Whites will remember fans Loftus and Speight

LEEDS UNITED will commemorate the lives of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight next week ahead of the 24th anniversary of their deaths on April 5, 2000.

A minute's applause will be held in their memory ahead of United’s Championship match with Yorkshire rivals Hull City on Easter Monday.

There will be a tribute on the big screen in the 24th minutes of the White Rose derby, with members of both the Loftus and Speight family to be in attendance at the game.

Ahead of kick-off, officials from both Leeds and Hull will also lay wreaths at a plaque commemorating the lives of the two Leeds supporters at the East Stand, as a mark of respect.

On the 24th anniversary on April 5, there will be a minute’s silence at the plaque at 1pm, which will be attended by members of both Mr Loftus and Mr Speight’s families, along with friends.

United staff will be in attendance and supporters are also welcome.

The Leeds first-team squad and backroom staff will also be paying their own separate respects next Friday (April 5).

■ Reading have entered a period of exclusive negotiation with a prospective buyer as their takeover moves a step closer.

Highly criticised owner Dai Yonge is looking to sell the troubled Royals and an interested party now has exclusivity.

The deal would include Dai’s shares in the club as well as the stadium and training ground.

A club statement read: “The parties will now enter a period of exclusive negotiation to agree the final terms. The completion is expected to take up to two months, at which time the purchaser will be announced.”