Two former Leeds United players have hit the nail on the head when it comes to the power of home supporters at Elland Road
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
15:08, 28 Oct 2025
Leeds United fans ahead of kick off
View Image
Leeds United fans ahead of kick off(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Elland Road is the only place for Leeds United, which is why the club are looking to extend their home to fit more family members inside.
Expansion proposals are to be reviewed by Leeds City Council in a meeting on Thursday, though a decision over whether to approve or refuse the planning application will not take place until at least late November.
There are concerns around the transport blueprint that has been putforward, with planners requesting revisions of the submitted framework amid a commitment from all parties to revamp matchday operations to ensure the safest experience possible.
At the same time, Leeds United are looking for assurances from the council regarding timelines, given the decision to focus the majority of work during summer and international break periods.
The club are confident plans will be approved and are pleased with progress but are aware that significant delays in approval could disrupt the forward-planning process when it comes to getting work started.
The reason behind targeting construction around breaks in the season is to avoid the need to compromise current seating at Elland Road. As chairman Paraag Marathe said earlier this year: “Players and managers from other clubs don’t like playing at [Elland Road] because it’s been called a cauldron or a hurricane of noise.”
So, while this truth influences the design of the expansions, it is also imperative that Leeds continue to maintain that match atmosphere during the progress of works, especially if playing in the Premier League.
Leeds United knock up to 50% off kits and merch
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Various
Leeds United
Shop the sale here
Leeds United have slashed up to 50% off select kits and merch on their official club store, including this season's home shirt.
Daniel Farke has often talked about ensuring the stadium remains a "fortress" for Leeds this season, having only lost one league game on home soil in a full calendar year. Indeed two of their three wins and eight of their 11 points have come at Elland Road.
A number of former United players have emphasised the importance home form over the past week, including stalwart Lee Bowyer. He told Ladbrokes at the launch of Ladisfaction: “I think their home form is going to be massive this year.
"With Leeds and that fan base, and how good they are – they can make Elland Road a really difficult place to come and play. I think they’ll get enough points and their home results will keep them in the division.”
Andros Townsend spent a very brief period at Leeds in January and February 2012, but even in that short time recognised the importance of the United home support. “No club wants to go and play Leeds,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday.
“Leeds away is horrible, no matter what division you’re in, that is not a good place to go and win a football match.”
Leeds have two away games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest before their next home match after the international break against Aston Villa on November 23.
Then, after a trip to Manchester City, are two quick home games against Chelsea on December 3 and Liverpool on December 6.
These are the nights Elland Road craved during their two-year spell back in the second tier - and Leeds will need to harness their famous loud support in the quest to cause an upset.
Here at LeedsLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the bestLeeds Unitedcoverage and analysis.
Article continues below
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Leeds news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clickinghereto subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Clickhereto be sent all the day's biggest stories.