Follow Me and Leeds United...
Welcome to "Follow Me and Leeds United", the often vibrant chronicle of Heidi Haigh’s incredible adventures supporting Leeds United since the glory days of Don Revie’s era! With an impressive span of over 50 years of travel across the UK supporting the Whites, Heidi masterfully captures the heart and soul of every matchday experience with her trademark wit and engaging storytelling.
This website serves not just as a personal written and pictorial diary; it’s a heartfelt tribute to fellow fans and an open invitation to share in the joy, laughter, and camaraderie that only the beautiful game can bring.
Join Heidi on her exhilarating journey, and let’s celebrate the ups & downs, and unforgettable encounters that make being a Leeds United supporter such a unique experience together! With each game she shares, you'll see for yourself the MatchDay and feel some of the atmosphere, as if you were right there beside her, cheering on our beloved team.
Follow Me and Leeds United...
Welcome to "Follow Me and Leeds United", the often vibrant chronicle of Heidi Haigh’s incredible adventures supporting Leeds United since the glory days of Don Revie’s era! With an impressive span of over 50 years of travel across the UK supporting the Whites, Heidi masterfully captures the heart and soul of every matchday experience with her trademark wit and engaging storytelling.
This website serves not just as a personal written and pictorial diary; it’s a heartfelt tribute to fellow fans and an open invitation to share in the joy, laughter, and camaraderie that only the beautiful game can bring.
Join Heidi on her exhilarating journey, and let’s celebrate the ups & downs, and unforgettable encounters that make being a Leeds United supporter such a unique experience together! With each game she shares, you'll see for yourself the MatchDay and feel some of the atmosphere, as if you were right there beside her, cheering on our beloved team.
April 22, 2025
Leeds United V Stoke City Monday 21st April 2025 - Elland Road 2024/25 Season I’d woke up at 3am and found I couldn’t sleep for hours. My mind had started racing thinking of all the permutations of what could happen at the game today. We could actually be promoted if things went our way and the excitement rising in me meant I’d gone into overdrive, which all contributed to the sleeplessness. Speaking to others at the game, I wasn’t the only one feeling this way. The worst thing was dropping asleep for an hour before getting up then feeling like I’d been hit by a bus and all my enthusiasm had waned so what would be, would be. Before heading to Elland Road, we went for our traditional bank holiday visit to Selby market and to get a Doubtfire’s ice cream. Leeds fans were out in force which was good to see. One a stall holder shouted to a Sheffield United fan who “wasn’t impressed” to see me, a Leeds United fan. There again we had a conversation, and he told me that we would win 4 or 5 nil today which I said I’d take. Never in a million years would we have expected to be 5-0 up at half time especially after being turned around at kick off. Team: Darlow, Ampadu, Rodon, Bogle, Firpo, Gnonto, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe, Gruev, Tanaka. Subs: Ramazani for Gnonto (66), Bamford for Piroe (66), Byram for Firpo (77), Schmidt for Bogle (77), Harry Gray aged 16 making his first team debut for Aaronson (86). Subs not used: Meslier, Joseph, Guilavogui, Wöber. Leeds won the game 6-0 with Piroe getting four (6, 8, 20, 41), Firpo (26) and Gnonto (59). Attendance: 36,644, with approximately 1,900 Stoke fans. Referee: Darren Bond. Booked: Ampadu. Turning us round at the start of the game didn’t have the effect that Stoke thought there’d be. Leeds were on fire as Gnonto then Solomon with Piroe hitting the final ball into the net saw us take an early lead. Within two minutes we had doubled our lead when Bogle carried on running past the Stoke player taking the ball with him passed into the box for Piroe to score a second goal. Piroe then completed his hat trick after Tanaka sent a great ball into the box for Gnonto. He hit his shot at the second attempt which brought a save out of their keeper then Piroe came in at the far post and scored from a narrow angle. Wow, unbelievable scenes at Elland Road as the fans erupted hardly believing our eyes. We hadn’t finished yet as Bogle once again getting involved, got round their man in the penalty area and his pass saw Firpo hit a fourth into the net. Gnonto saw another shot saved by the keeper before Bogle once again saw his shot bounce back off the upright and Piroe hit the rebound into the net. It looked like a Stoke player and Aaronson tried getting a toe onto the ball, but it looks like Piroe was given the goal. It felt very surreal going into the break 5-0 up. Stoke had their first shot on goal but straight at Darlow just before the whistle blew. The second half saw Stoke bring on three subs and although we took a little while to settle, a fantastic cross by Solomon saw Gnonto head the ball into the net for a sixth goal on the day. There was no coming back for Stoke from the score then as we started to believe we were going up. They did have another shot on target on the 80th minute but in reality it was one way traffic for most of the game which was great for us fans too.  It was lovely to see the Gray family dynasty carry on when Harry Gray younger brother of Archie, came on as a sub at 16 years of age. A special moment especially for Eddie Gray who was extremely proud and full of emotion on seeing him come on to the pitch. LUFC – Marching on Together!
