Amazon Prime’s Take Us Home: Leeds United co-producer Stevie Rowe has told LeedsUnited.News that he believes the documentary has changed the ‘Dirty Leeds’ perception of the newly-promoted Premier League side.
The behind-the-scenes documentary initially covered Leeds United’s 2018-19 campaign which ended in play-off defeat to Derby County, before two 45-minute episodes captured the drama and delight of Leeds’ promotion last season.
Before Bielsa, Leeds have always been handed the description ‘Dirty Leeds’, which dates back to Don Revie’s time in charge of the Whites. The likes of Billy Bremner, Norman Hunter and Peter Lorimer were often coined with the nickname.
That still lives to this day, but Rowe – who is head of production for NEO Studios, the company which combined with Leeds-based The City Talking to produce both seasons – believes the documentary has helped change the club’s perception.
“Leeds have always had the tag ‘Dirty Leeds’. I’m a QPR fan, I never hated Leeds but I did dislike them. The feedback is really positive. From the people that have it, they see Leeds in a different light now,” Rowe told LeedsUnited.News.
“Personally I felt that, and those that I’ve spoken to who don’t support Leeds felt that too. Attitude towards Leeds has changed, and the documentary has helped that. Even if they weren’t disliked, they were a bit farcical.
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“Cellino, the managers, finances. It was easy to laugh at them. Even last season, they should’ve got promoted – it was typical of Leeds,” Rowe added.
Certainly, since the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds are far from the ‘Dirty Leeds’ slur. The Argentine boss has brought in a brand and style of football rarely seen in England before, let alone at Elland Road.
Even on social media and among pundits, Leeds are being considered as everybody’s second team due to the style that Bielsa is getting out of his players. Goals, flair and invention have replaced the long balls, the headers and the tackles.
It is working. Leeds sit in the top half of the Premier League table after four games despite facing last season’s top two in Liverpool and Manchester City. They next take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road on Monday.
(Photo credits: Amazon Prime Video Sport)