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Play-off countdown: McAllister draws inspiration from Leeds heroes
AT least two of Gary McAllister's predecessors may have felt haunted by Leeds United's history, but the Scot insists the current squad should be inspired by glories of the past.
The Elland Road club will make their first trip to Wembley in 12 years this weekend when they take on Doncaster Rovers in the League One play-off final.
Victory would ensure this most dramatic of seasons ends on a tremendous high and, according to McAllister, earn his players a deserved place in Leeds folklore.
History is, of course, something that has not always sat comfortably on the club's shoulders with Brian Clough scoffing at much of it during his ill-fated stint in charge and Howard Wilkinson being determined to look forward rather than back at the start of his own tenure in 1988.
He led Leeds to the old First Division title four years later, but not before removing all pictures and photographs from the corridors of Elland Road that chronicled the glory years.
Wilkinson claimed, with some justification, the club had for too long been obsessed with the past and stated it was time to look forward.
McAllister, however, will have none of it after taking over the reins from Dennis Wise at the turn of the year and steering Leeds to within 90 minutes of a return to the Championship.
The 43-year-old Scot has done so by celebrating those heady days in the hope his players can draw inspiration from the club's rich history.
When reminded of Wilkinson's symbolic act, McAllister said: "All the pictures have been put back up. If you came into my office, you would see they are all there.
"I just thought they should be up. Some people don't like that, but I like to see pictures of Billy Bremner and Don Revie's side. I want to see the team that I was fortunate enough to play in under Howard.
"I just think they are something that should be up and around the football club. It's something for these lads to be inspired by. I certainly don't think they should be intimidated.
"And make no mistake, it would be a great achievement for these players if they could win promotion on Sunday. I won't say their picture should go up on the wall, though, because I don't want to tempt fate."
United will have Alan Sheehan back from suspension, meaning McAllister must decide whether to recall the on-loan Leicester left-back to his starting line-up in place of Bradley Johnson.
Rui Marques, meanwhile, has signed a new two-year contract at Elland Road to bring to an end several months of wrangling.
McAllister said: "It dragged on a little bit and I think it affected him when the talks began. We are very pleased to get everything sorted out."
Pick up a copy of the Yorkshire Post this Friday for a 12-page Play-off preview pullout.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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