Leeds United fan changes name to rile Manchester United rivals and enters elections

Apr 23 2010 by Nick Lavigueur, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Huddersfield plumber and Leeds United fan says, ‘waste your vote with a smile’ as he enters general election race

FOOTBALL mad Martin Bland has gone further than most to mark a historic FA Cup victory.

The Huddersfield-based Leeds United fan has entered the General Election race to commemorate the Whites’ famous victory over Manchester United in January.

But, after discovering he had left it too late to launch his new party – We Beat The Scum One Nil – he decided he would change his name by deed poll instead.

Martin, now known as We Beat The Scum One Nil, will contest the Leeds Central constituency as an independent candidate against heavyweight politicians such as Hilary Benn (Lab) Alan Lamb (Con) and Michael Taylor (Lib Dem).

The 50-year-old plumber from Edgerton said his only goal was to help prolong the memory of the cup upset over Leeds’ most bitter rivals.

The 1-0 triumph at Old Trafford on January 3, was their first at the Premiership side’s ground since 1981.

He said: “As soon as the election was announced I decided to do it.

“I’m doing it because I’m into football and obviously it gives people a chance to waste their vote with a smile and remember that day in January.