Simon Jordan faces wrath of Newcastle United fans after 'big club' Leeds United admission
Newcastle United or Leeds United? The former Crystal Palace chairman has revealed who he thinks is a bigger club.
Simon Jordan is expecting the wrath of Newcastle United supporters after stating Leeds United are a bigger football club.
Leeds got the better of Newcastle’s bitter rivals Sunderland on Monday night, coming from 1-0 down to win 2-1 with Pascal Struijk scoring the equaliser before heading home the winner in stoppage time.
Elland Road was rocking at full-time as Leeds opened up a seven-point advantage over third place, therefore taking a big step towards securing automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
The Whites have spent just three seasons in England’s top-flight since 2003-04 but, according to Jordan, are regarded as a bigger club than Newcastle, who have only spent two seasons outside the top tier in the same period.
Newcastle also have a higher trophy count of 14, compared to Leeds’ nine.
Simon Jordan: ‘Leeds are a bigger club than Newcastle’
Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan said: “There are clubs that have a certain feel and sustain about them... I think Newcastle to some degree. I have often said Newcastle is a big club in Newcastle, but I think Leeds United, with all due respect to Newcastle fans which will enrage them, I think Leeds United is a bigger football club than Newcastle United.”
Jordan added: “Leeds United have a different feel. You know when you’re in the presence of greatness and you know when you’re in the presence of size and scale.
“When you go and watch certain sides and you go to their grounds, you can see the nature of their fanbase, you can see the nature of the environment, you can feel the expectation of the fanbase and you know you’re at a big club.
“I always describe Elland Road, it’s not the nicest stadium but I’ve always felt it is the most intimidating stadium. And the fans in that great big stand that goes up are at you, and that even when they were a League One club.
“I remember taking us [Crystal Palace] down there and we got smashed by Leeds in the cup. It’s just the feel of that club.
“I know a lot of Leeds fans, I’ve spent time with people that have been involved with Leeds United on their board, I know it is a big club. It’s not a case of I think it is a big club, I know it is.”