April 19, 2025
Oxford United V Leeds United Friday 18th April 2025 - The Kassam Stadium 2024/25 Season After a couple of bad days, I’d felt more upbeat on my way to Elland Road when a lorry with a lest we forget cab, passed me with a big Leeds United badge on the side. I automatically gave it the Leeds salute as I go onto autopilot when I see other Leeds fans. Listening to music helped me so in my reel I said I wanted Leeds to go and enjoy the football, forget about our target of automatic promotion but to keep fighting. My thoughts were that it would take the pressure off us. After other results didn’t help again (not that I expected any to), winning the game had to be a priority. At our pub stop it was nice to talk to some Oxford fans who still wished us good luck despite wanting their team to win, as they’d be fighting for the points as they were near the relegation zone. The last time we’d come to this ground was for a pre-season friendly, but I couldn’t remember when but was reminded that it was for Bielsa’s first game. It’s still unique with only three stands in place but it gave some Leeds fans the chance to watch from the car park and others in the distant trees. This was another ground where we were treated well as far as I was concerned. The only issue was getting soaked before the game when I switched the tap on in the ladies sink only for a torrent of water to overflow everywhere. I wasn’t the only one to find that out the hard way. Team: Darlow, Ampadu, Rodon, Bogle, Solomon, Gnonto, Gruev, Tanaka, Aaronson, Firpo, Piroe. Subs: Bamford for Piroe (75), James for Gnonto (75), Schmidt for Solomon (87), Guilavogui for Aaronson (90). Subs not used: Meslier, Joseph, Byram, Ramazani, Wöber. Leeds won the game 1-0 with the goal scored by Solomon (32). Attendance: 11,537, 1,434 Leeds fans. Referee: Dean Whitestone. Booked: Gruev, Bogle. I knew it wouldn’t be an easy game which turned out to be the case and very tense for us Leeds fans. Oxford were the first on the attack which saw Darlow make a good save before their keeper was called into action to save a shot from Aaronson. Oxford were having plenty of possession, looking quite dangerous at times. Instead of the flying Leeds fan at an Oxford game in the past, it was a flying Leeds player when Tanaka was pushed in the back. After soaking up the pressure, Leeds took the lead when Rodon sent an excellent ball for Bogle to run onto who sent a great pass across the box for Solomon to race in and put the ball into the net. That was a welcome relief to take the lead and meant we were in control then as we went into the break. The second half still saw Oxford with a lot of possession, and we had to be really patient in our build ups (not that us fans were), but we did manage some good play down the wing. We started attacking more as Farke was looking to bring our first subs on and a Firpo shot went over the bar but was not that far away. Darlow threw a long ball out to Solomon on the wing, and he would have been away bearing down on goal only for the game to be stopped for a foul. Tanaka was so unlucky not to score as his long shot hit the bottom of the post and bounced away sadly not near a Leeds player. From a free kick their keeper was able to make the save from Gruev easily. Oxford tried getting back into the game, but we were standing firm in defence and there were plenty of sighs of relief that we were one step closer to automatic promotion when the final whistle blew. It is still all to play for, and Monday will have a big bearing on the outcome of the table positions, as Burnley and Sheffield United play each other after our game has finished. Keeping us in pole position will be vital and put even more pressure on those two. As long as the challengers implode and not us, I’d be happy. I’d have no problem us all going up to have local derby games, but we have to go up automatically whereas one of them can go up via the playoffs I’ve tried for exchange tickets for Monday without success so it will be just the three of us with season tickets being at the game. I’m looking forward to a bouncing Elland Road, but we must get behind the team for the full 90 minutes. On the way home, I had a few tears as my husband won’t be there to share the chance of Leeds going up. We first met at a pre-season friendly in Molenbeek in 1977 so go back a long way. There are many more Leeds fans who won’t be there to share this with us either so the emotions and nostalgia will be hitting many of us if we succeed. See you there, LUFC – Marching on Together!
