RUFC – Q & A with Dazza!

Dazza has kindly taken time out to answer some questions for us ahead of the Leeds game

Rotherham United take on West Yorkshire rivals, Leeds United on Wednesday evening at Don Valley in the Johnstone Paint Trophy. Ahead of the clash, Vital Leeds ed, and friend, Dazza, kindly answered some questions for us:

How long have you been following Leeds?
I was brought up on the great Leeds team of the 70’s by my dad and older brother, my first Leeds game though wasn’t until 1981 when they played Doncaster Rovers in a pre season friendly.

What are your expectations for the season?
I have to be honest I will be very disappointed if we don’t go up automatically, Macca now has the team playing really good football and we have goals from players all over the pitch.

Who is the best ever player you have seen in a Leeds Shirt?
Tony Currie was always my boyhood hero, I thought he was so skillful.
Going on players that I have had the privelege to see on a regular basis it would have to be Gordon Strachan. He was the major factor in Leeds going from the old second Division to Champions of the Football League in three years. his energy levels and drive behind the team were brilliant.

Is there a player you would gladly send a taxi for?
Well Kandol got in a taxi to Millwall for six months (I pray we don’t pay a return fair!!) At the moment it would have to be Enoch Showunmi, brought him in this summer and he’s not good enough for the team.

How do you think Gary McAllister is doing at Leeds?
I was very sceptical when we brought him in, you could see at the end of last season we was starting to play proper football on the deck. It took a while to get it going this season but recently we have been playing really well. We have been averaging about 25 shots on goal a game so somebody is going to get a hammering very soon.(Be warned!)

Have you any (printable) things to say about Dennis Wise?
I was disappointed with him when he left but I don’t think he was the same manager without Gus Poyet working alongside him. You cannot deny the spirit he had going through the squad at the start of last season to turn around the 15 point penalty.

What do you think of the Johnstone Paint Trophy – good competition or waste of time?
Its a great competition when you reach the latter stages, early on it can be played in front of small crowds even though Leeds had over 20,000 for their previous tie. Its the chance of a day out at Wembley and you all know to well what its like to win this trophy.

What do you know about the Millers?
Also known as turners, work with lathes and drilling machines to make precision parts for industry.
Oh sorry!, obviously I come on your site regularly so keep an eye out for your results. Its great you’ve nearly turned around your 17 points penalty from the start of the season. You have also had a great cup run beating Wolves, Southampton and ‘The Dingles’ from Hillsborough.

Have you ever seen a Leeds/Rotherham game?
I am sure I can remember going to a Yorkshire and Humberside cup match many years ago but that’s it.
What are the best and worst grounds you have visited?
I had completed all 92 during 1997, with all the new grounds I have about ten to do again. Its very hard to judge has some grounds have improved a lot since my last visit. The worst one that was in the League at the time would have to be Newport County’s ground, my best would be Villa Park before the improvements, I used to love the atmosphere with the huge Holte End terracing and old style stands down the sides.


Regarding the game in midweek I think Leeds will make huge changes from Saturday but we should still have a very strong team out. After your performances so far in the League Cup I am expecting a very tough game and should be a very close match.

Thanks a lot Dazza! And good luck, after Wednesday night of course!!!!