'No club could ask for more from a player' - your Milner memoriespublished at 16:55 BST
16:55 BST
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your memories of James Milner's early years at Leeds and Newcastle and his best moments, after the 40-year-old announced his retirement from playing on Monday.
Here are some of your comments:
Dave, a Newcastle fan: Best memory was him scoring an absolute worldie against Manchester United under Glenn Roeder. Milner always grafted for the shirt.
Uzay, a Magpies fan: He was a great player and the Premier League shall miss such an important figure.
Robert, a Leeds fan: Top pro, always gave 100% in effort and commitment, both on and off the field. No club could ask for more from a player. Best of luck to him for his future, in whatever he chooses to do next.
Dave, a Whites fan: If Peter Ridsdale had not ruined LUFC in 2002, and eventually sent them into administration in 2004 causing the sale of all the top player, heaven knows how long Milner would have stayed with them with him being a Leeds boy.
🎧 How will Leeds deal with SCR?published at 14:40 BST
14:40 BST
New financial rules will regulate Leeds United and their Premier League rivals for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
How the club will have to navigate Squad Cost Ratio while trying to retain their key players attracting more to join is the main discussion for Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope on a new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
A fine sub and an assist king - Milner's numberspublished at 12:54 BST
12:54 BST
James Milner has called time on a remarkable a 24-year Premier League career, in which he has clocked up numerous impressive and record-breaking statistics.
He made 964 senior appearances for both club and country, with his 658 Premier League appearances the most of any player in competition history.
He is both the youngest and second-oldest Premier League goalscorer, and is 10th in the competition's assist charts, providing 90 across his 658 appearances.
Those 90 assists were for 47 different players in the Premier League, with Liverpool's Roberto Firmino benefitting from more Milner assists than anyone else (10).
Among the records Milner holds during the Premier League era, there is the the most substitute appearances by a player (218), while only eight players have more than his 13 goals as a substitute in the competition.
His 658 Premier League appearances came across six different clubs and in February he became only the fourth outfielder in the competition's history to start a match in his 40s.
From Yeboah's shirt to scoring at 16published at 12:51 BST
12:51 BST
Image source, Getty Images
James Milner was just 16 and earning £70 a week as a YTS player when he broke into the first team at Leeds, six months after taking his GCSE exams.
On 10 November 2002, his dad Peter was in the away end at Upton Park when boss Terry Venables sent the youngster on for Jason Wilcox, now director of football at Manchester United, in the final minutes of a 4-3 win against West Ham.
It was a dream come true for Milner, who had grown up supporting the club and wore shirts with the names of Tony Yeboah and Tony Dorigo on the back.
Six weeks after the West Ham game, Milner - aged 16 years and 356 days - became the youngest Premier League goalscorer at that time when he scored in a 2-1 win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
It was not enough to get the former Leeds season ticket-holder out of his post-match duties, however.
Back then YTS players were expected to clean the dressing room after first-team games.
"Even when I was playing and scoring goals, after games I was helping the kit man pick dirty shirts off the dressing room floor," Milner told the High Performance podcast, external in 2023.
"I carried on cleaning the under-18 captain's boots. I was playing in the first team but he was still older than me."
It was not long, however, before Milner was sent on loan to the third tier of English football to continue his football education.
By the time he arrived at Swindon Town, Milner had made 18 Premier League appearances, scored a couple of goals and, despite his tender years, was already revered by Leeds fans.
'To the fans, thank you' - send us your best Milner moments and memoriespublished at 11:39 BST
11:39 BST
Image source, Getty Images
Former Leeds United player James Milner has announced his retirement from football, bringing the end to a glittering 24-year Premier League career.
The 40-year-old, who made his English top-flight debut for the Whites as a 16-year-old in 2002, went on to play for six different teams in England's top-flight.
He also went on to break the record for the most Premier League appearances in February 2026, beating the record set by Gareth Barry.
Milner, who could play on the wing, in midfield and at full-back, won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and the Club World Cup throughout his career.
"From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I have been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.
"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved - the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.
"I have been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country England at two European Championships and two World Cups.
