LUSS in LEEDS
LUSS Annual Trip to Leeds
Finally it was time for LUSS annual trip to Leeds. There were about 40 of us LUSS members including those in hospitality that took part in the journey to Elland Road to watch the clash between Leeds and Blackburn. It was fun to meet people who have participated before and also to meet new participants!
The match started early so it was an early warm-up for us at the Clayton. Many went straight from breakfast to the bar.
Earlier in the week when I arrived at the hotel they said the bar was closed! Panic!!! But the hotel fixed up tables with white tablecloths in a meeting room with a bar. They also downloaded our logo to decorate the tables. This was much appreciated.
Back in time to Tuesday!
Some LUSS members had decided to have a short break in Leeds and travelled for the Sunderland match.
Margareta and me ended up in the hospitality tent together with a very weak Leeds supporter and a Sunderland supporter. That young man had really scrutinised everything about Sunderland and the FA Cup Final where they defeated us. As the undersigned has a traumatic memory, from the 1973 FA Cup Final, of this tragic loss , I am always a little cautious when commenting on this match. The Sunderland supporter forced me to remember the Leeds line-up for the game. Of the 11 regulars, I was right on 10. I forgot that Paul Madeley was left back and I was wrong about the substitute. I was approved! More fun was getting to shake hands with legend, Paul Reaney, during the evening.
The match itself felt like everything was going sideways or that passes were going backwards. Someone said it was a cat's game with a mouse. If it was the cat had forgotten how to deliver the killer blow! Final Score 0-0.
On Wednesday a variety of activities took place - we always have a free choice day. Every time you were in a LUFC shop there were LUSS!
Steen and I met up with LUSN chairman, Clive and LUSN secretary, Jacqui at the Scarbrough Tavern - a traditional Leeds pub. We talked about the things that have an impact on us in Sweden, opportunities for tickets and LUTV among other things. They hope that LUTV will be sorted to show more matches but it depends on new broadcasting deals. It will be brought to LUFC attention.
Some people went to York. I made a trip to Saltaire which is about half an hour by train from Leeds. The place's name is a combination of Titus Salt, who built a weaving mill and good quality workers housing (very unusual in his day) with the River Aire which also flows through Leeds. In the converted industrial premises, which are classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, exhibitions with works by David Hockney were shown, as well as other things. Hockney's paintings are probably among the most expensive of all English artists that are still alive today. He was born in Yorkshire!
Another day I followed Margareta with Steen , Nina and their friends to Ilkley so we could go hiking on Ilkley Moor. We took the train to Ilkley , then had to trudge straight up to get to the moor. It was a real moor with heather and old quarries. We saw and heard grouse, which were plentiful. Anyone who has been to Dartmoor, in Devon, will know what it is like. After the hiking there was a trip to the pub, 'The Cow and Calf, located up on the hill. The pub was was just as cosy as you would imagine a warm cabin after a long hike. Pre-drinks in the bar and then we got a table with a multi-course menu - it was very appreciated. There is more to tell about the journey home and the pub stop but I will save that for another time.
Friday was devoted to the much appreciated bowling tournament. Although not everyone played the attendance was high. Two prizes , best series and best performance. The winner was not so unexpected , Gerry for the best series - but he was on home turf after all! Ted Hansson had the best performance.
To return to Saturday!
Those who had hospitality only had a short meeting with the group to take part in the group photo. Steen gave a shorter than usual presentation at the Clayton, which was why we were sure of victory today!
The rest of us walked together to the ground an hour later. There was no time for the usual get together in the Peacock.
Our expectations and those of the other nearly 37000 supporters, given Leeds track record, were high.
But what happened?? Despite great ball possession and many chances, Leeds do not manage to score. Unfortunately, Blackburn Rovers succeed in a quick turnover to punch a hole in Leeds and score a goal, which was also the final result. Steen told me I probably won't be allowed to go to any more matches as I have not seen Leeds win in the last 5 matches I have been to!
Unfortunately the trip coincided with the ice-hockey play offs which caused some tension between the different factions, however it all resolved itself happily - even though Steen thought it was a strange football trip where so much came to revolve around ice-hockey.
On behalf of everyone who went I want to thank Steen and Gerry for planning the trip. Steen especially as he manged to handle everything to do with the tickets. The LUSS board can testify how much goes in to getting everything right. Gerry, as it feels good to have a real Loiner on the board. Next time we need to get up more interest for the drive to see all the Leeds United murals.
Despite the fact that the results did not go our way, we were all pleased with the trip and we look forward to being able to make more trips in the future.
