The touching story behind this stunning Leeds United crowd photo taken at Elland Road in 1951

From the ecstatic highs of Premier League promotion to the lows of League One, the fortunes of Leeds United come and go.
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But there's one thing that never changes: the dedication of the fans - as this stunning crowd photo from Easter 1951 shows.

The photo, taken by YEP photographer George Bennett, captures the weather-beaten faces of fans from a bygone age beautifully.

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The image even won an international award and was chosen for an exhibition of the best press pictures from Britain and America.

Bob Gamble pictured with his flat cap in 1951, and at Elland Road in March of this year.Bob Gamble pictured with his flat cap in 1951, and at Elland Road in March of this year.
Bob Gamble pictured with his flat cap in 1951, and at Elland Road in March of this year.

It came to light after Brian Gamble was sorting through the belongings of his dad, Bob Gamble, who sadly died earlier this month.

The picture was placed at the side of the 84-year-old's bed.

Brian's son Chris, who shared on the photo on social media - to the delight of Whites fans, said: "Granddad was 15 at the time of this picture, watching his beloved Leeds United in the old boy’s pen in some blistering snowy showers.

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"He is stood right in the middle of this amazing picture wearing his flat cap.

George Bennett's photo was chosen as one of the best press photos of the year in 1951.George Bennett's photo was chosen as one of the best press photos of the year in 1951.
George Bennett's photo was chosen as one of the best press photos of the year in 1951.

"Granddad had been going to Elland Road for many years before with his dad and used to tell us all about the times watching his heroes Bobby Collins, John Charles and co."

Chris, who is 30 and lives within a stone's throw of Elland Road, said his granddad was an "avid Leeds United fan", a tradition which has continued through the family.

"Granddad was a season ticket holder for many years with his father, before taking my dad, Brian, to watch the games," he added.

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"Our dad then took me and my brother, Andrew, and all of us continue to be season ticket holders - a generation of support for Leeds United.

Bob Gamble.Bob Gamble.
Bob Gamble.

"Granddad sat all over Elland Road to watch the mighty Whites, but more recently in the North East Lower.

"He has a stone, proudly sat in Bremner Square. It's fittingly within the Bobby Collins area - granddad's all- time greatest player and idol."

Bob, who lived in the Redhalls in Beeston, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 4.

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Chris said: "His passing was not only felt in our family, but within the Leeds United family of many fans we have spoken to and met over the years.

"He had seen it all at Elland Road - the great Don Revie Team, European nights, relegations and promotions.

"We always spoke about one day being back in the Premier League, although we gave up hope after a while.

"After 16 years we finally did it and I am so glad that he got to see us back in the Premier League once more, even if It was only from his television.

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"The last game granddad saw was the 3-0 win over Aston Villa."

Chris paid tribute to a "fantastic man whose life revolved around his family and Leeds United."

What the YEP said when George Bennett's photograph won an award:

"Snow-blurred glasses thrust down to the tip of his nose, a young Leeds United supporter tensely watches the play at Elland Road, oblivious of the photographer's presence.

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"Had he known the picture was being taken, he would no doubt now be surprised to learn - not being able to see his own expression - that it has been chosen for exhibition in Britain and America as one of the best British Press pictures of 1951 in a contest organised by the Encyclopedia Britannica.

"The picture was taken by Evening Post cameraman George Bennett at a snow-marred Eastertide match.

"His assignment was to take action picture of the game from the touchline. But the youngster in the glasses - who is he, one wonders? - caught his eye and gave Bennett one of the best Press pictures of the year when he turned his back on the match and focused on the crowd."

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