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In all of the excitement over “spygate” the Blue Plaque installation was kind of forgotten about.
| A special @LeedsCivicTrust Blue Plaque was unveiled at Elland Road last night, to commemorate the life of former #LUFC player Albert Johanneson
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 12, 2019
The Blue Plaque honoured former Leeds player Albert Johanneson, the first black player to play in an FA Cup final. Per the club’s official website:
The plaque was officially unveiled by Samantha Jones, granddaughter to Albert Johanneson, along with Brian Deane and Councillors Judith Blake and Jane Dowson, both who played a huge role in the event taking place including helping to fund the project.
Also heavily involved in the special occasion were the Leeds Civic Trust who created the blue plaque and the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust who helped to sponsor the plaque.
Steve White, from the Leeds United Supporters Trust, had this to say:
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.
It’s too bad another, ahem, “event” overshadowed the Blue Plaque installation.
On to the links.
Leeds United Links
Leeds United put out a statement in regards to Marcelo Bielsa and “spygate.” [Through It All Together]
Recap of the win over Frank Lampard’s Derby County. [Through It All Together]
Jack rated the players. [Through It All Together]
Leeds are reportedly close to signing goalkeeper Kiko Casilla from Real Madrid. [Through It All Together]
England and English Football Links
Shane Long scored a goal after an impossibly long time and Southampton beat Leicester City 1-0. [St Mary’s Musings]
Declan Rice scored his first goal for the Irons as West Ham United beat Arsenal 1-0. [Brace the Hammer]
World Football Links
Monterrey dropped points with a 2-2 draw as Club Leon scored with literally seconds left in the match. [FMF State of Mind]
Club America beat Atlas 2-1. [FMF State of Mind]
Patrick Cutrone scored twice in stoppage time to hand AC Milan a win over Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia. [AC Milan Offside]