Join Heidi, one of Leeds United's biggest fans for everything related to LUFC!
With her trusty season ticket securely in hand, she’s all set to capture the electric atmosphere that surrounds MatchDay!, both home and away matches throughout the 2024/25 season.
From the bustling crowds outside the stadiums, where excitement buzzes in the air, capturing unforgettable moments on the pitch as well as images of those attending the games, FMALU offers you a front-row seat to all of Heidi's experiences around the UK.
Click the link below to dive into her spirited adventures, revel in the passion of the fans, and discover just why Leeds supporters are truly the greatest in the land!
April 22, 2025
Leeds United V Stoke City Monday 21st April 2025 - Elland Road 2024/25 Season I’d woke up at 3am and found I couldn’t sleep for hours. My mind had started racing thinking of all the permutations of what could happen at the game today. We could actually be promoted if things went our way and the excitement rising in me meant I’d gone into overdrive, which all contributed to the sleeplessness. Speaking to others at the game, I wasn’t the only one feeling this way. The worst thing was dropping asleep for an hour before getting up then feeling like I’d been hit by a bus and all my enthusiasm had waned so what would be, would be. Before heading to Elland Road, we went for our traditional bank holiday visit to Selby market and to get a Doubtfire’s ice cream. Leeds fans were out in force which was good to see. One a stall holder shouted to a Sheffield United fan who “wasn’t impressed” to see me, a Leeds United fan. There again we had a conversation, and he told me that we would win 4 or 5 nil today which I said I’d take. Never in a million years would we have expected to be 5-0 up at half time especially after being turned around at kick off. Team: Darlow, Ampadu, Rodon, Bogle, Firpo, Gnonto, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe, Gruev, Tanaka. Subs: Ramazani for Gnonto (66), Bamford for Piroe (66), Byram for Firpo (77), Schmidt for Bogle (77), Harry Gray aged 16 making his first team debut for Aaronson (86). Subs not used: Meslier, Joseph, Guilavogui, Wöber. Leeds won the game 6-0 with Piroe getting four (6, 8, 20, 41), Firpo (26) and Gnonto (59). Attendance: 36,644, with approximately 1,900 Stoke fans. Referee: Darren Bond. Booked: Ampadu. Turning us round at the start of the game didn’t have the effect that Stoke thought there’d be. Leeds were on fire as Gnonto then Solomon with Piroe hitting the final ball into the net saw us take an early lead. Within two minutes we had doubled our lead when Bogle carried on running past the Stoke player taking the ball with him passed into the box for Piroe to score a second goal. Piroe then completed his hat trick after Tanaka sent a great ball into the box for Gnonto. He hit his shot at the second attempt which brought a save out of their keeper then Piroe came in at the far post and scored from a narrow angle. Wow, unbelievable scenes at Elland Road as the fans erupted hardly believing our eyes. We hadn’t finished yet as Bogle once again getting involved, got round their man in the penalty area and his pass saw Firpo hit a fourth into the net. Gnonto saw another shot saved by the keeper before Bogle once again saw his shot bounce back off the upright and Piroe hit the rebound into the net. It looked like a Stoke player and Aaronson tried getting a toe onto the ball, but it looks like Piroe was given the goal. It felt very surreal going into the break 5-0 up. Stoke had their first shot on goal but straight at Darlow just before the whistle blew. The second half saw Stoke bring on three subs and although we took a little while to settle, a fantastic cross by Solomon saw Gnonto head the ball into the net for a sixth goal on the day. There was no coming back for Stoke from the score then as we started to believe we were going up. They did have another shot on target on the 80th minute but in reality it was one way traffic for most of the game which was great for us fans too.  It was lovely to see the Gray family dynasty carry on when Harry Gray younger brother of Archie, came on as a sub at 16 years of age. A special moment especially for Eddie Gray who was extremely proud and full of emotion on seeing him come on to the pitch. LUFC – Marching on Together!
