Leeds street to be renamed after promotion winning figure

A street in Leeds is set to be renamed after one of the club’s promotion winning figure, it has been revealed this weekend.

It comes less than 24 hours after the Whites finally got that ‘P’ next to their name in the league table when West Brom lost to Huddersfield Town on Friday.

Then Brentford had a shock result, when they lost 1-0 to relegation battlers Stoke City, which then subsequently confirmed Leeds as the new Champions of the Championship.

??? What. A. Team. pic.twitter.com/jCfRITzQTz

— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 18, 2020

As a way of paying tribute for getting Leeds back into the Premier League for the first time in 16 years, a street in Leeds city centre will be renamed Marcelo Bielsa Way, which links Trinity Leeds shopping centre to Commercial Street.

Trinity Leeds, which renamed the street, has already begun putting signs up. The shopping centre is also temporarily changing its name to Trinity Leeds United for the month of July.

David Maddison, centre director of Trinity Leeds United, said: “This is a fantastic moment for the city and we are delighted to be able to share in the celebrations as Leeds United return to the Premier League.

“The speed at which the manager has turned around the fortunes of this team and the manner in which he’s done it – the Bielsa way – he deserves all the plaudits and we are absolutely delighted to rename this street ‘Marcelo Bielsa Way’.

“The street renaming is a permanent reminder for fans, and any visitors from his native Argentina, of the team’s incredible achievement.

“We’re proud to be part of the Leeds United community and we wish the players, the manager and the fans every success for next season.”

? Thank you Marcelo! pic.twitter.com/4hf8T0QW8Z

— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 18, 2020

Former Leeds defender Dominic Matteo spoke about the club’s promotion, saying: “It means absolutely everything. It’s incredible. One of the best feelings I’ve ever had, even though I’m not playing or involved with the club, but it’s absolutely fantastic.

“It feels so good. Bielsa and the team have done an incredible job. Everything they’ve done from start to finish has been done the right way. They way they play, the way they tackle and get after people. They’ve done everything so well and I’m absolutely delighted for everyone associated with Leeds United.”

There was also reaction from ex-Leeds defender Tony Dorigo: “When Marcelo Bielsa came in, suddenly, we had our identity back. The fans have taken to him, he has believed in the project and he certainly loves the city. The fans are together with him. He has turned some really good players into very good players and now they have got a shot at the Premier League.

“We know it is difficult. There are levels in the Premier League. Clearly, survival is the first thing and then you look to build from there but there is no doubt that the brand that Leeds United have can be reinvigorated around the world. But let’s just enjoy this first!”

As well as Paul Robinson on Sky Sports: “It has been long awaited and very long overdue. When I played that last game in 2004 – 16 years ago almost to the day – you never envisaged that Leeds United would be out of the top flight for so long and even drop into the third tier of English football.

“It is a fantastic achievement from what Marcelo Bielsa inherited two-and-a-half years ago. A team that [then] finished 13th in the Championship to now automatic promotion to the Premier League. A one-club city.”

Cars were left damaged as the club’s fans celebrated promotion to the Premier League, which was secured on Friday night.

As the final whistle of Huddersfield’s win over West Brom, people gathered in the Elland Road car park, some holding flares whilst others sang.

Scenes outside Elland Road. If Loco stuck his head out the window to shout “Leeds Carajo!” I think everyone would die happy pic.twitter.com/Mhc24vIkBa

— Newell’s Old Boys – English (@Newells_en) July 17, 2020

Whilst the rest of supporters were left smiling going into the weekend, one of those won’t be after having their car damaged.

It was left completely battered, with smashed windows, dents in the roof and bonnet. Police were reportedly guarding cars parked nearby, however they seemed to miss this particular one.

Another vehicle had it’s wing mirror smashed apart, leaving another supporter reeling despite their side being promoted, with photos going viral across social media.

Thankfully, the mess was cleared up and a donation page was set up and has since seen over £2,000 raised to fund the repair of the damage.

Fans have reacted after learning that a Leeds street is to be renamed after a promotion winning figure…

Well deserved and Freedom of the City please.

— Steve Wainwright (@sa_wainwright) July 18, 2020

Get that made up as a statue ????? pic.twitter.com/JRClHWaNtK

— thomasdorrian10 (@thomasdorrian) July 18, 2020

We should find a small place for Emile Smith Row as well.

— mattnash (@nashernal) July 18, 2020

Absolutely love it.
The only way, is the Marcelo Bielsa Way, imho!

— Austin (@AustinLDN86) July 18, 2020

Won’t be the last? Statue? Did someone say statue? Wait, sorry shrine. Shrine sounds good.

— Jordy Phillips (@JordyP1993) July 18, 2020

Oh my fucking god this is everything, just started sobbing again

— Ash (@ashlaurenn_) July 18, 2020

I think they should name the walk the does to the training ground from wetherby Marcelo Way!

— donna carruthers (@dotbags) July 18, 2020

Deserved, the man is wonderfully eccentric but well rounded man.

— Andy Proctor (@AJPBG1921) July 18, 2020

So lee Johnson can’t take it down ?

— Will (@LUFCwill12) July 18, 2020

Fucking too right. He deserves all the love

— Tony LUFC (@Tonylufc28) July 18, 2020

That’s brilliant

— Follow Me And LUFC (@FollowMeAndLUFC) July 18, 2020

What a special man he is .

— AndrewJames (@WeAreLeeds83) July 18, 2020

Give him a key to the city? Is that a thing? Fuck it, he can have a key to my house. What a beautiful man!

— Jordan Frank Long (@JordanFrankLong) July 18, 2020