Fly Me Over the Pond: Middlesbrough and Leeds United - the Fall From Grace

“As kids, it was all we had to be proud of.”

These words were spoken by novelist Caryl Phillips who is a lifelong supporter of Leeds United. Phillips spoke these words when asked how his support stood just as firm after the decade of despair Leeds United recently endured.

While it is easy for Boro fans to wallow in self pity about how far we have fallen, it is not just us. While we can reminisce about the glorious UEFA Cup run and Carling Cup victory and wonder where it all went wrong, we are not alone. In fact, it could be argued that Leeds United have fans who have had a worse time of it. Yes, imagine that, Middlesbrough is not doomed and cursed while the rest of the nation stands above us mocking.

Leeds United were riding the crest of a wave in 2001, David O’Leary guided a young and exciting team to the Champions League semi-finals. Mark Viduka and Alan Smith provided a vibrant attack that was ably assisted by midfield goal machine, Lee Bowyer. Leeds had many pundits backed them to crack the monopoly of the top sides. 

Leeds also had a youth academy to be proud of, something Middlesbrough fans know all about. Boro born Jonathan Woodgate, Alan Smith, Aaron Lennon and James Milner all rose through the ranks as Leeds golden era looked set to dawn and last a while.  However, much like Boro’s own golden era, the financial situation behind the scenes looked much worse than anyone realized.

Money began to be thrown around in reckless fashion, mediocre Seth Johnson commanded 40 grand a week, and strikers Robbie Keane and Robbie Fowler came in on huge salaries. Mido, Alves and Yakubu give Boro fans a good barometer as to how that one works out. Ridiculous tales of excess leaked out, with directors chartering planes and jets for short trips, and club funds rumoured to be used as maintenance for a fish tank in Peter Ridsdale’s office.

All in all, it was a sorry decline, and Leeds was relegated from the Premier League in 2004. Like Boro now, they were heavily favored to return to the Premier League, largely based on the fact that they came down from it. In a chilling thought for Boro fans, they were relegated further down to League One in 2007.

Today in 2010 Leeds is a club on the rise once more, and boasts a fan base that is a model for sticking with their team through thick and thin.  Last season Leeds had a crowd in excess of 30,000 for a League One top of the table clash with Charlton Athletic. Look around the Riverside today and ask yourself what the gate would be if Boro were in League One next season?

Boro fans are undoubtedly miserable right now, but there is an old adage that says, “to enjoy the good times you must endure the bad.”  The times are bad right now but those who stick with the Boro will receive that much more joy and satisfaction when things turn around.

Human nature sometimes leads fans to separate themselves from the team during difficult times, or find a scapegoat.  But the petty moment of “I told you we would get beat” joy pales in comparison to the enjoyment of unifying behind a cause and seeing things turn for the better.  Let us as fans take pride in our team and our town, because for many of us the words of Phillips ring true, “as kids, it was all we had to be proud of.”

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