Incredible Leeds United 'mishmash' graphic plotting Elland Road history proves hit with supporters

An incredible 'mishmash' which plots Leeds United's storied history has gone down a hit with Elland Road supporters.

Illustrator Alex Bennett - who created his first piece in 2013 - began with the idea of creating a single image which depicted the history of football.

He has since moved on to create individual club prints for several teams across the game, with his most recent efforts spent collaborating several key moments from the Whites' history.

Famous goals, players, flags and images have all been thrown together to create a memorable graphic - along with a special spot for the Yorkshire Evening Post logo.

"I started with the moments that are familiar to not only Leeds United fans, but football fans in general," Alex told the YEP.

"For example, everyone has seen Tony Yeboah's incredible strikes vs Wimbledon and Liverpool. I try to match their positions on the pitch to where they actually happened. I can then work around these moments as it fills up.

"I was also keen to get Luke Ayling's volley vs Huddersfield Town in early as it was such a unique goal and his body shape when he struck the ball was like something out of a Jackie Chan movie!

"It's always more difficult to add things the further back they go, simply because there isn't as much video footage and photographs to draw from. I made sure the first team photo is depicted from 1920.

"I've done a fair bit of reading up on the club during the 30s, 40s and 50s, trying to find the players and staff that made the club tick."

Supporters were sent into a frenzy last weekend on social media with a number of famous United fans and ex-players spotting themselves on the illustration.

"The best part for me is when people start commenting on the things that have been added," Alex continued.

"I think it really gained traction when actor Ralph Ineson commented on the fact that he is actually included - I put him in as his character from The Office throwing a shoe over the stand.

"Michael Bridges has also noticed that his first goal for the club is included, which is great.

"I also try to include as many flags and banners as I possibly can. It can get a bit overwhelming when I receive so many requests but I've got to say I really enjoy it and I like to think it makes fans feel like they are adding a part of themselves to the club's history."

Alex has been working on the 'mishmash' since early August and anticipates he will have spent in excess of a thousand hours on the illustration when it is finally completed in January.

Fans can continue to request particular moments or memories to be added through his social media pages until the New Year.

"I do question what I'm doing on occasion, usually when I'm drawing something like Ian Harte arriving at Elland Road and I see it's three in the morning," Alex said.

"I show the process on social media for a couple of reasons. Of course I want to spread the word, but also because I need the fans input of what they think needs to be added.

"Gary Kelly blasting the ball into Tomas Brolin's face at Crystal Palace in 1998 was heavily requested as was Duncan McKenzie jumping over the mini in 1976.

"I would just like to thank everyone that has given me an idea or suggestion on what to include. It really is a team effort to create something like this, that's what I feel makes the process so enjoyable for myself and hopefully for the people that follow its progress."

Leeds United Mishmash can be pre-ordered ahead of the New Year from www.roundheadillustration.com and if you would like to make a request, Alex can be found at @footymishmash on Twitter and on Facebook at Football Mish Mash