For several generations Elland Road has been a passionate hot-bed of support, known for housing one of the loudest and most ferocious fan-bases in the country.

Though Leeds may be struggling at present in the Premier League, when things are going well, and the team is winning, there really is no place like it.

Prior to every home game, the club’s anthem, Marching On Together, belts out through the Tannoy system and this prompts the 37,000-strong to stand and sing along.

This ritual is then repeated ahead of the second half, again eliciting goosebumps for the uninitiated. 

And in between these rites of passage, another song is invariably heard. It’s one that has the simplest of sentiments. It’s a chant that anyone unfamiliar to it can pick up in mere seconds. Yet, as we’ll discover, it is a chant with a complicated back-story.

All Leeds aren’t we. That’s the sum total of its lyrics, chanted over and over until it dies away, and you may think that such words will be bellowed with gusto, its unifying message used to help the team overcome the betting odds and inspire them to victory. 

Elland Road, ready to go pic.twitter.com/0Mpucknlib

— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) December 28, 2022

In fact, this straightforward chant, that essentially claims that everyone present shares the same one love, is not very unifying at all.

A trawl through the forums reveals that ‘All Leeds aren’t we’ is not a particularly popular song, splitting the fan-base three ways, with some buying into its theme of togetherness.

Others however distance themselves from it, disliking the song for reasons we will shortly get to. Others still are apathetic, bemused at how it took off in the first place.

And how it took off explains precisely why the chant is so divisive.  

The origins of a terrace chant is a very important consideration for fans. It’s as important as the words themselves.

Should it emerge organically from a cold Wednesday evening in the Barnsley away end, there is an ownership of that song that makes it cherished. 

Whereas with ‘All Leeds aren’t we’, it did not materialise off-the-cuff courtesy of a Leeds United supporter. Rather, it already existed, sung with regularity and bellowed with gusto down the road at Hillsborough, home of Sheffield Wednesday. 

‘All Wednesday aren’t we’. That’s the original version and understandably some Leeds fans took – and take – great exception to a rehashed take being heard at Elland Road.

The atmosphere at Elland Road 💥 pic.twitter.com/eglG0XrUlB

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 22, 2023

After all, it’s not as if this infamously loud and ferocious fan-base possesses a slender songbook. Why steal one from a rival?

But steal one they did and a little under a decade ago the song gained prominence, at times sung by large swathes across the Don Revie North Stand. 

Soon after, the club noticed this with the words subsequently being used as a corporate strapline for a promotional campaign for ticket sales.

This really should have proven to be its death knell but it wasn’t. To the bemusement of the apathetic it persists. 

Leeds’ Premier League odds are widening by the week and with relegation a real threat no doubt the fans will be relied on to provide atmosphere, to inspire through song. 

One that won’t be in much evidence however is one that – on paper at least – should. A song about unity that only divides.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 24th January 2023

Should a game be drawn this weekend across the FA Cup fourth round, a replay will take place, meaning the likes of Grimsby Town and Stevenage can fight for a stalemate, then benefit from a much-needed, money-spinning second bite of the cherry. 

Beyond that, fixtures will proceed straight to extra-time, then penalties, a structure that has already been in place for the quarter-finals onward since 2020 but has now been extended to incorporate the last 16.

In due course, we can expect all FA Cup replays to be scrapped. At this point, what’s the betting that decision has already been made? 

Truncating the world’s oldest and most esteemed footballing competition has been viewed in many quarters to be a sensible measure, and it’s hard to disagree that the calendar has become jam-packed in recent years.

With competitive football being played almost every day, and with players pushed to exhaustion, clearly something has to give.

Rank these competitions in order of importance:

Europa League
FA Cup
Champions League
League Cup
Premier League#VILMUN

— 888sport (@888sport) May 26, 2021

Replays of the third most important trophy to the bigger clubs, and the second most important to the rest, is an obvious sacrifice in the great scheme of things. 

And yet, for those among us who cherish the FA Cup it is a move that should greatly concern, and that’s without getting all misty-eyed and reminiscing about Ronnie Radford about it.

Scrapping replays would represent another act of chipping away at the competition’s prestige, a steady diminishing that began in earnest when kick-off times began to be moved around willy-nilly.

In 2013, the FA Cup final – long considered a truly special occasion for English sport – was held on the same day as league fixtures that decided the title. That was the start of it. 

Furthermore, there has unquestionably been a sustained and purposeful talking down of the tournament in modern times, akin to propaganda, and when such negativity is aired often enough people start to believe it.

