"Marching on Together"

From the terraces of Elland Road to pubs across Yorkshire, the sound of Leeds United supporters is unmistakable. This glossary unpacks the chants, rituals, and traditions that define one of English football’s most passionate fanbases—shaped by decades of triumph, heartbreak, and an unbreakable bond with the club.

"Marching on Together"

The club’s official anthem, adopted in the early 1970s and sung before every home match. Written by Les Reed and Barry Mason, the song captures the collective identity of Leeds fans—"We are Leeds, we are Leeds, we are Leeds"—and is often belted out with scarves raised. It’s a staple of matchday at Elland Road, uniting generations of supporters.

"We Are the Champions, Champions of Europe"

A chant referencing Leeds United’s 1975 European Cup final appearance, despite losing to Bayern Munich. Fans use it to celebrate the club’s continental pedigree and the legacy of Don Revie’s team. It’s a defiant nod to a near-miss that still fuels pride.

"Leeds, Leeds, Leeds"

A simple, repetitive chant—"Leeds, Leeds, Leeds"—that echoes around the stadium during tense moments. It’s a call to arms, often started by the Kop, and serves as a rallying cry when the team needs a lift. No frills, just pure identity.

"The Don Revie Chant"

A tribute to the legendary manager who transformed Leeds from a Second Division side into a domestic and European powerhouse. Fans sing "There’s only one Don Revie" to honour his legacy, especially during anniversaries of his tenure (1961–1974). It’s a reminder of the club’s golden era.

"We’ve Got Daniel Farke"

A modern chant celebrating the current manager, who led Leeds to promotion in the Championship. Adapted from a popular terrace melody, it reflects the resurgence under Farke’s pressing system. Fans belt it out to acknowledge his role in the club’s revival.

"Yorkshire, Yorkshire, Yorkshire"

A territorial anthem that proclaims regional pride. Leeds United’s fanbase is deeply rooted in Yorkshire identity, and this chant is a declaration of belonging. It’s often heard during away games, asserting the club’s northern heartland.

"The Elland Road Roar"

Not a chant per se, but the collective noise generated by 35,000-plus fans at Elland Road. Known for its intensity, especially during European nights or derbies, the roar is a tradition in itself. It’s said to unsettle opponents and has been a factor in the stadium’s reputation as a fortress.

"Calvert-Lewin, Calvert-Lewin"

A chant dedicated to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the striker who became Leeds’ top scorer in a recent Premier League season. Fans adapted a classic terrace tune to celebrate his goals—"He scores when he wants"—highlighting his impact after joining the club.

"Aaronson, Aaronson"

A rhythmic chant for Brenden Aaronson, the American midfielder known for his relentless pressing. Supporters sing "Aaronson, Aaronson, he’s one of our own" to acknowledge his energy and commitment, especially after his return from loan spells.

"The Nmecha Song"

A custom chant for Lukas Nmecha, the forward who emerged as a key figure in Farke’s system. Fans use a simple melody—"Nmecha, Nmecha, he’s a Leeds boy"—to show appreciation for his work rate and link-up play.

"Stach and Gruev, the Engine Room"

A collective chant for midfield duo Anton Stach and Ilya Gruev, who anchored Leeds’ midfield during a promotion campaign. Fans sing about their "steel and skill," a nod to their complementary styles—Stach’s physicality and Gruev’s vision.

"We’re Not Really Here"

A self-deprecating chant born from the club’s yo-yo history between divisions. Fans sing "We’re not really here" during relegation battles or tough away games, a dark-humoured acknowledgment of the club’s ups and downs. It’s a coping mechanism and a badge of loyalty.

"The Kop’s Response"

The Kop, the main stand at Elland Road, has its own set of traditions. Fans there often initiate call-and-response chants, like "Who are ya?" directed at opposition players. It’s a ritual that reinforces the stand’s role as the heartbeat of the stadium.

"Scarf Twirling"

A visual tradition where fans hold scarves above their heads and twirl them during "Marching on Together" before kick-off. It creates a sea of white and blue, particularly during big matches. The practice dates back to the 1970s and is a symbol of unity.

"The Elland Road Flag Display"

Before key matches, the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust organises pre-match tifo displays—large banners or flags covering sections of the Kop. Recent examples include tributes to Don Revie and the 1992 First Division title. It’s a grassroots tradition that adds spectacle.

"The 1969/74 Era Chant"

A medley of songs referencing the three First Division titles (1968/69, 1973/74, 1991/92) under Revie and later Howard Wilkinson. Fans sing "We won the league in ’69, ’74, and ’92" to celebrate the club’s history, often during anniversaries or title pushes.

"The Championship Celebration"

A spontaneous chant that emerged after Leeds secured promotion back to the Premier League. Fans sang "We are going up, we are going up" mixed with "Farke’s white army," a reference to the manager’s historic promotion from the Championship. It’s now a staple.

"The Yorkshire Derby Chant"

Specific chants reserved for matches against Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town, or Barnsley. Fans sing "We hate Sheffield" or "Yorkshire’s number one" to assert local supremacy. These chants are more aggressive in tone, reflecting the intensity of derby days.

"The Thorp Arch Anthem"

A chant honouring the club’s academy at Thorp Arch, which produced talents like Kalvin Phillips. Fans sing "From Thorp Arch to Elland Road" to celebrate homegrown players. It’s a tradition that underscores the club’s commitment to youth development.

"The Survival Chant"

A nostalgic song referencing Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa. Fans sing "We stayed up, we stayed up" to recall the 9th-place finish, a benchmark for the current relegation battle. It’s a reminder of past resilience.

"The Farke Pressing Chant"

A modern terrace tune that praises Farke’s tactical system. Fans sing "Press, press, press" in a rhythmic beat, mimicking the high-pressing style that defined Leeds’ promotion. It’s a chant that blends strategy with emotion.

"The Elland Road Night Chant"

A tradition during evening matches where fans light up their phones or use lighters—"We are Leeds, we are Leeds" under floodlights. It creates a dramatic atmosphere, especially in the second half when the team needs a push.

"The 1975 European Cup Final Chant"

A bittersweet song referencing the 1975 final loss to Bayern Munich. Fans sing "We should have won the cup" to lament controversial decisions, but also to celebrate the journey. It’s a tradition that keeps the memory alive.

"The Wilkinson Era Tribute"

A chant for Howard Wilkinson, who led Leeds to the 1991/92 First Division title. Fans sing "Wilko, Wilko, give us a wave" during anniversary matches. It’s a respectful nod to the last league title before the Premier League era.

"The Yorkshire Fan Culture Pledge"

An unwritten tradition: Leeds fans pride themselves on loyalty through thick and thin. Chants like "We’ll support you evermore" are sung even during relegation battles, reflecting a culture of steadfastness. It’s a core value of the fanbase.