Leeds United skipper Liam Cooper looking forward to rousing test against Western Sydney Wanderers
It’s three degrees on a bitter December morning at Leeds United’s training ground but skipper Liam Cooper is only too happy to discuss white-hot atmospheres ahead of next year’s clash with Western Sydney.
It’s a toasty three degrees on a bitter December morning at Leeds United’s Yorkshire training ground and skipper Liam Cooper is only too happy to discuss bubbling cauldrons, white-hot atmospheres and blistering home form.
The English Championship club will be the first “guests” to tackle Western Sydney Wanderers in their new 30,000-capacity Bankwest Stadium next year.
Leeds will be roared on by more than 4000 travelling fans and the visiting captain is expecting something of a home away from home on July 20.
The Whites, who celebrate their centenary during their Australian tour, have traditionally made Elland Road one of the most intimidating and noisy grounds to visit in England. Even the club’s “Marching On Together” anthem contains the line, “Elland Road is the only place for us”.
The Wanderers’ new home features the steepest stands in the country and Cooper predicts both sets of fans will pump up the volume as a result, leading to a special opening night in Parramatta.
For Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds, who sit second on the Championship ladder, promotion to the Premier League is the pressing priority but there is no doubt the players are excited about their adventure Down Under.
“I think it’s about three degrees here,” Cooper says. “I reckon a bit colder here than over there.
“When the lads found about (the Australian pre-season tour to take on Manchester United and Wanderers) they were absolutely buzzing. It’ll be good to see you all.”
Cooper knows how the full house signs at 38,000 capacity Elland Road are helping drive the club’s promotion bid this season and hopes the Wanderers, too, will find their new home just as “helpful”.
“Our lads are used to playing in front of 35,000 every week. It (Elland Road) certainly helps us,” he said. “And when you’re struggling in games, they give you that extra motivation and push to get you over the line.”
Western Sydney’s fans are no strangers to colour and noise but Cooper doesn’t expect the travelling Leeds fans to quietly watch the action unfold and admire the new surroundings as mere onlookers.
“They’ll be very loud, very patriotic and I think there’ll be a few beers sunk as well,” Cooper smiled.
“They follow us in numbers everywhere, selling out all the away grounds in the Championship. Best fans in England. I hope you’re ready for the Leeds army.”
While Leeds secured a healthy Aussie following during the late 1990s and early noughties when Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell were tormenting Europe’s best, this is a chance for Cooper and company to hook a new generation of fans.
Cooper’s A-League knowledge is a little sketchy but he has followed the Australian exploits of former Elland Road teammate Ross McCormack and wouldn’t rule out a spell Down Under in the twilight of his career.
The Leeds skipper also has rugby league pals in Australia and he’s hoping some fellow Yorkshiremen will take a break from the NRL to watch the match.
Cooper joked he’d jump on to Twitter and try and persuade the Burgess boys to cheer Leeds on in Sydney, with Souths owner Russell Crowe also a huge United fan.
General public ticket sales go on sale at 10am on Tuesday through ticketek.com.au.
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