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BRENDAN'S POSTBAG: It was a whole Nou experience
Hi Brendan. Many clubs go away on foreign tours, what was your most memorable one as a player? MICK, Hunslet
Hi Mick,
I don't think we ever had one at Leeds, but we had quite a few at Villa. We went up to Scotland a few times and I always remember we had a pre-season tournament in Barcelona two years after the Falklands War.
We were the first English side to play an Argentinian one after the war and we playe d Boca Juniors at the Nou Camp, pictured.
It was a four-team tournament with us, Barca, Boca and Bayern Munich – and I remember Steve Archibald was playing for Barca and Terry Venables was their manager.
We finished last! And I remember going to the Nou Camp the day before our first game to just look at it and it was amazing.
Our 22 first-team professionals actually sat in the stands watching the groundsman cut the grass. He had a yardstick and would cut the grass and then go back and move it again. Graham Turner, our manager, had just come from Shrewsbury and was just taking pictures all the time.
He was more taken aback than us and we've played some big teams – not being big-headed – as we'd won the European Cup in 1982.
I also remember going to an army camp when I was at Scarborough and Ray McHale was manager and that was a nightmare!
Send your questions to Brendan to yep.sport@ypn.co.ukFinishing at home
is miles better
Hello Brendan,
When the fixtures came out at Leeds, what were the first ones you looked out for?
ARMLEY WHITE
You always look for the derbies and no disrespect to the other teams, the other "big" clubs in the division at the time. Now, for instance, if I was playing I'd look for the Southampton, Charlton and Norwich games and for the derby with Huddersfield.
When I played, you wanted to see who you played first, when the derbies were and what the Christmas fixtures were.
We had the likes of Bradford, Huddersfield, Middlesbrough, Barnsley and the Sheffield teams and Hull.
I saw Man United's fixtures last week and they've got something like Burnley, Birmingham and another lesser side in the first few weeks and they must be thinking "that's an easy nine points!".
And Leeds, who have got Exeter first up at home, should be thinking "well, that's a good start".
That's what you do as players.
You also look at the last game to see you haven't got an 800-mile journey.
You wouldn't want say Exeter away as it would be a nightmare trip back.
It's good to start at home but, for me, I'd rather finish at home.
Hopefully, you can have a good finish and round of applause for the supporters and celebrate something – either winning promotion or getting into the play-offs.I actually got a four last summer...
Hi Brendan,
In years gone by, lots of footballers used to play cricket. Do you take an avid interest in any other summer sports?
GEOFF, New Wortley
Hi Geoff,
I do play golf and cricket, golf more regularly.
I have played a few charity cricket matches for ex-players' sides over the past 10 years back in Birmingham with the old Villa lads, although not many!
But I wasn't any good.
My best bowling ever was down at Villa and somehow I managed to get 6-20 – but as a batter, I was useless!
I played last summer on a red-hot day in a lovely village.
I actually got a four this time, but then got run out.
The other lad hit it and it looked like a four so I just jogged along, but the ball came back and I was stumped...
I go in at eight or nine and I either see the wickets tumble or just turn around, look at the wicketkeeper laughing and walk off.
I've played with some decent players. Nigel Spink was a good all-rounder – a bit of a demon really – and Colin Gibson was decent. Gary Shaw wasn't a bad spinner either.
I enjoy taking part in any summer sports, especially if it's related to one of my clubs.
To be honest, if anyone asks me as say an ex-Leeds United player to come along and play, it's a big thing for me to be asked and I'll have a go. As long as I can run and don't show myself up and put in a decent performance, I'll carry on doing that.No more road trip-ups please
Hello Brendan,
With so many long trips next season, do you think our away form will be the key to our promotion hopes?
RAY, Gildersome
Hello Ray,
I think it was the away form which did for us last time around in the winter, in losing at places like Northampton, Walsall and Hereford. You'd normally look at those games and say that's three points.
In terms of home form, I know some fans will say they are not going again because we're still in the third division, but they'll come back in their droves and that's what Leeds United supporters are all about.
So I've no real fears about us at home and if we get off to a good start against Exeter, we can kick on.
When I played, you'd go away and look at some games and think we can get three points and then sneak a draw there. At home, the support can really help us win and when we do travel, we've got to come away with something.
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