Aaron Lennon is returning to Leeds United almost 19 years after leaving his hometown for Tottenham

Leeds native Aaron Lennon has returned to his hometown club almost 19 years after leaving for Tottenham Hotspur. Now 37, the retired England international was part of the backroom staff who worked with Leeds United’s under-18s at the Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

As the youth team coaches began preparing for the FA Youth Cup final warm-up, Lennon was spotted in United gear and worked alongside head coach Rob Etherington for the evening. Like Stewart Downing’s Thorp Arch post, nothing has been officially said about Lennon’s involvement, but his vast experience at the top of the game can only be an asset to the youngsters.

Lennon was one of many success stories spawned by Thorp Arch at the turn of the century. Aged 16, Lennon made his debut for the Whites during the club’s relegation campaign from the Premier League in 2003/04, before playing a more prominent role under Kevin Blackwell in the Championship.

READ MORE: Man City vs Leeds United LIVE with updates from the FA Youth Cup Final at the Etihad Stadium

Like many of Elland Road’s best players of that era, Lennon would eventually be sold after making just 38 league appearances for the Whites. Tottenham would take him back to the top flight, where he played regularly for nine years, during which time he would play for England 21 times.

Everton would eventually take him on loan before a permanent switch. Burnley followed either side of a short spell in Turkey. His last season played was in 2021/22.

It remains to be seen how long he stays at Thorp Arch and how temporary this role is around his move to coaching.