The match against Bristol Rovers was Leeds' season summed up in 90 minutes. A strong start, full of enthusiasm and endeavour, with plenty of promise. The middle, which saw Leeds reduced to 10 men and go 1-0 down, was akin to the 4-month blip after beating the Salford Yanks in the FA Cup. But in the end, Leeds United triumphed and took one step back on their road to becoming one of the biggest clubs in England.
It's been said at times that some of the Leeds players don't have enough bottle or passion for the club. Nobody can fault the effort, passion or bottle yesterday. Too many times have the players crumbled after going a goal down, but with no room for error whatsoever, the Mighty Whites rose to the occasion.
For the final 25 minutes, 38,000 bums were squeaking, not least when high balls were thrown towards the United penalty area, but the tumultuous roar which erupted as the referee blew his final whistle was one of relief, pride and pure unadulterated joy.
Thousands of fans flocked onto the pitch to embrace their heroes, to celebrate with one another after a season which has seen many Leeds fans age beyond comprehension. Tears were shed, screams were screamed, and dances were danced on the hallowed Elland Road turf. We had done it. We had climbed out of the God-awful pit that is League 1, and made our way back into the 2nd tier of English football.
Simon Grayson, Andy Hughes, Patrick Kisnorbo, Johnny Howson, Jermaine Beckford, Luciano Becchio, and many others, have done what Leeds fans have been praying for, for 3 years. They've taken Leeds United up. And to do it in such a way made it all the more sweeter. Knowing that Millwall had won, and would have been celebrating when Rovers went 1-0 up, as we were at Charlton when news filtered through of Andy Robinson putting Tranmere 2-0 up, brought smiles to the faces of many.
Quite what to expect with Leeds next season is another matter, and no doubt many of the fans will be hoping the board show enough ambition to make it 2 promotions in 2 years, but for now the memories of the day we escaped the clutches of League 1 football will make the summer a very enjoyable one.
Damn that was unbearable but its just the way Leeds seem to do things.Big questions will now be asked of Bates,lets see how he responds as we need to strengthen our squad with some quality. I'm chuffed for Grayson,we need to stick with this guy long term,stability is the key to success. MOT BABY MOT!!!!
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