This year is the first time in history that one country has monopolised the finals of the continent's top football competitions.
Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea.
League Table 1999-00
******** = 91 Pts
Arsenal = 73
Leeds United = 69
Liverpool = 67
Chelsea = 65
Aston Villa = 58
League Table 2000-01
******** ******* = 80 Pts
Arsenal = 70
Liverpool = 69
Leeds United = 68
Ipswich Town = 66
Chelsea = 61
And Spurs aren't even mentioned.
Whilst some of those excelled, others consolidated and a few fell back, all we've have to endure is the stench and ignominy of failure.
Incompetent owner after incompetent owner. And that's the best description they could hope for.
Through one man's gamble - which failed miserably and resulted in (at minimum) a decade-and-a-half-long repentance - we've had our faith tested to the limit and our belief in the club's core values questioned when transient regimes appeared to question our loyalty and chose to set themselves against us, the very life-blood of the club.
Don't get me wrong, visiting grounds like Giliingham and Colchester have had their moments, but the club has offered little to keep us involved over prior to AR's tenure.
(Moments? Ha! I lie. Standing on the platform at Gillingham Station waiting for the train back to London after suffering a 3-0 defeat at the Priestfield was one of low points of supporting Leeds United. And I've done that for over five decades).
But, whatever, make no bones about it - I'll be supporting you until I die.
So, whatever your feelings about the last few games, whatever the gut-wrenching emotions that you experienced over losing out on the automatic places - and I assure you, we felt just the same pain - please, please, brush those aside.
And believe.
We can always achieve more together than we can separetly.
Side before self every time.
MOT.
If you're squeamish, please don't read
posted on 10/5/19
As an old(er) Gooner, I remember our rivalry back in the early 70's etc,and I hated you back then,as most did! That was Don Revies team of course and such like. But you know what? I doubt many of those other 'big' clubs would still have a fan base like yours if they had been through what your club has. Fair play, you are the real deal,and I hope you get back up here where you belong, and soon. Respect to you all,proper fans.
posted on 10/5/19
If you had won the 2006 play-off final, what impact do you that would have had on how things have turned out?
posted on 10/5/19
Great article - was thinking exactly along the same lines late last night.
Leeds born - will never support anyone else
MOT
posted on 10/5/19
We can do this!
posted on 10/5/19
comment by BraveheartTyke (U6173)
posted 3 hours, 42 minutes ago
If you had won the 2006 play-off final, what impact do you that would have had on how things have turned out?
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A lot said at the time, it would break the club losing that final, it would have given the club a lifeline, so who know's. The likes of Thorpe Arch & Elland Rd wouldn't have been sold.
posted on 10/5/19
comment by Tyke (U9181)
posted 4 hours, 25 minutes ago
As an old(er) Gooner, I remember our rivalry back in the early 70's etc,and I hated you back then,as most did! That was Don Revies team of course and such like. But you know what? I doubt many of those other 'big' clubs would still have a fan base like yours if they had been through what your club has. Fair play, you are the real deal,and I hope you get back up here where you belong, and soon. Respect to you all,proper fans.
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Thank you, we appreciate it!
posted on 10/5/19
comment by lufc - Harrogate (U6810)
posted 2 hours, 51 minutes ago
comment by BraveheartTyke (U6173)
posted 3 hours, 42 minutes ago
If you had won the 2006 play-off final, what impact do you that would have had on how things have turned out?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A lot said at the time, it would break the club losing that final, it would have given the club a lifeline, so who know's. The likes of Thorpe Arch & Elland Rd wouldn't have been sold.
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They'd already been sold by then.
But it would have been a lifeline. Something to build on at least.