Phil Hay says Stuart Dallas has held a conversation with Leeds United to discuss his next move after the Elland Road favourite announced his retirement due to his long-standing knee injury.
Dallas, 33, confirmed towards the end of the season that he would be retiring after it surpassed two years since he last took to the field. A collision with Jack Grealish saw Dallas endure a dismal knee injury.
Numerous surgeries, constant rehab and fighting to get back ended in heartbreak for the Leeds icon. A player key to Marcelo Bielsa, winning Player of the Season in the first season back in the Premier League.
Dallas ends a nine-year stint at Leeds, playing 266 times for the club. The club’s retained list confirmed that Dallas would be leaving the club as a player with the Northern Irishman’s contract coming to an end.
What next for Dallas? Well, Hay has delivered an update on The Square Ball. He says that Dallas could end up remaining at Elland Road in a different role and there has been conversations around that at Leeds.
Phil Hay says Stuart Dallas could remain at Leeds in new role
It is unclear if Dallas has done any coaching badges but you would imagine that while on the sidelines, he will have thought about doing it and could well have started the process to get himself in the dugout.
Speaking on The Square Ball, Hay says he is very interested in what Dallas does next and claims there has been talk between the club and the 62-time Northern Ireland star over what happens next for Dallas.
“Obviously, Dallas has retired. Really interested to see what he does, if he goes into coaching. There was a bit of a conversation with Leeds as to what could be next with him. I expect he takes time to take stock.”
There are some big names in Leeds coaching set-up already
Recently, Aaron Lennon was seen in a coaching role and draped in the Leeds tracksuit while Stewart Downing has been announced as the club’s assistant manager for the Under-21 side at Elland Road.
But it is likely that if Dallas is keen to take up a role on the coaching side of things at Leeds, then Leeds would find a space for him. Given how much he has given the club over the years, on the pitch.
Plenty of change is expected in terms of playing staff and personnel this summer, but having one constant in and around Thorp Arch in the form of Dallas would be a good move by the club.