Join Heidi, one of Leeds United's biggest fans, for everything related to LUFC!
With her trusty season ticket securely in hand, she’s all set to capture the electric atmosphere that surrounds MatchDay!, both home and away matches throughout the 2024/25 season.
From the bustling crowds outside the stadiums, where excitement buzzes in the air, capturing unforgettable moments on the pitch as well as images of those attending the games, FMALU offers you a front-row seat to all of Heidi's experiences around the UK.
Click the link below to dive into her spirited adventures, revel in the passion of the fans, and discover just why Leeds supporters are truly the greatest in the land!
Latest News
April 22, 2025
Promotion Party! Monday 21st April 2025 - Elland Road 2024/25 Season At the end of the game, we went back to the Holbeck Working Men’s Club before heading back down to Elland Road to celebrate our promotion as Burnley were winning Sheffield United. Great scenes as we celebrated with the team and other fans although the flares let off stunk to high heaven. A nice gesture was my granddaughter being given a Leeds scarf to cover her face when the smoke was overpowering. The smoke lingered in my throat long into the night too. It was also very humbling to be told that I am an inspiration which were amongst some of the lovely words said to me by our fans today. With the hugs and thoughts about my late husband, I couldn’t ask for more support from so many of you which is why Leeds United supporters are second to none. Thank goodness we don’t have to go into the play offs as thousands of Leeds fans cancelled their hotel bookings including my daughter. To be able to go into the last two games knowing we are already up with no pressure on is immense. Saying that, I want to go up as Champions as we were robbed of celebrating properly last time due to covid. I had a film crew with me that night and now we’ve had a good result, I will be heading to Elland Road for 6pm tomorrow for an interview with ITV.  I’d like to dedicate this promotion to all those Leeds fans who have died this season and are unable to celebrate this with us including my husband Phillip/Captain, Halifax White. To everyone else, enjoy your celebrations as United Are back again, and we are promoted back to the Premier League. LUFC – Marching on Together!
April 5, 2025
Remembering Chris Loftus & Kevin Speight – 25 Years On Friday 4th April 2025 - Elland Road 2024/25 Season After being at the plaque on Thursday, which was very emotional, yesterday saw at least 940 attend the remembrance dinner in the Pavilion with great support from Leeds United and their representatives. Leeds fans, friends, the families of Chris and Kev along with special guests Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Glynn Snodin, Nigel Martyn, Gary Kelly, Josh Warrington, Peter Ridsdale along with compere Jed Stone came together to support Candlelighters, who support families facing children’s cancer in Yorkshire. A big well done to Gareth Senior too for his continuous support in getting the truth out about what happened that tragic night in Istanbul, with the murders of Chris and Kev. Sorry if I’ve missed anyone off. The one thing that resonated with me was the talk given by one of the lads caught up in the atrocities. It’s been swept under the carpet due to all the misinformation that was spread at the time, but there were at least 20 lads that sustained slashings, stab wounds and other traumas who have suffered the effects of that night for the last 25 years. Each one will have dealt with things differently, but it made me realise the long-lasting effects on some of those which are felt to this day. Well done to everyone who was there to give our unanimous support and respect to the families and friends of Chris and Kev. LUFC – Marching on together!
