Leeds' chairman praises team spirit
Tue, 06 May 2008 09:26
Leeds Carnegie Chairman Simon Lee has praised his side's determination and spirit during a challenging year and wants the Yorkshire public to come out in force this Saturday to show their support for top flight rugby in the county.
Despite a disappointing season on the pitch, Leeds Carnegie have seen their crowds grow massively during the campaign with the club set to post its biggest ever average attendance of over 7,000, beating the previous best of 5,573 set in the 2004-05 season when the club won the Powergen Cup.
Now Simon Lee, who is also the Vice Chancellor of club owners Leeds Metropolitan University, believes the Yorkshire public can send a message out to the rest of the game about the potential in the county for a top class rugby union team.
"It has obviously been a disappointing season in terms of results however we have a long term vision for the club and the growth of our supporter base allied to the fantastic work of Stuart Lancaster to bring through young, local players gives us great hope for the future," said Lee.
"Players like Richard Vasey, Scott Armstrong and Chris Hughes, who are all also students at Leeds Metropolitan, have been given the chance to play at the highest level under Stuart's [Lancaster] leadership.
"Stuart himself is a former Carnegie graduate and the commitment and drive he has shown firstly as Academy Manager and now as Director of Rugby has put the club on firm foundations, especially when it is considered the make up of the squad when he first took charge back in 2006.
"We will all learn vital lessons from a tough season, when many things were against us, however we will certainly come back stronger for it.
"Next Saturday's game against London Wasps at Headingley Carnegie will give Leeds Carnegie supporters the chance to say thank you and farewell to a host of people who have helped make the club what it is, not least our captain Stuart Hooper.
"It will also be a historic occasion when one of the greatest players England has ever known, Lawrence Dallaglio, will make his final appearance in the Guinness Premiership.
"The stage is set for an emotional day and one that I am sure the Yorkshire rugby public will not want to miss," added Lee.
With thanks to guinnesspremiership.com
