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      Derby 1 Leeds 3: Man Utd legend Rooney and team-mates give champions Leeds guard of honour despite last season’s Spygate

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      WAYNE ROONEY led Derby’s guard of honour for Championship champs Leeds 18 months after the infamous ‘Spygate’ saga.
      And as if that wasn’t bad enough for the 34-year-old, the Derby side he captains were defeated 3-1 by the table-toppers.

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      Derby captain and former Manchester United star won’t have been too happy serenading LeedsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Derby, who were spied on by Leeds last season, were forced to give the champs a guard of honourCredit: Rex Features
      Last season Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa sent a member of staff to Derby’s training ground in a covert operation.
      It led to the Yorkshire club, who will be back playing in the Premier League after 16 seasons away, being fined £200,000 and given a formal reprimand. 
      The EFL launched their probe into the scandal after Bielsa had already admitted he spies on all his opponents.
      EFL chiefs wrote to the Elland Road club “requesting their observations” after Derby officials spotted the Leeds representative with his binoculars out.

      Leeds boss Bielsa held his hands up before the game, which his side won 2-0, and admitted he was responsible.

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      Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa admitted spying on opponentsCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Wayne Rooney was powerless to prevent Derby losingCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Argentine appeared to think it was no big deal, despite the angry response of Derby chief Frank Lampard.
      The Rams got the ultimate revenge, as they defeated Leeds over two legs in the play-offs.
      They lost to Aston Villa 2-1 in the final however.

      Today at Pride Park Rooney, who of course played for Leeds’ bitter rivals Manchester United, was forced to respect the champions’ achievement.

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      It was party time at the end of the 3-1 as Leeds celebrated winning the ChampionshipCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Chris Martin fired home from inside the area to give Derby a 55th-minute lead.
      But Leeds hit back through Hernandez a minute later, shooting low into the bottom corner.
      The Yorkshire side took the lead in the 75th minute through Jamie Shackleton, who buried his chance from inside the area for his first senior goal for the club.

      And the three points were sealed when Derby’s Matthew Clarke diverted the ball past his own keeper following Alioski’s ball into the box.
      Leeds were promoted in the week after West Brom fell to a shock 2-1 loss at Huddersfield.
      Then on Saturday Brentford were similarly stung at Stoke to confirm Leeds as champions. More

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      Huddersfield sack manager Danny Cowley and brother Nicky after they all-but secure Championship safety

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      HUDDERSFIELD have sacked manager Danny Cowley and brother Nicky despite virtually securing their Championship status.
      The Terriers boss and his assistant have been removed from their posts less than a year after joining in September.

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      Danny Cowley has been fired by Huddersfield TownCredit: PA:Press Association
      They pulled off a shock 2-1 win over promotion hopefuls West Brom on Friday night and all-but guaranteed second-tier football for next season.
      But the club have decided to move in a different direction.
      They said they have “a different vision for the way we operate the club, and how our ambitions can be achieved.”
      Huddersfield are 18th in the table and courtesy of a superior goal difference over Luton Town in 22nd will survive barring a massive swing in goal difference.

      The former Premier League side have 51 points and are three points clear of the drop zone with one game left to play.
      The club were bidding to avoid a second successive demotion but despite seemingly achieving that feat it wasn’t enough for the Cowleys to hang onto their jobs.
      To add insult to injury for the Cowley brothers it appears a replacement has already been identified.
      The club said they were “not seeking applications for the vacant position”.

      The identity of the new manager is as yet unknown and is not expected to be revealed today.

      Huddersfield chairman Phil Hodgkinson said: “I would like to place my thanks on record to Danny and Nicky for their hard work and dedication towards securing the club’s place in the Sky Bet Championship for next season.
      “That was the clear priority when they were appointed in September and we are very grateful that has been achieved.
      “We all wish Danny and Nicky all the best for the future and they leave with my best wishes in their future endeavours.”

      Paddy Power confirm controversial Huddersfield sash kit was a hoax and will have no branding on new shirt More

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      Sheffield United plotting three more transfer arrivals starting with swoop for Reading’s ex-Chelsea starlet John Swift

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED are targeting three more arrivals this summer after the signing of Wes Foderingham, according to reports.
      Blades manager Chris Wilder is keen to add to his squad this summer with European action still a possibility for next season.

