A year is a very long time in football - just ask Ian Harte.
Cast your mind back 12 months ago, when the former Leeds United left-back declared himself ‘fuming’ with the state of th e club's under-23s side.
Back in February 2018, Harte took to Twitter to express his feelings following a 2-2 draw between Leeds United Under-23s and Birmingham City’s Under 23s.
Harte, who acts as an agent to several of the club's promising youngsters including Jack Clarke , tweeted: “Fuming tonight, went to watch @LUFC Under 23s v Birmingham. Leeds is losing its identity, as all I could hear was Spanish been spoken by players and manager!!! We are a club that has over years and years brought through quality players. But what I witnessed is players lacking.. passion, desire to wear the @LUFC shirt with pride!!! Needs sorting ASAP #MOT
Fuming tonight, went to watch @LUFC Under 23s v Birmingham. Leeds is losing its identity, as all I could hear was Spanish been spoken by players and manager!!! We are a club that has over years and years brought through quality players. But what I witnessed is players lacking
— Ian Harte (@ianharte23) February 2, 2018
"Everyone knows I love @LUFC but too many foreign players in 23s not good enough and killing the younger players pathway!!! Andrea and Victor are very good!!! But something needs addressing ASAP”.
Although his client Clarke was included in the starting eleven for that game, Tyler Denton, another of Harte’s players, had been overlooked for the match.
Harte’s Twitter rant prompted a response from Carlos Corberan, who tweeted: “Proud to represent the famous Leeds United academy and I’m proud of every single player, from every walk of life, who battles everyday to fight for their dream #LUFC #Together".
The under-23s would go on to lose just once in their next ten games that season and continued their good form into the current campaign, securing this season's Professional Development League North league title on Monday night. They are also into the last eight of the Premier League Cup - the team takes on Burnley Under-23s on Friday behind closed doors at 2.30pm.
Massive congratulations to @LUFC under 23s and special mention to @andrearadri @CarlosCorberan Victor Orta and Adam Underwood. The future is looking good! Champions
— Ian Harte (@ianharte23) March 25, 2019
As the team secured the league title away at Colchester on Monday, Harte was quick to acknowledge the work done by the staff at the academy and Victor Orta, who was instrumental in assembling the current squad.
“Massive congratulations to @LUFC under 23s and special mention to @andrearadri @CarlosCorberan Victor Orta and Adam Underwood. The future is looking good! Champions ”, he tweeted.
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