Loss of a Leeds United Legend

by Dave Shepherd

So sad to here of the passing of yet another great, Peter Lorimer, one of the famous Leeds United teams. I personally got to know him, quite well though briefly, and always found him to very personable, apart from one occasion.

Back in the 90s our veterans league was in full swing and we had 16 top pro clubs taking part. One of the teams was the famous Leeds United managed by Peter Lorimer. Every other Sunday he'd call me after their game to give me their result and we always had a nice little chat.  Not surprisingly, Leeds, progressed to the quarter finals, which drew them away to Man Utd. Wow, I thought, that's one hell of a draw - I'll go along and watch that one.

All was set for the game at United's Cliff training ground for Sunday morning, and I was felling pretty chuffed with myself. At about 7 pm Saturday evening the phone rang. It was the Chief of Manchester Police.  'Who's the f--------g nutcase who's organised this bloody game!' Me, I queried. 'Who's playing' he demanded to know. Well I knew United had 'Pancho' Pearson, Gordon Hill, David Sadler, Albiston, Martin Buchan, Archie Knox, Arthur Graham etc. Leeds had Peter Lorimer, Madeley, Eddie Grey, Cherry, Bates, David Harvey, Joe Jordan etc - both teams were a proper who's who, of football greats.

Back in the 90s our Veterans League had 16 top pro clubs taking part. One of the teams was the famous Leeds United managed by Peter Lorimer.

'There is no way this game can possibly go ahead, if the public get any whiff of this, they will turn up in their thousands and I haven't got enough officers to patrol this after a Saturday night shift. I demand you cancel the game now,' the Police Chief shouted, 'if not, I'll hold you personally responsible'. I called Peter in a panic, but he didn't answer. Que Plan B. Sunday morning, I set off to the Cliff arriving at 8:00 am. and delegated myself to man the gate. One by one cars rolled up. I performed a swift 'open and shut' gate operation. Ironically, the late, great John Charles always travelled with the Leeds team, and rather humbling he'd park the Leeds players cars.

I got everyone in quickly, and bolted the gates shut.

It was a cracking game watched on by 'Fergie' no less, who needlessly to say, ripped into to his old boys one, by one, while laughing from his office window. It ended a 2 - 2 draw, so it went to penalties. Leeds missed their 5th kick, cue Arthur Graham to step up,(he'd played for both clubs in his career) and ironically he scored his pen, taking United through. It all went off pretty well after all, but that evening Peter phoned me up demanding a replay, saying games of such importance shouldn't be decided on penalties. There was no way, I fancied going through that scenario again - the result stood.

Peter was a true Legend, voted into the Leeds United all time greats team, back in the era when Leeds had their greates ever team.

Peter was a true Leeds Legend, but I didn't realise he holds the record number of appearances for Leeds United. He was voted into the Leeds United all time greats team - some player, back in the era when Leeds had their greatest ever team. Thanks for the memories - RIP - the great Peter Lorimer.