News

The Premier League needs Leeds back in it – and the promotion party proved it

Preaching to the converted, we know, but keep reading anyway.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 22nd April 2025

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's Bremner 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?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycYgyWRKfLw&pp=ygUMO2VlZHMgdW5pdGVk
A day that will go down in the Elland Road annals forever.

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Featured Images — The Hoot Leeds/@focusleeds_ (via Instagram)

News

Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure becomes chairman of Sheffield FC

Danny Jones Danny Jones Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure named new chairman of Sheffield FC

Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure has officially been confirmed as the new chairman of the oldest football team in the world, Sheffield FC.

He might be a die-hard Wednesday fan, but given the turbulence his lifelong club have been through over the past couple of years, maybe this is the start of a new love affair.

Sheffield FC had teased that important news was coming soon earlier this month, simply writing on socials: "Not long until we can tell all. We’ve been sitting on something big."

As it turns out, the news is that one of the Steel City's most famous and beloved sons is now part of the club's new ownership structure. McClure quickly took to social media to help join in with the announcement as well.

The veteran indie frontman and Day Fever co-founder has continued to branch out from solely music-related ventures, having gone into business not only with multiple names for the smash hit afternoon-into-early evening music festival, but also joining forces with a fellow Sheffielder.

Since November of last year, Jon's has often appeared alongside his brother Chris, who plays the comedy character of 'Steve Bracknall' on the Game's Gone podcast.

A bit like Yorkshire's answer to Alan Partridge, there remains a sporting throughline in pretty much all of the 44-year-old's career at the moment - now so more than ever.

Speaking online, McClure said: "What am I doing at the world’s oldest football club, you ask? Well, meet the new chairman of Sheffield FC.

"Our vision is that we honour the club’s roots and pay homage to its incredible history, whilst restoring it to its former glory." He's already been making his presence known around their home ground.

While some are still looking for updates on the plans to bring the historic outfit back closer to Sheffield proper - the non-league club currently playing at The Home of Football Stadium in Dronfield, Derbyshire - this fresh start for the now oft-neglected native minnows has still sparked some excitement.

At present, 'The Ancients' are in the process of developing a new 5,000-seater arena at the old Sheffield Transport Sports Club site in Meadowhead, which was initially slated to open this year.

But as for the musician, he went on to add that "There’s a lot to be done, but we’re ready to get stuck in and give Sheffield FC the love it deserves"; McClure and co. have dubbed this "a new chapter" for "the first in the world", and the update will no doubt bring some fresh hope to the organisation.

What do you make of the announcement, and is a local figure like Reverend and the Makers' Jon McClure the right person to help take over this community cornerstone and national institution?

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Featured Images — Sheffield FC/Reverend and the Makers

News

Independent Nordic-inspired homeware shop closes Leeds store after six years

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

After six years in the city, independent homeware retailer North Home is closing its Leeds city centre shop.

If you're a lover of all things home then you'll have most likely visited the gorgeous North Home shop in the Victoria Quarter.

Stacked to the brim with unique pieces from striking ceramics to stylish soft furnishings, North Home is known for its well-curated stock and great customer service.

Seriously, we've probably spent a good hour in here in awe of all the beautiful pieces.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Last week, curious shoppers noticed the three-storey store was suddenly empty and now the company have confirmed that they have closed for good.

In a statement, they said: "After nearly 6 wonderful years trading in Leeds, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our physical store while we restructure the business and explore the next chapter for North Home.

"Retail has changed significantly in recent years and, like many independent businesses, we’ve faced increasing costs.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

"Taking this step now gives us the opportunity to protect what we’ve built and focus on the future of the brand. North Home continues to operate online and all existing customer orders will be fulfilled as normal although delivery times may be slightly extended.

"We’ve loved being part of the Leeds retail community since 2020 and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. We hope to share more about our plans soon."

We'll be sad to see them go and we hope this isn't goodbye forever, but you can still shop from North Home online here.

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Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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