The Thorp Arch Academy at Leeds United has long been the shining jewel in the club’s crown, even when lean footballing times tarnished that crown somewhat.
Going back, players like James Miner, Fabian Delph and Jonny Howson have graduated into the first team and moved beyond to the Premier League.
More recently players such as Lewis Cook and Sam Byram have trod the same route, both now plying their trade for Bournemouth and West Ham respectively. They look like they will be joined by Charlie Taylor, who refused to play against Wigan Athletic and seems destined for West Brom.
Looking at the first team at the moment and last season youngsters such as Kalvin Phillips and Ronaldo Vieira made a hug dent on the first team, with fellow Under-23s Lewie Coyle and Tyler Denton also featuring. There are many more waiting to make that leap, player such as the highly rated Mallik Wilks.
But for those who make it, there are always those that don’t. Player such as Jack Vann and Billy Whitehouse, who just a while ago announced that they were leaving the club, tweets – below.
https://twitter.com/vann_jack/status/863851380720709633
Thank you @LUFC for a unbelievable year met some fantastic players and people wish them all the best for the future #mot👍👍⚽️
— BillyWhitehouse (@bilwhitehouse32) May 14, 2017
As Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet, as the two lovers looked to go their separate ways after consummating their hushed marriage, “parting is such sweet sorrow.” This has proved to be just that as Leeds United fans have taken to both player’s posts on Twitter to pass on their thanks, thoughts and feelings.
Leeds United fans comment on Twitter announcements from Jack Vann and Billy Whitehouse
Jack Vann
https://twitter.com/ashlaurenn_/status/863864013284941824
https://twitter.com/Ajp54/status/863857376792903681
https://twitter.com/BatesyLufc/status/863860813693681666
Our loss will be someone else's gain..shocking decision..all the best jack
— thomas banks (@ThomasBanks1985) May 14, 2017
Another one gone!
— Aaron (@aarons1308) May 14, 2017
Billy Whitehouse
Leaving?
— Andrew Burke (@andrewMOT) May 14, 2017
Good luck in the future mate 💛💙 MOT
— SeanyCain (@Seancain12) May 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/mouncerg/status/863871601477115906
Good luck with your next adventure!
— Jo Bedford 🐾 (@El_Loco_Jo) May 14, 2017
