Marcelo Bielsa practices social distancing as Leeds United fan stops for a photo

Leeds United fans clutching the hand of their club's beloved manager as he goes about his business in Wetherby aren't unusual.
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The Argentinian is well known for graciously accepting eager requests for photos when he is spotted around the market town.

And while coronavirus may have put a stop to handshakes for the time being, it hasn't stopped Whites fans asking for snaps of their hero - from a safe distance.

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Among them is James Shimmin, from York, who couldn't resist pulling over to meet his hero in Wetherby yesterday (Sunday).

James Shimmin takes a socially distanced photo with Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa (photo: James Shimmin / Twitter).James Shimmin takes a socially distanced photo with Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa (photo: James Shimmin / Twitter).
James Shimmin takes a socially distanced photo with Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa (photo: James Shimmin / Twitter).

James, who runs Ignite Sports Coaching, posted on Twitter: "Fantastic to meet Marcelo Bielsa today (don’t worry I kept 2 metres away).

"His face doesn’t show it but he was more than happy to stop for a photo.

"He wished me well and I thanked him for all his hard work at.

"Wish I could've shook the mans hand."

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James, a lifelong Leeds fan, said: "I was actually just queuing in a line of traffic giving way to oncoming vehicles and noticed what I thought might of been Marcelo walking in my direction.

"Not wanting to miss my chance of a photo with him, I safely pulled over, jumped out and asked him for a photo - and he politely obliged."

Ignite Sports Coaching, based in York, delivers PE and school sport to primary school children, aiming to inspire a life long participation in sport and physical activity.