I sit down to write this, my first blog post in literally yonks, in the sure knowledge that virtually nobody will believe a word of it. But, you know, what the hell. So here goes.
I’ve been stressed for a fair while now. As a Leeds fan, that’s hardly novel, but in my case it’s been a question of various circumstances conspiring with each other, against me, to raise my blood pressure and produce frequent attacks of the conniptions. Two years of dodgy health, together with trying to sort out my care home-bound mum’s affairs so that the bills can be paid more or less on time – that would be enough to rattle most men of my age. Add in the mercurial Whites, with their legendary inconsistency, and it’s little wonder that I should suffer the odd bout of angsty anxiety.
At the risk of preaching to the converted, I’d put it to you that a club capable of visiting the two teams soaring away at the top of the table, and winning handily both times, should not be rolling over ineptly to the likes of Stoke and Sunderland to sink without trace. But sadly, that’s the nature of our beloved Super Leeds, though there’s always the chance that, with Herr Farke at the helm, calmer waters may lie ahead.
Usually, my glass half empty side predominates, hence the stress. But this past week, the build-up to our home match with Ipswich has had me thinking back to similarly crunch home fixtures of yesteryear; specifically the games against Sheffield United in 1990 and the more recent Bielsa era hosting of West Bromwich Albion, who had already seen us off 4-1 at the Hawthorns. On both of those occasions, we rose to the challenge of a must win game, triumphing 4-0. And I admit, I did allow myself in recent days to imagine the same scenario playing itself out again – with the tractor boys ten points ahead at the start of this weekend, a statement performance was needed, ideally with another juicy four goal hammering in our favour. I dared to dream, honestly I did.
And as we all now know, this unlikely dream came true today, though Mrs. Rob was vastly cynical and disbelieving when I told her about my premonition (sadly, after the final whistle). It was the kind of wishful thinking I just didn’t have the minerals to share with others when it was still just a dream. I’d have been thought mad, drunk, or both – and rightly so.
So, I’m risking the derision of a wider public, with hoots of “twenty-twenty hindsight” liable to be levelled scornfully at me. And I can understand that, I have only my own word that such an obviously unlikely thought ever occurred to me.
But, in the warm afterglow of an incredibly satisfying victory, I have but one regret. Just one person I really wish I’d shared my premonition with ahead of today’s match. Oh Mr. Bookie, why did I not confide in you, to the tune of maybe a tenner? I’m being greedy here, but a few hundred quid on top would have made today’s humbling of Ipswich, if it were possible, even sweeter.
Marching On Together
Life, Leeds United, the Universe & Everything 
Lov
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Lovely to hear from you Rob,it’s only yesterday I wandering what happened to you!! Glad to have you back telling it as only a true Leeds supporter can. I hope your health and recent problems are over….
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Cheers Philip, it’s good to get back on the horse again, we’ll have to see how it goes! Fingers crossed, not least for our lads in White
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Great to see that you’re battling on Rob ; you have been sorely missed my friend! I had the same premonition as you, based on the fact that Ipswich would not be coming to ER to shut up shop and hope for a breakaway goal as most lesser teams do.
I did earn a nice Christmas bonus courtesy of Bet365 as I punted both 3-0;and 4-0 scorelines… happy days!
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I’m so glad to hear of someone with the same dream I had, but also the will to put their money where their imagination was. Well done sir, chuffed for you!
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You’ve still got the powers of hitting the nail on the head Rob! We’ve missed you mate, we all had visions of a ruined Christmas, but who’d of thought eh!? Well obviously you! All the best to you and yours for this now very satisfying festive period. I will raise a glass or two to you. MOT.
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And all the best to you too, isn’t it amazing how three points and four goals help to make the season bright? 👌
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Nice to see you putting pen to paper again Rob, i hope your health as well as your mums’ requirements are now sorted out. i was in the country for 6 months earlier in the year i am sorry to say the whole place has gone backwards for most of the British public that even a general election will not rectify. Saying that at least our team seems to be on the right track now even though i think we are still not consistent enough. Take care of yourself and the family have a great Christmas and a happy new year. MOT
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Great writing Welcome back you have been missed
Sent from my iPhone
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Balancing life Rob is a difficult job. Balancing life including the ups and downs of Leeds is almost impossible.
The joy of winning on Saturday was all the more mixed with Christmas cheer, so my advice is crack open the Sherry with mum at the home and celebrate together. Tom
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My dear fellow. How good to see you back on the horse again. Your pen has been much missed. I hope that all will be well with you and your family and that our boys can bring some light into the darkness. On on on. MOT.
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Thanks Rob you always cheer me up with your articles. Missed you, hope you are well my friend. MOT.
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Hi Rob,
It’s great to hear from you again you’ve been sorely missed friend.
Sorry to hear about your mum and your personal problems I sincerely hope you’ll overcome everthing even with the extra stress sometimes brought on by our beloved LUFC.
As far as i’m concerned you can carry on with your premonitions if they all turn out like december 23. What a game, I managed to watch it on viaplay here in Holland, if they can keep those standards, promotion is a certainty.
Stay strong Rob, God bless you and your family,
MOT Peter
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My dream was of doing the double on them but I did not worry about the score line as long as it was in our favour.
Good to see a story line from you again Rob, I love a good read. You have even managed to make your 2 years of being in the wilderness read like an adventure albeit one nobody would do voluntarily.
Here’s to the corner turned and wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthier and a less stressful New Year.
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Hi Rob, good to of you to return tu our favourite topic . Would this be the start of something amazing. I managed to make my 75 th annual match for the Huddersfield match and converted two of my grandsons to the passion of Leeds United . Now they are converting their friends at school . Two more boys and on e young lady to reach the age of supporters to go to the hopefully extended ground in the Premier League n two years time
Happy Xmas and a promotional NewYear .
Gordon B Staffordshire
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Great result, and great to hear from you again. Your Maybot looks a bit dated now. I think you might need some sort of revolving head to keep up with them. Hope you have a better 2024.
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Hi Rob
Hopefully the new year brings health and happiness to you and yours.
Happy Xmas to Leeds fans everywhere.
I raise a glass you all
MOT
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What a pleasure to hear from you….Keep dreamin that dream..another early kick off could lead to a blissful boxing day..Save the Tenner till the Leicester game All the best to the yours
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