Books
If you're looking for the perfect gift for the Leeds United fan in your life, look no further than Heidi Haigh's captivating travel books!
With a rich tapestry of anecdotes from her 50 years of following the Whites around the UK, these limited supply gems are not just narratives; they're a tribute to the beautiful game and the camaraderie of its supporters.
Visit our dedicated page to snag your copy and enjoy the thrill of Heidi’s adventures delivered straight to your door—just in time for the next big match!
Bremner Blue Plaque - SFA
Billy Bremner plaque unveiled in his memory and artist selected to create the statue
· Eddie Gray unveiled the plaque in his old teammates honour
· Renowned Scottish sculptor, Kenny Hunter, announced as the commissioned artist for the statue
The Scottish Football Supporters Association (SFSA) in partnership with Leeds United Supporters Groups, University of Stirling, Raploch Community Council and more are proud to announce the Billy Bremner plaque has been unveiled at 35a Weir Street in Raploch, the very house Billy grew up in.
Former international teammates of Billy Bremner, Jimmy Bone and John Blackley, supported the unveiling in Raploch, Stirling. Former Leeds United and Scotland star...
Bremner Blue Plaque - SFA
Billy Bremner plaque unveiled in his memory and artist selected to create the statue
· Eddie Gray unveiled the plaque in his old teammates honour
· Renowned Scottish sculptor, Kenny Hunter, announced as the commissioned artist for the statue
The Scottish Football Supporters Association (SFSA) in partnership with Leeds United Supporters Groups, University of Stirling, Raploch Community Council and more are proud to announce the Billy Bremner plaque has been unveiled at 35a Weir Street in Raploch, the very house Billy grew up in.
Former international teammates of Billy Bremner, Jimmy Bone and John Blackley, supported the unveiling in Raploch, Stirling. Former Leeds United and Scotland star...
Recent
Games
April 22, 2025
Promotion Party! Monday 21st April 2025 - Elland Road 2024/25 Season At the end of the game, we went back to the Holbeck Working Men’s Club before heading back down to Elland Road to celebrate our promotion as Burnley were winning Sheffield United. Great scenes as we celebrated with the team and other fans although the flares let off stunk to high heaven. A nice gesture was my granddaughter being given a Leeds scarf to cover her face when the smoke was overpowering. The smoke lingered in my throat long into the night too. It was also very humbling to be told that I am an inspiration which were amongst some of the lovely words said to me by our fans today. With the hugs and thoughts about my late husband, I couldn’t ask for more support from so many of you which is why Leeds United supporters are second to none. Thank goodness we don’t have to go into the play offs as thousands of Leeds fans cancelled their hotel bookings including my daughter. To be able to go into the last two games knowing we are already up with no pressure on is immense. Saying that, I want to go up as Champions as we were robbed of celebrating properly last time due to covid. I had a film crew with me that night and now we’ve had a good result, I will be heading to Elland Road for 6pm tomorrow for an interview with ITV.  I’d like to dedicate this promotion to all those Leeds fans who have died this season and are unable to celebrate this with us including my husband Phillip/Captain, Halifax White. To everyone else, enjoy your celebrations as United Are back again, and we are promoted back to the Premier League. LUFC – Marching on Together!
