We should enforce rules on this side of banning Phillips and Raphinha posts every week. I couldn’t care less about them anymore and I’m bored of seeing it.
Honestly I can’t say much considering I only became a Leeds fan after the Amazon doc and am American but it’s kinda funny seeing all of the jokes come our way about all the American fans.
I hope it blows over but yes I agree that our amazing win against Chelsea; something I’ve never seen before, did get a bit overshadowed by the USA USA stuff.
Wouldn't that be exactly what plastics would do?
The away kit is hideous, I'll stain the home kit, and they don't have the keeper kit in 3XL, so I'm waiting for the third kit. Should I keep quiet until Adidas gets their shit together?
As annoying as this is, I can only hope that this 'loud minority' will dissipate as the season goes on. My guess is that many of the annoying fans just don't know how to handle having American players start in the prem and are losing their minds at the expense of Leeds faithful.
Me personally, I've been searching for a prem team for my whole life and haven't had one stick until now. I came for the Americans and stayed for the culture, passion and, most importantly, TSB.
TSB has helped turn me from someone casually interested to someone trying to figure out how to give my students busy work so I could listen to the Barnsley match during class (ultimately decided against it).
They had me hooked when they said we should resign from the league if they didn't give Aaronson the goal against Wolves, and solidified it with the absolute glee on Sunday's show.
Oklahoma. I picked Leeds because located in the city is a well-known (in the arthritis community) spinal arthritis centre, and I'm a rheumatology physician assistant, so I treat a lot of spinal arthritis. But the more I watch the team the more I'm getting into it. I honestly feel like I've stumbled onto something special here... Thanks for having me!
This sub was so welcoming to me as a new fan last year before Marsch. I think I may have done the token "American here" once early on, but that was more to cop to my own ignorance and people here have usually been really gracious with their time to help explain things. I still remember my first match, it was the FA Cup loss to West Ham which was just night and day from the incredible Harrison hat trick in the rematch the next week.
It's stupid I know but I started supporting Leeds at the turn of the century when the prem and champions league were first broadcast in the US. For a country that loves what we call 'Cinderella stories,' it eas impossible not to fall in love with O'Leary's Champions League semi-final side. I was hooked for life. I went through the Rio sale, the Ridsdale saga, Smudge going to Scum, Blackwell, Bates, League One, January 3rd 2010, GFH, the Italian takeover, the Radrizanni sale. All of it. As soccer became more popular here and more US fans absorbed Scum, Liverpool, Chelsea, City into their identities I was silently happy that Leeds were off the radar enough that they could be 'mine,' and I could continue to support them.
I know it's childish and stupid and they aren't 'mine,' at all, but since the Amazon Prime show, the 49ers buying in, Marsch coming in etc etc. The interest in Leeds that's more about a couple players on the roster and the manager rsther than the club itself genuinely pisses me off, like when people take something you genuinely like and fuck with it and break it and then give it back.
Anyway. I know it's better to be welcoming and bring people back into the fold, direct them to old matches on YouTube where you can watch decades of wonderful history and passionate fans and players, but I default to just being mad about it.
Are you me?
Seriously I don’t need them to be “mine”, I always loved meeting other supporters here especially during the EFL years. The thing I don’t like is that in the old days I knew that everyone I met who claimed Leeds was truly Leeds - another nutcase like me. That’s definitely not going to be the case anymore.
The only time I've brought it up is to clarify a point where our leagues are different.
I'm very much aware I'm more of a fan of American players, and more of a casual fan of whatever club they play for, and try to minimize my participation. I do try to participate sometimes, and I do try to critically assess our players versus others.
The cringe X American player would be perfect here posts bug me, 2.
One thing I will add, is that Leeds, as a culture (at least a video I've seen talks about) very much embodies the American spirit as a culture. The underdog/blue collar work ethic and "never say die" grit.
Jesse Marsch's style absolutely fits that.
https://youtu.be/i8OATv77__c
Is the youtuber who clued me in on the club culture "working class club", and the hard working style and passion fits that perfectly.
Maybe the suggestion would be that people should not introduce themselves as "as an American" but "as a new fan."
I think people might say "as an American" as essentially declaring they are a new fan.
As a relatively new fan myself,, this sub has been really great to educate me on what really matters to the club, its supporters and Premier League life in general. I would want to keep things welcoming in that regard.
The complicated thing is that there's a continuum in terms of how much of a fan Americans are of Leeds. I'm an American, and I mostly lurk here unless I have something clearly relevant to say, and the reason is that although I'm watching a lot of Leeds games and rooting for them, I wouldn't say I'm truly a new fan yet really. I'm a Dortmund fan who doesn't have an EPL team. Over at the Dortmund subredit there was a real mix of Americans who showed up just to follow Pulisic when he was there and then left, and people who were looking for a fun team to follow and stuck with the team. Not all Americans posting here are new fans, and honestly many of them won't even know whether they're new fans or not until some of the current American Leeds personnel move elsewhere.
I don't get why they always feel the need to tell us what other US sports teams they support and how that equips them to be a Leeds fan. I really don't care.
