Merseyside?

That’s part of the joy of football – the speculation. Memo to all: gentleman, concentrate on the job in hand and see what you can achieve.

2012 what an interesting year it could be……

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2010/11: My Guilty Football Mistresses

We all have one team that we follow – our team – that team that when they lose, the result ruins your weekend – the team we defend in any situation – the team we spend so much time, money and emotion in watching. How we come to support that team is a very individual thing. Mine is a simple philosophy –  you support your local team, the place of your birth. So in terms of my family, my dad is an Arsenal fan, although he never tried to make them my team, even on the occasional trips to Highbury with him. I was born in Parsons Green in Fulham and therefore the men in white from Craven Cottage are my team. Liam, Leeds born, now has his own team in white to follow.

But I have a guilty secret in that there a number of other teams results that I look for. I want to be clear though, it’s not teams I support, Fulham are my team always were, always will be  – my “other” teams, I have a “soft spot” for. So how have I come to this situation? For the most part, there is a good reason (well for me anyway!).

Where to begin? Well in the Premier League there is Arsenal. Quite simply because they are my dad’s team and I really did enjoy the trips to Highbury. With Fulham languishing in the lower reaches of the Football League, trips to see the Gunners meant First Division and European football during my teenage years. In recent seasons I marveled at their unbeaten Premier League season in 2003/04, admired the manner of their play and more recently because of their sensible financial approach within the Premier League that puts other “big” clubs to shame.

In the Championship, there is Leeds United. The City I came to in 1991 and the place of my sons birth. Without realising it, I’ve been attending games at Elland Road for 19 years. I’ve shared in the Premier League days, the European nights, the dark days of League One, but hopefully will see the re-emergence and return to the top-flight. I can never be a Yorkshireman, I can never be a Leeds supporter, but I do care about what happens to the club. It is one of my pleasures to be able to go to Elland Road with Liam – and all that that means in terms of sharing the experience that is a matchday.

The rest of my “mistresses” are either non-league or European teams. Stade Malherbe Caen FC (also known as SM Caen or just Caen) are a French team based in Normandy. For the 2010/11 they will play in the Ligue 1 having last season been promoted. They have no great history and my “following” of them is because I spend my 30th birthday in this area of France. I didn’t get to see them play, but fell in love with their previous slightly ramshackle ground Stade de Venoix.

Spain is the next destination and here I have two teams within my “establo”, who exist at the two extremes of the football spectrum. Firstly there is Barcelona, a team I am fortunate to have watched at the Nou Camp on a couple of occasions. This came about due to a mate who I was best-man to, moving out to the Catalan City. The stadium itself is nothing in terms of design, but the history of the place and the famous teams that have played on the hallowed turf, resonate within the great bowl that the Nou Camp is. At the other end of my Spanish rainbow is UCD Lanzarote FC. A team who play (unsurprisingly) on the island of Lanzarote. Given the volcanic nature of the island, the team play on a synthetic (FIFA approved) pitch. Los Rojillos unfortunately got relegated last season and now find themselves in the fourth tier of Spanish football. This season entrance to a game is five euros and I look forward to getting to see them in action this November when I go out there on holiday.

So finally, to my non-league favourites. As a kid, I was allowed to get the bus to Plough Lane on my own to watch Wimbledon FC in their Southern League days. It was a sign of growing up, of being trusted and being responsible. It’s where my affection for non-league football comes from. For that reason I’ve followed the Dons fortunes ever since and from afar enjoyed their rise to the top-flight and  the FA Cup victory. I also despaired at their move to Selhurst Park and the hideous creation of MK Dons. A manufactured team in a manufactured town. No history, no place in it for football. The FA should hang their heads in shame that this location is part of the England 2018 World Cup Bid. A big play has been made about the England Bid because of the history of football in this country. Milton Keynes has none – it’s a disgrace. So from all that, you might have guessed that AFC Wimbledon is the team that I recognise from my days on the terraces at Plough Lane. I hope that one day (soon) that AFC Wimbledon get into the Football League and that MK Dons drop into non-league. How much appetite will there be for the club then?

That’s it then, I’ve come clean – made it public – my conscience is now clear. I can now check the scores without feeling like it’s a betrayal. Can you say the same?

