Ross McCormack - Leeds United fans memories of a class act

He's the striker who provided the Elland Road faithful with a glorious focal point during a turbulent few months for Leeds United.
Ross McCormack celebrates scoring against Hudderfield Town in February 2013. PIC: Varley Picture AgencyRoss McCormack celebrates scoring against Hudderfield Town in February 2013. PIC: Varley Picture Agency
Ross McCormack celebrates scoring against Hudderfield Town in February 2013. PIC: Varley Picture Agency

Ross McCormack brought hope, goals and bags of class to a Leeds United side that whimpered to a 15th place finish at the end of the 2013/14 season.

His 28 league haul featured a goal of the season strike against Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road as well as two other memorable stand-out performances within four months of each other.

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He became the first Leeds United player to score four goals in an away game - against Charlton Athletic at The Valley in November 2013 - for 87 years. That performance earned him a 10/10 rating from YEP Leeds United writer Phil Hay - the only maximum afforded to a striker during his time with the paper.

Ross McCormack celebrates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round at Elland Road in January 2013. PIC: GettyRoss McCormack celebrates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round at Elland Road in January 2013. PIC: Getty
Ross McCormack celebrates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round at Elland Road in January 2013. PIC: Getty

It was followed by a 'Super Saturday' hat-trick as part of a 5-1 demolition of Huddersfield Town at Elland Road in February 2013, less than 24 hours after 'Mad Friday' when he rang Sky Sports to weigh in on the fate of manager Brian McDermott.

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End of season accolades followed. McCormack was named in the Championship PFA Team of the Year and at the club's annual awards ceremony won Fans Player of the Year, Players Player of the Year and also the Goal of the Season award for his strike against Sheffield Wednesday.

Your YEP has asked the Elland Road faithful to share memories of a Leeds United captain and number 44.

Responses included:

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Rich Matthews - "Four goals at Charlton. I was right behind the goal. What a day that was. The hangover next day wasn't so great."

Gerry Hanrahan - "The four goals he scored against Charlton at The Valley which we won 4-2. Great to be there to witness it."

Peter Burrows - "Skillful player who seems to have under achieved since he left Leeds."

Jamie Lyon "I remember him pretty much keeping us up on his own in the woeful years we had to endure. My favourite McCormack goal has to be the one away at Doncaster, an overhead kick - it was outstanding."

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Richard Johnson - " remember him pretty much carrying the team for about 18 months when at his best for us."

Paul Gowans - "Always liked him when he was at Leeds."

Stephen Jobson - "My son's favourite back then."

Sy Potter - "The goal against Sheffield Wednesday or the drubbing we gave Huddersfield."

Steven Lufc Thompson - "One of my favourite players to be fair."

Peter Barber - "Lots of goals and an absolute gem of a transfer fee, what more can you ask for."

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Matthew Melsome-Smith - "Last minute winner against Burnley! Absolute scenes in the East Stand."

Craig Brodie - "Favourite goal v Spurs FA Cup at Elland Road to put us two up. Cracking finish."

Johnathan Hemstock (@johnieyeboah) - "Scoring 29 goals in a season for a very average Leeds United team #classact"

Jag Jhagra (@JagJ18) - "First goal against Burnley. Remember seeing him run through on goal and then slot it away. It was a long time coming and then the first of many!"

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A message from the Editor:

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