"But more than anything, it is the people and friendships I have made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever.
"To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you'll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too - you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.
"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.
"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.
"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."
As Milner calls time on his playing career, we want your input. What were his best moments in his early days at Leeds, and what are your favourite memories?
'A Summerville return? - Fans on who Leeds should sign from relegated sidespublished at 17:12 BST 29 May
17:12 BST 29 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on which players Leeds should sign from the three relegated Premier League sides Wolves,Burnley and West Ham United.
Here are some of your comments:
Karl: I'd like to see Crysencio Summerville back at Leeds. Quality player and has had a good season and scored goals for West Ham. May be able to get him at a good price, which would prove to be a good addition to the squad.
Richard: Why not go for Jarrod Bowen? Incredible player and would strengthen the team straight away. If we want to push on to the next level, he has vast experience and is a proven winner in Europe. So why not!
David: Just one player from relegated sides, Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. That's on the assumption we'd be outbid for Bowen.
Harry: First players that come to mind would be Bashir Humphreys [Burnley], Konstantinos Mavropanos [West Ham] or Ladislav Krejci [Wolves] as back-up in the defence. Also trying to get Summerville to return would be a great signing.
Andy: Kyle Walker of Burnley and Bowen from West Ham.
Dave: I would only be interested in three West Ham players that could improve our squad. Tomas Soucek, Summerville and Bowen. They would give us quality options and depth.
Keith: Zian Flemming [Burnley] has a good record and is very versatile as a nine or 10.
Leeds United quickfire end of season reviewpublished at 12:51 BST 29 May
12:51 BST 29 May
Image source, Getty Images
The most significant moment of the season - good or bad - was...
There's two for me: sticking with Daniel Farke after four straight defeats in November and winning at Old Trafford for the first time in the league since 1981. The latter was the highlight.
Leeds United have been superb against a lot of the top sides this season, but that victory meant so much to the supporters and it was a significant step on the way to survival. It showed, against one of the in-form sides, that Leeds could compete at the right end of the table.
Leeds were unbeaten against Chelsea, Liverpool, Bournemouth and Manchester United, but it was Noah Okafor's brace at the latter which will be remembered as the season-defining moment.
The season has been a success because...
The sole aim was to remain in the Premier League and that was achieved with three fixtures to spare. Manager Daniel Farke was clear that a point per game would normally be enough to survive and Leeds beat that by nine points in a rogue campaign where 40 points were required to do so.
The unsung hero of the season is...
Henry McStay, who is head of medicine at Leeds United. He and the medical staff have performed miracles to ensure players have often returned to action ahead of schedule. With a relatively tight squad, this is essential.
If there is a player or staff member with more to do in future it is...
Goalkeeper Lucas Perri. He has to up his game if he isn't to be sold or sent out on loan. The club's transfer policy was very effective, but he is the one summer signing who has underperformed. He remains under contract for another three years, but an inauspicious start has seen Karl Darlow oust him.
If the club is going to go to the next level, an elite goalkeeper is required. Perri's future looks questionable at Elland Road.
The major club issue or talking point lurking is...
The club aligning itself with manager Farke to agree a way forward together this summer, after achieving the first goal of his tenure which was to return Leeds United to the Premier League and keep them there.
The reason for hope going forward is...
The board and Farke have agreed aims, goals and strategy before. Both parties are ambitious, so there is a confidence they can agree the next phase.
Coupled with that is how well the club is run, which includes expanding the stadium to increase revenues, which will not only help with the incoming Squad Cost Ratio parameters but will evolve Elland Road into a more modern venue, fit for European football again.
Gossip: Leeds to make Tessmann movepublished at 07:06 BST 29 May
07:06 BST 29 May
Leeds United are lining up a move for 24-year-old Lyon and United States midfielder Tanner Tessmann as part of a busy summer of transfer business. (Football Insider), external
Leeds executive Eisenberg to leave clubpublished at 20:35 BST 27 May
20:35 BST 27 May
Image source, Getty Images
Leeds United have confirmed chief business officer Morrie Eisenberg will leave the club in August this year to join Major League Soccer and National Women's Soccer League side San Diego Wave.