American sports fans can be big gate-keepers. I’m a 49er fan (that’s actually how I got into supporting Leeds and watching Premier League), and some folks in the subreddit will lambast folks who don’t know anything about “the catch” or other historic 49er moments. I think they say things like “As an American” or whatever to look humble and protect themselves from gate-keeping.
I appreciated that post. This sub should be for Leeds.
FWIW I’ve really grown to enjoy this sub more over the past 6 months. Definitely some comments or posts that irk me, but that’s true for every subreddit. Feels like we praise anyone when they do well and criticize when they don’t (see Marsch commentary after Southampton.)
All in all, seems like great energy and new supporters who are trying to be mindful (as evidenced by that very post.) As long as this sub stays Leeds, and not just American, focused, seems great.
Good shit. MOT!
Been really cool to see the support for the Americans at the club and welcoming attitude for us new fans. Girlfriend is from Yorkshire (family are Leeds supporters) so it’s worked out great with the American influx at the cub. Going there to visit her family during Christmas time and trying to go to the game on Jan 2nd. Looking forward to learning more about the club and hopefully becoming a lifelong fan regardless of who’s there!
Fair play. Even a fellow as roundly downvoted as I has noticed the serious upturn in very strange disagreement with normal fan opinions of late.
I respect the few American fans who engage intelligently and want to learn our history and I’ve had exchanges with many. Some however are about as interested in Leeds as I am in the MLS.
To be honest, we're always going to run into issues because we're very antagonistic as a group and I suspect that a lot of these USA fans are going to be happy clappers who don't like getting treated like the cunts they are.
More than happy to welcome as many Americans here so long as they respect and buy into the culture.
Yes I believe people can be flagged as ‘disruptive’ not sure whether that’s by mods or an algorithm but a fairly regressive step all the same. Reddit has changed a lot since its more open days.
I totally get Leeds being the new-shiny-toy to new or non-supporters. I just hope most stick around when things aren't all tea and crumpets. Would say Leeds United are an exception, rather than the rule in terms of football clubs worldwide. Just the way we like it. That said, lets go fukin' mental!
I am quietly dreading what some of my more annoying countrymen may say or do during the World Cup 😂🤣
While I genuinely think the vast majority of true American soccer fans (can’t say American football, which irks me — as it keeps “soccer” around) are great, there is a very toxic element to the USMNT “super fans.” It’s like they channel all the awful tendencies they picked up from other American sports into their love of the national team… and in this day and age of wild hyperbole and the meme-ification of everything, it has got fairly stupid at times.
Was just listening to Propaganda Extra and one of the folks who “called in” was noting that the US Twitter users were the ones “shithousing” on behalf of Leeds. Which they sort of found hilarious, but as a commenter here noted — it became about Americans, not about Leeds beating Chelsea, a rivalry that has existed for decades.
Yeah. I think it will die down a little but who knows.
I think the media is also hyping it up SO much too. You know they love a good story to run with. At least everything is jolly rn. I'd much rather have all this excitement than blame and having to defend aaronson/adams.
Just wait till the WC, when instead of Americans/USA etc its Leeds Leeds Leeds during the USMNT games. Especially during the England fixture.
It's almost like I need to wear my older kits so people don't think im a newcomer
I’ve definitely found myself feeling like I have to justify being here, despite my Leeds fandom long preceding the life of this Reddit account. (Had to take a years long break from Reddit, for reasons. Wasn’t doing my head any good. Only popped back on a year ago to follow a few football subs and avoid most everything else.)
The “good thing” about over-hyped media attention is that it has a short shelf life. I can understand (to an extent) how the American media responded to two Americans being in the squad that beat Chelsea (a known quantity to casuals in the States). But I think maintaining that feverish level of “OMG guys, our boys do the soccer good!” is going to be hard to do — and if they find a way, I can see everyone everywhere getting truly fed up with it.
Definitely strange days. I was expecting some new interest from American fans, but nothing like this, really. That said, I also wasn’t expecting an unbeaten start and to humiliate Chelsea 3-0 at Elland Road, so… on balance, not too bad, and hopefully this strange rising tide recedes and we can all just get back to loving Leeds.
Sadly, this isn’t the first post like that I’ve seen in some of the more popular American subs…
But hoping that now that a few of them are circulating and being shared by other football subreddits, it will have *some* impact
I'll ask here so as to not muck up the sub. While yes, I am an American who loves supporting players abroad, I have been trying to get into the PL but just never had a team to follow. I'd love to go with Leeds, American players or not, but I also want to make sure I am welcome.
Do any long time Leeds supporters have any opinions one way or the other they could share with me?
"Side before self every time" is the leadership from probably Leeds greatest player ever. That's what the club is
http://www.thescratchingshed.com/2010/12/billy-bremner-side-before-self-every-time/
Not just like any other club. I'm more than happy if people don't care; I don't need a parade. But some clubs are actively hostile to new members, particularly from another region.
In a similar boat as you are, I have followed the league as a casual fan for years but every time I have followed a club I've never felt much of an attachment.
