Leeds United heroes reunited
THEY were arguably the greatest players ever to don the white shirt.And all the surviving members of Leeds United's 1972 FA Cup winning side were reunited in the city to celebrate their achievement.
The late Don Revie's team, noted for hardman reputations as much as footballing skills, gathered at Elland Road for a celebration dinner with around 500 guests to mark United's famous 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup 35 years ago.
The goal came in the 53rd minute, Mick Jones crossed for Allan "Sniffer" Clarke to head in.
Clarke, who went on to manage United, was there alongside his Jones, who provided one of the most enduring images of the game when he collected his ' medal with his arm in a sling after dislocating his shoulder in the game.
Also there were goalkeeper David Harvey; defenders Paul Reaney, Paul Madeley, Jack Charlton and Norman "bites yer legs" Hunter; midfielders Peter Lorimer, Johnny Giles and Eddie Gray; and substitute Mick Bates.
Skipper Billy Bremner died in 1997 following a heart attack. Another United legend of that era, full-back Terry Cooper, missed the final with a broken leg.
At the reunion the Leeds legends met up with some more recent household names – three members of Kaiser Chiefs. The Leeds band – named after the South African team of United's Lucas Radebe – were surprise guests at the dinner organised by Leeds events and marketing company Real Affinity.
Paul Reaney told the YEP: "It was a special night – especially as we had all the players here. We even persuaded David Harvey to catch two boats and then drive the 400 miles from Orkney!
"Once again the Leeds fans turned out in force and proved they are still the best in the country."
Real Affinity chairman John Ross, whose holding company Redkite sponsors United, said: "It was an emotional evening when fans could acknowledge a truly great team.
"I supported them from the terraces as a youngster and to see them all under one roof was amazing. It's a memory that will live in the minds of all the guests for a long, long time."
YEP