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      Swift was the rumoured subject of a £3.5million bid from Sheffield United earlier this monthCredit: Rex Features
      The Mail claims Reading midfielder John Swift is the next name on his radar.
      The 25-year-old has a contract at the Madejski until 2022.
      Earlier this month it was reported the Blades had launched a £3.5million bid for the ex-Chelsea man.
      Swift joined Reading in 2016 after several loan spells away from the Blues and has scored 21 goals in 140 appearances for the Royals.

      The report also states Sheffield United will go into the market for a centre-back and a striker when the transfer window opens.
      One man already through the door at Bramall Lane is goalkeeper Foderingham.
      The 29-year-old joins the Blades as a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Rangers.

      However, he is expected to have to settle for a spot on the bench next season.
      Boss Wilder is still hopeful of re-signing current No.1 Dean Henderson on loan from Manchester United.

      Chris Wilder brands Jose Mourinho ‘class act’ after Tottenham boss interrupts Sheff Utd chief’s interview to hug him after loss More

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      Leicester swoop to hijack Bright Osayi-Samuel’s £5m transfer from QPR to Club Brugge with Brighton and Fulham also keen

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      LEICESTER CITY are among a number of clubs attempting to hijack QPR midfielder Bright Osayi-Samuel’s move to Club Brugge, according to reports.
      The 22-year-old was all set to discuss personal terms with the Belgian outfit ahead of a £4.7million move but interest from other clubs could throw a spanner in the works.

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      Leicester, Brighton and Fulham are attempting to hijack Bright Osayi-Samuel’s move from QPR to Club Brugge
      Football Insider claims the Foxes, as well as Brighton and Championship promotion hopefuls Fulham are willing to match Club Brugge’s offer.
      Osayi-Samuel had previously garnered interest from Southampton and newly-promoted Leeds United, but their approaches were rebuffed by Rangers.
      Both are since thought to have dropped out of the race for his signature.
      The Nigerian’s current deal ends in June 2021 after QPR triggered an 12-month extension to his contract in February.

      And they look set to cash in on their talented midfielder this summer rather than lose him for nothing next year.
      Osayi-Samuel could line up for Club Brugge in the Champions League next year after Philippe Clement’s side were crowned champions of Belgium when the first division season was cancelled in April due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      On the other hand, a move to Brighton or Leicester would offer the ex-Blackpool man Premier League football next season.

      Not to mention the Foxes’ own European ambitions.
      Osayi-Samuel has scored six goals and registered nine assists in 39 matches for Mark Warburton’s side this season.

      Brendan Rodgers says Leicester’s second half performance against Bournemouth was ‘nowhere near Champions League level’ More

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      Leeds crowned champions after Brentford fluff their lines with defeat at lowly Stoke

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      LEEDS have been crowned Championship champions without kicking a ball.
      Only a day after their Premier League return was confirmed when West Brom lost to Huddersfield, Brentford were the next team to slip up.

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      This was Lee Gregory’s goal for Stoke that sealed Leeds’ Championship triumphCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Bees fell to a miserable 1-0 loss to lowly Stoke, who in turn secured their own Championship survival.
      And it meant that West Brom now have it in their own hands to join Leeds in the automatic spots.
      The Baggies are a point clear of Brentford in second with both teams having one game to go.
      Lee Gregory was in the right place at the right time to pounce on a bad error from Brentford keeper David Raya.

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      It was the most frustrating of days for Brentford boss Thomas FrankCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Stoke midfielder Sam Clucas pinged an effort at goal that Raya could only parry as far as Gregory who tapped home the winning goal.
      The Bees – who went into this game having won eight on the spin – were looking to grab a fourth straight away victory for the first time in their history.
      Stoke midfielder Bruno Martins Indi had to receive treatment on the touchline after getting an accidental elbow in the face from Mathias Jensen.
      The game was played at a good pace with Stoke enjoying most of the early play – however neither team threatened early on.

      But Brentford had a fantastic chance to open the scoring when the dangerous Said Benrahma got down the left flank.

