Leeds United begin work on new long-awaited Elland Road project alongside West Stand expansion

While the West Stand redevelopment continues to dominate headlines at Elland Road, Leeds United have also made visible progress on another long-awaited project designed to celebrate two of the club's most iconic managers.

Work is now underway outside the East Stand on the creation of dedicated tribute areas for Howard Wilkinson and Marcelo Bielsa, with supporters already spotting construction activity as the club pushes to have the new spaces ready ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Leeds begin work on Howard's Way and Bielsa Place at Elland Road

The two new commemorative areas will sit on either side of the East Stand reception and form part of Leeds' wider efforts to honour key figures from the club's history.

Supporters have been purchasing personalised legacy stones for several months, with some already installed as work progresses on the site.

Bielsa Place will feature a marble replica of the famous bucket used by Marcelo Bielsa during matches, alongside a stone silhouette commemorating the Argentine coach who ended Leeds' 16-year absence from the Premier League in 2020.

Meanwhile, Howard's Way will celebrate the legendary Howard Wilkinson, the last English manager to win the top-flight after guiding Leeds United to the First Division title in 1991/92. The area will include a bespoke marble seat and a silhouette depicting Wilkinson lifting the trophy.

The club previously described Elland Road as “more than just a stadium”, with both projects designed to create a permanent tribute to two managers who played defining roles in shaping modern Leeds United.

FGG says: Two long-awaited additions finally getting underway

With so much focus understandably placed on the transformative West Stand expansion, it's easy for projects like this to go under the radar.

But for many Leeds fans, Howard's Way and Bielsa Place have been long-awaited additions.

Both managers occupy legendary status at Elland Road, and giving them permanent, prominent recognition outside the stadium feels like a fitting tribute.

Alongside the major redevelopment work taking place elsewhere, these new spaces will help strengthen the connection between the club's future ambitions and the figures who helped shape some of its greatest modern achievements.