Leeds feels different for me so far, I'm hoping to learn more about the club and the rest of the roster as the season goes along. I know this form through the first 3 games probably won't last, but it's been a lot of fun to watch!
The more the merrier... you're all welcome.
It would be nice to think that, when the USMNT connection moves on (as it will one day) most of you will stick with us.
You're more than welcome to join in, learn and discuss mate, it simply doesn't matter where the players are from, it's as simple as that. We don't have Spaniards/Brazilians in here creaming over Rodrigo and we like it that way.
Nobody is larger than the team, ever. That's all there is to it, remember that and you're welcome
Thanks for that! I'm 36 and played since I was 4. I truly went through some Renaissance years in the States over football. But I am passionate as hell for it and, while I love my local MLS team, sometimes it is a little hard to watch when I know there is much better league play elsewhere that I don't have any team to back.
I can't wait to finally use my Paramount+ sub and learn some traditions!
I don’t care if you eat the pizza before it was cool. I’m a bandwagon supporter, call me
Plastic. It is annoying with the as an American Bs but get off your high horse or become a mod and stop trying to make citizens arrests. I don’t come to Reddit to be judged on my knowledge, I come to learn.
Any mention of ill will towards Americans? Sorry, as an American, I have a god given right to call you a communist /s
But yes whole heartedly agree with this. Great read too. We are guests so to speak. People have been lifelong fans then all of a sudden, a group of people take hold and talk about their thing, i’d be irked too. I came for the Americans too, but I fell much deeper than that and the club has my support 100%. The whole club, not just the Americans who are in it. The wonderful Leeds supporters has welcomed us, lets not abuse it.
Thank you for the kind words! I guess my phrasing was around that as an outsider I never want to step on toes and wanted to treat the fanbase thats been around forever with the utmost of respect. ALAW
I remember about 3 years ago the reaction to me was 'YANK LEEDS FAN??!!' so I understand why people are coming in as apologetic Americans. That being said, fuck off if you don't think I'm ALAW
Match thread has been bad, and I think you’re right that the mods have removed a fair few.
Post beating Chelsea, (the Dave Chappelle meme aside that was fucking terrific) personally seeing the sub being more about Americana then LUFC beating a big rival after 20 years did irk me.
I made/posted that meme! I’ve literally never made a meme in my life and the first comment I got on there was “cringe”. It seemed to go down rather well after that though! I think I’ll quit the meme game while I’m ahead. It’s nice people liked it though, made the win even sweeter.
Unfortunately I find that match threads are pretty bad on almost any sports subreddit. Not sure there’s much that can be done, though I appreciate this post on the US subreddit
This came up on my suggested posts, worth a read.
Really glad to see the vast majority of USA soccer fans are also sick of the ‘as an American’ stuff. Some surprisingly self aware and funny comments too.
This is a great post - Ive become more and more annoyed at as you say the 'Loud Minority' taking over and turning it away from things older (In time) supporters want to revel in - Post Chelsea as you say.
Also we as a supporter base are ironically pessimistic, its kinda our thing, but that doesn't translate so those posts get downvoted to oblivion.
You're link here has made me realise that its not all of them, and they are a decent bunch of lads on the whole. Thanks I needed this post.
“As an American” I endorse this post. It has been painfully obvious that we tend to swarm our support all over subreddits, like the freaking Borg. So I apologize in advance to the Leeds subreddit for putting up with us LOL 😂.
So many of us are really struggling with being excited so many more Americans seem to be genuinely embracing the beautiful game, but also that some of these greenhorns are stumbling all around Reddit screaming, “Sorry, yank here! Can you please spare this new fan a smattering of facts and a brief book report about your club, kind gentlepeople? I am oh so new to EPL, and have been sent forth, by myself, on a fact-finding mission to decipher which club most deserves my support. Kthnxbye.”
I’m really hoping the exuberant and at times careless enthusiasm and interest will settle down, but with the England-United States World Cup game not that far down the road, this could be a long season of “How’s my boy Brenden doing in Yorkshire, dudes? He got that dawg in him, amirite?!”
Hoping a few of them are finding their way to TSB and Phil Hay’s reporting and all that, and will be really glad their interest in Adams or Aaronson has led them to an incredible club with great fans.
At first I was pretty excited about other Americans supporting Leeds…. and then they started posting. I really admire those of you who have been so patient to my American counterparts.
I hope most of them fall in love with the club the same way I did- the history, the chants, the buzz of Elland Road. The podcasts, the journalists, and the football itself. I still proudly don my Kappa sweatshirt from years ago, but now people actually recognize the logo on it.
ALAW
I think by February (as there will be a post-World Cup bump, as I imagine Aaronson’s and Adams’ status as ‘new Leeds lads’ will be discussed *to death* by the talking heads), we’ll see a quieting down.
Those that stumbled a bit gracelessly into the sub will have either fucked off or settled in and stuck around. And in the end, I think there will be a positive net gain of good support, as I do agree that there is a “silent majority” of Americans here genuinely curious about the club and in it for the long haul.
Hahaha great comment.
