Barry Douglas pens touching tribute to Leeds United ahead of summer exit
Barry Douglas has paid tribute to Leeds United and its supporters ahead of his departure from the club next month.
The one-time Scotland international joined the Whites from Wolves in 2018, the same summer that Marcelo Bielsa joined the club, and made 44 appearances during his time in West Yorkshire.
He was a regular in Bielsa’s first season but he was restricted to just 15 Championship appearances during the triumphant 2019/20 campaign as Leeds were promoted back to the Premier League.
Douglas spent the past season on loan at second-tier side Blackburn Rovers and, with his Whites contract set to expire in June, and no new deal offered, he has taken to his personal Twitter profile to express his gratitude towards the club.
He wrote: “Now my Leeds exit has been made official I just want to thank all the fans for the kind messages, Leeds United is a very special club and I wish everyone associated with the club nothing but continued success.
“I will be watching as a fan from now on and enjoying the journey.”
Best wishes
Douglas was an exciting capture when he was brought in from recently promoted Wolves in 2018.
His five goals and ability to create from set-pieces were vital ingredients in the West Midlands outfit getting to the Premier League, but he was deemed surplus to requirements with the big-spending side bringing in new recruits.
As one of the best left-backs in the division he looked a savvy pick-up by the Whites, but unfortunately we have never seen the best of Douglas as injuries have robbed him of a regular run in the side.
But his influence wasn’t restricted to the pitch and he was known to be a popular member at Thorp Arch, as evidenced in director of football Victor Orta’s heartfelt tribute on the Leeds United club website in October when he moved to Blackburn on loan.
Douglas is sure to look back on his three-year spell at Leeds with some regret, particularly as we have not had a natural left-back hold down the position during his time at the club.
But he leaves with a warm feeling from everyone connected to the club, and we hope he pushes past his injury troubles at his next destination.
In other Leeds United news, Pontus Jansson addresses Marcelo Bielsa relationship claims after major success on Saturday.