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.
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!
