The Liverpool game ended in defeat but it was a proud day for every Leeds United fan

In the weekly column, the board of the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust reflect on that amazing first game of the season and explains how it’s linking up with fellow supporters’ groups (including those across the Pennines...)
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (left) and Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa embrace after the Premier League match at Anfield.
Picture: Paul Ellis/NMC Pool/PA Wire.Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (left) and Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa embrace after the Premier League match at Anfield.
Picture: Paul Ellis/NMC Pool/PA Wire.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (left) and Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa embrace after the Premier League match at Anfield. Picture: Paul Ellis/NMC Pool/PA Wire.

Before the opening match with Liverpool, our captain was injured and the two centre-backs had only just met each other.

It’s such a shame that 54,000 passionate fans couldn’t be there at Anfield, but we turned up as a team, went toe-to-toe with the defending champions and very nearly got a draw playing pure Bielsa-ball. As Jurgen Klopp eloquently put it at the final whistle - WOW.

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It’s a strange feeling to be happy in defeat, but it was an immensely proud day for every Leeds fan and gives us so much to look forward to this season.

As for the Carabao Cup match with Hull City, probably the less said the better.

The Trust liaises closely with the Football Supporters Association (FSA) and we’ve now had our first meeting with its Premier League representative. t was really useful to understand some of the new and unique challenges we’re likely to face in our first season back in the top-flight.

It was also an opportunity for us to explain some of the work we do for our members all year round. We are also keen to link up with other Trusts (even that lot across the Pennines) over the course of the season to achieve our common goals as football fans.

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The liaison with the FSA has already seen the Trust proudly take part in its campaign to reverse the TV broadcasters’ initial decision not to televise all Premier League matches during September, which was clearly unfair in a period where no fans could attend Elland Road.

The FSA have also taken note of our commitment to diversity and have put us in touch with the Fans For Diversity group. This will help us achieve some of our goals for the season and we hope to have more information for our members on this soon.

Finally, as mentioned in last week’s Yorkshire Evening Post article, we are continuing discussions behind the scenes to produce Leeds United themed murals and artwork across the city by multiple Leeds-based artists.

We’re still looking for suitable sites and call on any local businesses with gable ends or excess space that’s visible to come forward.

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If you’re interested, send a photo and location details to [email protected].

As a not-for-profit group, we do need funds to help with this, so we’ve set up a crowdfunding page for the ongoing costs of these great local artists’ time and materials.

The aim is to initially raise £15,000 to kick start the project – to contribute, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lustmurals.

In general, everything is looking very positive for Leeds United, both on and off the pitch and, as a Trust, we will continue to contribute towards this success on behalf of our members and the wider fan base. Adding your own voice to the Trust’s work is easy. Simply visit our website at www.leedsunitedtrust.com and become a member for just £10 per year.

As a member, you can also enrol your child for free as a Future Trust member!

Marching on together.

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