Photos to break the hearts of Leeds United fans.
The academy has been Leeds United’s shining light during their time outside the top flight, but they have struggled to hold onto their best players.
A much touted quartet of Lewis Cook, Sam Byram, Alex Mowatt and Charlie Taylor thrilled fans in the rollercoaster 2014/15 season, and have all since left the club.
Cook was back in Yorkshire this weekend with Premier League side Bournemouth as they took on Huddersfield and was reunited with old pals.
Former academy head of education and welfare Lucy Cook posted a photo of Cook at his 21st birthday party which took place over the weekend; he turned 21 on February 3.
Cook is seen with Ward, and former Leeds head of academy and first team manager Neil Redfearn.
In another photo at the party were his former Leeds pals Alex Mowatt and Charlie Taylor, who both left the club in 2017, along with current first team player Kalvin Phillips.
Fans can only wonder what might have been, and posted despondent messages on Twitter…
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