Eisenberg joined Leeds in 2023 when the West Yorkshire team were in the Championship.
During Eisenberg's tenure, he campaigned for a stadium redevelopment at Elland Road, which aims to provide economic benefits to Beeston.
Managing Director Robbie Evans said Eisenberg "leaves with the club on an excellent trajectory".
Eisenberg added: "It has been a privilege to work at Leeds United for the past three seasons, in that time we have made so many positive strides towards our ambition of becoming an established Premier League side, with so many terrific memories created together over that time."
'Overriding emotion is pride... 7/10' - season report cardpublished at 09:08 BST 27 May
09:08 BST 27 May
Molly Whitmore Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?
A strong 7/10. To beat Manchester United and get to Wembley in the same season, you cannot ask for much more as a Leeds United fan. The overriding emotion is definitely pride. There were frustrating moments, but it felt like we actually made progress for once instead of just surviving by the skin of our teeth.
Best moment and why?
Despite the result against Chelsea, walking down Wembley Way was genuinely special. For the first time in a long time, there was real hope that maybe we could actually do this. We will not speak about the 90 minutes, but the occasion was brilliant. Usually, when Leeds are at Wembley it feels like life or death with everything on the line, but this time there was less pressure because we were already proud of what the team had achieved by getting there.
Player of the season and why?
Anton Stach or Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The pride those two play with is unbelievable. Calvert-Lewin getting his England call-up was completely deserved, and you could see how much it meant to him. Stach just speaks for himself really. That free-kick against Aston Villa tells you everything you need to know about him. His Instagram stories give him bonus points as well.
Unsung hero and why?
Sean Longstaff. Every time he comes on he settles us down and gives us control in midfield. He keeps things simple, works hard, wins second balls and does the dirty work people do not always notice. I would have liked to see more of him this season because he always seemed to improve us when games were getting scrappy.
Biggest disappointment?
The FA Cup semi-final, without a doubt. It felt like such a wasted opportunity against a Chelsea side that looked vulnerable all season. We never really played with the freedom or aggression that got us there in the first place. As fans, we would probably have accepted losing if we had gone for it properly, but we left Wembley wondering what might have happened if we had just shown a bit more belief.
What needs to change this summer?
We need a bit more depth and experience if we want to stop getting dragged into relegation conversations every year. Another reliable goalscorer would help as well, because there were too many games when we made life hard for ourselves. Most importantly, though, we need to keep building the mentality in the squad because this season finally felt like a step forward instead of standing still. Also, as much as I love our fans, it would be nice if we did not sing We All Love Leeds for the full 90 minutes of every game.
Major hope for next season?
Instead of surviving with a couple of weeks left, it would be nice to avoid being stuck in a relegation fight with five other teams for once. Why can we not do what Sunderland have done and properly establish ourselves? When you look at the teams coming up and the teams going down, Leeds should be safe a lot earlier next season. I would absolutely love us to kick on and have the kind of season Sunderland have had.
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'Farke has given us some nice moments'published at 13:21 BST 26 May
13:21 BST 26 May
Image source, Reuters
After two consecutive seasons in the Championship, Daniel Farke's Leeds United will now look to build on back-to-back seasons in the top-flight.
On the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix praised Farke's efforts in avoiding relegation.
"Daniel has done an amazing job with the resources compared to a lot of the sides. Some of the victories against the top sides were fantastic," said Pope.
During the campaign, highlights included Leeds enjoying their first league win over Manchester United since September 2002 (1-0), while it was their first away from home victory against the Red Devils since February 1981.
After losing six out of seven games between October and November, Farke came under scrutiny from some Leeds fans over his future at the club.
"Very quickly people were quick to get rid of him when it went south," added Rix.
"Not only the Premier League survival, the Man Utd victory, the FA Cup semi-final. He has given us some nice moments this season."
Although Leeds endured a torrid time during October and November, their eight-match unbeaten streak between March and May was the longest by a newly promoted side in a Premier League campaign since Birmingham City in 2009-10 (12).
At the heart of that unbeaten streak was Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who became a driving force in his first season in a Leeds shirt.