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2010/11: The Sack Race

The first International “break” is upon us and a manager who will have time on his hands having felt the weight of expectation of his board is Alan Pardew at Southampton. In a previous posting on this site (titled, “Where’s the Logic?”) I questioned the reasoning of the sacking of Kevin Blackwell and suggested that it may have been a bit harsh.

However, the axing at St. Mary’s seems even more baffling. Last season Southampton overcame a ten point deficit and had a decent league run that saw them just miss out on the play-offs. Pardew also took the Saints to Wembley and the team lifted silverware in the shape of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. This season they suffered an opening day loss at home to Plymouth, but have picked up since them and their last game was a 4-0 away win at Bristol Rovers. The Board then decides to trot out the following statement, “…the club has decided that, to achieve its well known targets, it is essential to make changes to the management…We recognise that frequent changes to the football long term stability and progress for our football operations management are unlikely to assist in the winning of trophies and promotions…However, we are taking these steps to achieve our aims, which we share with all supporters, to get promoted this season…”. Perhaps it’s me, but I find the comments rather contradictory. It maybe that there are some other underlying problem at the club than wouldn’t be made public. However, how many managers have been sacked after such a convincing away win?

More madness will ensue today with the closure of the transfer window. Rumours will abound as to who is going where with “confirmed” sightings of players in airports, training grounds, the local Tesco et all, passed off as concrete evidence of a players new destination. 

Just to finish I’d like to give a mention to the Non League day campaign (site below).

http://www.nonleagueday.co.uk/

With the break due to the International fixtures, its aim is to encourage supporters to get to a non-league game this Saturday. There is a map (from the Find a Club tab), which is useful in that you can put in your postal address and it shows details of fixtures local to you. For me this Saturday I’ll be off to see the Evo-Stik First Division North fixture between Garforth Town and Lancaster City. Enjoy!

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2010/11: Where’s the Logic?

We all have those days when you get out of bed and for no apparent reason you know you are going to be irritated by everything that happens during that day. Well that’s me today and that’s how I feel about football this morning.

Let’s start with the Championship. I thought the exit of Steve “I’ve don’t feel motivated” Coppell from Bristol City had set the standard for shambolic timing, when along comes Sheffield United and the sacking, sorry I mean mutually agreed termination of the contract of ex-Leeds United boss Kevin Blackwell. Blackwell took both Leeds and Sheffield United to Play-Off Finals but lost both and I would say he has a reasonable record as a manager. This season the Blades have played three fixtures, which were an opening season day draw and two losses (one in the League Cup). Does this really constitute grounds for dismissal? The Leeds connection looks to be extended with Gary Speed coming in to the mangers position. But how long will the Board give him to settle? Will he have money to spend to create “his” team? Those at Bramall Lane may argue that a quick change as Norwich City carried out last season doesn’t necessarily affect the team. My point is that if the Board felt Blackwell had taken the club as far as he could, that decision should have been made at the end of last season. Gary Speed is new to the world of management and unless he is some sort of messiah, will take time to settle into the role. To me the Board of Sheffield United have wasted the pre-season and with it the chance of promotion. Part of the statement the club released also raised my ire. In it they state, “…it is time for us to move on because our ambition remains the same in challenging for promotion, hence this decision to look for a new manager…”. So are the Board implying that Kevin Blackwell no longer had the ambition of promotion for the club?

Over the years Leeds have had some titanic battles in Europe with Rangers and Celtic. And whilst we all know the trials and tribulations of the recent seasons at Elland Road, life in Scotland for the Old Firm and Scottish football has not been a bed of roses either. Leeds United and Scotland are linked by players such as Bremner, Gray, Lorimer, Harvey, McQueen and Jordan. Accusations can be made that England has become flooded with players from around the globe, but there are some world class players amongst those. Scotland’s league meanwhile has been flooded by frankly third-rate overseas players. Where are the big names? Where is the home ground talent? The Scottish Premier is a League in decline. Rangers and Celtic both have significant financial problems which will worsen with their inability to compete at European level. What caught my eye today were the “revelations” by Aiden McGeady that he had to leave Glasgow because he feared for his safety. So good choice then in moving to calm of Moscow. The poor lamb revealed that he couldn’t go out drinking or clubbing without being hassled, abused or threatened. Aiden, if you put your hand in a fire you get burnt? So would you still continue to put your hand in the fire?

