{"id":290806,"date":"2025-07-25T14:30:20","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T14:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/290806\/"},"modified":"2025-07-25T14:30:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T14:30:20","slug":"graham-smyth-suggests-leeds-united-have-made-an-appointment-to-protect-their-prize-jewel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/290806\/","title":{"rendered":"Graham Smyth suggests Leeds United have made an appointment to protect their ‘prize jewel’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Leeds United have predominantly worked on their senior team this summer, with six new arrivals already for Daniel Farke\u2019s 2025\/26 Premier League squad. <\/strong><\/p>\n

However, Louis Enahoro-Marcus has joined Leeds United<\/a> from Liverpool alongside Jayden Lienou from Manchester City\u2019s development side, too.<\/p>\n

The Leeds youth team<\/a> is an area of the club that has perhaps suffered from a lack of investment in recent Championship seasons, but the Whites have a proud history of developing some of the best talent in the country.<\/p>\n

Currently, Archie Gray\u2019s brother Harry Gray<\/a> is the shining light of that side. Gray is one of five youngsters in Germany with Leeds\u2019 first-team<\/a>, with the likes of Sam Chambers and Charlie Crew.<\/p>\n

However, the likes of Kalvin Phillips, James Milner, Lewis Cook, Fabian Delph, Alan Smith, and Jonny Howson have broken through over the last decade.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Graham Smyth\u2019s view of Jonny Howson\u2019s return to Leeds<\/p>\n

Now, Leeds are being linked with a sensational return for former midfielder Howson, with the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder featuring for the Whites\u2019 first-team between 2006 and 2012.<\/p>\n

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Leeds United are finalising Jonny Howson’s return home after 13 years away. Set to take on a player-coach role with the under-21s. Played 225 times during his first spell. #lufc<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/4OGeeWd1uv<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Beren Cross (@BerenCross) July 22, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

He is set to become a player-coach of the U-21 team, and\u00a0Leeds fans are delighted at the idea of Howson\u2019s return<\/a>. <\/p>\n

MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES<\/p>\n

He captained the club a number of times in that stint, and the 37-year-old\u2019s experience could be vital with youngsters like Gray. That is what Graham Smyth believes, speaking via The Square Ball podcast.<\/p>\n

Speaking after beating SC Verl in pre-season, he said: \u201cWell, Alex Cairns, you know, just looks like the happiest man in football. And people do say, don\u2019t they \u2014third choice goalkeeper is the best job in the world?<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the look on his face yesterday when he was walking down the touch line, all kitted up and ready to go out, he looked proud as punch.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd everyone around from the Leeds camp was absolutely delighted to see him get on the pitch for the first time in an official friendly or any kind of game since he came back to the club.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe absolutely loves being here. And I quite like the whole Howson idea because we\u2019ve seen it at other clubs with their 21s: a bit of leadership, a bit of quality, a bit of nous in the 21s.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich has kind of stagnated a little bit as a as a project or as a team in the last couple of years. It can\u2019t really do that because you\u2019ve got your prize jewel at number nine (Harry Gray).<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he needs people to play with and, if he\u2019s playing with the 21s, he needs service and he needs to be in a team that\u2019s competitive. So, I really quite like the Howson thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"HarryPhoto by Robbie Jay Barratt \u2013 AMA\/Getty ImagesHarry Gray\u2019s Leeds feats so far <\/p>\n

Patrick Bamford is amazed with Gray in training<\/a> and he is the latest to emerge from the Gray family dynasty. Hopes are high that the young forward will also go on to be a huge success at\u00a0Elland Road<\/a> at some stage.<\/p>\n

Gray made his debut in the 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City<\/a>\u00a0last season, which delighted the\u00a0legendary Eddie Gray<\/a>\u00a0up in the stands as well. However, he needs the right environment to thrive now.<\/p>\n

Gray also scored the winning goal in the inaugural National League Cup<\/a>\u00a0final, with Leeds\u2019 youngsters defeating a senior Sutton United side to win the trophy.<\/p>\n

He secured the assist for the first goal against Verl on Tuesday as well, laying on an excellent assist for Piroe. After his part in the promotion celebrations, Gray has had an incredible few months now.<\/p>\n

The excitement is palpable for a reason, and Howson will hope his experiences can impart some wisdom on Gray in a role which looks like a win-win for all parties involved in West Yorkshire.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n