Good Morning. It's Tuesday 22nd April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Game, Set, Match and Promotion Leeds United delivered an emphatic six-goal demolition of Stoke City on Easter Monday, a performance that showcased their attacking prowess and set the stage for momentous celebrations. The victory, coupled with later results, confirmed Leeds' highly anticipated return to the Premier League, sending fans into rapturous parties that lasted long into the early hours. The star of the show at Elland Road was undoubtedly Joel Piroe, who exploded back into goalscoring form after a nine-game drought, netting a sensational hat-trick within the opening 20 minutes. His first came on just six minutes, calmly slotting home after Stoke carelessly lost possession near their own box. Just two minutes later, Piroe doubled his tally, finishing neatly after Jayden Bogle's interception. With the Stoke defence in disarray, the Dutch striker completed his treble in the 20th minute, pouncing on a rebound to make it 3-0. The goals continued to flow. Junior Firpo bundled in his fourth of the season, before Piroe added his fourth of the afternoon, making it a staggering 5-0 by halftime and compounding a miserable first half for the visitors. While the intensity dropped slightly after the break, Leeds maintained control. Willy Gnonto added the final touch, heading in a whipped cross from Manor Solomon to complete the 6-0 rout, a fitting end to a dominant display. For Stoke City, who had arrived unbeaten in five matches, this heavy defeat was a significant setback. It pushes them back towards the relegation threat ahead of a crucial Friday fixture against Sheffield United. Meanwhile, the party at Elland Road was just beginning. The 6-0 hammering was a sign of intent, and later that day, confirmation arrived when Burnley's victory over Sheffield United mathematically sealed Leeds' promotion. The scenes of joyous fans turning their attention from the pitch to scoreboards across the country marked the culmination of the club's aspiration to return to the top flight. The match highlighted not only individual brilliance like Piroe's but also the collective determination that has driven Leeds United back to England's elite. As they look ahead to next season, the focus will be on carrying this momentum into the Premier League. Ampadu - a class act Ethan Ampadu has swiftly become a cornerstone of Leeds United's impressive new era, solidifying his presence not just on the pitch, but crucially within the dressing room. Entrusted with the captain's armband amidst a period of transition, as club stalwarts like Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling, and Stuart Dallas began to take a step back, Ampadu inherited a leadership mantle with significant weight. However, it's his actions off the field, particularly his selfless stance on player bonuses, that truly underscore his impact and reveal a leader focused on unity and collective success. Traditionally, in football, bonus distribution often mirrors playing time, with those logging the most minutes reaping the largest rewards. Amps challenged this norm! Sources reveal that the Welsh international passionately advocated for an equal split of team bonuses, ensuring every player, from seasoned starters to those making fleeting substitute appearances, received the same share. He specifically namechecked players like James Debayo, who had only made cameo appearances, and Charlie Crew, emphasizing that contribution extends beyond matchday minutes. Ampadu’s reasoning was clear and resonated deeply: if you're committed to training, attending every game, working tirelessly, and contributing to a positive team environment, your value is equal, regardless of your time on the pitch. This unprecedented move towards inclusivity profoundly impressed both the squad and the club hierarchy. One senior source remarked that Ampadu’s initiative signaled a significant and positive shift in team dynamics. Dressing room insiders confirmed that this level of equality was a welcome departure from the norm, fostering a stronger sense of collective purpose. For Ampadu, who accepted the captaincy during pre-season in Germany, this bonus decision reflected his commitment to the inclusive environment he aimed to cultivate. He, alongside Joe Rodon, actively worked to integrate younger players like Crew and Debayo, embodying his vision of a united squad. Ampadu leads by example, offering guidance, encouragement, and consistently demanding the best from himself and his teammates. Seen ribbing young Crew alongside senior players during a pre-season interview, his approachable yet authoritative manner speaks volumes. In just nine months, Ethan Ampadu has demonstrably proven that his leadership extends far beyond his on-field performances; he’s actively shaping a team culture built on unity, respect, and shared success at Leeds United. please log in to view this image Firpo's Instagram tease For months, the expectation surrounding Junior Firpo's future at Elland Road has been one of quiet resignation. With the Dominican Republic international's contract rapidly winding down, the consensus is that the 28-year-old left-back will be on the move. The links to his boyhood club, Real Betis, have been persistent and widely believed, painting a clear picture of his likely destination once his current deal expired. However, Firpo himself seems to have thrown a rather interesting curveball into this widely accepted narrative. Taking to Instagram yesterday, he shared a moment that has immediately set tongues wagging and sparked speculation about a potential U-turn regarding his future. The post in question wasn't a direct statement, but rather a shared story from his wife carrying a caption that has been interpreted by many as a strong hint about his intentions. The message was simple, yet potent in the context of the club's promotion push: "Premier League, here we come." For fans, this caption, amplified by Firpo on his own account, is being read as far more than just confidence in the team's ability to return to the top flight. It suggests he plans to be part of that journey. This stands in direct contrast to the previous understanding that he would be leaving regardless of the division. It begs the question: can Junior Firpo replicate the form needed to thrive in the Premier League, and perhaps more importantly, does he deserve the chance to try? It's a debate that's likely to divide opinion amongst the fanbase this Summer! please log in to view this image
Morning all I’m going to enjoy us going for the title and 100 points without really caring too much about it if we don’t. I’m looking forward to seeing who goes up via the playoff and cheering on Bristol City. I’m going to enjoy the rumour mill and discussing who we sign and at least when we start a new season in the PL my expectations will be much lower than last time around
A very very good morning to everyone on here and all Leeds fans everywhere Oh what a beautiful morning oh what a beautiful day i have this wonderful feeling everything is going Leeds way Wow we have finally done it and in style, congratulations to everyone at Leeds, now for the Title. then concentrate on the Prem.
