Leeds United transfer addition experienced Elland Road madness and first ever 'vibrating' stadium — YEP 12/7/24

-

By Graham Smyth

Leeds United loanee Joe Rothwell's first experience of a stadium 'vibrating' in wild goal celebrations came at his new 2024/25 home.

Rothwell joined the Whites for the upcoming season on a loan move from Premier League side Bournemouth, fresh from helping Southampton to escape the Championship last season. He was on the bench for the duration of the Wembley play-off final between Saints and Leeds, but featured in the second half of the May 4 Elland Road clash, which also went Southampton's way.

But his experience of LS11 extends to two games that will live long in the memory for Leeds fans, because they contained the highest of drama and brought the very best out of the old stadium. The midfielder was on the pitch when Kemar Roofe equalised against Blackburn Rovers in stoppage time, before adding another to win the game 3-2 for the hosts. And Rothwell was also present when Leeds came back from 3-1 down against his Bournemouth side, to win 4-3. Crysencio Summerville's 84th minute winner had Elland Road bouncing.

Those memories, while not particularly pleasant from a competitive sporting sense for Rothwell, left a big impression. "It's huge," he said. "I think you think of Leeds and you think of the fans. I've had a few experiences of playing here before, it's the first time I have ever felt the stadium vibrate before when a goal went so it will be nice to be on the right side of the fans this time instead of the wrong side."

It was often said by opposition managers last season that Daniel Farke's team had 'Premier League quality' or 'Premier League athletes' or simply 'Premier League players.' Those words rang a little hollow when the season did not end with Premier League status, but what was undeniable throughout was the top flight worthy support that Farke and his men counted upon. Rothwell believes the club and its fans should be gracing the highest level of English football and his goal is to make that a reality.

"This club probably shouldn't be in the Championship, it's a Premier League club so there's one aim this year and we will be looking to do that," he said. "As soon as I heard of the interest it was a case of trying to get it over the line as quickly as possible and thankfully we have managed to do that.  It gives me a good four or five weeks now to get in and around the lads and get to know them and we can kick on and start the season."

Popular posts from this blog

The huge initial fee Leeds are set to receive for Crysencio Summerville’s move to West Ham — Leeds United News 31/7/24

-
Will Butcher West Ham United are closing in on a deal to sign Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United, and Ben Jacobs has shared how much Leeds will receive for the Dutchman. The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with the Elland Road exit door all summer and was targeted as the one big sale Leeds needed to make before the Profit & Sustainability Rules deadline this month. But instead, Leeds sold Archie Gray for £40m to Tottenham. Leeds have since sold five more players in the form of Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, Kris Klaesson and Charlie Cresswell – raking in around £60m in total. But more exits were always likely and Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday afternoon that West Ham had agreed personal terms with Summerville, and talks for a fee were ongoing with the Yorkshire side. Now, the story has moved on with multiple sources claiming a deal is done between Leeds and Angus Kinnear’s old club. The Dutchman is expected to sign a five-year at the London Stadium, until Jun
Read more

Jack Clarke stance on Leeds return revealed as Sunderland offer rejected — Football Insider 19/8/24

-
Wayne Veysey Leeds United could re-sign Jack Clarke this month in a sensational move after the forward rejected a new contract at Sunderland, sources have told Football Insider. Leeds are in the market for a proven forward before the transfer window closes after Crysencio Summerville’s exit and Georginio Rutter’s soon-to-be-completed Brighton move. The west Yorkshire giants have registered an interest in the 23-year-old, but Southampton are also keen on signing him. West Ham had been interested in Clarke back in January but have not followed up on that since then. Clarke graduated from Leeds United’s academy and played for the club until 2019 when he signed for Tottenham Hotspur. The forward is under contract at the Stadium Of Light until 2026. Daniel Farke wants to add a proven forward to his squad in this window after losing two of his most creative sources. Clarke is an experienced winger who could be put straight into the starting lineup and does have the knowledge
Read more

Leeds United board break silence after transfer window with statement on upcoming Elland Road development — YEP 2/9/24

-
By Joe Donnohue Leeds United have confirmed supporters' commemorative stones at Elland Road's Centenary Square will be replaced free of charge in a bid to improve their longevity. Beginning next month, Leeds supporters' personalised stones will be replaced with exact replicas, courtesy of a new company, to ensure of a 'much better quality' installation. The work is expected to take around two months to complete. An official club statement confirmed 'three larger stones dedicated to former managers Don Revie, Howard Wilkinson and Marcelo Bielsa' will also be installed, 'similar to those located in Bremner Square', while additional space for supporters to purchase new stones has also been factored into the project. “The club have taken on board recent feedback from supporters on the stones at Centenary Square, and we are really happy that we can now announce that all of the stones will be replaced," chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed,
Read more