Chief football writer at the Yorkshire Evening Post covering Leeds United. Ex Derbyshire Times/Sheffield Star and Worksop Guardian. Dad to four. Views my own.
My father-in-law passed away yesterday.
His response to a terminal cancer diagnosis was to do several triathlons and build a boat. A hero to our kids and a remarkable man.
I'll be back in a few days.
Raphinha sinks to his knees, buries his head. Rodrigo grabs him. Marsch has James in a bearhug before Mark Jackson retrieves him so he can shake hands with the waiting Dean Smith.
Victor Orta is crying.
A year ago today I was offered the chief football writer job at the YEP after a second interview, the chief purpose of which was to check I was fully aware and prepared for what the job entailed. Lied through my teeth and said I was. Don't regret it. It's been a nice year.
Anyone relieved that Bielsa is actually happy and not just smiling politely happy but great big laughter and fist pumping and hugging happy? Wonderful to see.
I don't think I've seen Leeds United run and work as much of that in a game and they work themselves to the bone in every game. That was something else.
In other news, Kalvin Phillips' agent Kevin Sharp confirms he is staying at Leeds United and sitting down imminently after today with the owner and Victor Orta to discuss a new deal.
#lufc
Jurgen Klopp unhappy that the 'Earn it on the pitch' t-shirts were offered to his squad in the Elland Road dressing room. Liverpool declined Leeds United's gift.
You have to look back now and ask what did Leeds United gain by sacking Marcelo Bielsa? Now weigh it up against what they lost.
Today's performance, the team put out, the squad, the lack of comms from the ownership all week, the lack of clarity on the takeover. Wow. Shambles.
This is goodbye then. The crowd realising it. Messages of good luck from his team-mates on the big screen.
Mateusz Klich is leaving Leeds United. This was his last game. A promotion hero.
Pontus Jansson is here at the Emirates supporting his ex team-mates tonight.
You can hear the away end, even though they're not in the away end yet. Still on the concourse.
#lufc
Stuart Dallas,
#LUFC
Players' POTY: "I didn't expect it to be honest. You say it's the one everyone wants to win but for me it's not about that. Without them it's not possible, it's a team game. What we've achieved is unbelievable. This is for everybody, not just me."
A Leeds fan arriving for breakfast at the Premier Inn has just been asked if he's got any allergies and replied: 'No.' Then after a pause: 'Man Utd.'
Waitress: 'Right okay.'
Joe Gelhardt playing 'in the park with me mates' football in a packed penalty area, in stoppage time, with Leeds United's Premier League status hanging in the balance. Astonishing skill and composure to match. At 20. That moment deserves to count for something at 6pm next Sunday.
I imagine Marcelo Bielsa is absolutely over the moon for Kalvin Phillips, who he undoubtedly loves dearly. I also imagine he has a clip or two from that first half cued up for Phillips' return to TA.
Leeds United in advanced talks with Joe Gelhardt over a long-term deal. Striker seen as central to the club's future plans.
The first of several to enter contract discussions.
#lufc
Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear: "There are some very sore heads around Leeds today, including mine. We partied with some vigour last night."
An Elland Road full of Leeds and Forest fans, unified in silence, would be a fine and powerful tribute to The Queen.
PL will face criticism no matter their decision but football has a long standing tradition of bringing people together and paying respect in appropriate ways.
Liverpool will definitely have interest in Raphinha. Most big clubs will. He's a young winger who gave the Premier League serious problems. But Liverpool have never made contact with Leeds United over him. And you have to imagine it would take a huge amount to get him
#lufc
A goal that gave us insight into both Pablo Hernandez and Gaetano Berardi. One capable of producing pure magic at exactly the right time, one completely and utterly sold out for the cause, no matter the role he was given. His celebration was primal.
Archie Gray's young brain must be absolutely fried. Hope his da permits him to drink (but not buy) a beer, wine or cider, with a meal, at a licensed premises, accompanied by an adult, tonight.
Imagine if, after Cardiff City last season, someone had said that in 2021 Pascal Struijk would be quietly going about the business of being a very good defender in the Premier League.
Him v Illan Meslier for Young Player of the Year.
Still not fully convinced Ben White will remain a Brighton player come the end of the transfer window, but it would be a huge shock for him to end up back at Leeds now. That summer saga comes to an end. His contribution last season will be remembered for a long, long time though.
The Leeds fans have been absolutely sensational tonight. Still singing and applauding the team who are heading over to show their appreciation.
Rough old night against a world class team.
Leeds United complete the record-breaking signing of Valencia and Spain striker Rodrigo. He has signed a four-year deal at Elland Road.
Here's the €30m man in his new togs.