Football Ground Guide: Fan's Reviews, Elland Road, Leeds United FC

Elland Road - Leeds United
Sunday 31st October 2004
V Wigan Athletic, Championship League 1pm
By Alex Fagan

1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be)

Having heard rave reviews of the atmosphere at Elland Road throughout the 80's, I was generally looking forward to a great atmosphere on my first visit to Leeds. I wasn't really expecting the greatest looking ground in the league ,however I was expecting to find friendly stewards and great hospitality from this once massive club.

2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking

For a fellow Latics fan like myself, Leeds is obviously one of the shorter trips, certainly much easier than a 5 hour hike to Gillingham on a Tuesday night. We set off at 10:30AM (1:00pm kick-off) and arrived at about 12, due to the fact there was some traffic along the Pennines. The ground is easy to spot as it is just on the outskirts of the City, although it does generally look like a factory.

3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?

We got off the coach, to find the luxury of a McDonalds and the famous statue outside the Leeds United club shop. We decided to take the option of Subway which is directly opposite the away stand, This was packed with mostly Wigan fans. The home fans seemed to be quite friendly, but very anxious. Also across from the away stand was a pub where you could park for the price of Ł4.00 (rip-off, just get the coach, less hassle)

4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground.

Quite interestingly Leeds have that new barcode system at the turnstile. Anyway , The Latics fans were housed in the South Stand, Upper and lower sections. Instantly I noticed the huge east stand to the right of me. It has Two huge tiers which seem to be double the size of the other stands. Opposite the away end is the 'Revie end' which is parallel to the South stand. This stand was completely full and a great atmosphere was generated within the home section. The 'John Charles Stand' where the players enter the arena is ageing terribly, If I was a Leeds fan I would choose the other stands to sit in over this. Elland Road is also completely enclosed however leg room is tight.

5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..

So the fixture was Leeds United Vs. Wigan Athletic in the Coca-Cola Championship. Around 3,000 Wiganers made the trip across the Pennines (don't forget it was on Sky as well) and everything was spot on. Stewarding, food (great pies, decent prices), and the atmosphere was superb. ' Marching On Together' the famous Leeds chant echoed around Elland road, but it was shortly followed by a breathtaking rendition of 'Your not famous anymore' by the Latics faithful. In the end the league leaders picked up a tremendous 2-0 victory with goals from, Alan Mahon and Jimmy Bullard. and it was still 'Little Wigan, top of the League!'.

6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game

Unfortunately on leaving the ground there were various scuffles taking place with the Police having to intervene. It took us a good 15 minutes until the coaches set-off back home, but there was no traffic due to the fact the ground is situated on the outskirts of the City and we where home for 5:30.

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

Although it is the biggest day out for every club this season, I wouldn't say it is as enjoyable a day out as say West Ham, Sunderland or maybe Sheffield Utd. but it is certainly a must for any fan to visit this historic ground. Not the best looking ground but a tremendous atmosphere.