Johanneson – United with Leeds by Paul Concannon Aug 11th 2006

Carl Johanneson and his camp are clearly not prepared to let his recent British super-featherweight title victory go unnoticed in his home city. The champion was proudly unveiled before 22,000 passionate and enthusiastic supporters last Saturday at Elland Road on the opening game of the season. Carl was announced and came out on to pitch to the trademark anthem for Leeds United, ‘Marching On Together' which also happens to be Carl's entrance song into the boxing ring. Johanneson camp's Rick Manners said, “Leeds United have not done too well of late but I think things will start to change this season. Carl is born and bred from Leeds and has won the title for the city, he feels he has given the city a lift and some pride. The support from Leeds United has been fantastic and the invitation to Leeds United's training academy was really good. The sports science they have at the training ground is out of this world and we will definitely introduce some of the methods into our regime. I personally learned a few things when we went down and which in turn will make me a better coach.” Chief fitness coach for Leeds United, Dean Ridele is reportedly going to look over Carl's training programme and add anything that is missing – Manners says ‘he (Dean Ridele) truly knows his stuff'. Manners continued, “The Market Director for Leeds United, Simon Webster, is currently advising our management team about Carl's marketability and ideas for marketing. His involvement so far has been invaluable.” Alan Clarke and Paul Reaney, legends of Leeds United in the 70's, as well as the Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell all made themselves available to see Carl at either the training ground or the Saturday game. Carl was most appreciative of this as in particular Alan and Paul were team-mates with Carl's uncle, the late, great Albert Johanneson. Carl, a Leeds man through and through, said, “You do not forget where you are from and I have not. As I have said before I will win the European and world title and bring the belts back to Leeds. I am fighter and I am fighting for the city.” Manners, maintaining his constantly explosive enthusiasm, continued, “Carl has the backing of Leeds United behind him and to top the day off Leeds won the game against Norwich 1-0! I believe we will have a fan base as good Ricky Hatton if not better!”

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