Farke lifts lid on Eddie Gray FA Cup chats amid important Leeds history stance

Whites hero Gray made three FA Cup final appearances during his career famously clasping hands in the trophy under Don Revie in 1972 - the only time Leeds have won the competition.

Leeds have embarked on new ground for the first time in 39 years by making this season’s semi-finals. Farke says he has, over time, been chatting to Gray about his stories of old, including the famously violent 1970 FA Cup final against Chelsea, Sunday’s Wembley opponents.

The Leeds boss says it is crucial that players who represent the Whites understand what the club stands for and what it takes to write their names into the history books.

Asked about his chats with Gray, the great-uncle of Tottenham’s Archie and Leeds striker Harry, Farke said: “It's always great to chat to our legends and our heroes and Eddie, of course, and especially because he has so much to speak about the good old times!

“So if you can walk in his footsteps one day, we have to deliver a lot. That's definitely for sure. I think if you want to be the manager of Leeds United, you have to understand this club.

“If you're not open for this massive club with this tradition, with these emotions, with this passion, then you have no chance to be successful here.

“You don't have to take your role too serious - managers are coming and going, players are coming and going, even sporting directors and the board members are coming and going. No one is bigger than the club.

“Our mantra is side before self. And this is what you have to what you have to understand.”

FOLLOW OUR LUFC FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news, analysis and more on our Leeds United FB page