Readers may have already digested our exclusive interview with Joe Rothwell yesterday. Walking to that interview this week, the training ground was a buzz of activity.
Leeds United had been hosting a media day on that afternoon between sessions, with players partaking in activities for club sponsors. The mood was as bright as the weather, with jokes, smiles and banter commonplace.
The players took time to sign shirts and greet guests with spirits high ahead of the run-in period. Sitting in a waiting room is an honours board listing the club’s achievements. One pondered whether they would have to add another league title caption onto it this summer.
Largie Ramazani joked with staff and handed out fist-bumps, Rothwell himself seemed relaxed and there was a general positive atmosphere around camp. Yes, the players know the intensity of the schedule that lies ahead. But the spirit of the squad is undoubtedly in a good place.
Goalkeeper exit
Young shot-stopper Darryl Ombang has joined Hartlepool United on loan from the Whites until the end of the season. The 19-year-old previously enjoyed a loan spell with National League North side Farsley Celtic earlier in the campaign.
Ombang, a regular for Scott Gardner’s Under-21s side in the Premier League 2 this season, has been capped by England at Under-17 level. The teenager is likely to be on the bench for this weekend's trip to Halifax Town.
A United statement read: "Everyone at the club wishes Darryl well during his time at Victoria Park and we look forward to seeing his further development." Anthony Limbrick’s Hartlepool outfit currently sit eight points adrift of the play-off positions in the Vanarama National League. They had been on the hunt for a new goalkeeper since Owen Foster's loan from Hull City expired last week.
A Hartlepool statement said: "Hartlepool United are pleased to announce the signing of young goalkeeper Darryl Ombang on loan from Leeds United until the end of the season. The shot-stopper arrives at the Prestige Group Stadium with a good pedigree, having represented England at youth level and spent the last four years at Leeds. The 19-year-old previously spent time in Bradford City’s Academy, while gaining senior experience on loan at Ossett United and Farsley Celtic. Ombang has been assigned the number 28 shirt and will be eligible for Saturday’s game against Halifax Town."
Piroe rejects call up
Joel Piroe this week revealed he turned down a call up from the Suriname national team to ensure his full focus remains on United’s promotion charge. Piroe, born in the Dutch province of Wijchen, qualifies to play for the nation through his father.
The striker has represented the Netherlands at youth level albeit has yet to be called up to the senior squad. “It is of course always an honour that they invited me," Piroe told ESPN.nl of his Suriname call up.
“But I also told them that given the toughness of the competition at the moment, I want to take my rest during international periods. For now, it is difficult to travel all the way to Suriname and play my matches there.
“I want to focus fully on club football now. At the moment, I am only thinking about the title. I am not closing the door to the Dutch national team, but at the moment I do not know what I would like most. It is an honour for both."
Former Leeds player retires aged 21
Former United midfielder Morten Spencer has announced he has been forced to retire aged just 21 due on medical grounds. The Norwegian did not make a first team appearance but played more than 50 games for the club’s youth teams between 2019 and 2024, including three EFL Trophy ties.
He left Thorp Arch to join Derby County last summer in search of a breakthrough into the senior game. However, devastatingly, Spencer has been forced to hang up his boots upon medical advice after uncovering a cardiac issue.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Heartbroken to be saying this. I will be retiring from professional football due to a cardiac problem I can’t carry on with.
“All I’ve ever known is to kick a ball and I have learnt everything from the game. I’m thankful and proud of what I have achieved. I will never forget the memories I have and have created along an amazing journey.
“Football is in my DNA and I will continue to support everyone who helped me along the way. I want to thank everyone who has stuck with me during this tough period and everyone who has helped me during my career. Thank you.”