I didn't go to Cardiff for the last play-off final because the Leeds side (it wasn't a team) that season had a habit of not turning up, on a regular basis, and were led by another reasonably lucky but clueless manager (into which category I would put O'Leary BTW). I didn't even watch the game and spent the weekend in Edinburgh on a business jolly. From what I can gather though, the team failed to turn up for the big occasion and the manager (Blackwell) obviously couldn't apply his skill, judgement and knowledge of the game to remedy the tactical challenge.
Cardiff, like the match in Valencia, was another tipping point in the fortunes of Leeds United. Tipping point as springboard in our downward spiral/ freefall. The financial shenanigans of our illustrious (non)owner last Summer led to the 15 point deduction and consequent delay in our pre-season team-building. Nevertheless a great team spirit coalesced from the adversity and perceived injustice. A good dollop of luck, good results and consequent "us against the rest" (when was it anything but for Leeds?) brought the fans round behind the team and took their aim away from Monsieur Bates de Monaco, for the time being at least. I haven't been to many games this season, or since our second Championship season for that matter, but I am going on Sunday because I want to put this season to bed properly, one way or the other. The myth of the 15 points sustained us until the revelations of the arbitration panel ruling were disclosed. And it was a myth - but myths are often more powerful than the truth and live far longer in memory. The current squad clearly do give a damn about trying and don't seem hell-bent on getting themselves rescued from SOTG at the earliest opportunity. After a shaky start and an inspired loan signing, the One Greedy Bastard :-)) has put some iron and skill back into Leeds United. One third Division season isn't really a good measure of quality but this season has given me far more satisfaction from supporting Leeds than any season since 73/74. In fact, for me, it's almost on a par with winning the league for the first time. For sure the stakes (and opposition) are no comparison to the modern day, so-called League One but the team has really been committed to playing for Leeds United and I just want to be there to see how it all ends up. Simple as that. Dunderhead Failure isn't an option, it's bundled with the software _______________________________________________ the Leeds List is an unmoderated mailing list and the list administrators accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors. Leedslist mailing list [email protected] http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist "the morphine patch and the handfuls of dihydrocodiene and paracetamol did the business. I am GOING TO WEMBLEY !!!!" Dave Nattan May 16th 2008
