But the football Palace were playing was leading them to success, and much of it was down to the hours put in at Mitcham.
“It got very dirty - we were competitive in training,” says Bright. “There were always scuffles breaking out, a bit of overzealousness, but nobody used to think anything of it.”
Manager Steve Coppell used to face the players off in games of ‘North v South’, and unsurprisingly it got the blood boiling.
“That got a bit violent! There were ‘oles’ and backheels and nutmegs – but everyone looked out for each other. We had a great team spirit.”
The 17 coaches carrying Manchester United supporters are escorted to an industrial estate over the M621 motorway. It’s 24 February 1991, the League Cup semi-final second leg and only United’s second visit to Elland Road since 1982. The first, in August 1990, saw visiting hooligans attack the Wheatsheaf pub packed with home fans.
This is my first trip to Leeds’ ground, having been fortunate to get an official ticket in an allocation limited to 2,600 because of fears of trouble. The first leg at Old Trafford ended 2-1 sparking huge demand for the away leg. Mancunian touts travelled over the Pennines in the weeks before the game and bought £10 tickets in the home sections, which sold for £35 on the black market. Those who weren’t tempted were not put off by the price, but being sussed as a Manc.
J: 0-2
Marshy: 1-3
TEAMtalk: How did you come to support Leeds and what are your favourite memories from your time as a fan?
J:
My earliest and favourite football memory was watching Leeds v Liverpool in August 1995 on Sky when Yeboah rocketed that thunderbolt past David James. From that point on, I was hooked on Leeds – and whenever me and my mates played Wembley singles on the field, I was always “Yeboah”. Finally getting back into the Premier League was also a highlight.
TEAMtalk: Who have been your favourite five players for your club? (Historically or currently)
J: Hard to choose – but probably Yeboah, Pablo Hernandez, Lucas Radebe, Nigel Martyn – with my current favourite being Raphinha.
Date published: Friday 11th December 2020 2:12 - Isaac Johnson
Leeds United summer signing Raphinha has told the remarkable story of how his former club didn’t tell him he was being let go until 48 hours before his transfer.
The winger arrived from Ligue 1 club Rennes for
However, the Brazilian claims that he was unaware of the transfer until just two days before the deal was completed.
The 23-year-old admitted it was a shock after only arriving from Sporting Lisbon for £19million a year prior.
Speaking to
ESPN Brazil (via,
Goal) he said: “I learned on the Saturday [October 3, two days before his move], when I joined the rest of the squad for training, that Rennes had accepted an offer for me.