Appeal for help from YEP readers as Leeds United fan Gary brushes up on sporting history

Now Gary Edwards has added yet another string to his bow, turning history detective as he researches his latest book.

Due for publication in October next year, Every Cloud will tell the story of Leeds City, the club whose disbandment in 1919 following an illegal payments scandal paved the way for the formation of United.

And Gary is asking Yorkshire Evening Post readers to help him track down relatives of players who featured for City before their messy demise.

The 61-year-old, from Kippax, said: “It’s a fascinating tale anyway but speaking to people and hearing anecdotes and memories that have been passed down through their families will hopefully give the book that extra personal touch.

“I have signed a contract with a publisher and it is due to come out in October next year to coincide with Leeds United’s centenary.”

Gary has famously been present at each and every competitive game played by United since February 1968.

His devotion to Leeds is such that he refuses to paint anything for his customers in the red colours of the club’s arch-rivals, Manchester United.

A stage play based on his best-selling first book, Paint It White, had a successful run in Leeds in 2010 and subsequently went out on a nationwide tour.

Four more books have followed, with titles including The Second Coat and No Glossing Over It.

Anyone who can help with the Leeds City research is asked to e-mail Gary at [email protected].

He also wants to hear from people with family links to Leeds United’s early years and is particularly keen to find out more about a player called Bert Duffield.