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      There was despair for Brentford who blew their chances of automatic promotion apartCredit: Rex Features
      His cross was perfect with Bryan Mbeumo set to slot home – but the ball took an awkward bounce and he had to readjust for a header and Adam Davies saved.
      Although there were few chances, Brentford were playing with mconfidence and there was no sign of nerves.
      Stoke started to settle into the game though and were getting into the Bees half more regularly.
      Jordan Cousins provided a good cross that Sam Vokes headed over after good hold-up play from Gregory.
      And the Potters moved in front.

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      Stoke sealed their own safety with the winCredit: PA:Press Association
      Clucas on the edge of the box drilled a shot that was too hot to handle for keeper David Raya.
      And there was Gregory to slot home the loose ball from a few yards out.
      Replays show that Pinnock was just about playing him onside by the tightest of margins.
      But Bees boss Thomas Frank remonstrated with referee Geoff Eltringham at the break.
      BRENTFORD RUN ENDED
      He was unhappy that his side were not awarded a penalty when Ethan Pinnock clearly was grappled to the ground by Bruno Martins Indi.
      The assistant referee should have seen it.
      After the break, Mbeumo and Josh Dasilva combined to set up Henry – who has not scored since netting against Stoke last year – and he fired over from distance.
      Stoke should have moved in front when James McClean produced a peach of a cross but Vokes headed wide.
      However – in the best move of the game – the Bees missed a great chance to level.

      Mbeumo released Ollie Watkins on the right edge of the box. He squarded it to Dasilva – but the Bees ace shot inches wide.
      Watkins’ pace caused Stoke problems on the right side of the box and, as he pulled the trigger, Danny Batth managed to get in a vital block.
      The Bees won a free-kick just over 25 yards out but sub Emiliano Marcondes wastefully fired over.
      He then saw a shot turned round the post by Adam Davies before Benrahma let fly from the left edge of the box but it was off target.

      Stoke were lucky when Chester got caught in possession by Marcondes but recovered superbly to get a tackle in as the Brentford ace looked set to race clear.
      There was fury from the Brentford bench and players after McClean brought down Marcondes with a nasty late tackle.
      At the death, Pinnock almost snatched a stunning leveller but his shot was superbly saved by Davies. More

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      Bielsa to have street named after him with Leeds set to bank £200million after securing promotion to Premier League

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      LEEDS manager Marcelo Bielsa is reportedly set to have a street named after him in honour of guiding the club back to the Premier League.
      The Yorkshire side ended 16 years of hurt outside the top flight by clinching a return without kicking a ball this week.

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      Marcelo Bielsa has guided Leeds back to the Premier League after a 16-year waitCredit: PA:Press Association

      This won’t be the last acknowledgement of him but Bielsa is getting a street named after him by Trinity in Leeds.‘Marcelo Bielsa Way’ pic.twitter.com/T9RwofRAjQ
      — Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 18, 2020

      West Brom were stunned after losing at struggling Huddersfield which cemented Leeds’ promotion.
      Now according to The Athletic reporter Phil Hay, Bielsa will be honoured for the triumph.
      A street near to the city’s Trinity Centre is set to be named ‘Marcelo Bielsa Way’.
      And a mock up of how the sign could look was shared on social media.

      What might make Leeds fans even happier is the news that Premier League football will land them a £200MILLION windfall.

      That should enable Bielsa, himself widely respected across the world, the finances to bring in big-name stars.
      Dr Rob Wilson, football finance expert from Sheffield Hallam University, told ITV that promotion “should bring up to £140m in the first season for the club”.
      And even if Leeds are immediately relegated, they will still receive £70m in “parachute payments”, guaranteeing the club over £200m.

      Leeds promoted to the Premier League as thousands flock to Elland Road to celebrate More

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      Leeds TV presenter Emma Louise Jones set to dazzle Premier League after Marcelo Bielsa leads team to overdue promotion

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      BUBBLY Leeds United TV presenter Emma Louise Jones never used to be a football fan – but now she’s set to follow the team to the Premier League… finally.
      The Elland Road side have endured 16 years in the Football League, desperate to break back into the promised land.