The FA Cup in an inconvenience, we are told. Its magic has dwindled.

It’s hardly a conspiracy theory to suggest that these negative tropes are most assimilated by the big clubs, who also happen to have the loudest voices.

It is they after all, who have the most to gain from the cup losing its lustre, because in an ideal world they want the lucrative Premier League and Champions League, and on free weekends a profitable friendly overseas would be extremely welcomed. 

What they don’t want is a cold and testing trip to lower league opposition, where the betting odds can be overturned to widespread amusement. 

Yet the preservation of the FA Cup goes far beyond our reverence of upsets, as hallowed as they are. 

Beginning in August, with hundreds of non-league sides, and progressing right through to Wembley with an almost inexorable appearance of Chelsea, the cup is the pulmonary vein of English football, ensuring its survival, and celebrating traits infinitely more vital than keeping shareholders happy.

Its about competition in the purest sense. Its about dreams and dismay. Long may it continue and long may it thrive. The FA Cup needs protecting at all costs. 

It in an inarguable truth that both Celtic and Rangers would be welcome additions to the Premier League, an idea that has long been mooted.

From their vast and passionate support, the two powerhouses north of the border would generate an electric atmosphere wherever they went, and naturally an England v Scotland element to games would provide even run-of-the-mill encounters with an almighty edge. 

More’s to the point, both are huge and historic clubs. The Premier League would be lucky to have them.

Yet when we theoretically dig down into how each would likely fare in the English top-flight it quickly becomes apparent that their lofty status in the Scottish Premiership would not painlessly transfer to the English equivalent.

Indeed, it is strongly suspected that the Hoops and the Gers would struggle quite badly, for the short-term at least.

In 2021, as football considered reconfiguring itself post-pandemic and with a ‘British Super League’ up for serious discussion, a ‘supercomputer’ was used to predict how the Glasgow giants would hold their own against Manchester United and Liverpool et al.

The results were hardly encouraging.

Why Ryan Giggs is the most over-rated footballer in Premier League history.

My latest for @888sport https://t.co/tM8p0H3OMG

— Stephen Tudor (@SteTudor123) January 23, 2023

Tipping Rangers as relegation candidates, and stationing their arch-rivals mid-table, the findings acted as a stark reminder of the chasm in quality between the leagues, and for that matter, the gulf in class between the Old Firm and its English counterparts and should anyone doubt this we only need look to the levelling playing fields that lie beyond our shores.

We only need look to Europe. 

For Rangers to make a mockery of all European football tips and reach the Europa League final last year was a tremendous achievement. It was also an exceedingly rare one. 

Because typically they are undone on the continent, either going out when drawn against decent opposition or, from time to time, exiting embarrassingly to the likes of FC Progres Niederkorn, as they did in 2017.

It is necessary to Google FC Progres Niederkorn to find out where they’re from. They ‘re from that famous hotbed of footballing excellence, Luxembourg.

Just imagine the live betting markets that particular evening. 

Celtic meanwhile have not fared any better. Regular participants in the Champions League, by virtue of winning the league ten times in 11 years, the Hoops have failed to progress past the qualifying stages six times in the past decade.

They too have lost to some barely pronounceable and thoroughly obscure names along the way. 

A look through their respective squads tells us why, with the days when they could attract superstars such as Paul Gascoigne long gone. In their place, there are predominantly players who are Championship level or under. 

In fact, could a reasonable case be made for any current Rangers or Celtic first-teamer making it into the starting eleven for West Ham, Everton or Wolves, three sides battling the drop in the Premier League at present? 

A disparity in finances is ultimately the cause of this of course, so it could be argued that over time the Premier League fortunes would put the Glasgow giants on a much firmer footing.

Until that happened though, they would struggle. Quite badly too.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 23rd January 2023

Is Ryan Giggs the most over-rated footballer in the Premier League era?

He is certainly the most decorated, winning a staggering 13 league titles, along with two Champions League medals, four FA Cups, and so many individual merits the Welsh winger could easily copy his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and construct a museum in his own honour.

A direct wide-man of rare repute, Giggs’ career straddled an era of unprecedented dominance in the English top-flight and from being so prominent in this success he has secured a legendary status at Old Trafford and beyond, one that he deserves. 

This, after all, was an arch-creator who carved out 162 assists for Manchester United, a Premier League record by a country mile. This, after all, was a player included six times in the PFA Team of the Year.  

It’s a sparkling C.V. that has, incidentally, also made him an extremely wealthy man. 

