So it was only fitting that Australian couple Stephen and Leisa Simpson got a VIP welcome after they flew into Yorkshire today on a footballing trip of a lifetime.

United chairman Ken Bates was on hand at Leeds Bradford International Airport to greet the Simpsons, who won their week-long holiday in the UK in a club competition.

They will be Mr Bates's special guests when Leeds take on Gillingham in their final home game of the regular league season on Saturday.

And Stephen said the prospect of making his first pilgrimage to Elland Road since 1991 had helped keep all thoughts of tiredness at bay during the 30-hour journey from Oz.

The 43-year-old research analyst, who lives in New South Wales, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "I'm over the moon - absolutely thrilled to bits.

"I can't wait for Saturday to come round. The whole thing is just like a dream come true, it really is."

Originally from Batley, Stephen moved to Australia at the age of four.

His Yorkshire roots, though, meant he grew up a committed United fan - and since then he has converted his Aussie-born wife and their four children to the cause as well.

Leisa, a 42-year-old accountant, said: "Supporting Leeds sort of comes with the territory.

"It's unbelievable to get a reception like this - although I'm not feeling my best after all those hours on the plane!"

Welcoming the Simpsons, Mr Bates said: "We're going to show them the very best of Leeds United. They should have a wonderful time."

The competition won by the couple was organised to help promote United's attempts to find out if they have at least one fan in every recognised country in the world.

Nearly 8,000 supporters from 165 nations signed up to the contest website in February and March.

Leisa and Stephen's names were drawn at random from all those who registered.

Their prize package has been laid on courtesy of Leeds Bradford International Airport, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Leeds's Bewleys Hotel.