      Emma Louise Jones is a big hit with Leeds fan on LUTV

      Jones is also a regular on BBC Radio 5 Live

      Jones has amassed an army of fans

      Jones was often a rare bright spot in a tricky few seasons

      Jones will now be taking her talents to the Premier League

      Jones has become a real success, starting her football career at Leeds

      Jones will now follow Leeds to the promised land, the PL

      Jones works for LUTV, BBC and a netball podcast

      Leeds fans instantly fell in love with Jones
      But bright blonde Emma has given fans plenty of reason to cheer with her appearances on LUTV since her 2017 debut.
      And with Marcelo Bielsa finally finding the secret formula to Leeds’ success, the Premier League is set to see much more of Jones.
      Emma conducts post and pre-match interviews for LUTV – while also working for BBC Radio 5 Live and the Netball Nation podcast.
      She famously stole the show during England’s 2018 World Cup warm-up win over Costa Rica – with the TV camera operator clearly more interested in her than the match.

      Photos on Emma’s social media through the years have shown her alongside Leeds legend Eddie Gray and a crop of stars including Pontus Jansson and Stuart Dallas.
      Her success in the role is all the more remarkable considering she never used to watch the beautiful game before getting the job.
      Speaking to Ourtown magazine, Emma said: “I never used to be a football fan – but since doing Leeds I’ve become one!
      “The atmosphere, passion and buzz rubbed off on me very quickly and now I’m the noisiest spectator watching from the gallery.”

      Emma has a background in news but admits she found it hard asking people difficult questions.
      She says she once ended up crying with an interviewee – but there have been no such problems with Leeds… especially this season.
      Jones said: “Whilst in Hull, I managed to get a job on Leeds United TV, presenting their matchday shows.
      “Again, I couldn’t believe my luck as TV had been another dream of mine.”

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      LUTV presenter Emma Louise Jones has proved a hit with fansCredit: Instagram @eljones90

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      Emma Louise Jones proved Leeds’ best signing this season in 2017-18Credit: Twitter

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      The radio presenter admits she was never a football fan before working for LUTVCredit: Instagram @eljones90

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      Emma Louise Jones carries out pre- and post- match interviewsCredit: Instagram @eljones90

      It has not all been plain sailing though.
      In 2016 she found people had used her photos to set up fake accounts on dating app Tinder – including one saying her name was Anna and she worked at Morrisons.
      People pretending to be air stewardesses and shop assistants used her photo to try to get dates.

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      Emma Louise Jones is a regular in the LUTV studioCredit: Instagram @eljones90

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      The stunning presenter started out in hospital radioCredit: Instagram @eljones90

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      The presenter interviewed Leeds great Eddie Gray in her first season at the clubCredit: Instagram

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      Emma Louise Jones is frequently seen at Elland RoadCredit: Instagram @eljones90

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      Emma Louise Jones has become a huge footie fan since getting the jobCredit: Twitter

      Alex Duffy gets one over on Emma Louise Jones in brilliant radio swear prank More

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      Leeds promoted to the Premier League but celebrations turn sour with cars smashed as thousands flock to Elland Road

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      LEEDS UNITED are back in the Premier League after 16 years in the wilderness.
      Thousands of fans descended on Elland Road and celebrated long into the night but celebrations turned sour as at least two cars were wrecked outside the stadium.

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      Celebrations turned sour as thousands of Leeds United fans flocked to Elland Road as the club were promoted back to the Premier LeagueCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

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      At least two cars were vandalised outside the stadiumCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

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      Supporters were pictured standing on a car, leaving it with huge dents and smashed windowsCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

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      Leeds United fans descended on Elland Road as the club were promoted back to the Premier League for the first time in 16 yearsCredit: Reuters

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      Thousands of fans travelled to the stadium to celebrate long into the nightCredit: Reuters

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      Leeds United players could be seen standing in the windows at Elland Road, waving and cheering with the hundreds of fans belowCredit: AFP or licensors

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      The players then emerged to get close to the supportersCredit: Reuters

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      Within minutes the players were then jumping and cheering while swinging their tops over their headsCredit: Reuters
      The Yorkshire club returned to the top flight after West Brom lost to Huddersfield Town on Friday evening.
      It ends a nearly two decades wait – and a stream of near-misses – for one of England’s most famous and popular clubs.
      Fans were quick to congregate outside Elland Road with hundreds descending on the stadium despite warnings from police amid social distancing.
      Yellow and blue smoke filled the air as dozens of scarves were draped over the statue of legendary midfielder Billy Bremner.

