Paraag Marathe gets Leeds United stadium insight and Dominic Calvert-Lewin confusion — Leeds Live 27/1/26
Leeds United senior figures had a reunion with one familiar name at Everton
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
Leeds United will wake up this morning satisfied with an
away point at Everton, perhaps with a hint of regret that it wasn’t more. But
that’s four points taken off a Premier League regular home and away - a good
return.
James Justin’s goal was ultimately cancelled out by Thierno
Barry’s clever finish in the second period, in what was very much a game of two
halves. The 1-1 draw sees Leeds go six points clear of West Ham United in 18th
- which is better than five.
They came to yet another top flight stalwart and managed to
bag a result - something not to be sniffed at. That’s now one defeat in 10
games. Leeds continue to roll on their momentum with Arsenal in town on
Saturday.
First, here are a few moments fans may have missed
throughout Monday’s match.
Key figures in attendance
Paraag Marathe was present for the game, alongside sporting
director Adam Underwood and managing director Robbie Evans. They were led into
the press facilities by Angus Kinnear, the former Leeds CEO, now in charge at
Everton.
Ironically, he started his Everton role just weeks before it
was announced that Dominic Calvert-Lewin would leave as a free agent. Evans and
Underwood have been busy this month, not least with their pursuit of Wolves
striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The pair gave a nod to some Leeds club staff with some
shaking the hands of Tony Dorigo, on LUTV duty for the night. Kinnear was
seemingly giving the special guests a tour of the facilities - which will be of
great interest amid the stadium expansion plans.
Stadium sights
On the stadium, it was mighty impressive - a real juggernaut
of the modern stadia industry. Airport-style security walk-throughs, self-scan
ticket entry with up-to-the-minute messaging on small screens and a fan zone
with chants coming through the speakers - all of it very new age.
Notably, there were things to do ahead of kick-off inside
the stadium footprint. Whether it was the fan zone, easily-accessible food
stalls or just the generally enough room to stand, have a chat and take in the
scenes - it worked.
Part of the hope for the Elland Road extension is to avoid
the heavy influx of match-goers and the clogging up of roads by bringing
supporters to the ground early to enjoy facilities, thereby spreading out the
arrival of fans.
That, the seat views, the branding, the ease of access and
the general flow of operations were first class. Leeds and their executives
will have learned a lot from the visit.
Other bits spotted
Jermaine Beckford was swamped and glad-handed by a stream of
guests in the press room, having been a player of both parishes. He was a
special guest invitee for the night.
Lukas Nmecha went over to an Everton fan behind the goal to
apologise for a wayward shot in the warm up. He finished every other of his
practice shots. Wilfried Gnonto clapped as the PA announcer congratulated
Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye on winning the African Cup of Nations with
Senegal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin received a few boos as his name was
read out over the PA system pre-match. Jayden Bogle and Iliman Ndiaye were seen
having a chat when Thierno Barry went down injured inside the first 13 minutes.
Later on, Joe Rodon would tell the Everton attacker to get
up after felling him in a duel in the build up to the opener.
