Leroy Lita, a seasoned football veteran with a career spanning 24 clubs across ten tiers of English football, has a treasure trove of anecdotes from his decades-long journey in the beautiful game. One particular story stands out, a surprising encounter involving none other than the iconic British entertainer, Cilla Black. This incident, occurring early in his tenure at Reading, remains etched in Lita’s memory as the most unforgettable surprise of his career. Having just been signed for a substantial fee personally covered by the club’s chairman, John Madejski, Lita was taken aback when the chairman seemed to pass him by without recognition. The confusion was compounded by the presence of Cilla Black, a familiar face from popular television shows like “Blind Date” and “Surprise Surprise,” accompanying Madejski. The chairman, it turned out, hadn’t even seen Lita before, relying on his agent to secure the signing. However, it was the unexpected presence of the beloved television personality that truly left Lita stunned. This initial encounter marked the beginning of Cilla Black’s regular presence at Reading matches, including visits to the changing room, further adding to the surreal nature of the experience. In one particularly memorable instance, following an away game against Arsenal, Lita found himself face-to-face with the entertainer while undressed in the changing room, a moment that certainly lived up to the name of her hit show, “Blind Date.”
Cilla Black’s association with Reading Football Club stemmed from her close friendship with John Madejski. Madejski, who referred to Black as his “soulmate,” fostered a connection that brought the beloved entertainer into the football world. Black’s regular attendance at matches, and even her presence in the changing room, became a unique aspect of the club’s culture during that period. This connection, a testament to the intertwined worlds of entertainment and sport, added a touch of unexpected glamour to the everyday reality of a football club. This unusual blend of celebrity and sport is highlighted by the image of Cilla Black, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, comfortably navigating the typically male-dominated space of a football changing room. Her presence not only surprised the players but also underscored the personal connections that can bridge seemingly disparate worlds.
Lita’s football journey began in the youth ranks of Chelsea, a prestigious starting point that set the stage for a long and diverse career. His trajectory took him through various levels of English football, including stints at renowned clubs like Reading, Middlesbrough, and Swansea. He also earned international recognition, representing England’s Under-21 team nine times, scoring six goals in the process. This period marked a high point in his career, showcasing his talent on the national stage. However, his career path also included numerous experiences in the lower leagues, demonstrating his dedication to the sport regardless of the level of competition. This journey through different tiers of football provided Lita with a broad perspective on the sport, exposing him to a wide range of playing styles and club cultures.
Lita’s career path is a testament to the unpredictable nature of a football career. While he experienced the highs of playing for established clubs and representing his country at the youth level, he also navigated the challenges of competing in lower leagues. This journey reflects the reality of professional football, where careers can take unexpected turns. His experiences in the lower leagues, playing for clubs like Margate, Salisbury, Chelmsford City, Nuneaton Borough, Hednesford Town, Ilkestone Town, and Coalville Town, demonstrate his resilience and commitment to the sport. These stints, often occurring later in a player’s career, require a different kind of dedication and highlight the enduring passion for the game that drives players like Lita.
The story of Lita’s surprise encounter with Cilla Black remains a humorous anecdote in a career filled with diverse experiences. It highlights the unexpected intersections that can occur in the world of football, where the boundaries between sport, entertainment, and personal connections can blur. The incident serves as a reminder that even in the highly structured environment of professional football, there’s always room for the unexpected, and sometimes, those unexpected moments become the most memorable.
Lita’s career, now in its twilight years at seventh-tier Barwell, continues to reflect his enduring love for the game. Having played close to 600 career games and scored close to 200 goals, he has amassed considerable experience across different levels of football. His last appearance in the English Football League was with Yeovil Town in the 2015-16 season, and he has since played in Greece and Thailand before returning to England to continue playing in the non-league system. This long and varied career trajectory showcases his unwavering commitment to the sport, demonstrating that the passion for football can endure even beyond the spotlight of top-tier leagues. His current stint at Barwell exemplifies this enduring passion, serving as a testament to his continued dedication to the sport even as he enters the later stages of his playing career.
