With Leeds United missing out on promotion in the 2018/19 Championship campaign, there are understandable fears that a few players, owing to their performances and improvements this year, will now be targets for those higher up the pyramid.
Kemar Roofe, Jack Clarke and Kalvin Phillips have been three players loosely linked with moves away over the summer for the last few months, but at least in the case of 23-year-old Phillips, it doesn’t sound like he’s looking for greener pastures as he sent his own message to fans on social media, reflecting on the campaign we’ve just had.
Thanks for your amazing support over this season! Hard to take but we use this pain as fuel to do one better next season! We do this together and we will never give up! 💙💛 @ Leeds https://t.co/dRF6IdmfBn
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips) May 17, 2019
Despite the disappointment and frustration, there are plenty of reasons for optimism as we go into the 2019/20 campaign and we all know where we need to strengthen the group, and even in the case of the youngsters, last year will have served them well so we should have slightly more natural competition in the group to help cover injuries.
Keeping Marcelo Bielsa and then securing the core of the group so we can further build around them is key to our hopes.
If you and Marcelo give us one more year the world will be your oyster. Guaranteed.????????????????
— Channi Patel???????? (@ChanniPatel) May 17, 2019
You're a credit to our club Kalvin, the way you play, the way you've improved and excelled in your new position and doing it all with a smile. Every 1 of you players have done us and yourselves proud. Can't wait for next season, make sure you're still here.
— Lee Couling ???????? (@LeeCouling) May 17, 2019
Should be captain next season build team round him and shak
— stephen wilson (@ComStephen540) May 17, 2019
Player of the season for me .
— ian slingsby (@slingsby_i) May 17, 2019
We need you next year mate, my player of the year. Thank you for an awesome season, proud of what you lads have done ????????????????
— Nicky ???????? (@reckoner29) May 17, 2019
Well said Kalvin. PLEASE DON'T LEAVE
— suraj kaushal (@onesuj) May 17, 2019
Player of the season for me. Absolute unit and one of our own ????
— Christopher Ellis (@c_ellis92) May 17, 2019
What a player you are. We’ll all be there in August supporting you. ALAW!
— Ryan Shaw (@ryanjshaws) May 18, 2019
Outstanding season Kalvin you came of age this season. Truly an inspiration all season long
— David Redmond (@dave_leedsutd) May 17, 2019