Sometimes I simply despair. Take me to a darkened room nurse………

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2010/11: The history of the World according to the League Cup

villaIt’s the ugly sister of the domestic Cup competitions, the bastard creation of the then Football League Secretary Alan Hardaker, which sprang to life in 1960/61. The Football League Cup, which has gone through the following incarnations: Milk Cup (1982 to 1986), Littlewoods Challenge Cup (1986 to 1990), Rumbelows Cup (1990 to 1992), Coca-Cola Cup (1992 to 1998), Worthington Cup (1998 to 2003) and Carling Cup (2003 to present) – is back with us this week as the 1st Round ties take place.

After the opening day defeat, Leeds United are back at Elland Road tonight to take on Lincoln City. For older Leeds fans the 1-0 win over Arsenal in 1968 saw the Whites lift a trophy at Wembley for the first time. Younger fans recent memories of a League Cup Final will be less pleasant as in 1996 Leeds capitulated 3-0 to Aston Villa.

As a competition, the League Cup has caused controversy since its inception and in the inaugural season Arsenal, Luton Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion and Wolves all refused to participate. Various teams dropped in and out until 1967 when the Final was played at Wembley for the first time. The lure of European football for the Cup winners was also added in an attempt to give the competition a higher profile.

Critics still argue that it’s an unnecessary addition to the fixture list (but it’s okay to go on friendly tours during the season?) and clubs from all divisions now use it as a means to play youngsters and fringe players. Now me I’m a bit old fashioned. I want my club to compete to the best of its ability in whatever competition it is playing in. Winning is a habit. Sending out your strongest team will provide the best chance of achieving this. Winning creates in a confident squad, hopefully brings in fans, ensures progress into the next round and so generates more income which keeps the Chairman and the Board smiling.

However, this week some Manager’s will question that logic and justify wholesale team changes on the basis of “I need to look at all my squad” (sorry, isn’t that what you use pre-season friendlies for?) or “we’re not going to win it, so what’s the point” The point is that fans pay good money to support their side. The point is after losing the opening League fixture of the season, it would be good to get a win under the belt and boost the confidence of the players and all those associated with the club. The point is, it can be another game unbeaten. What is to be gained from getting beat after fielding a weakened side by a lower division team?

The competition has also seen clubs reduce prices for the early rounds. Of the 34 ties this week, 24 clubs are offering on General Sale an adult ticket for £15 or less. A special mention for Swansea City, who for their game against Barnet are allowing OAP’s and Under 16’s in for a £1. MK Dons and Norwich City should also be commended for £1 entry for Under 16’s. I’m all for lower prices to encourage youngsters to attend and get the bug of watching their local team, they are the foundation of any clubs future support.

So here’s hoping for good crowd numbers for the ties in Round One, all the way to Wembley!

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2010/11: Pre-season – The Non-League Option

When I lived in London, I would regularly watch around 50 games a season. As well as watching my beloved Fulham, I spend many a Saturday at Plough Lane watching Wimbledon in the Southern League and Tooting & Mitcham in the Isthmian League. It was a chance to watch football without stress, it was cheaper and invariably had a sense of a greater belonging – a friendliness. That is not to say that the football was any less committed, that supporters were less fanatical or rivalries were less intense. I didn’t feel that I was being taken advantage of or being bombarded by advertising and merchandising. Many club officials and those working in the bars and refreshments areas were volunteers and so provided an honesty and integrity when attending the games. Two stand-out memories from those days occurred at Plough Lane and showed a career on the rise and one on the way down. In a London Senior Cup tie in 1978/79 season a 17 year old Dave Beasant played for Edgware Town against Wimbledon. He had a stormer of a game and was later signed up by the Dons on the way to a long and event filled career. A couple of years earlier, Geoff Hurst, cut a rather sad figure leading the forward line as player-manager of Telford United. Not a great memory of England’s 1966 hat-trick hero.

