'We have to stick together and work as a family'

LEEDS STAR PUTTING VALUES INTO PRACTICE ON AND OFF PITCH WITH UNITED MESSAGE

- BY NEIL SQUIRES

ILIA GRUEV is sitting, holding the hand of Barry Thornton, an 88-year-old Leeds United fan who is wearing the Bulgaria midfielder's football boots.

Barry, who has a learning disability, has turned his room at the supported-living accommodation in Kippax, in the east of the city where he lives, into a shrine to his beloved club.

Gruev, an ambassador for the Community Integrated Care charity, has just finished training and is on a visit bearing gifts to add to his collection.

Later, he will travel to another of the organisation's homes to present Leslie Swithenbank, another devotee of the club, with a Leeds jigsaw and to spend time helping him with it.

The pieces however, are not fitting at the moment for Leeds. For the first time since last season's promotion, they slipped into the relegation zone last weekend after losing at home to Aston Villa. It was their fifth defeat in six matches.

This weekend they face a daunting trip to Manchester City, followed by games against Chelsea and Liverpool.

The harsh realities of Premier League life are biting.