Whilst last night's first leg play-off semi-final defeat to Carlisle was largely a frustrating time for the supporters, the attitude throughout the 96 minutes was absolutely amazing. The 36,297 fans who packed into Elland Road were a credit to themselves and the club. Throughout the history of Leeds United Football Club, and during the last few years in particular, there have been many many 'ups and downs.'
Leeds supporters have been through the mill so many times that having our backs against the wall has become second nature. The club have been backed by a phenomenal show of support throughout the current campaign - a season remember which began 15 points adrift at the foot of the table - the fan's being being punished for alleged misdemeanours which have always been outside of their control.
It seems that the supporters love for the club is stronger now than at any point in the past, maybe because we came so close to losing our great club. Whatever happens at Carlisle United on Thursday night, the season has been an amazing success both on the pitch and the terraces. The one single thing that makes Leeds United great is its fantastic support, who are truly there through thick and thin, in good times and bad.
When 1-0 down at half-time the players were applauded off the pitch in a show of unity and encouragement. After going 2-0 down there was still no booing, just a rallying call of support. By the time Dougie Freedman had snatched United a vital lifeline, the final whistle could not be heard as the whole stadium sung the team off the pitch. In similar circumstances 95% of grounds would have been half-empty by the time of Freedman's late salvo, but not Elland Road. It's clear that Gary McAllister will have his players doing everything possible to repay that outstanding show of loyalty in the second leg.
