Posted on 11th January 2019
Leeds United fans have unveiled a new mural of one of their cult heroes to celebrate diversity in the city in a project funded by the Fans for Diversity campaign.
Fanspiration: working together in Leeds
This is a story from the SD archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
Today Leeds United Football Club will be unveiling a Leeds Civic Trust Blue Plaque to honour Albert Johanneson ahead of the Derby County fixture.
The celebrated former Leeds United footballer made 200 appearances for the club from 1961 to 1969, scoring 67 goals and playing an integral role in helping the team to win promotion to the First Division in 1964. In 1965 he became the first ever black African to play in an FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
Ahead of kick-off at the Sky Bet Championship fixture on Friday 11 January the granddaughter of Albert Johanneson, Samantha, will be joined in the West Stand Reception at Elland Road by former player Brian Deane, Councillor Judith Blake and Councillor Jane Dowson along with representatives from Leeds United, Leeds Civic Trust, the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust and Kick It Out to unveil the special commemorative plaque.
Leeds United Supporters Trust have played a key part in the move to ensure Albert’s memory is honored by the club, working side by side with them and Leeds City Council.
Steve White, Chair of the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust, stated: “In what is a special year for the club, the city and our supporters, what better way to start 2019 than by commemorating Albert Johanneson’s contribution to Leeds United history. Albert is recognised as the first black player to play in an FA Cup final. He played 200 games for the club, winning many admirers and, as a trailblazer, was an inspiration to so many.
“We’re very proud to have played a part in creating a blue plaque for Albert and to add this piece of heritage to Elland Road. We hope and trust that Members and Leeds fans alike will be delighted when they see this wonderful accolade in pride of place outside the East Stand reception area.”
This project again highlights the influential and important nature of a supporters trust and how positive projects can be had between a club and its supporters.
Well done to all involved in making this a success.
