Leeds United have taken a step to improve their youth academy set-up by bringing a legend back to the club in a new role.
The Leeds United academy has been incredibly productive over the years, producing a steady stream of players who have gone on to play in the Premier League.
With Rhys Chadwick spotted in training with the Leeds first team alongside fellow academy product Harry Gray, Leeds could have another graduate from Thorp Arch in the squad as they take on Fulham this weekend.
Now, Leeds’ academy prospects will be able to call on the expertise of one of the club’s recent legends, after it was confirmed that Stuart Dallas has taken up a new role at Elland Road. The new position will see him working closely with the next generation of talent at Thorp Arch.
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Leeds United confirm new role for Stuart Dallas
Dallas was a firm fan favourite at Leeds, having become a crucial part of the squad under Marcelo Bielsa.
However, Dallas’ career was cruelly cut short after he suffered a serious injury against Manchester City in April 2022. Now, Leeds have confirmed that Dallas has accepted an ambassadorial role with the club, which will see him work closely with their young players.
An official statement on the Leeds website states: “Leeds United are delighted to confirm Stuart Dallas as a club ambassador, with the former Northern Ireland star taking up his role with the Whites immediately!
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“Stuart’s infectious personality, along with his dedication to Leeds United and the wider area, will see him regularly attend matches, community visits and club events, whilst he will also be a mentor for a number of young players within the Academy at Thorp Arch in his new role.”
Before concluding: “Everyone at the club is delighted to have Stuart back on board and fans will be able to see much more of the Cookstown Cafu soon, as he takes up his new role.
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Fan favourite is a perfect ambassador for Leeds United
At 34 years old, Dallas could feasibly still be playing for Leeds in the Premier League, had his career not been brought to a sudden end in 2022.
However, by bringing Dallas back to the club in an ambassadorial role, the next generation of talent at Elland Road will benefit from his experience at the top level.
Dallas was the perfect embodiment of the club as a player, blending his tireless work ethic and “side before self” attitude with a significant amount of quality, best shown in his famous double to beat Manchester City in the COVID-impacted 2020/21 season.
By formalising Dallas’ ambassadorial role, Leeds have ensured that they will continue to benefit from his expertise for years to come.