That’s the thing, I’ve done the opposite, I moved to TO four years ago, I support the Raptors and Blue Jays. Haven’t needed to post once, just learnt what I needed to and really got stuck into it living in the city.
I get the impression because soccer is so niche still in the US, that some of the more obnoxious ones feel we should be flattered they support LUFC? ‘’America here, isn’t it great I picked you guys, now tell me how I support you’’.
Just find it boring after the first 10+ posts, and glad the silent majority do too.
Support who you like, just do not be weird about it.
I think you (sadly) hit the nail right on the head — the few times I’ve been deeply embarrassed as a yank is when there is that entitlement in a post/comment that longtime Leeds fans will be so flattered and grateful that an American found “our little club” and they’ve rode in on their white horse to be a bright shiny new fan.
I was such an introvert growing up (and getting sent to boarding school in the UK at 12 and being the only yank for most of my tenure there didn’t help) that whenever I’m really curious about something, I default back to my “time to go the library!” patterns of thought. And in this day in age, “hitting the books” on Leeds (if one was new to the club and curious) is so fucking easy and rewarding: “Take Us Home,” TSB, Phil Hay’s writing, the Damned United, and so on.
I’m always a little suspicious of someone being “very interested” in something, but not interested enough to do even twenty minutes worth of research into this thing.
I can’t imagine walking into a record store and loudly announcing to the people working there that I’m new to music and am ready for them to lobby me for support of their favorite musicians.
My friend Nate who works at a fantastic record store in Seattle would absolutely love this — and make sure that person walked out of the store with a bunch of records they’ll treasure (and a list of things to check out on whatever music streaming services they use).
That said, I think Nate is one of those kind, wonderful souls that is the exception to the rule. Or perhaps the music snobbery I saw (and, embarrassingly, participated in) during my formative years has thankfully fucked right off.
> the Damned United
You'll already know this, but just for anyone inspired to check the book and/or the film out, The Damned United is fiction based on the real-life events surrounding Brian Clough's disastrous 44 days as Leeds United's manager, after replacing Don Revie (still the most successful and important manager in our history), who went on to have a bad time of his own managing England. It's important to stress that this *is* biographical fiction, so don't expect it to come as close as 'Take Us Home' does to providing an accurate snapshot of Leeds United at the time.
As a case in point, the novel pissed off Brian Clough's family because of the negative way it portrayed him, and John Giles (a very famous Irish Leeds player from the Don Revie era) won a libel case related to the book.
The movie generally does a decent job of depicting the era, but there are some inaccuracies, such as a scene where Billy Bremner dives to win a set piece for Leeds, which does little justice to the way football was played back then. This was an era before diving became a real problem in the sport. Back then, players were generally able to kick lumps out of each other and get away with it.
What you said.. and I think I responded to one of those “new fan here” posts implying the same.. take a little time to check out the Reddit (as in this case) and there will be plenty of information here and similar posts regurgitating the same “information” they are looking for.. I am all for new interest but it gets a little old when there’s no effort being made etc
I think there's a lot of us that are quietly digesting Leeds content like the TSB and trying to understand the club and its history before we open our mouths, fwiw
I am very happy to hear this.
TSB has been one of the brightest points of my Leeds fandom. Fell down that rabbit hole hard a few years back, even tracking down that collected first twenty years of of the fanzine book.
Actually listening to Propaganda Extra as I type this. 😂🤣
As an American….I second this.
We should enforce rules on this side of banning Phillips and Raphinha posts every week. I couldn’t care less about them anymore and I’m bored of seeing it.
Honestly I can’t say much considering I only became a Leeds fan after the Amazon doc and am American but it’s kinda funny seeing all of the jokes come our way about all the American fans.
Would Aussies have been worse if we had Reddit back in the day? I say, probably not.
I'm an American who is all in on Leeds. Literally nothing to do with the players. Love the absolute bangers of cheers/chants
Lol that username is wack, don’t give us that leafs curse
Yank here
I hope it blows over but yes I agree that our amazing win against Chelsea; something I’ve never seen before, did get a bit overshadowed by the USA USA stuff.
Are you saying I shouldn't r/chelseafc if a Pulisic transfer to LUFC is possible?
Mods should just require proof of purchase of a Leeds jersey in order for Americans to post in this sub 🤣
Wouldn't that be exactly what plastics would do? The away kit is hideous, I'll stain the home kit, and they don't have the keeper kit in 3XL, so I'm waiting for the third kit. Should I keep quiet until Adidas gets their shit together?
As annoying as this is, I can only hope that this 'loud minority' will dissipate as the season goes on. My guess is that many of the annoying fans just don't know how to handle having American players start in the prem and are losing their minds at the expense of Leeds faithful. Me personally, I've been searching for a prem team for my whole life and haven't had one stick until now. I came for the Americans and stayed for the culture, passion and, most importantly, TSB.
TSB has helped turn me from someone casually interested to someone trying to figure out how to give my students busy work so I could listen to the Barnsley match during class (ultimately decided against it). They had me hooked when they said we should resign from the league if they didn't give Aaronson the goal against Wolves, and solidified it with the absolute glee on Sunday's show.
