Fella in yella - who's yelling on the Whites
Published Date:
12 May 2008
HE'S the Leeds United superfan who attracts almost as much attention as his footballing heroes.
Alan Fawcett's matchday attire of vivid yellow fleece bedecked with Leeds badges has made him one of the club's most recognisable supporters.
But it's not just the 58-year-old's clothing that's out of the ordinary – so is the extent of his devotion to the Whites.
Alan, nicknamed the Yellow Peril, has not missed a home game since 1978.
For several years he has travelled to all United's away games, too.
He refuses to take a holiday for the duration of the football season, and in September even missed his son's WEDDING because it clashed with the Leeds versus Swansea game.
Father-of-seven Alan said: "He knows the deal. I don't go anywhere on a Saturday during the season unless it is to watch Leeds United! He's just about forgiven me now, but he knows what I'm like. I live and breathe this club."
Alan's love affair with Leeds began when he was just 16.
Originally a rugby league fan, he was introduced to the Whites by his brother George.
One match later and he was hooked. He began going to every game but, in total, missed about a year's worth between 1976 and 1978 when he was in the Army and stationed in Germany.
After he left the Army, he was able to pursue his passion to the full and he has followed Leeds across Europe. He also goes to pre-season training games – last year he went to Germany and this year he will join the team in Ireland. He even goes to Leeds United Ladies games when he can.
Originally from York, Alan now lives in Northampton – which means he clocks up a 280-mile round trip every other Saturday just to get to Elland Road.
That could be about to change, however, because Alan and wife Anne – also a Leeds season ticket holder – are now hoping to move back to Yorkshire.
Alan, who has the car numberplate AL54 FAN, began wearing his famous yellow sweater around eight years ago. He can be easily picked out in the Revie Stand, where he sits to the left of the goalmouth.
l Are you Leeds United's biggest fan? Do you have a huge collection of memorabilia? What's the furthest you have travelled to watch the team play?
The full article contains 402 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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Last Updated:
12 May 2008 9:15 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Leeds