Earlier this week, the English Football League (EFL) and Leeds United surprised lifelong fan, Leslie Bray, with tickets to watch his team take on Southampton in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley this coming weekend.
Leslie, a former RAF navigator who used to fly Lancaster bombers in World War II, has been attending home games at Elland Road for over 50 years and is the club’s oldest season ticket holder. He was nominated by the club to receive the tickets and a special behind-the-scenes stadium tour as a thanks for all of his support over the years.
Leslie was recently diagnosed with dementia and sometimes struggles to remember his age, however, he’s always able to recount each word to the club’s anthem, ‘Marching on Together’.
Joining Leslie on Sunday will be his son Steve (pictured) along with friends and fellow Leeds supporters Anne and Susan.
Steve said: “My dad and I have been going to watch Leeds home and away since the 1960s and we’re looking forward to watching them at Wembley stadium in the Play-Offs this weekend.
“We’re grateful to the club and the EFL for providing us with the tickets to sit together and the stadium tour – to walk down the tunnel and stand where so many incredible players have stood is going to be quite something and we’re really looking forward to it. Making memories together is always so special!”