Leeds United player Stuart Dallas has revealed he will officially retire from professional football at the end of the season.
The Northern Irish footballer has been on the sidelines ever since suffering a severe knee injury against Manchester City in the Premier League back in April 2022 and has now accepted he is no longer able to return to the pitch.
With Leeds confirming the news on Wednesday, 10 April, they bid farewell to a "legend for club and country".
A bitter way to call time on his playing days, to say the least.
Sharing a lengthy statement online following the announcement, the Peacocks recounted Dallas' long list of achievements in his career, including winning both the Irish League Cup and Setanta Sports Cup with Crusaders FC.
Dallas also helped Brentford secure promotion from League One back in 2014 before going on to make 266 appearances for the Whites and help secure their return to the Premier League with a goal on the final day of the 19/20 season.
With 28 goals for Leeds and three goals in 62 caps for his nation, who he also helped lead to their Euros debut and first major championship in 30 years, the club credited "his versatility on either side as a winger, at left-back, right-back and centre midfield", insisting that he "always played with 100% effort wherever asked".
The 32-year-old had also played in every league game since Leeds' return to the top flight up until his femoral fracture which required multiple surgeries medical and rehabilitation. Sharing an emotional goodbye of his own, he thanked all the club staff and his family for their support during a difficult couple of years.
United signed off by reiterating: "Dallas will go down as a legend for both club and country for his achievements in the game, whilst away from the pitch he has also shown his commitment to our local community, representing the club at numerous events and engaging regularly with supporters."
Expressing their sadness at the unfortunate circumstances that have led to his decision, plans have been made to honour his time at Elland Road during half-time in the game against Blackburn Rovers this weekend.
They also detailed "discussions with Stuart about a future role, to continue his association with the club going forwards.
As for the man himself, 'Stu' signed off his tear-jerking statement by adding: "As sad as it is that my career as a player is over, I can look back with so many happy memories, representing the country that I love and a team that has made such an impact on my life. Leeds is a place I will call home forever".
Leeds-based Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a new three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse.
It seems like padel is taking over the world at the moment, and it's about to take over Leeds.
Three years after the plans were first put forward, Ollo Padel is set to bring a state-of-the-art padel and leisure centre to the outskirts of the city centre.
The Roundhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian landmark that first opened in 1847 and will be brought back to everyday use as a community-led space before the end of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new space will feature five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
Being a Leeds-based company, Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programmes for women and juniors and focusing on providing a non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Image: Supplied
Will Linley, Co-Founder (Founder of Linley & Simpson) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, Founder, Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
Leeds to make history as the host for Tour de France Femmes 2027
Danny Jones
It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Leeds and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.
As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s a big sporting landmark for us Leeds lot.
Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race will be passing through Leeds next summer whilst the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be hosted here.
Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:
It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.
Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.
You can see the full route map broken down below.
🇬🇧 Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, London 🇬🇧
💛 Grand Départ Great Britain 2027: in the footsteps of the pioneers!
— Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (@LeTourFemmes) January 15, 2026
Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”
"Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.
“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
Danny Jones -
10th April 2024 
