FA Cup semi-finals: What being at Wembley means to Leeds United fans
Football, which has not been able to reach the semi-finals in the most prestigious of domestic cups for almost 40 years, is a barren geography. Moreover, when the club, which had walked this path for almost four decades, took responsibility for an iconic moment on the cup’s centenary in 1972.
Since Billy Bremner lifted the FA Cup, headlines about Leeds’ involvement in the tournament have been hugely damaging to the club’s reputation.
This atmosphere was set in the 1973 final when second division Sunderland shocked Don Revie under the Wembley Twin Towers.
Of course, there were positive times too; Reaching the semi-finals in 1987 and, memorably, Simon Grayson’s third-tier side beating Manchester United in their own backyard in 2010.
Otherwise it would mean surrender at Crawley. humiliation Surrender at Histon, at Sutton, sad Against Hereford, he failed to start at Newport and was miserable at Rochdale.
There are others and that’s why it’s important to be at Wembley for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
“It’s huge,” says long-time supporter Gareth of Morley. “I’m old school. I’ve never seen us in the final, only in one semi-final.
“For me the FA Cup is the best club competition in the world. I remember the finals in the 70s and 80s; the structure on both channels. In the team hotel. The interviews. It was great.”
As Leeds continues to struggle for survival in the Premier League, the cup is not their only concern as they approach the end of the season.
“Forget the survival cup final,” says Gareth. “Do both. We need to remember that football is about winning. Not participating or surviving. Winning!”
Fellow fan Tony, who like Gareth is in his 50s, has a slightly different approach.
“It’s a strange situation,” he says. “I always want to win but all I think about is surviving in the Premier League.”
Leeds could already be safe with 40 points. They invite Burnley, who were relegated on Friday, to Elland Road after facing Chelsea.
“Sunday is a free shot,” says Tony. “I’d rather beat Burnley than Chelsea.”
So for some it’s pragmatism, for others it’s vanity.
Steve, from Kirkheaton, is traveling first class on the train to the semi-finals and plans to take his 90-year-old mother to the final if he wins.
“It’s going to be a great day and we have a chance,” he says. “Chelsea were shocking against Brighton.”
