The Brighton attacker has given a fond nod to Leeds United in an unexpected way as Leeds City Council’s planning committee prepare to meet
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
15:45, 29 Oct 2025
Georginio Rutter of Brighton & Hove Albion
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Georginio Rutter of Brighton & Hove Albion(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Georginio Rutter is set to face former club Leeds United for the first time on Saturday, a club he clearly still has affection for.
The Brighton & Hove Albion striker left Leeds for the Seagulls last year but has fondly referenced his time at Elland Road several times since then. Now, the Frenchman has further emphasised this love for Leeds in an unexpected way.
Rutter is the owner of a race horse, holding a passion for the sport. Speaking to Great British Racing, Rutter explained: “I call her Brighlee because… Brighton and [former club] Leeds.
“I care a lot about my horses and she’s doing very great, so I’m happy, but twice [she has finished] second. When you win one, the emotion, I can’t explain it.”
Crunch stadium meeting
Tomorrow, Leeds City Council’s planning committee will meet to assess Leeds United’s proposals to expand Elland Road. Members will look over the application, with a decision on whether to approve or refuse expected in late November.
While the club is confident that they will get the green light, planning officials have taken issue with elements of the transport blueprint and have requested a revision. This is currently in progress and officers have encouraged councillors to consider all matters relating to the project tomorrow, not just travel.
While Leeds United are very much committed to providing a safe matchday environment, the club are also seeking assurances over timelines, given any significant delay could push back the start of work beyond a ‘full season’.
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There has been general wide support of the proposals within the council but all parties are aware of the importance of getting transport matters right, amid the inevitable increase of footfall in the area should capacity be increased to 53,000.
Brilliant Rodon stat emerges
Joe Rodon celebrates scoring
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Joe Rodon celebrates scoring(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Joe Rodon has received many plaudits during his first nine games back in the Premier League, which has seen him nod home his first two top-flight goals. Both he and Sean Longstaff have combined from set-pieces with increasing frequency in recent weeks.
Rodon’s increased aerial prowess has been laid out by Sky Sports, which shared statistics that show he leads the way in the Premier League when it comes to first contact on offensive corners.
The Welshman tops the chart with nine contacts, four more than anyone else in the Premier League. Daniel Farke outlined that he had worked hard with Rodon on offensive headers since welcoming him under his wing, calling his development in this area one of his “most proud” achievements since his appointment.
Brentford’s big game
Just a quick nod to United’s December opponents Brentford, whose progression to the quarter-finals of the League Cup means they play that tie a few days after facing up against Leeds.
The Whites travel to the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday, December 14. Whether this will have any real impact on the Bees team selection will only be told in time, and will also depend on who they play.
The draw for the last eight takes place tonight. This is the fourth time in six seasons that Brentford have reached this stage of the competition, so it is hardly the first time the club has been in such a position.
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