The 29-year-old scored a combined 12 goals in his final three seasons for Everton in the Premier League, and he finished the 2025-26 Premier League season with 14.
Calvert-Lewin was also ranked number one for high-intensity pressures - 2367 in total, the most of any player in the Premier League this season.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
'Farke turned it around'published at 08:03 BST 26 May
08:03 BST 26 May
Image source, Getty Images
Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.
Prediction: 17th
Leeds looked like they would struggle early on, but manager Daniel Farke turned it around, so both he and his players deserve great credit.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved a very shrewd signing on a free transfer from Everton, while, as expected, the Elland Road bearpit played its part.
If there was a disappointment, it was the timid performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.
The main mission, however, was Premier League safety and that was achieved with something to spare.
What I said in August: "Someone has got to buck the growing trend of 'three up, three straight back down' from the Championship's promoted sides, so I am going to say Leeds will break that glass ceiling."
Marathe also thanked Farke for the "special campaign" he delivered, and said he is "incredibly confident" about the future of the club.
"While this year brought memorable highs and difficult moments, Daniel and the squad delivered a special campaign," he said.
"In a league where promoted clubs usually struggle, survival in our first season back is a significant accomplishment.
"I said last year that the road ahead would not be easy - that is still true. History shows that the second season in the Premier League can be just as, if not more, challenging as the first. We remain ambitious but measured and deliberate, understanding that it will take three long-fought seasons before we can truly operate like an established Premier League side."
Before thanking the fans and everyone associated with the club for their support and work throughout the season, Marathe also touched on transfer plans and hinted that a considered approach will be required.
"This summer, instead of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) will impact our transfer market approach," he added.
"As our accounts reflect, we spent every penny possible, as promised, to earn promotion and keep the club in the Premier League.
"Our approach to the transfer market will once again be strategic and disciplined to comply with regulations while striving further to improve, and players will both arrive and depart as a result."
'A game too far' but 'great season for Leeds overall'published at 12:52 BST 25 May
12:52 BST 25 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views as Leeds ended a first season back in the Premier League with defeat at West Ham.
Here are some of your comments:
Nigel: A game too far for Leeds after a tough season which ended with a creditable 14th place. Now time to make additions to the squad to push on for next season.
Dave: Leeds need better strikers - Nmecha and Bornauw need to be sold. Both not good enough for the Premier League. Pascal, Joe and Jaka must stay. Lots of work ahead before we are a middle-of-the-table team. Solid season - let's move forward.
Ian: Leeds were poor on Sunday and deserved nothing. The quality and attacking threat with many players injured shows the team needs strengthening. With the stadium enhancements starting, the inevitable reduced capacity will have an impact on profit, limiting future recruitment. Despite Farke's wants, bottom half of the table may be our realistic expectations.
Mark: Disappointed we lost 3-0 but at the end of the day we will play Premier League football next season. Onwards and upwards. We will have to spend money and buy well to strengthen the side. Well done, team and management.
Chris: A fairly poor performance. I struggled to stay awake in the first half, though there were a few wasted chances which we probably should have scored. Most of the players probably had their mind on the summer holidays. Felt very strange to have nothing to play for in the last game of the season. Hopefully good recruitment in the summer will get us a top-10 finish next season.
Thomas: It's clear to see why DCL is not going to World Cup. As well as he has done for Leeds, missing chances at this standard is his downfall. Leeds need a striker for next season because even though the game was a dead rubber, playing like that will see them where West Ham have finished.
Simbad: Well, Leeds tried for a bit but there wasn't much fight in the end. A flattering scoreline as West Ham were pretty poor too. A great season for Leeds overall, though, and Farke and the boys should be really proud of the achievement. Europe beckons!
'We just didn't take our chances'published at 11:45 BST 25 May
11:45 BST 25 May
Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson reflects on his side's 3-0 final day defeat by West Ham United at London Stadium.
In a match many thought might come as a last chance for both sides to survive in the Premier League, it was only the Hammers who had anything to play for after Daniel Farke's side surged towards safety with weeks to spare.
Image source, Getty Images
