I had the great pleasure of working as first team Goalkeeping coach at Leeds United between 2012 and 2014.
One of the first people I came into contact with was Stix. He welcomed me to the club and said “if you need anything give me a shout”… and that’s Stix in a nutshell – not just to me but everyone within the club!
Something for charity, something for the players, coaches or supporters, any crisis on a match day or during the week, ask Stix for help and it’s as good as done.
Football clubs are not easy to navigate with so many personalities and egos. You have to get the balance right, but Stix is seamless at this! In the dressing room pre match, having a laugh with the lads, more often than not sorting players tickets or family’s needs, or escorting high profile visitors around the club. A calming influence throughout. He commands the total respect of all the staff and players.
Immaculately dressed in club suit and tie with the club crest I know he wears with pride.
Successful football clubs are built around people like Stix, a link to the past who know only too well the standards expected at Leeds United Football Club.
On a personal note he has a cracking sense of humour and a great love of music and we hit it off straight away. On a Friday night on away trips we enjoyed a quiet beer or a glass of wine and just chatted, laughed and reminisced about all the old comedians, football and life in general. It’s still the same years after leaving the club, we still keep in touch, it means a lot to me.
I’m honoured to write a piece for this website; Stix is a great Ambassador for Leeds United and everything this iconic club stands for…long may that continue.
Cheers mate!
Andy
Andy Leaning
