Archie Gray was among the first to respond after Marley Wilson confirmed his Leeds United exit following an injury-hit spell at Elland Road.
The 20-year-old is leaving the club after 11 years in the academy setup and admitted the last few seasons had been difficult because of long-term fitness problems.
Wilson used Instagram to announce that his time at Leeds had come to an end having joined the academy at the tender age of just nine years old. His Leeds deal is due to expire in the summer.
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He wrote: “After 11 years at this club the time has come to an end, I would firstly like to say thank you to all coaching staff and players at Leeds United that have helped me along the way, I wish you all the best!
“It been a difficult last 2-3 years with injuries but now I’m back and ready to move on with my career wherever that may be,” Wilson continued, suggesting he will pursue a career in football, at another club.
Former Leeds midfielder Archie Gray reacted in the comments with: “My guy ❤️❤️❤️”. Harry Gray also responded by writing: “Good luck my g ❤️”.
The reactions underline how highly regarded Wilson remained within Leeds’ academy despite spending much of the last two years battling injuries. He was once viewed as one of the brighter attacking prospects coming through the youth ranks at Thorp Arch.
Wilson’s Leeds career was derailed by serious injury problems
Wilson’s momentum was badly interrupted after suffering a major injury that kept him sidelined for an extended period. He eventually returned after 619 days out, ending a frustrating absence from competitive action.
Before that setback, Wilson had shown encouraging form in Leeds’ academy system. He had managed seven goals in eight U18 Premier League matches, highlighting why there had been excitement around his development.
Long injury absences are often difficult for young players to recover from because academy football moves quickly. Wilson ultimately struggled to regain lost time during a crucial period of his progression.
Wilson admitted the last two years had been difficult
Earlier this year, Wilson openly discussed the challenges he had faced during his rehabilitation after he returned for Leeds United U21s. He admitted: “It has been difficult, to be honest. Two years out. It is tough. It is tough to take.”
Wilson also explained that it had been the first major injury of his career and acknowledged the mental challenge that came with being unavailable for so long. He added: “But I am back now so hopefully I can stay fit and see what the season brings for me.”
That return was welcomed by teammates and supporters because of how long he had been working behind the scenes to regain fitness. Even after such a difficult spell, Wilson still managed to earn strong public support from figures connected to Leeds’ academy.
Wilson now gets the chance to restart his career
Leeds have seen a number of academy players move on in recent years in search of senior opportunities elsewhere. Wilson now faces the same challenge, but he does so having finally recovered physically after a long period on the sidelines.
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The winger has hinted he is leaving, amid links with Freiburg.
His exit inevitably carries a sense of frustration because injuries prevented Leeds from fully seeing how far his development could have gone. Even so, Wilson’s own statement made it clear that his focus is now on moving forward and rebuilding momentum elsewhere.
After such a difficult few years, simply returning to fitness gives Wilson a platform to restart his career away from Elland Road. The responses from Archie Gray and others also showed he leaves Leeds with genuine respect from those who came through the academy alongside him.
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