Maybe it’s our fault? 

We won’t want to admit it but what if we, the fans, are actually United’s toughest opponent? 

After the anger and frustration of Saturday’s groundhog day defeat to Wigan, I started planning a blog questioning one player in particular who is on the lips of every Leeds fan right now. But after a couple of days reflection and winching at some of the venom blurted out across twitter, I decided against it and wondered perhaps controversially; and to paraphrase a Michael Jordan Nike advert from the 1990’s, maybe its our fault?? 

Maybe it’s our fault? - that despite it is so often Leeds against the world, we perhaps care so much to the extent we can put unnecessary added pressure on the players. A couple of weeks ago we spoke about how twitter can have a negative effect on the role of players and fans alike. Adam Forshaw and Luke Ayling spoke openly about the effects of online critisism on confidence and performances in episode four of ‘Take us Home’, at a period of similar form this time last year. After fans vented their displeasure in their masses on Saturday evening, former players Brian Deane and Tony Dorigo (two players who didn’t play in the social media era) took to saying enough is enough and urging fans to get behind the team. 

We already have the whole world wanting to beat us and to see us fall. We don’t need to add fuel to the fire. Guaranteed, none of the current crop of players have played in a pressure cooker as big as a Leeds United promotion push with the obvious exception of last year. 

Maybe it’s our fault? That we are maybe a bit over the top? Every team feels the pressure in the run in of seasons, but is it necessary or counter-productive to spell the word “Believe” out across the East Stand with 8 bloody matches still to go? I can’t recall Norwich and Sheffield United doing anything of the sort, nor any promotion winners in recent years. 

Maybe it’s our fault? That we are a victim of our own success in the last couple of years that we believe our own hype and arrive at Elland Road expecting to win 4-0 every week in one of the toughest leagues in the world. Elland Road can be a 12th man for Leeds at best, read - Bristol Rovers 2010 or at worst it can be a hostile atmosphere for the Leeds players rather than the opposition, thanks to our frustrations and grumbles, read - Wigan  last season.

Upon my reflections in this frustrating and worrying time, I have personally decided to forget we ever held an 11 point gap over 3rd place in December and be excited that we are entering the final third of the season, 3 points clear with a decent goal difference, some massive games coming up and a golden opportunity ahead. 

 Despite the run of form I don’t believe anyone can question anybody linked to Leeds’ desire and work ethic in getting the job done come May. We as fans have our role to play too, starting at the City Ground on Saturday.

The clubs motto could’nt be more appropiate right now .. 

MARCHING ON TOGETHER  

By Lawrence O’Sullivan