It was a great team effort on Friday and the players out there really looked like they were in it together.
I do however feel as though our interchange players (asides from Paul) are considerably weaker than the starting 13. I dread them coming on. Hopefully this is addressed for next season with stronger "squad" players and obviously less injuries. 2 would-be main players and big name signings (Parker, Talau) have hardly had a chance this season unfortunately.
As for the clapping antics (or lack of), I stand in the shed and there are plenty of morons who I genuinely believe go to the match just to abuse. It's a shame and it makes you wonder why they bother coming, even more so when they are decked out in club colours.
There was a guy near me who lambasted Littler the whole game, really OTT abuse of a guy who's given us pretty much his whole career, a player who never shirks a tackle, never cries off and is always a willing carrier of the ball. He may not be the most talented or intelligent player out there, but the stuff being said was very harsh. When he scored a couple of fans actually got close to this guy and gave a very vocal "Littler for England" chant, much to my amusement.
I think the point I’m trying to make is whilst I was a bit disappointed that the players didn’t clap the Shed, I can fully understand why, given the small idiot element which populates it. It’s just a shame that they didn’t acknowledge the proper fans who stand there, and there a plenty of us.
I think someone at the club need to manage the last match lap of honour a little better. I know it was hard with Leeds picking up the hub cap but this happens most season ends. The players wander off to talk to family and friends and then it is difficult to organise them to do a proper farewell.
I was at the club end with my 2 year old son and 4 year old nephew and the fact that players like Stapo, Littler, Fitzy and Mark Henry came right over and shook hands with them was a real thrill for them. Mark Henry inparticular was very enthusiastic and appreciative of our support. He seems to have really taken the club to heart!!!
Perhaps it was the fact that they stood for so long before anything got going was a factor in them going straight off in front of the shed. As a player I know that after a hard game you just want to get in the shower and start having your aches and pains sorted.
It might have been better if someone at the club gathered the team in the corner by the club and the shop and started the lads off round the field heading towards Kennedy Rd. That would have given Leeds the chance to get their gong and stopped players making straight for family. It would also mean doing the last bit in front of the shed before leaving the pitch.
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