April 22, 2025
Leeds United V Stoke City Monday 21st April 2025 - Elland Road 2024/25 Season I’d woke up at 3am and found I couldn’t sleep for hours. My mind had started racing thinking of all the permutations of what could happen at the game today. We could actually be promoted if things went our way and the excitement rising in me meant I’d gone into overdrive, which all contributed to the sleeplessness. Speaking to others at the game, I wasn’t the only one feeling this way. The worst thing was dropping asleep for an hour before getting up then feeling like I’d been hit by a bus and all my enthusiasm had waned so what would be, would be. Before heading to Elland Road, we went for our traditional bank holiday visit to Selby market and to get a Doubtfire’s ice cream. Leeds fans were out in force which was good to see. One a stall holder shouted to a Sheffield United fan who “wasn’t impressed” to see me, a Leeds United fan. There again we had a conversation, and he told me that we would win 4 or 5 nil today which I said I’d take. Never in a million years would we have expected to be 5-0 up at half time especially after being turned around at kick off. Team: Darlow, Ampadu, Rodon, Bogle, Firpo, Gnonto, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe, Gruev, Tanaka. Subs: Ramazani for Gnonto (66), Bamford for Piroe (66), Byram for Firpo (77), Schmidt for Bogle (77), Harry Gray aged 16 making his first team debut for Aaronson (86). Subs not used: Meslier, Joseph, Guilavogui, Wöber. Leeds won the game 6-0 with Piroe getting four (6, 8, 20, 41), Firpo (26) and Gnonto (59). Attendance: 36,644, with approximately 1,900 Stoke fans. Referee: Darren Bond. Booked: Ampadu. Turning us round at the start of the game didn’t have the effect that Stoke thought there’d be. Leeds were on fire as Gnonto then Solomon with Piroe hitting the final ball into the net saw us take an early lead. Within two minutes we had doubled our lead when Bogle carried on running past the Stoke player taking the ball with him passed into the box for Piroe to score a second goal. Piroe then completed his hat trick after Tanaka sent a great ball into the box for Gnonto. He hit his shot at the second attempt which brought a save out of their keeper then Piroe came in at the far post and scored from a narrow angle. Wow, unbelievable scenes at Elland Road as the fans erupted hardly believing our eyes. We hadn’t finished yet as Bogle once again getting involved, got round their man in the penalty area and his pass saw Firpo hit a fourth into the net. Gnonto saw another shot saved by the keeper before Bogle once again saw his shot bounce back off the upright and Piroe hit the rebound into the net. It looked like a Stoke player and Aaronson tried getting a toe onto the ball, but it looks like Piroe was given the goal. It felt very surreal going into the break 5-0 up. Stoke had their first shot on goal but straight at Darlow just before the whistle blew. The second half saw Stoke bring on three subs and although we took a little while to settle, a fantastic cross by Solomon saw Gnonto head the ball into the net for a sixth goal on the day. There was no coming back for Stoke from the score then as we started to believe we were going up. They did have another shot on target on the 80th minute but in reality it was one way traffic for most of the game which was great for us fans too.  It was lovely to see the Gray family dynasty carry on when Harry Gray younger brother of Archie, came on as a sub at 16 years of age. A special moment especially for Eddie Gray who was extremely proud and full of emotion on seeing him come on to the pitch. LUFC – Marching on Together!
April 19, 2025
Oxford United V Leeds United Friday 18th April 2025 - The Kassam Stadium 2024/25 Season After a couple of bad days, I’d felt more upbeat on my way to Elland Road when a lorry with a lest we forget cab, passed me with a big Leeds United badge on the side. I automatically gave it the Leeds salute as I go onto autopilot when I see other Leeds fans. Listening to music helped me so in my reel I said I wanted Leeds to go and enjoy the football, forget about our target of automatic promotion but to keep fighting. My thoughts were that it would take the pressure off us. After other results didn’t help again (not that I expected any to), winning the game had to be a priority. At our pub stop it was nice to talk to some Oxford fans who still wished us good luck despite wanting their team to win, as they’d be fighting for the points as they were near the relegation zone. The last time we’d come to this ground was for a pre-season friendly, but I couldn’t remember when but was reminded that it was for Bielsa’s first game. It’s still unique with only three stands in place but it