It's official: Leeds United are returning to the Premier League next campaign after a short one-year stint back in the Championship this season, and we firmly believe they don't just deserve but need to be there.
No one is exactly going to argue with us on that front, but we still think we've got a point regardless, so just humour us for a while...
Leeds did their best to give a top-flight account of themselves thanks to a 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City this Sunday, with Sheffield United's narrow 2-1 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor securing promotion for both the Clarets and the Whites.
However, what the game and the jubilant scenes outside Elland Road and across the city proved beyond the performances alone over the last nine months is that the English first division massively misses out when Leeds aren't in it. Case and point:
Not only does it go without saying that their footballing heritage and history when it comes to silverware are fitting of a club in the Premier League, but when you see scenes like this before a promotion has even been fully secured, you know it feels right.
Yes, lots of Leeds supporters got there early because, just like the players inside the stadium'sBremner Suite, they had every faith they were going up.
It's by no means been a perfect season from Daniel Farke's side, but the German coach once again proved he is more than capable of navigating what is one of the most competitive leagues on the planet.
They showed their appreciation in spades outside the gates over in Beeston too, as fans cheered in tune as the 48-year-old pumped his fists following a defiant navigation through the crunch period, which saw them avoid the dreaded playoff scrap.
You don't get many crowds as good as the south and Don Revie stand at their best these days:
Not only is the magic of a one-club town something truly special and incomparable when it comes to atmosphere and football fanaticism, but they're knitted into the very fabric of local communities and help create whole generational memories.
In fact, the power of these specific footballing cultures and sport-obsessed locales is often overlooked, not only because of how influential they can be in literally dragging a team across the finish line, but in terms of the 'greater good' of the game, for lack of a better phrase.
We all know the significance of 'the twelfth man' and how the roar from the stands can quite literally suck goals in, but for places like Newcastle, Sunderland, Cardiff and so on, they can quite literally determine the mood of an entire population, meaning that they also bring that passion, intensity and level of stakes to the ground.
You already know that the likes of Manchester United and other rival clubs, even if the animosity may have waned of late, are absolutely licking their lips at the idea of having the old foes back in the Prem - and you get that in absolute spades with Leeds.
Just look at what it means:
Whether you were outside the stadium or knee-sliding at home, it was a day to remember. (Credit: Supplied/@focusleeds_ via Instagram)
We're still a little ways off finding out whether The Peacocks will come strutting into the Premier League as champions, with plumage spread loud and proud, but it almost doesn't matter that much.
Of course, Leeds fans will be hoping a title will serve as the cherry on top of the icing that has been this comeback season, but getting back where they belong and (if more people were honest with themselves) where plenty of opposition fans prefer them.
More importantly, a few nervy wobbles towards the latter part of the season aside, the level of displays we've seen from United suggests that they stand a better chance of staying up and avoiding the same yo-yo pattern of many other clubs.
The Prem without Leeds just isn't the same, if you ask us, so here's hoping they establish a stronger foothold this time around.
Let's watch last weekened's bedlam back, shall we?
Sheffield Hospitals Charity and Meadowhall have announced the return of the Red Shoe Walk for 2026.
After a hugely successful debut event last year that brought hundreds of people together and raised over £12,000 - The Red Shoe Walk is back.
The community event returns on Sunday 2nd August and will once again see families and friends walk the accessible route around Meadowhall to raise vital funds for people living with dementia across Sheffield.
The Red Shoe Walk was inspired by one woman's lifelong love of red shoes - a simple memory trigger that helps her connect with her past.
As you lace up, you're invited to take a moment to reflect on your own memories. Photos, music, familiar objects and special places can help bring back older memories and create a sense of connection.
Image: Supplied
Everyone taking part will walk a 2km route round Meadowhall. The walk starts at 10am with registrations open from 9am at the Summer Beach Club. The route is flat, accessible and suitable for all ages - so nobody has to miss out.
After the walk has finished you will get free access and unlimited rides until midday at Meadowhall's Summer Beach Club.
.Not only that, but singer songwriter Joe Carnall Jnr will perform live at the start of this year’s Red Shoe Walk.
Best known as a member of Sheffield-band Milburn and previously Reverend & The Makers, Joe will be joined by cast members from his brand-new musical ‘How Could I Forget?’ as part of the warm-up for the walk.
Image: Supplied
The musical is a heartfelt love letter to grandparents, inspired by Joe’s own family experience with dementia and loss. The show has sold out an impressive three nights at Sheffield Theatres and tickets have recently been released for the Carriageworks in Leeds.
Joe said: “My grandad passed away with dementia over 10 years ago and I got the inspiration for the musical from him. I want to do the walk with my three young children, reminisce and tell stories about him and connect with other people who have their own experiences of dementia.”
Beth Crackles, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity said: “We’re thrilled with how the first ever Red Shoe Walk brought our community together in solidarity and are beyond excited to bring it back for 2026. It will be such a poignant moment to have Joe and the cast from ‘How Could I Forget’ perform live ahead of the walk, and we’re so grateful for their support.
"We hope to see lots of people there, walking together as a community to make a real difference for people living with dementia and their loved ones.”
Image: Supplied
Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall said: “Dementia touches the lives of so many families across our local community, and we’re incredibly proud to be working with Sheffield Hospitals Charity to host the Red Shoe Walk for a second time.
“Building on the success of last year’s event – which raised over £10,000 for the charity – it’s brilliant to be welcoming Joe Carnall Jnr to perform this year. The performance will start the event perfectly, as people once again come together to raise vital funds for those affected by dementia throughout the city.”
Not only that, but football legends Tony Currie, John Pearson and John Breckin from Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United have also joined forces to back the walk, raising awareness and funds for dementia care across Sheffield.
Prices are £7 per adult, £4 per child, £18 for a family of four and under 3’s go free. Each ticket includes an exclusive Red Shoe Walk t-shirt to wear on the day, access to a range of exclusive discounts at participating Meadowhall retailers plus free entry and free rides at the Summer Beach Club until midday.
Sign up by midnight on Thursday 30 July.
Featured image - Supplied
News
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
Clementine Hall
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Danny Jones -
22nd April 2025 