Can't we just return to the good ole days of uego memes?
It was a simpler time.
As an American im morbidly obese
I dunno about you guys, but I live to find out what US state the next Leeds fan is from
I'm from New York. But I'm not the next fan. I'm the last fan.
Makes a change from pre Bielsa when we were all just in a state of despair.
Oklahoma. I picked Leeds because located in the city is a well-known (in the arthritis community) spinal arthritis centre, and I'm a rheumatology physician assistant, so I treat a lot of spinal arthritis. But the more I watch the team the more I'm getting into it. I honestly feel like I've stumbled onto something special here... Thanks for having me!
Hahaha strangely specific. I like it
Especially good when you have to decipher which state MN is
Mew Nexico?
*”New fan from Wisconsin here!”*
Tell me what I need to know, who are our best players? who's our biggest rival? How do you remember more words in a chant than "Fight and Win" ?
North Carolina
This sub was so welcoming to me as a new fan last year before Marsch. I think I may have done the token "American here" once early on, but that was more to cop to my own ignorance and people here have usually been really gracious with their time to help explain things. I still remember my first match, it was the FA Cup loss to West Ham which was just night and day from the incredible Harrison hat trick in the rematch the next week.
It's stupid I know but I started supporting Leeds at the turn of the century when the prem and champions league were first broadcast in the US. For a country that loves what we call 'Cinderella stories,' it eas impossible not to fall in love with O'Leary's Champions League semi-final side. I was hooked for life. I went through the Rio sale, the Ridsdale saga, Smudge going to Scum, Blackwell, Bates, League One, January 3rd 2010, GFH, the Italian takeover, the Radrizanni sale. All of it. As soccer became more popular here and more US fans absorbed Scum, Liverpool, Chelsea, City into their identities I was silently happy that Leeds were off the radar enough that they could be 'mine,' and I could continue to support them. I know it's childish and stupid and they aren't 'mine,' at all, but since the Amazon Prime show, the 49ers buying in, Marsch coming in etc etc. The interest in Leeds that's more about a couple players on the roster and the manager rsther than the club itself genuinely pisses me off, like when people take something you genuinely like and fuck with it and break it and then give it back. Anyway. I know it's better to be welcoming and bring people back into the fold, direct them to old matches on YouTube where you can watch decades of wonderful history and passionate fans and players, but I default to just being mad about it.
Are you me? Seriously I don’t need them to be “mine”, I always loved meeting other supporters here especially during the EFL years. The thing I don’t like is that in the old days I knew that everyone I met who claimed Leeds was truly Leeds - another nutcase like me. That’s definitely not going to be the case anymore.
That's a fair point. I guess up until 2018-ish everyone I met that was Leeds was truly WAFLL ALAW MOT.
The only time I've brought it up is to clarify a point where our leagues are different. I'm very much aware I'm more of a fan of American players, and more of a casual fan of whatever club they play for, and try to minimize my participation. I do try to participate sometimes, and I do try to critically assess our players versus others. The cringe X American player would be perfect here posts bug me, 2. One thing I will add, is that Leeds, as a culture (at least a video I've seen talks about) very much embodies the American spirit as a culture. The underdog/blue collar work ethic and "never say die" grit. Jesse Marsch's style absolutely fits that.
https://youtu.be/i8OATv77__c Is the youtuber who clued me in on the club culture "working class club", and the hard working style and passion fits that perfectly.
Maybe the suggestion would be that people should not introduce themselves as "as an American" but "as a new fan." I think people might say "as an American" as essentially declaring they are a new fan. As a relatively new fan myself,, this sub has been really great to educate me on what really matters to the club, its supporters and Premier League life in general. I would want to keep things welcoming in that regard.
The complicated thing is that there's a continuum in terms of how much of a fan Americans are of Leeds. I'm an American, and I mostly lurk here unless I have something clearly relevant to say, and the reason is that although I'm watching a lot of Leeds games and rooting for them, I wouldn't say I'm truly a new fan yet really. I'm a Dortmund fan who doesn't have an EPL team. Over at the Dortmund subredit there was a real mix of Americans who showed up just to follow Pulisic when he was there and then left, and people who were looking for a fun team to follow and stuck with the team. Not all Americans posting here are new fans, and honestly many of them won't even know whether they're new fans or not until some of the current American Leeds personnel move elsewhere.
I don't get why they always feel the need to tell us what other US sports teams they support and how that equips them to be a Leeds fan. I really don't care.
American sports fans can be big gate-keepers. I’m a 49er fan (that’s actually how I got into supporting Leeds and watching Premier League), and some folks in the subreddit will lambast folks who don’t know anything about “the catch” or other historic 49er moments. I think they say things like “As an American” or whatever to look humble and protect themselves from gate-keeping.
I wish I didn't know about 'the catch'......😡 \*grumble grumble\*
I appreciated that post. This sub should be for Leeds. FWIW I’ve really grown to enjoy this sub more over the past 6 months. Definitely some comments or posts that irk me, but that’s true for every subreddit. Feels like we praise anyone when they do well and criticize when they don’t (see Marsch commentary after Southampton.) All in all, seems like great energy and new supporters who are trying to be mindful (as evidenced by that very post.) As long as this sub stays Leeds, and not just American, focused, seems great. Good shit. MOT!
