The ‘Whites’ may become the ‘Peacocks’

Iforsee big problems for your side even before they have kicked a football in anger in the 2021-22 (Covid-19 willing) English Premier League.

Once the action gets under way, I am convinced you are going to struggle to make an impact.

The step up from the Championship to the Premier League is a huge one… like going from a toasted cheese and tomato sarmie to a Jamie Oliver creation; or a T-shirt, baggies and flip-flops to a Christian Dior suit.

But that’s not my concern. It’s your nickname.

The Black Lives Matter campaign gained huge support from Premier League teams, with players “taking a knee” before every match.

I can picture this gaining impetus rather than petering out as racial tension festers around the globe.

When I was at primary school, one of my mates told me Leeds United’s moniker was the “Lilly Whites”.

I remember thinking that was a bit “Nancy”, like calling Manchester City the “Baby Blues” or Liverpool the “Rose Reds”.

It turns out my mate was full of it, and Leeds are known simply as the “Whites”. Therein lies the problem.

The first time they stage a home match at Elland Road, with 40 000-odd supporters crammed in to witness their return to the top flight after 16 years in the wilderness, I can guarantee songs are going to be sung and chants are going to be chanted.

Can you imagine the outcry when tens of thousands of Yorkshiremen start chanting “Come on ye Whites”.

As with so much that transpires these days, someone, somewhere will take it out of context and before you know it the famous old stadium will be the scene of violent demonstrations.

Again, it’s a bit “Nancy”, but maybe the powers-that-be at the club should consider reverting to “The Peacocks”, the club’s early nickname reportedly taken from the public house that once stood opposite Elland Road.

I know Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa is determined his team will make an impact, but the sort of impact they are going to make worries me.

Be careful what you wish for.