Since coming North I still get around the Non-League circuit and I’ll add a new ground to those visited tonight when Wakefield host a Leeds United XI. Yorkshire is blessed with a full range of clubs up and down the Non-League ladder. In the Conference Premier, York City are the flag bearers for the White Rose County, whilst a division below Guiseley and Harrogate Town look to continue their progress through the Leagues. FC Halifax Town, Bradford Park Avenue, Ossett Albion, Ossett Town, Harrogate Railway, Garforth Town, Yorkshire Amatuer – are all clubs in Yorkshire who would welcome extra spectators to their clubs. A special mention for Farsley AFC (previously Farsley Celtic) who have emerged from their troubles and start life again this season. Sky would have us believe that football doesn’t exist outside of the Premier League. Many fans know this isn’t true. The fact is football exists outside of the 92 clubs as well. If you are looking for a different experience and  when your team are away and you can’t get tickets, why not get along to a Non-League game?

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2010/11: Pre-season – Leeds Utd v Wolves

Well my 2010/11 season is now underway, as I joined the 12,000+ for the preseason game against Wolves at Elland Road yesterday. Overall Leeds ran out convincing 3-1 winners against the Premier League outfit. A morale boosting victory a week before the season starts.

It’s always difficult to judge how players will take to the Championship on the evidence of one game, but here are my positives and negatives from the performance yesterday. Max Gradel worried the Wolves defence for the hour he was on the pitch and scored a stunner to put Leeds ahead. Becchio chased and harried as is his trademark and Lloyd Sam did enough to suggest that Championship defences need to watch out for him. Sam’s endeavours were rewarded with the goal to put Leeds 2-1 up in the second half. In midfield Kilkenny was the dominant player with Johnson showing steady support who scored late on with a header for the third goal. At the back Alex Bruce (on for the injured Naylor) showed excellent positional ability and put in some useful tackles and blocks. Grayson wants Leeds to get the ball on the ground and play and this was reflected with some excellent passages of passing play during the 90 minutes.

On the negative side. Schmeichel made some excellent saves during his time between the sticks yesterday, but wasn’t convincing with anything swung into the box. He had a tendency yesterday to back towards his line and was at fault in Wolves soft equaliser on the stroke of half-time. Grayson has a decision to make regarding who his first choice keeper is. A defence and team need to have a keeper they have faith in. It’s unsettling as witnessed last season to keep swapping. Bessone had a nightmare first half. He constantly got the wrong side when marking his striker, his distribution and tackling were also poor. He looked better second half when coming forward, but I would question his defensive abilities based on yesterdays outing. In midfield Jonny Howson had a very quiet game and seemed either unable or unwilling to get involved in the game. Upfront, I’d still like to see a better option that Somma who did nothing to impress for me when he came on.

Off the pitch, I was irritated to hell by the big screen and sound system. Was it me or was the volume unnecessarily loud? Perhaps it was just that with the stadium a third full the racket was more noticeable. However, before the game and at half-time, the crowd was “treated” to what seemed like a constant bombardment of adverts for the new sponsors of the various stands at Elland Road, I felt like I was listening to a tannoy in a pound shop. I realised how bad it was when my son at half time turned round to me and said, do we really have to listen to all this cheese…

Then to cap off the day on the train home, I read the programme and headed for the Chairman’s notes. For those of you unable to share in the wisdom of Mr Bates, here are the “facts/headlines” according to his latest missive:

• Wolves regained and retained their Premier League status through good management, not just spending cash.

• The away blue kit is now available – BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY!

 • August 1st – Annual Family Day. The away blue kit is now available – BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY!

• Billy’s Bar – Great Sunday Roast Lunch– BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY! • Old Conference & Exhibition Centre demolished. Centenary Pavilion being built. Will accommodate 2,500 – 3,000 (Members ONLY) on matchday.

 • Howards Way to be converted to quality restaurant with wine to match– BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY!

• LUSCOS bashed by Bates – why do numbers of international members match up?

• LUSCOS praised by Bates – they invest money in LUFC U15’s Academy.

• Other Supporters Groups criticised – where does their money go?

• Leeds Members Club grows – BUY, BUY, BUY, BUY!

Mr Bates to aisle 3 please……

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