Yet, such outstanding achievements takes us to the heart of the matter concerning Ryan Giggs’ elevated stature in the game though before we detail that, an important caveat is needed. 

It is that nobody is suggesting Giggs wasn’t a brilliant footballer. That would be insane.

Questioning to what extent his widely-accepted ranking as one of the greatest British players of all time is warranted however, is fair game.

This is because there has very possibly never before – or since – been a more pertinent example of a player and a club’s successes being so entwined.

Think of United in the Nineties, running riot and always short-priced in the Premier League odds, and the Welshman comes to mind, a poster-boy of it.

While other United legends came and went, Giggs remained, flying up and down the left flank for the entire duration of Sir Alex Ferguson’s remarkable era of supremacy. 

But how fundamental he was to his team’s glories is up for debate, and indeed it could be reasoned that for many of these successful seasons the Welshman was a cog in an extremely well-oiled machine.

Yet still, the more titles the reds racked up, the greater we believed Giggs was, almost by default, a GOAT of a player. 

In effect, he came to symbolise United’s magnificence, in doing so personally benefiting from it enormously, and it’s worth comparing and contrasting this vicarious veneration to Thierry Henry’s impact at Arsenal, another player celebrated as a Premier League great. 

Without Henry, the Gunners would not have been invincible. They would not have reached such rarefied heights. 

Would United still have won league titles minus Giggs? Very likely, yes. In fact, almost definitely so.  

Was Ryan Giggs overrated? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/j7pm2ESkW2

— GOAL (@goal) May 24, 2020

Acknowledging this finally leads us to the heart of the matter. That Ryan Giggs was not a player capable of single-handedly subverting the betting odds. That he never hauled a team to a different level, only made them better.

That crucially, he was never gauged entirely on his own ability, but rather it mattered considerably who he played for, and what they collectively achieved. 

Add in the Milner Effect of his longevity, and a familiarity that bred not contempt, but an increased degree of admiration, and we can deduce that Ryan Giggs was undoubtedly a legend.

But the best around? No, there were a good many better.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 23rd January 2023

With the 2023 Cheltenham Festival looming on the horizon, the early entries are beginning to trickle through and we already know which horses have been entered for the following championship races: Cheltenham Gold Cup, Queen Mother Champion Chase, Ryanair Chase, Champion Hurdle, Mares' Hurdle and the Stayers' Hurdle.

Without further ado, here are my early thoughts on the aforementioned Prestbury Park races:

Cheltenham Gold Cup Ante-Post Pick

Hot favourite Galopin Des Champs is dominant in the antepost markets having won all of his four completed chases, but I’m prepared to take him on at this juncture as I’m not 100% convinced he’ll see out the Gold Cup trip.

One horse that will relish the trip is the Emmet Mullins-trained Noble Yeats, who sprung to prominence in the Gold Cup betting markets after his sensational turn of foot in the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree at the beginning of December.

Noble Yeats - what a superstar for Emmet Mullins 🏇

- Grand National hero
- Many Clouds Chase

Noble Yeats loves @AintreeRaces & turns on the turbo to run out a brilliant winner of the G2 Many Clouds Chase under @Sean_Bowen_ pic.twitter.com/0zG22JExrh

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 3, 2022

It’s not hard to imagine this son of Yeats as a Gold Cup winner in addition to being a Grand National victor as many of the top staying handicappers down the decades have performed well in both events.

Now a general 7/1 chance in the online horse racing betting, Noble Yeats has to be in with a great each-way shout for the Festival showpiece.

Queen Mother Champion Chase Ante-Post Pick

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is another NRNB (non runner no bet) race with Energumene, Edwardstone and Blue Lord at the front of the market, but it is the middle named of the three that interests me the most.

Currently trading at odds of 11/4, I cannot really see that price lasting much longer should Edwardstone pick up either the Clarence House Chase or the Game Spirit Chase, or even both, before heading to Cheltenham.

He could even be the new outright favourite come Wednesday 14th March.

Ryanair Chase Ante-Post Pick

With question marks hanging over where the second and third horses in the Ryanair betting will run, it all really does point to another Allaho victory in this race.

🔴🔵 Allaho strikes Gold

Allaho is relentless once again as he powers to victory in the @Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup for @CPStudOfficial and lands a quickfire Grade 1 double for @PTownend and @WillieMullinsNH 🏆@punchestownrace | #PTown22 pic.twitter.com/UXNYIkJn00

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 27, 2022

Hopes are high that he will be fit enough to bid for a third Ryanair Chase in a few weeks time and it would take a brave punter to bet against him.

