Phil Hay transforms into 'lean, mean, killing machine' after stopping Leeds coverage

Phil Hay, back when he covered Leeds United, was the most reliable source for news on the West Yorkshire outfit.

He was the Chief Football Writer at the Yorkshire Evening Post before joining The Athletic.

However, he stepped away from Leeds' coverage back in June 2024, moving to a different position at The Athletic.

Beren Cross makes joke about what Hay is up to now

Beren Cross, who was at LeedsLive, took over Hay's role and has now become their lead Leeds United correspondent.

He joked that since Hay has stepped away from covering the Elland Road outfit, he has become a "Lean, mean, killing machine."

One fan of the Whites asked Cross who would win in a three-way wrestling match between himself, Hay and Adam Pope.

Pope, has also been a fan favourite, covering the newly-promoted side for the BBC.

Cross wrote: "I have the reach on them, marginally in Popey’s case, but that’s where my strengths end. Phil has become a kickboxing grandmaster since stepping back from the Leeds beat and looks like a lean, mean, killing machine nowadays.

"Phil would have the greatest punch resistance, but it’s whether either of us could cope with Popey’s sheer ferocity. He’s not much shorter than me, but he’s made of Merseyside brick and has hands the size of cake tins.

"I’d be backing the BBC man."

Leeds United face crucial weeks in the transfer window

Following Leeds' promotion to the Premier League, the next six to eight weeks will be a critical period for their transfer window strategy.

With £100million-£120million available from new shares and promotion funds, Daniel Farke aims to bolster the squad to avoid relegation.

Key priorities likely include signing a proven goalkeeper, a striker to compete with Joel Piroe and reinforcements at centre-back, left-back, and attacking midfield.

Leeds’ strategy, informed by last season’s relegated trio’s overspending, emphasises smart signings, blending Premier League experience with European scouting to secure cost-effective talent like Ao Tanaka.

Outgoings may involve players like Illan Meslier and Patrick Bamford, whose contracts expire in 2026, to create financial headroom.

Farke’s focus on squad cohesion and avoiding past mistakes will drive negotiations, with pre-season friendlies shaping early assessments.