Leeds United fan took wife on 6,500 mile trip to visit Elland Road on honeymoon

He might live the small matter of 6,500 miles from LS11, but Elland Road still has a very special place in the heart of Arvind Sidhu.
Arvind Sidhu meets player Kemar Roofe during his visit to Elland Road.Arvind Sidhu meets player Kemar Roofe during his visit to Elland Road.
Arvind Sidhu meets player Kemar Roofe during his visit to Elland Road.

Arvind, a 35-year-old recruitment boss from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, has been a long-distance Leeds United fan for the best part of three decades.

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Such is his dedication to the Whites, he even fitted in a match at Elland Road - his first ever visit to the ground - during his recent honeymoon in Europe with wife Saras.

Leeds United fan Arvind Sidhu travelled 6,500 miles to visit Elland Road for the first time as part of his honeymoon.Leeds United fan Arvind Sidhu travelled 6,500 miles to visit Elland Road for the first time as part of his honeymoon.
Leeds United fan Arvind Sidhu travelled 6,500 miles to visit Elland Road for the first time as part of his honeymoon.
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And today, as Arvind became the latest star fan to feature in the Yorkshire Evening Post's Marching on Together series, he described last month's game against Sheffield United as one of the happiest experiences of his life, despite it ending in a 1-0 defeat for Leeds.

He said: "I had saved for many years to make the dream come true, but I never let the dream go as I knew one day eventually I would make my way to the ground that I have grown to love over the years.

"We had done a bit of a European trip but we made Leeds one of the last stops of the holiday, to save the best for last.

"Saras isn't really a football fan but she understands my love for Leeds and she has supported it all the way.

A stone in Elland Road's Bremner Square bears the names of long-distance Leeds United fan Arvind Sidhu and his wife, Saras.A stone in Elland Road's Bremner Square bears the names of long-distance Leeds United fan Arvind Sidhu and his wife, Saras.
A stone in Elland Road's Bremner Square bears the names of long-distance Leeds United fan Arvind Sidhu and his wife, Saras.
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"She really wanted to be part of the memory and it meant ever so much to me having her by my side.

"I have to say that I have never experienced such hospitality and love from a community like I did in Leeds.

"They took me in as one of their own on the day and I will never forget it."

Arvind Sidhu and wife Saras with Leeds United legend Eddie Gray.Arvind Sidhu and wife Saras with Leeds United legend Eddie Gray.
Arvind Sidhu and wife Saras with Leeds United legend Eddie Gray.

Arvind began supporting Leeds as a youngster while looking at the English league table with his dad, who told him it was time he chose a side to follow..

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"I didn't want to pick a team on the top. Neither did I want to pick a team at the bottom.

"I was immediately attracted to the name Leeds and the team was around mid-table. I picked the team and have stuck by them since then," said Arvind.

And he is optimistic that Leeds will finally realise their promotion dream this season, saying: "It's our destiny and, if we do, I will feel that my small voice when I came and cheered from the Elland Road stands played its part."

Do you know someone who should be featured in our Marching on Together series?

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The YEP is asking readers to nominate special United fans, young or old, to feature in future editions of Marching on Together.

The series has been launched to salute stalwart supporters during the final stages of a season that could see their loyalty rewarded with a long-overdue return to the Premier League for Leeds.

Ring 0113 238 8463 or email [email protected] to make a nomination.