The rise and fall of Albert Johanneson

Albert Johanneson had the distinction of becoming the first black player to appear in the FA Cup Final when he stepped out at Wembley for Leeds United against Liverpool in the 1965 showpiece event. Although the game would ultimately end in defeat, the occasion was to provide the highlight of a career in which the South African faced a huge challenges, both on and off the pitch.

The cultured left-winger joined Leeds in 1961 after impressing on trial. Over the next decade he would go on to make 200 appearances for the Whites, scoring an impressive 68 goals, including two hat-tricks in European ties. Albert would no doubt have achieved even more had it not been for the fact he spent much of his career competing against the legendary Eddie Gray for a place in the side.

Affectionately dubbed the 'Black Flash', he had the ability to turn opposing defences inside out, possessing lightening quick pace and an abundance of skill. However, Johanneson was often the target of racist abuse from both fans and opponents alike. Irish star George Best paid tribute to his immense courage, saying: 'Albert was quite a brave man to actually go on the pitch in the first place, wasn't he? And he went out and did it. He had a lot of skill. A nice man as well…which is, I suppose, the more important thing, isn't it? More important than anything.'

The pressures of the abuse he had to contend with as a black footballer took their toll on Johanneson. He turned to drink to cope with his demons, undergoing treatment for alcoholism on a number of occasions. In the end it proved too big a barrier for him to overcome, ultimately costing him his life. Tragically Albert was found dead in a rundown flat in Leeds in September 1995, aged just 53.

The day Lucas Radebe was shot

Lucas Radebe's 'rags to riches' story was very nearly ended almost as soon as it had begun. The Leeds United legend, nicknamed 'The Chief' grew up in the slums of Soweto, near Johannesburg, during one of the most violent times in South Africa under apartheid.

One of eleven children, he learnt his trade playing barefoot with a ball made of rolled-up socks. His breakthrough came during 1989, when talent scouts spotted him and signed him up to play for one of Africa's most glamorous clubs, Kaizer Chiefs.

But within two years the youngster's career would come under serious threat. Radebe had been out on the streets of Soweto with his brothers, one of his sisters and her baby. As they walked and shopped they heard gunfire, but didn't pay it much attention because, said Radebe: 'In Soweto you heard shots all the time'. Unfortunately, this time the gunfire was directed in the young footballer's direction and a bullet hit him in the small of the back and exited through his thigh.

As he was rushed to hospital, Radebe claims that the main concern running through his mind was not whether he would live or die, but whether he would be able to play football again. Fortunately, the wound was not too severe and Lucas's career was soon back on track. Neither the gunman nor the motive for attacking Radebe was ever discovered, although Lucas does harbour suspicions that his assailant was hired to prevent him from leaving the Kaizer Chiefs.

He says the shooting was both a 'defining moment' and a 'blessing in disguise.' His brush with death made him determined to make the most of his life and his talent, and in 1994 Howard Wilkinson, then manager of Leeds United, brought Radebe and his team mate Philemon Masinga to the Premiership. From that moment onwards for 'The Chief', the only way was up.

'One of the greatest names in English football'

Pop icon Madonna famously stated that 'Italians do it better,' and it would seem that Leeds United chairman Ken Bates agrees, after announcing a new kit sponsorship deal that is reputedly one of the most lucrative outside of the Premiership. The four season agreement will see the Italian sportswear brand supplying kits and training wear for the first team, reserves and Academy.

Macron's Chief Executive Officer, Gianluca Pavanello, said the company was 'privileged' to link up with the Whites. 'Macron are delighted to announce its new partnership with Leeds United, one of the greatest names in English football' he said. 'We feel privileged that Macron will be associated with a club that has such a huge history and greatness.'

'We feel we are joining Leeds United at a time when the club is marching back to where it belongs, in the Premiership. Leeds United will be the flagship of our activity in Europe and we will put all our resources into making sure we supply the club and its fans with the best products available.'

Leeds United Amazing Memories - Video

Will Leeds United be promoted this season?

Leeds United's rollercoaster of a season continues to resemble a modern day soap opera with twists and turns on an almost daily basis. For the supporters of the fallen giant each result is met with either euphoria or dismay, with the team seemingly being perceived as world-beaters one week and Sunday football pub team fodder the next.

It is said that football is a game of two halves, and two halves which are never the same. It seems that United's season is following a similar pattern. The first 23 games yielded a phenomenal haul of 52 points, at an average of 2.26 points per game. However, the seven league games of 2008 have seen the Whites scrape together just seven points, already incurring four defeats, beating the three suffered throughout the first half of the season.

The loss of former assistant manager Gus Poyet to Spurs now seems a major turning point in the season, and just last week Dennis Wise also jumped ship to take up an office job assisting Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United. New boss Gary McAllister will now be under no illusions about the size of the task facing him as the business end of the season looms into view.

A drastic confidence boost is required as soon as possible to ensure that the side does not undo all the great work put in earlier in the season. So what do you think, will Leeds gain promotion back to the Championship this season? Vote now!

McAllister beaten on Leeds return

New boss Gary McAllister made his mark on the team with five changes to the starting line-up, handing debuts to Anthony Elding and Alan Sheehan, with Lubo Michalik starting his second spell with the club, and Bradley Johnson and Matt Heath earning recalls.

McAllister received a tremendous reception from the huge home support, but it was Tranmere Rovers who threatened first with a free-kick from Paul McLaren which thudded against the crossbar. Leeds began to play their way into the game with Elding and Jonny Howson both forcing Rovers keeper Danny Coyne into action, before David Prutton hit the bar with a fine free-kick in first half added time.

Jermaine Beckford saw a header saved early in the second half before Seb Carole was brought on to replace Darren Kenton. On 57 minutes Tore Andre Flo also joined the action, replacing Elding, but it was Rovers who went in front on the hour mark with a terrific goal from Jennision Myrie-Williams, curling the ball beyond the reach of David Lucas.

Nine minutes later Ian Moore headed home to double the advantage on his Tranmere debut. The ex-Leeds striker had signed for his father Ronnie on transfer deadline day from rivals Hartlepool United. With seventeen minutes remaining McAllister was forced into his final change when an injury to Alan Sheehan saw the introduction of Paul Huntington. Leeds fought hard to save the game but to no avail, as the new boss's reign began with a damaging home defeat.