In Leeds We Trust: Remembering Leeds United legend Gary Speed - and celebrating our current heroes

If we’re honest, most fans would have probably accepted a draw against Arsenal before the match.

But, as the game went along, we appeared to have the beating of them, if we could just convert our chances.

Once again, Mikel Arteta must have felt that playing Leeds United was like a visit to the dentists. We never stopped, had countless shots and repeatedly hit the woodwork.

In the end, we can consider ourselves unlucky to have not got all three points. Gjanni Alioski won our Man of the Match award, Stuart Dallas played his 200th appearance for the club and Mateusz Klich was everywhere in midfield.

As was once famously said of him “if you watch the game, you don’t see Klich. If you watch Klich, you see the whole game”.

Onwards and upwards to Everton today.

A great midfielder from Leeds United’s past was the late Gary Speed, who formed part of a formidable midfield foursome with Gordon Strachan, David Batty and Gary McAllister.

Yesterday was the ninth anniversary of Gary’s untimely death. Gone but never forgotten.

The Trust’s charity of the year, Andy’s Man Club, help men to talk about their mental health and aim to halve the suicide rate amongst men in the UK, currently the largest cause of death of men aged under 45.

There was some welcome news this week from the government about the gradual return of fans to football grounds from December 2, subject to the coronavirus tier system.

This will allow up to 4,000 spectators in Tier 1 areas, and up to 2,000 spectators in Tier 2 areas.

Unfortunately, Leeds currently falls within Tier 3, meaning that no fans will be allowed back into Elland Road before the new year.

But at least the return of fans is back on the government agenda.

As a Trust, we will liaise closely with the club on important matters such as a fair process for the distribution of tickets for matches with restricted capacity.

We’re also pleased to confirm that work has officially started on the Trust’s mural of Pablo Hernandez! Back in September, we announced the plan to bring numerous pieces of LUFC themed artwork across the city to celebrate the club’s rich history.

This one will be on the side of the Duck & Drake pub on Kirkgate – more details to come next week.

The Trust is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 10am on Saturday December 12. Last year it was held at our Leeds United Centenary Exhibition in the Merrion Centre.

This year, because of the tier restrictions, we’re holding it via Zoom call. Any current Trust member can attend the meeting by registering at www.leedsunitedtrust.com.

Finally, we’re actively looking for some new board members. So, if you’re already a Trust member, you can put yourself forward to be nominated for one of these important volunteering roles.

To do so, you must fill out the nomination form at www.leedsunitedtrust.com no later than Monday November 30.

Marching on together.