Almost 40 years without a semi-final appearance in the most prestigious of domestic cups is a footballing barren land. More so when the club that have trudged across it for nigh on four decades were responsible for an iconic moment in the cup’s 1972 centenary edition.
Since Billy Bremner lifted the FA Cup, headlines around Leeds‘ association with the competition have been largely corrosive for the club’s reputation.
The tone was set in the 1973 final, when second division Sunderland shocked Don Revie’s side beneath Wembley’s Twin Towers.
There have, of course, been positive times – the run to the 1987 semi-finals and, memorably, Simon Grayson’s third-tier outfit beating Manchester United in their own backyard in 2010.
Otherwise it has been capitulation at Crawley, humiliation at Histon, submission at Sutton, harrowing against Hereford, no-show at Newport and wretched at Rochdale.
There are others too, and that is why being back at Wembley for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea matters.
“It’s massive,” says long-standing supporter Gareth from Morley. “I’m old-school. Never seen us in the final and only one semi-final.
“The FA Cup, for me, is the best club competition in the world. I can remember the ’70s and ’80s finals – the build-up on both channels. In the team hotel. The interviews. It was brilliant.”
The cup is not Leeds‘ only concern as the season reaches its conclusion, as they continue their for survival in the Premier League.
“Forget survival v cup final,” says Gareth. “Just do both. We need to get to remembering that football is about winning. Not taking part or surviving. Winning!”
Fellow fan Tony, who like Gareth is in his 50s, has a slightly different take.
“It’s a weird one,” he says. “I always want to win, but Premier League survival is all I think about.”
With 40 points on the board, Leeds may already be safe. After facing Chelsea they welcome relegated Burnley to Elland Road on Friday.
“Sunday is a free hit,” says Tony. “I’d take beating Burnley over beating Chelsea.”
Pragmatism for some, then, but pomp for others.
Steve, from Kirkheaton, is travelling first class on the train to the semi-final – and plans to take his 90-year-old mum to the final if they make it.
“It’ll be a great day out and we have a chance,” he says. “Chelsea were shocking against Brighton.”
