Malcolm Stark wrote:I mailed Gary Edwards, after reading No Glossing Over It, and he mailed me back, on three occasions. First, he said that Ray Tinkler had never even responded to his attempts at communication. Secondly, he said that his books were from the perspective of a born and bred Leeds United fan, so that was a recognized literary style. And thirdly, he wished me the very best, which I greatly appreciated.
On reflection, I say these three things...
1. Ray Tinkler, in spite of my support of him in regards to the Laws of the Game, was a c*nt.
2. Leeds should have won that 1970-71 title.
3. Leeds would then have easily won the league title, the following season.
On point 2, I don't really give a toss, as long as the Cup Final went the same way. That Charlie George goal celebration was just the best ever, at that time, and I can still only think of Balotelli's "WHY ALWAYS ME?" celebration as up there with it. On English soil.
On point 3, while Man City should have won the title, but collapsed under the heavy arrival of Rodney Marsh, and Liverpool shouldn't have won it, but very nearly did. Leeds United should have won it, and they SHOULD have won it. Derby won it, in the end, despite never been regarded as the best team. Derby's defence, which fept 25 clean sheets, missed only about a dozen games, though, overall, and they were the fairest team in England that season.
Over the seven seasons 1967-73, Man Utd, Man City, Leeds, Everton, Arsenal, Derby and Liverpool all won the league. It was a feat that has never been repeated. If you ask anyone, though, who was the best team of them all, over those years, it would be Leeds United. They were the best.
I'm 49 now, but if I die at 99, the one team that affected me more than any other in my life was THAT Leeds team.
I absolutely loved Newcastle's "Entertainers", from 92-95, they were the finest United team I ever saw, and ever will see. But if I was asked how they'd do against the 68-74 Leeds team, I'd be worried.
Actually, deep in my heart, I'd know that Bremner and Giles would have Lee Clark and Paul Bracewell's numbers, would control the game, and romp to a 2-0 win.
There's no need to be bitter anymore, but I'll have a pint of bitter, if you're offering....
I was undecided about your posts Malcolm, I felt a little uneasy, not sure if you were genuine or taking the proverbial, this post has proved me wrong .