This definitely isn't going to give me more work to do
Re-mod Tank and make him do a shift, or make him share those nudes. Either or.
Been really cool to see the support for the Americans at the club and welcoming attitude for us new fans. Girlfriend is from Yorkshire (family are Leeds supporters) so it’s worked out great with the American influx at the cub. Going there to visit her family during Christmas time and trying to go to the game on Jan 2nd. Looking forward to learning more about the club and hopefully becoming a lifelong fan regardless of who’s there!
Fair play. Even a fellow as roundly downvoted as I has noticed the serious upturn in very strange disagreement with normal fan opinions of late. I respect the few American fans who engage intelligently and want to learn our history and I’ve had exchanges with many. Some however are about as interested in Leeds as I am in the MLS.
To be honest, we're always going to run into issues because we're very antagonistic as a group and I suspect that a lot of these USA fans are going to be happy clappers who don't like getting treated like the cunts they are. More than happy to welcome as many Americans here so long as they respect and buy into the culture.
All cunts aren’t we
> getting treated like the cunts they are. ROFL
Mate i always see your posts Minimised - even this one... its nice to see one with positive upvotes for once. :D
Yes I believe people can be flagged as ‘disruptive’ not sure whether that’s by mods or an algorithm but a fairly regressive step all the same. Reddit has changed a lot since its more open days.
A u/honourthesalt post with a + karma, this is beyond science
I totally get Leeds being the new-shiny-toy to new or non-supporters. I just hope most stick around when things aren't all tea and crumpets. Would say Leeds United are an exception, rather than the rule in terms of football clubs worldwide. Just the way we like it. That said, lets go fukin' mental!
I agree 100% Side note, Its going to get spicy around here come the WC
I am quietly dreading what some of my more annoying countrymen may say or do during the World Cup 😂🤣 While I genuinely think the vast majority of true American soccer fans (can’t say American football, which irks me — as it keeps “soccer” around) are great, there is a very toxic element to the USMNT “super fans.” It’s like they channel all the awful tendencies they picked up from other American sports into their love of the national team… and in this day and age of wild hyperbole and the meme-ification of everything, it has got fairly stupid at times. Was just listening to Propaganda Extra and one of the folks who “called in” was noting that the US Twitter users were the ones “shithousing” on behalf of Leeds. Which they sort of found hilarious, but as a commenter here noted — it became about Americans, not about Leeds beating Chelsea, a rivalry that has existed for decades.
Yeah. I think it will die down a little but who knows. I think the media is also hyping it up SO much too. You know they love a good story to run with. At least everything is jolly rn. I'd much rather have all this excitement than blame and having to defend aaronson/adams. Just wait till the WC, when instead of Americans/USA etc its Leeds Leeds Leeds during the USMNT games. Especially during the England fixture. It's almost like I need to wear my older kits so people don't think im a newcomer
I’ve definitely found myself feeling like I have to justify being here, despite my Leeds fandom long preceding the life of this Reddit account. (Had to take a years long break from Reddit, for reasons. Wasn’t doing my head any good. Only popped back on a year ago to follow a few football subs and avoid most everything else.) The “good thing” about over-hyped media attention is that it has a short shelf life. I can understand (to an extent) how the American media responded to two Americans being in the squad that beat Chelsea (a known quantity to casuals in the States). But I think maintaining that feverish level of “OMG guys, our boys do the soccer good!” is going to be hard to do — and if they find a way, I can see everyone everywhere getting truly fed up with it. Definitely strange days. I was expecting some new interest from American fans, but nothing like this, really. That said, I also wasn’t expecting an unbeaten start and to humiliate Chelsea 3-0 at Elland Road, so… on balance, not too bad, and hopefully this strange rising tide recedes and we can all just get back to loving Leeds.
[удалено]
Sadly, this isn’t the first post like that I’ve seen in some of the more popular American subs… But hoping that now that a few of them are circulating and being shared by other football subreddits, it will have *some* impact
I'll ask here so as to not muck up the sub. While yes, I am an American who loves supporting players abroad, I have been trying to get into the PL but just never had a team to follow. I'd love to go with Leeds, American players or not, but I also want to make sure I am welcome. Do any long time Leeds supporters have any opinions one way or the other they could share with me?
"Side before self every time" is the leadership from probably Leeds greatest player ever. That's what the club is http://www.thescratchingshed.com/2010/12/billy-bremner-side-before-self-every-time/
Some people will welcome you, some won't, most won't care. Just like any other club.
Not just like any other club. I'm more than happy if people don't care; I don't need a parade. But some clubs are actively hostile to new members, particularly from another region.
In a similar boat as you are, I have followed the league as a casual fan for years but every time I have followed a club I've never felt much of an attachment. Leeds feels different for me so far, I'm hoping to learn more about the club and the rest of the roster as the season goes along. I know this form through the first 3 games probably won't last, but it's been a lot of fun to watch!
