I’ve always had this emotional bond and attachment to the team and the atmosphere at Headingley. There are no lengths I won’t go to in order to support them. I don’t have much money but it doesn’t matter, you do whatever you have to when following your team - it’s something only a fanatic would understand. Twice I’ve flown back from Australia to see Leeds in the Grand Final and then the Challenge Cup.

People ask me why, but after listening to the Bradford semi-final on the Internet at four o’clock in the morning, there was no decision. I was at the travel agents four hours later to book the trip back, whatever it cost. Until 1 May 1999 it had been nineteen years of heartache, an entire lifetime, waiting for them to win something which is why I was in an indescribable paradise floating around Wembley after we had beaten London, topped up by the homecoming at Headingley the day after- you live for those precious moments.

I started watching from the main stand but about the age of fifteen transferred my allegiance to the South Stand. Now I go to Melbourne Storm every other week but it’s not Headingley.

No matter how far away I am, this is my spiritual home and I hope it never changes.

Of course it needs re-developing but I hope the atmosphere and mystique never leaves.

Marc Grant

Originally published in 'Headingley Rugby Voices' Recollections of supporters, compiled by Phil Caplan.

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Memory added on September 18, 2012

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