As Leeds United gear up for another grueling Championship campaign, one man who won’t be grabbing the headlines but will be working tirelessly behind the scenes is Alex Cairns. The 31-year-old goalkeeper, signed from Salford City in the summer, may not be the first name on Daniel Farke’s teamsheet, but his influence on the squad goes far beyond his playing time.
With over a decade of experience in the game, Cairns has seen it all. From the highs of promotion to the lows of relegation, he’s been through every emotion imaginable. And yet, he remains one of the most positive and upbeat individuals in the game.
“I know what’s expected of the club and I know what’s expected of the fanbase,” Cairns told LeedsLive during the club’s training camp in Germany. “I’ve been a number two for a while, I’ve been a number three for a while, at Leeds beforehand. I know when good times can be good and bad times can be bad.”
Cairns’ understanding of the Elland Road faithful is crucial. He knows how to harness their energy and use it to the team’s advantage. “It’s a powerful asset to have because I’ve been at grounds and stadiums where you don’t have that power,” he said. “It can make Elland Road intimidating for teams to come to, and having that experience of understanding, you still perform, but you know these fans are all paying to watch and these fans all want you to perform well.”
But Cairns’ role goes beyond just goalkeeping. He’s a joker, a prankster, and a father figure all rolled into one. His “dad banter” with teammates Karl Darlow and Sam Byram has become legendary, and his ability to keep morale high even in the darkest of times is invaluable.
“I don’t think I’ve heard one lad complain about this trip at all, which says a lot about the facilities, what we’re doing, and stuff like that,” Cairns said. “That’s a massive part of it, and we’re just enjoying our time together. Like I say, if we’re going to do anything this year, as a club, then we have to be together.”
As Leeds United look to build on last season’s success, Cairns will be the unsung hero behind the scenes. He may not be the one making the headlines, but his influence on the squad will be felt throughout the season.
In this exclusive interview with LeedsLive, Cairns opens up about his role at Leeds United, his experiences as a goalkeeper, and his hopes for the future.
“I’m not just here to make up the numbers,” Cairns said. “I’m here to push the lads, to make them better, and to be a part of something special. I know I may not be the first choice, but I’m happy to play my part and help the team in any way I can.”
Cairns’ dedication to the team is admirable, and his positive attitude is infectious. He’s the kind of player who will run through brick walls for his teammates, and his leadership qualities are invaluable.
“Alex is a top bloke,” said teammate Karl Darlow. “He’s always got a smile on his face, and he’s always willing to lend a hand. He’s a great addition to the squad, and I’m sure he’ll play a big part in our success this season.”
As the new season approaches, Cairns is excited to see what the future holds for Leeds United. With his leadership, experience, and positive attitude, he’s sure to play an important role in the team’s success.
“I’m excited to see what the season brings,” Cairns said. “We’ve got a great squad, and I think we can achieve big things. I’m just happy to be a part of it, and I’ll do everything I can to help the team succeed.”
In part two of this exclusive interview, Cairns opens up about his experiences as a goalkeeper, his thoughts on the current state of the game, and his hopes for the future.