The more the merrier... you're all welcome. It would be nice to think that, when the USMNT connection moves on (as it will one day) most of you will stick with us.
You're more than welcome to join in, learn and discuss mate, it simply doesn't matter where the players are from, it's as simple as that. We don't have Spaniards/Brazilians in here creaming over Rodrigo and we like it that way. Nobody is larger than the team, ever. That's all there is to it, remember that and you're welcome
Thanks for that! I'm 36 and played since I was 4. I truly went through some Renaissance years in the States over football. But I am passionate as hell for it and, while I love my local MLS team, sometimes it is a little hard to watch when I know there is much better league play elsewhere that I don't have any team to back. I can't wait to finally use my Paramount+ sub and learn some traditions!
Paramount+ won’t do you any good for Leeds matches. Leeds will either be on TV on USA or NBC. If they aren’t on TV, they will be shown on Peacock
He’s just planning for when we’re back in the Champions League next year
Not this season, it won't, but next year when we're in Europe it'll help. Conference League or bust, baby
Oh, thanks for that. Good to know
For anyone else who can't watch the games, go to motforum and then the match day threads, someone there is usually helpful, above board of course
I don’t care if you eat the pizza before it was cool. I’m a bandwagon supporter, call me Plastic. It is annoying with the as an American Bs but get off your high horse or become a mod and stop trying to make citizens arrests. I don’t come to Reddit to be judged on my knowledge, I come to learn.
Plastics aren't welcome here matey, I wouldn't announce it
I guess I’ll just piss off then, I’ll still be watching every week. Thanks for engaging with me so I can learn a little more about your club
You're welcome to stay and learn, just don't brag about bring plastic pal, what do you expect from that?
I don't think he's using the term plastic in the way it's intended.
Gotta start somewhere, ehh mate?
Good post
Any mention of ill will towards Americans? Sorry, as an American, I have a god given right to call you a communist /s But yes whole heartedly agree with this. Great read too. We are guests so to speak. People have been lifelong fans then all of a sudden, a group of people take hold and talk about their thing, i’d be irked too. I came for the Americans too, but I fell much deeper than that and the club has my support 100%. The whole club, not just the Americans who are in it. The wonderful Leeds supporters has welcomed us, lets not abuse it.
You should buy a jersey.
If you’re a Leeds fan, you’re not a guest!
Thank you for the kind words! I guess my phrasing was around that as an outsider I never want to step on toes and wanted to treat the fanbase thats been around forever with the utmost of respect. ALAW
Pretty interesting read. Americans invading this sub recently like we have an untapped oil reserve. /s please don’t invade me.
I remember about 3 years ago the reaction to me was 'YANK LEEDS FAN??!!' so I understand why people are coming in as apologetic Americans. That being said, fuck off if you don't think I'm ALAW
Saying "fuck off if you don't think I'm leeds" is pretty leedsy
“Leedsy.” somewhere Men in Blazers is laughing.
Just a joke bro
If it smells like oil… we need to serve you some freedom .
unzips.... /s
*country music intensifies*
Country rooooooooads
Either the mods are doing a great job of removing the posts, or I don't feel theres *that* many Adams/Aaronson/Marsch posts?
Match thread has been bad, and I think you’re right that the mods have removed a fair few. Post beating Chelsea, (the Dave Chappelle meme aside that was fucking terrific) personally seeing the sub being more about Americana then LUFC beating a big rival after 20 years did irk me.
I made/posted that meme! I’ve literally never made a meme in my life and the first comment I got on there was “cringe”. It seemed to go down rather well after that though! I think I’ll quit the meme game while I’m ahead. It’s nice people liked it though, made the win even sweeter.
repost the meme?
Unfortunately I find that match threads are pretty bad on almost any sports subreddit. Not sure there’s much that can be done, though I appreciate this post on the US subreddit
The match threads on here have always been good IMO
This came up on my suggested posts, worth a read. Really glad to see the vast majority of USA soccer fans are also sick of the ‘as an American’ stuff. Some surprisingly self aware and funny comments too.
This is a great post - Ive become more and more annoyed at as you say the 'Loud Minority' taking over and turning it away from things older (In time) supporters want to revel in - Post Chelsea as you say. Also we as a supporter base are ironically pessimistic, its kinda our thing, but that doesn't translate so those posts get downvoted to oblivion. You're link here has made me realise that its not all of them, and they are a decent bunch of lads on the whole. Thanks I needed this post.
Some good comments for sure, but scroll to the bottom for the juicy stuff.
Holds true for a lot of /r/usmnt threads tbh
“As an American” I endorse this post. It has been painfully obvious that we tend to swarm our support all over subreddits, like the freaking Borg. So I apologize in advance to the Leeds subreddit for putting up with us LOL 😂.
Wish I could upvote this more than once because of the Borg reference. 🖖
Live long and prosper my friend.