gave some Leeds fans the chance to watch from the car park and others in the distant trees. This was another ground where we were treated well as far as I was concerned. The only issue was getting soaked before the game when I switched the tap on in the ladies sink only for a torrent of water to overflow everywhere. I wasn’t the only one to find that out the hard way. Team: Darlow, Ampadu, Rodon, Bogle, Solomon, Gnonto, Gruev, Tanaka, Aaronson, Firpo, Piroe. Subs: Bamford for Piroe (75), James for Gnonto (75), Schmidt for Solomon (87), Guilavogui for Aaronson (90). Subs not used: Meslier, Joseph, Byram, Ramazani, Wöber. Leeds won the game 1-0 with the goal scored by Solomon (32). Attendance: 11,537, 1,434 Leeds fans. Referee: Dean Whitestone. Booked: Gruev, Bogle. I knew it wouldn’t be an easy game which turned out to be the case and very tense for us Leeds fans. Oxford were the first on the attack which saw Darlow make a good save before their keeper was called into action to save a shot from Aaronson. Oxford were having plenty of possession, looking quite dangerous at times. Instead of the flying Leeds fan at an Oxford game in the past, it was a flying Leeds player when Tanaka was pushed in the back. After soaking up the pressure, Leeds took the lead when Rodon sent an excellent ball for Bogle to run onto who sent a great pass across the box for Solomon to race in and put the ball into the net. That was a welcome relief to take the lead and meant we were in control then as we went into the break. The second half still saw Oxford with a lot of possession, and we had to be really patient in our build ups (not that us fans were), but we did manage some good play down the wing. We started attacking more as Farke was looking to bring our first subs on and a Firpo shot went over the bar but was not that far away. Darlow threw a long ball out to Solomon on the wing, and he would have been away bearing down on goal only for the game to be stopped for a foul. Tanaka was so unlucky not to score as his long shot hit the bottom of the post and bounced away sadly not near a Leeds player. From a free kick their keeper was able to make the save from Gruev easily. Oxford tried getting back into the game, but we were standing firm in defence and there were plenty of sighs of relief that we were one step closer to automatic promotion when the final whistle blew. It is still all to play for, and Monday will have a big bearing on the outcome of the table positions, as Burnley and Sheffield United play each other after our game has finished. Keeping us in pole position will be vital and put even more pressure on those two. As long as the challengers implode and not us, I’d be happy. I’d have no problem us all going up to have local derby games, but we have to go up automatically whereas one of them can go up via the playoffs I’ve tried for exchange tickets for Monday without success so it will be just the three of us with season tickets being at the game. I’m looking forward to a bouncing Elland Road, but we must get behind the team for the full 90 minutes. On the way home, I had a few tears as my husband won’t be there to share the chance of Leeds going up. We first met at a pre-season friendly in Molenbeek in 1977 so go back a long way. There are many more Leeds fans who won’t be there to share this with us either so the emotions and nostalgia will be hitting many of us if we succeed. See you there, LUFC – Marching on Together!
April 13, 2025
Leeds United V Preston North End Saturday 12th April 2025 - Elland Road 2024/25 Season With the sun blaring down, it was another glorious day as we headed to Elland Road for the lunchtime kick off. After a visit to the Holbeck Club, The Peacock and Billy’s statue, we queued at the turnstiles. After all the furore about the turnstiles not working correctly and fans being denied the chance to renew their season tickets, it looked like there were issues again with one. Fans were scanning their tickets and then having to come out of the queue, so I ensured I went to the adjacent one to get through. Luckily all was fine for myself and my granddaughter to get into the ground. I’d been asked a few times before the game about what the score would be today. I didn’t dare to say anything, one because I always get it wrong and two, I didn’t want to jinx the outcome so said I would see what transpired on the pitch. A big well done to everyone involved at the Chris and Kev remembrance dinner last week, as they raised £90,000 for Candlelighters, who support families facing children’s cancer in Yorkshire. An emotional night and well done to Charlie for getting his story about the night Chris and Kev were murdered out there. The article in the Telegraph was harrowing to read. Anyone who believed