Willie Mullins is looking to go straight to Cheltenham with him so snap up all the 13/8 about the Cheveley Park runner whilst you can.

Champion Hurdle Ante-Post Pick

For many, including me, Constitution Hill is the banker of the Festival and it would be a shock of epic proportions if he was not able to lift the silverware on day one.

Without sounding derogatory to the reigning champion and top class mare Honeysuckle, Constitution Hill is now in that much of a different league to her that he is going to make her look like a slow boat on the day I’m afraid.

Odds of 1/3 aren’t much use to your average Joe, but they are extremely useful in Cheltenham multiples.

Mares Hurdle Ante-Post Pick

Willie Mullins has yet to show his hand with Brandy Love this season but last year’s Mares Novice Hurdle Final winner at Fairyhouse looks just the type to take a race of this stature.

BRANDY LOVE wins the @IrishEBF_ Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final! 🐎

She may not be straightforward, but @WillieMullinsNH's classy mare is too good for her rivals in the Grade One contest @Fairyhouse under @PTownend, with Love Envoi a gallant second! pic.twitter.com/VAROZksWh0

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 17, 2022

Having previously accounted for the likes of Allegorie De Vassy and Love Envoi, she’s got to be of major interest here at odds of 5/1 if you’re having an early bet on Cheltenham.

Stayers Hurdle Ante-Post Pick

The Stayers’ Hurdle has a particularly open look to it this season, hence the reason I am going to side with Jessica Harrington’s consistent gelding Ashdale Bob.

Time after time “Bob” keeps running into one and fills the minor podium spots, but he’s up there challenging the best will be suited by that long Cheltenham hill in the closing stages of this staying event. Odds of 14/1 look very appealing at this point in time.

No one would have expected it even just 15 days ago. And instead the deal is done: Leandro Trossard is the new, first signing of Arsenal in 2023 after a January window full of complications, surprises and twists.

After the crazy Mudryk affair with Chelsea hijacking the deal, Arsenal internally decided to take a few days before acting with conviction on a new top target for Mikel Arteta.

The Spanish manager together with director Edu Gaspar have evaluated several names; there has never been a negotiation for Raphinha, the Brazilian star has always wanted to stay at Barcelona and the rumours were not correct as well as for Ferran Torres.

Orlando City talent Facundo Torres also mentioned a negotiation with the Gunners but it never came forward or concrete, which is why Arsenal have decided to explore other options.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal have opened talks to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton, negotiations are advanced with official bid ready for permanent move. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC

Personal terms already agreed — talks will continue to get deal done soon. pic.twitter.com/WgiCtz1jG1

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2023

The right opportunity was called Leandro Trossard; after breaking up with Roberto De Zerbi due to a lot of tension in some training sessions, the Belgian winger clearly asked through his agent at Brighton to leave the club in January without waiting for June.

Tottenham were interested but they didn't make a formal proposal, just a request for information that never became an advanced negotiation; in France instead Olympique Marseille had moved decisively, at least three clubs had activated themselves for a really interesting opportunity on the market.

Until in the night between Wednesday and Thursday, Arsenal contacted Trossard's agent and then Brighton to understand the conditions of the deal: a quick and convinced assault, approved by Arteta and wanted by the board to ensure a Premier League proven player, motivated, decisive and ready to help the team immediately.

The negotiation wasn't difficult; Arsenal's first offer of the night was £18m, which Brighton rejected immediately.

But Edu Gaspar and Arteta knew they couldn't slow down; After negotiations in the morning, Arsenal have finalized a £21m plus £5m add-ons deal to convince Brighton to sell Trossard within 24 hours.

A key factor in the deal was the will of the player, because when Leandro learned of Arsenal's presence in the negotiations, he blocked any other option because he didn't want other clubs or other possibilities.

Only Arsenal, a huge opportunity that he didn't want to miss for any reason, personally asked Brighton to be released to join Arteta in London.

Trossard will sign a contract valid until 2026 with an option for a further season, Arsenal have reached an agreement on personal terms very quickly and thus identified Friday as the day for medical tests and contract signings.

The conversation between Edu Gaspar and Arteta was essential to act with clear ideas, lucidity and no worries after the Mudryk saga up to negotiating in 24 hours to get Leandro Trossard from Brighton.

Timing on the transfer market is always essential, especially in January: Arsenal were simply perfect in the Trossard deal.