Leeds United - David Watkins - Bog

David Watkins has been a fan of Leeds United for more than fifty years. In 2012 he retired from his position as a Finance Director in the engineering industry and, as his retirement gift to himself, invested in Leeds United home and away season tickets. This is the 13th consecutive season he has documented his travels and the fortunes of his beloved Leeds United.
The 2022/23 season was another typical rollercoaster ride for the Leeds United supporters. Despite a promise made at the end of the previous season by Chairman Andrea Radrizzani that there would be no repeat of the 2021/22 season that almost ended in relegation, Leeds did, in fact, follow the previous season's script almost to the letter. Despite spending tens of millions on strengthening the team, many of the incoming players failed to live up to their market values and, in any case, did not fit into the system Jesse Marsch wanted to play. Injuries also dogged the team, robbing them of the services of several top players. With Leeds once again looking into the abyss of relegation to the Championship, the board twisted once again just as they did the previous year to oust Marcelo Bielsa. This time it was Jesse Marsch who was removed and, after being turned down by numerous candidates, it was Javi Gracia who got the job. Initially, results seemed to be improving but, with Leeds starting to implode again, the board made one final gamble, bringing in Big Sam Allardyce for the final four games. If ever there was a lesson to be learned in how to succeed in the Premier League, Leeds United failed to heed it! The full story of events on and off the pitch is here, seen through the eyes of the author who was there at every game. There is the usual array of humour, angst, joy and despair that comes as part of the package of following any major football team.