the lies told by the media about our fans that night, should read it and understand what really happened. My sister Erica was the lucky winner of two tickets for the game today courtesy of Cadburys. It was also lovely seeing the sea of yellow, white and blue shirts amongst the crowd in and out of the ground. I also bumped into the lads from Utrecht who had woken their friend up to bring him to Elland Road for his stag do. Team: Darlow, Ampadu, Rodon, Bogle, Firpo, Gnonto, Piroe, Solomon, Gruev, Tanaka, Aaronson. Subs: Bamford for Aaronson (80), Schmidt for Gnonto (80), Byram for Solomon (95). Subs not used: Meslier, Guilavogui, Joseph, Ramazani, Debayo, Wöber. Leeds won the game 2-1 with Solomon (4) and Bogle (13) scoring the goals which put Leeds back to the top of the table. Attendance: 35,747 with approximately 1,500 Preston fans. Referee: John Busby. Booked: Darlow, Gruev. Once again Leeds got off to a tremendous start with an early goal. Solomon got into a great position as I shouted, shoot. The words had hardly left my lips, as he unleashed a shot from the edge of the box that hit the top corner of the net in front of the South Stand as Elland Road erupted. Our celebrations were cut short as within two minutes Preston equalised with a similar long range shot from the edge of the box which beat Darlow. Although that was disappointing, Leeds continued to show that the best form of defence is attack as they continued to bombard the far goal. Before we knew it, we’d taken the lead again after a fantastic cross from Solomon on the left was met by Bogle in the middle of the goal, to put the ball into the net as Elland Road erupted once more. It took me a few minutes to realise that Piroe had a new hairstyle because it made him look taller and I’d wondered who it was. He was very involved in attacking the far goal and saw his attempt go narrowly pass the post, plus Gnonto saw a good shot saved by their keeper. Despite Piroe coming close again the score stayed the same as we went into the break. As we came out for the second half, Leeds had to be on their toes when Darlow made a great save from their shot from a corner. Piroe then saw his shot go wide after Aaronson sent him on his way past the defence. Solomon sent a great cross into the box and Piroe was unlucky once again as his shot came off the cross bar and away. Another attack and this time Aaronson crossed for Gnonto only to see the shot go over the top of the goal. We were very lucky not to be punished when Darlow punched the ball away from the goal. I hadn’t realised at the time that he was far out of his area and was booked for it. As someone said to me after the game, he thought it was lucky that Darlow wasn’t sent off. Their free kick was taken and luckily, we managed to clear it. As news filtered through that Plymouth had taken the lead against Sheffield United, the noise around Elland Road reached fever pitch. It carried on like this until the final whistle as Leeds emerged winners with another precious three points taking us back to the top. That’s the best atmosphere we’ve had at Elland Road for a long time, and I loved it. I was so happy at the end of the game then I became emotional and cried. I wasn’t the only one to do this and it shows how much it means to us all. I thought Piroe played well today so he needs to keep his new hairstyle. I also thought the referee kept the game flowing and although he played on when Bamford was rugby tackled and thrown to the floor, overall, he dealt with the game well. Well, I honestly don’t know how people are lucky buying tickets for home games because since the system changed, I haven’t managed to get extra tickets for my family once. I was 10,000 and 9,000 in the queue for Stoke tickets so I didn’t stand a chance and gave up. With the old site I was successful many times, so I am just thankful that I have a home and away season ticket otherwise I’d never get to a game! With four games to go, it still isn’t over, but we are in a good position but need to keep this automatic promotion place. We travel to Oxford on Friday before being back at Elland Road on Easter Monday.  Keep fighting Leeds and see you all there. LUFC – Marching on Together!
About FMALU
Not only do I go to games, but I write about my experiences and adventures on the road with LUFC
I take loads of pictures each game, maybe you're on one? Home or Away, Wherever Leeds play
Heidi's Football Adventures
Join Heidi Haigh on a journey through hundreds of matches supporting Leeds United over the decades, with a special focus on the last 10 years.
Explore the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments captured in vivid detail thanks to Heidi's prolific matchday images, reports and adventures following Leeds United!