I'm thinking we need to beat the two who come up with us, plus one other to survive, hence why I went with BC
I see your thinking their, but if wasn't for that horrendous goalkeeping gaff, we would have beaten them twice.
I think over the season Sunderland have been the ‘best of the rest’. Boro were good on their day but fell away when they lost their best players in January. West Brom looked decent but have also fallen away. The last two sides likely to fill the playoff places will have barely better than 50:50 win loss records. I wanted Sheffield to go up at Burnley’s expense because I think the blunts are cast iron certainties for relegation whereas Burnley are only highly probable. Now that’s sorted, whoever goes up via the playoffs is doomed in my view, it will be hard work for us to have a chance of staying up and I think we’re a good level above any team that makes the playoffs. But for differing reasons I’d like boro (if they make it) sunderland or Sheffield united to get their day out at Wembley and season of batterings ahead of the others.
Good afternoon all. It’s going to be so nice to watch our last two games feeling relaxed. Of course I want us to win the title, the players deserve it, and but for the goalkeeping blunders, it would already be at ER.
Nah, get beat in a penalty shoot out at Wembley, then the mackems will know what it’s like walking away from Wembley with sweet fa just like I did in the 70’s.
Just feel we need to try our utmost to win both of our remaining matches. In truth I preferred a draw for Blunts yesterday. I want the silverware. In the 60+ yrs I’ve followed them there was numerous times in the Revie yrs we blew a trophy, or more accurately had one or more seemingly stolen from us. Frankly I think we are several levels better than Burnley, it’d really piss on my chips if they won the silverware.
Farke admitting the club stopped him from strengthening the team in January is a worry,if they don't support him this summer we have no chance.
Maybe they felt we already had the best team in the division and if he can’t get them promoted he must be bad. I know we were linked with Cameron Archer who can’t get into a poor Southampton team, £15m was being quoted and that’s crazy, if the board said no I’m glad You do feel Farke and Paraag are not as endeared to one another as they should be considering we are promoted
It wouldn't be the biggest shock to me if Farke is replaced this summer. I think it's unlikely but it wouldn't be a huge suprise if we started next season with a new manager.
outsiders perspective from a person who watches the championship because he thinks its an extremely underrated league: I think the difference between last season and this season for you is I think last season you had more players with better premier league potential, as opposed to this season where you seem to have better championship players - if that makes sense. I would argue that summerville, rutter, and archie gray had a higher ceiling and could have turned into proper premier league players and kept you in that league longer. This season, for example, I would say one of your strongest players was jayden bogle. This was however, a player that was part of the worst ever defense last time he was in the premier league - shipping over 100 goals with sheffield united in 23/24. So in that sense can he step up to premier league football even being one of the best championship players this season? I would say one to watch might be Tanaka - but even that is unknown. Dan James, Piroe, Aaronson also not sure if they can make the step up. I would keep your manager as I think he wasnt properly backed with Norwich in the PL. I do think you have a better squad than either burnley or any of the playoff teams. TLDR: I think youll need to heavily invest to be able to stay up. something like 6 players in the first 11, while also trying not to do a Forest when they signed something like 30 their first season. Good luck, apart from when you play the Arsenal of course.
Minimum requirement to go straight in to the starting XI New keeper. New left centre back. New left back. Sign Solomon permanently. New #10. New striker. Bench would be... Darlow Struijk Firpo (2 year extension) Aaronson Piroe Byram (yes give him a 1 year extension) Gnonto Ramazani Gruev Bamford Schmidt Send Rothwell back, release Guilavogui. Sign a midfielder of better quality than Rothwell and Guilavogui to try and push Tanaka or Ampadu out of the starting line up. Sell Gelhardt, Wober, Harrison, Meslier. (£25 million for the lot?) Send Crew, Joseph out on loan.
I'm keeping nearly all of the first team. There's only Rothwell and Meslier leaving. The rest are free to fight for their places in the team. It's up to the current lot to step up and keep the newcomers out of the side.
