Tribute to the most loyal fans in world football

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.

Seven reasons why Leeds United will beat Carlisle on Thursday

At half-time in the League One play-off semi-final the Cumbrians hold a 2-1 advantage, but, whilst not a scoreline Leeds United players or fans would have preferred, there are several good reasons to be optimistic about the Whites emerging victorious at Brunton Park later this week:

• Leeds have already proven themselves to be better than their opponents after accumulating 91 points to Carlisle's 80 over 46 league games
• Leeds won more than half of their away fixtures during the season, a record matched only by champions Swansea City
• Leeds scored 8 goals more than their opponents, and conceded 8 goals fewer, finishing the season with a 16 goal advantage
• Leeds are the best supported team in the whole of the Football League, with an average attendance of 25,720. Carlisle managed just 7,835 and were unable to sell their full allocation of tickets for the Elland Road game, bringing only 1,008 supporters
• Leeds have won 6 out of the last 8 games, Carlisle have won just 2 in the same period
• Leeds managed to score in 87% of their fixtures, the best record in the division
• Leeds forward Dougie Freedman has hit 3 goals in 2 games against Carlisle, finding the net on average every 60 minutes against them. Thursday's game could last 120 minutes...do the maths!

Marching on Together...we're gonna see you WIN!

Leeds United special on ITV1 tonight

The controversial 44 day reign of Brian Clough as Leeds United boss is examined in a one hour South Bank Show special showing on ITV1 at 10.50pm tonight. The programme, hosted by Melvin Bragg, examines the football novel 'The Damned United' by David Peace, which follows charismatic manager Brian Clough as he takes over from Don Revie as manager of the Elland Road club.

Prior to his appointment Clough had very publicly voiced his dislike for Don Revie's side. During his 44 days he barely spoke to the players, took an axe to the former boss's desk, saw his captain sent off for fighting at Wembley, and won only one competitive game.

The book has been acclaimed as one of the best ever written about sport, and is sure to be of interest to United fans young and old.

Carlisle to pay the penalty?

Leeds and Carlisle fans alike are in for a treat over the next four days if the prediction of Cumbrians boss John Ward proves true. With anticipation reaching fever pitch ahead of the first leg of the League One play-off semi-final at Elland Road tomorrow night Ward is expecting both sides to 'go for it.'

Having himself cast his side as the 'underdogs', claiming they are the David to the Leeds Goliath, the 57 year old former assistant to Graham Taylor stated: 'We need to come back from Leeds still in the tie, I think that is really important.'

'I'm not trying to be cautious or careful but there have been nine goals in the two games that we have played against Leeds. An odd goal defeat at Elland Road, a 3-1 win here for us. Two fantastic games, I'm not suggesting that there will be nine goals again, but I think that it will be reasonably open. I can't see two League One teams shutting up shop and being cagey and careful, I think that we'll both have a little go for it.'

'We're not practising penalties yet, can't do that, can't even get the thoughts around it. I've been asked that, it doesn't come into it until the second leg anyway so let's see where we are after Monday and we might consider that.'

Charitable Leeds pay out to benefit everyone but themselves...was it all worth it?

As the dust settles on the Leeds United v Football League 15 point deduction saga, it has come to light that the club were ordered to pay the legal costs incurred by the league in defending the action. Without knowing the exact figures it is clear that these costs, added to United's own, will run into many thousands of pounds.

The failed action has served to highlight that the present administration rules regarding CVA's are far from satisfactory, and no doubt the Football League will now look to put measures in place so that HMRC and individual clubs come to a more suitable arrangement regarding Inland Revenue debt. Lord Mahwinney himself stated that '...discussions with HMRC will continue.' This will probably ensure that no other club incur the 25 point total penalty that Leeds United's administration cost them.

Luton Town, themselves at risk of a further 15 point deduction, are happy that Leeds United had the financial 'muscle' to challenge the decision and highlight the problem. Stephen Browne, director of LTFC2020, saying: 'If nothing else what it's done for all football clubs is it has gained a commitment from the Football League to clarify and write down rules for what the situation is.' It therefore appears that the Whites have been fighting a crusade which will ultimately only benefit other clubs.

So after all is said and done...was the appeal worth it? Give your opinion in our online poll.

'Et tu, Brute?' - Leeds must learn from fate of Julius Caesar

And here we were thinking that everyone was against us! Seemingly not... On the day that Leeds United's appeal against their 15 point deduction for breaching Football League insolvency rules was rejected, the 'black sheep' of football was welcomed back into the most disfunctional collective since the days of the Addams Family. Morticia Addams, today played by Football League chairman Lord Mahwinney, attempted to draw a wonky line under the whole sordid affair.

Her, sorry his, statement read: 'On behalf of the Board and the League I welcome the panel's findings in its entirety. It has found that the actions we took were reasonable and appropriate in these unprecedented circumstances and that we had the power to act as we did. Now I believe we should draw a line under the whole process.'

(It is unclear whether the next part of the statement was read with tongue in cheek) 'Leeds United are a valued member of the Football League family. We should all now get back to the business of football and enjoy the climax to what has already been an exciting season.'

So apparently all is well in the world again. Leeds United in the play-offs is sure to be a huge money-spinner for the Football League, and the rest of their 'family'. However, United and their supporters will not be taken in by their new found friends, for, as Julius Caesar found out to his cost, there are backstabbers in every 'family'. As we enter the play-offs it seems the siege-mentality that has served the club so well is our only real ally. Leeds United against the world is the order of the day. So, thank you for patronising comments Sir, but we'll take our chances on our own.