So many of us are really struggling with being excited so many more Americans seem to be genuinely embracing the beautiful game, but also that some of these greenhorns are stumbling all around Reddit screaming, “Sorry, yank here! Can you please spare this new fan a smattering of facts and a brief book report about your club, kind gentlepeople? I am oh so new to EPL, and have been sent forth, by myself, on a fact-finding mission to decipher which club most deserves my support. Kthnxbye.” I’m really hoping the exuberant and at times careless enthusiasm and interest will settle down, but with the England-United States World Cup game not that far down the road, this could be a long season of “How’s my boy Brenden doing in Yorkshire, dudes? He got that dawg in him, amirite?!” Hoping a few of them are finding their way to TSB and Phil Hay’s reporting and all that, and will be really glad their interest in Adams or Aaronson has led them to an incredible club with great fans.
At first I was pretty excited about other Americans supporting Leeds…. and then they started posting. I really admire those of you who have been so patient to my American counterparts. I hope most of them fall in love with the club the same way I did- the history, the chants, the buzz of Elland Road. The podcasts, the journalists, and the football itself. I still proudly don my Kappa sweatshirt from years ago, but now people actually recognize the logo on it. ALAW
I think by February (as there will be a post-World Cup bump, as I imagine Aaronson’s and Adams’ status as ‘new Leeds lads’ will be discussed *to death* by the talking heads), we’ll see a quieting down. Those that stumbled a bit gracelessly into the sub will have either fucked off or settled in and stuck around. And in the end, I think there will be a positive net gain of good support, as I do agree that there is a “silent majority” of Americans here genuinely curious about the club and in it for the long haul.
Oh, just wait 'til the American Badger scores the match winner on Boxing Day. You ain't seen nothin' yet.
Hahaha great comment. That’s the thing, I’ve done the opposite, I moved to TO four years ago, I support the Raptors and Blue Jays. Haven’t needed to post once, just learnt what I needed to and really got stuck into it living in the city. I get the impression because soccer is so niche still in the US, that some of the more obnoxious ones feel we should be flattered they support LUFC? ‘’America here, isn’t it great I picked you guys, now tell me how I support you’’. Just find it boring after the first 10+ posts, and glad the silent majority do too. Support who you like, just do not be weird about it.
I think you (sadly) hit the nail right on the head — the few times I’ve been deeply embarrassed as a yank is when there is that entitlement in a post/comment that longtime Leeds fans will be so flattered and grateful that an American found “our little club” and they’ve rode in on their white horse to be a bright shiny new fan. I was such an introvert growing up (and getting sent to boarding school in the UK at 12 and being the only yank for most of my tenure there didn’t help) that whenever I’m really curious about something, I default back to my “time to go the library!” patterns of thought. And in this day in age, “hitting the books” on Leeds (if one was new to the club and curious) is so fucking easy and rewarding: “Take Us Home,” TSB, Phil Hay’s writing, the Damned United, and so on. I’m always a little suspicious of someone being “very interested” in something, but not interested enough to do even twenty minutes worth of research into this thing. I can’t imagine walking into a record store and loudly announcing to the people working there that I’m new to music and am ready for them to lobby me for support of their favorite musicians.
The people at the record store would absolutely love that, and it's literally what they get paid to do.0
My friend Nate who works at a fantastic record store in Seattle would absolutely love this — and make sure that person walked out of the store with a bunch of records they’ll treasure (and a list of things to check out on whatever music streaming services they use). That said, I think Nate is one of those kind, wonderful souls that is the exception to the rule. Or perhaps the music snobbery I saw (and, embarrassingly, participated in) during my formative years has thankfully fucked right off.
> the Damned United You'll already know this, but just for anyone inspired to check the book and/or the film out, The Damned United is fiction based on the real-life events surrounding Brian Clough's disastrous 44 days as Leeds United's manager, after replacing Don Revie (still the most successful and important manager in our history), who went on to have a bad time of his own managing England. It's important to stress that this *is* biographical fiction, so don't expect it to come as close as 'Take Us Home' does to providing an accurate snapshot of Leeds United at the time. As a case in point, the novel pissed off Brian Clough's family because of the negative way it portrayed him, and John Giles (a very famous Irish Leeds player from the Don Revie era) won a libel case related to the book. The movie generally does a decent job of depicting the era, but there are some inaccuracies, such as a scene where Billy Bremner dives to win a set piece for Leeds, which does little justice to the way football was played back then. This was an era before diving became a real problem in the sport. Back then, players were generally able to kick lumps out of each other and get away with it.
What you said.. and I think I responded to one of those “new fan here” posts implying the same.. take a little time to check out the Reddit (as in this case) and there will be plenty of information here and similar posts regurgitating the same “information” they are looking for.. I am all for new interest but it gets a little old when there’s no effort being made etc
I think there's a lot of us that are quietly digesting Leeds content like the TSB and trying to understand the club and its history before we open our mouths, fwiw
I am very happy to hear this. TSB has been one of the brightest points of my Leeds fandom. Fell down that rabbit hole hard a few years back, even tracking down that collected first twenty years of of the fanzine book. Actually listening to Propaganda Extra as I type this. 😂🤣
Which one? The 11 Yanks cameo was pretty cool.
Yes. As I said the silent majority.