Leeds United opinion: Players and fans deserved a day in the sun
Pascal Struijk's 2019/20 Championship winners' medal hung around his neck at the open-top bus parade in Leeds yesterday – a reminder of the celebration that never was.
This squad were partying for two. And it felt like that.
An estimated 150,000 people were in Leeds, and the city was as full of fans and stories as it was thick with fog from flares and fireworks.
Club captain Ethan Ampadu's sweary performance on the microphone was instantly iconic and will be remembered for decades.
The Welshman did as much to etch himself into the hearts of Leeds fans in one afternoon as he has done on the pitch in the last two seasons.
But in United's history, no group of players has deserved a party more than this squad.
A record-breaking century of points; securing promotion by reaching near-perfection in games against Stoke and Bristol City; and winning the league with almost the last kick of the season in injury time on the final day.
For modern footballers: whose sleep and diet are tracked, whose every word is scrutinised, who are well-compensated, but make many sacrifices – it was wonderful to see them celebrate.
And the city and fans deserved a party as well.
The last time the glittering silver lady toured Leeds on a bus was 1992 – and there will be many who weren't there or were too young to remember it.
And unlike during the pandemic five years ago when United won the Championship and the unannounced open-top bus was static outside Elland Road, this time the parade had been announced, and the wheels were moving.
Leeds fans finally had their day in the sun.
And though the blue powder from flares has settled, and the smell from the smoke will wash out, the memories made in a couple of hours on a bank holiday Monday will last a lifetime.
Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external.
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