      Players could be seen looking out from high windows at the stadium, waving and cheering with the fans below, before they emerged in front of their supporters.
      The jubilant players then began singing and cheering with supporters – even taking their tops off and swinging them round their heads in wild scenes.
      But as celebrations continued into the night at least two cars were badly vandalised.
      Fans were pictured jumping on the roof and bonnet of two cars, leaving both with huge dents and smashed windscreens.

      At the time of writing, West Yorkshire Police are yet to make any comment on events at Elland Road.

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      Delighted Leeds supporters in front of Elland RoadCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Blue and yellow smoke grenades were a feature of the raucous celebrationsCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Fans also let off fireworks as celebrations carried on into the nightCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Leeds United fans started arriving at the stadium before the news was even confirmedCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Fans flocked to Elland Road to cheer and singCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Fans gathered at the stadium to celebrateCredit: PA:Press Association

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      The club are back in the top flight after West Brom failed to win at Huddersfield TownCredit: PA:Press Association

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      The stature of legendary midfielder Billy Bremner was draped in scarvesCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Fans chanting the name of their hero, manager Marcelo BielsaCredit: AFP or licensors

      We are BACK !!!!We are In @premierleague !!!!Yessssssssssss!!!We are Leeds !!!! @LUFCMany days dreaming of this Day!!!We deserve it!Proud of this TEAM,proud of our supporters!I can not describe this moment!Yesssssss!!Thanks for your support,Imposible without you! pic.twitter.com/Ba1IF3q20S
      — Kiko Casilla 13 (@KikoCasilla13) July 17, 2020

      Omg @LUFC are back in the promised land. Premier League here we go. Congratulations to everyone involved #MOT
      — Ian Harte (@ianharte23) July 17, 2020

      Leeds last played Premier League football in 2004.
      Their shock relegation came just three years after the club reached the Champions League semi-final, before massive wages and spiralling debts sent them into financial meltdown.
      The three-times league champions even dropped to the third tier in 2007 before eventually getting promoted back to the Championship in 2010.
      It has taken another decade for them to reach the promised land, with almost a dozen managers failing in their ultimate goal.
      Marcelo Bielsa, who was already an iconic figure at Elland Road for his outspoken nature and electric football, is the man to have finally done it and will certainly go down in Elland Road folklore.

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      Emile Smith Rowe’s goal gave Huddersfield a 2-1 win over West Brom and ensured Leeds’ return to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa masterminded the club’s return after nearly two decades awayCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Finally!!! Back in the Prem 🙌🏽 Congrats @LUFC , What a day for everyone associated with the club and the city. Leeds Leeds Leeds ❤️❤️❤️ #MoT 🏠
      — Aaron Lennon (@AaronLennon12) July 17, 2020

      The Baggies had to win to ensure Bielsa’s side remained in the second tier for at least another game.
      But they got off to the worst possible start when Callum Willock bundled home after just four minutes.
      They scored a scruffy goal of their own just before half-time, but the deal was sealed when Arsenal loanee Emile Smith Rowe scored a smart goal late on for Huddersfield to win 2-1.
      That goal sparked bedlam in Leeds – the club simply posting: “WE ARE BACK!!”
      Local boy James Milner, who supports the club and came through the youth system, wrote: “Congratulations LUFC.”
      Aaron Lennon, another youth product, added: “Finally!!! Back in the Prem! Congrats Leeds! What a day for everyone associated with the club and the city. Leeds Leeds Leeds.”
      Legendary left-back Ian Harte wrote: “Omg Leeds are back in the promised land.
      “Premier League here we go. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

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      Two fans celebrate with a smoke grenade and scarfCredit: PA:Press Association

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      One fan had a Leeds United themed face maskCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Two fans show of their banner for manager Marcelo BielsaCredit: AFP or licensors

      Thomas Minns, a pro rugby player for second division Featherstone Rovers, earlier tweeted he would tattoo Bielsa “on my face”.
      As the full-time whistle went, he wrote: “How do I delete a tweet?”
      One fan even managed to write out a list of all the things that didn’t exist back when Leeds were last in the top flight.
      The list included Twitter, Instagram, Uber, Netflix (video’s by post only, Snapchat, iPhone, iPad, Android, HD TV, 4G, Spotify and WhatsApp.
      How did we manage?

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