Stuart Dallas admits social media criticism spurred him on in Leeds United title-winning season

The Northern Irishman was speaking to Radio Ulster.
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Stuart Dallas has admitted that social media criticism spurred him on at Leeds United this season as he helped Marcelo Bielsa’s side to the Championship trophy.

Dallas featured in all but one of the Whites’ league games across the campaign as he helped Leeds end a 16-year absence from Premier League football.

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The Northern Irishman’s versatility saw him play at both right-back, left-back and in central midfield as the club won promotion to the top flight.

Leeds United's Stuart Dallas (middle) celebrates lifting the Championship trophy.Leeds United's Stuart Dallas (middle) celebrates lifting the Championship trophy.
Leeds United's Stuart Dallas (middle) celebrates lifting the Championship trophy.

Dallas was also handed the Players’ Player of the Year gong at the club’s end of season awards dinner by his team-mates, after starring for United as one of the standout performers, scoring five goals and bagging three assists from defence.

The 29-year-old, though, has now revealed that criticism online played a key role in him wanting to prove doubters wrong over his abilities this term.

“You get things said, ‘you’re not good enough in a Championship-winning side’,” Dallas admitted in an interview with Radio Ulster.

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“That drives me on. You’re there to be shot down. It’s not something to complain about.

“It comes from the world of social media where you can’t please everybody. It’s just the way the world is now.”

Dallas also paid tribute to his head coach after his impressive season, adding: “He’s a special man and I’ll never have the words to thank him.

“What he has done for me both off and on the pitch. He’s made me a better person and not just me - everybody.

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“When you saw the emotion on his face and how he celebrated with us, the players, it stays with you.

“It’s not too often you get a hug from him but he made sure he went round every single person and hugged them.”

At 21, Dallas was learning his trade as a joiner while playing part-time football, until Brentford came knocking at his door. Now, though, he believes he can be an example for others as he prepares for his first ever season as a Premier League footballer.

“Not everybody must go to a club at 15 or 16,” Dallas said.

“It just shows there is a pathway through the Irish League. That makes me appreciate things more because of where I’ve come from. I hadn’t won a trophy since with Crusaders in the Setanta Cup final in 2012.”

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United's utility man also says that he and his team-mates felt a responsibility to the club and its supporters after last season's heartbreak against Derby County to earn promotion.

"It's just incredible. The support that we have throughout the world is massive," he reflected.

"I knew how big this club was when I signed but whenever you're inside it and bring success like this it takes it to a whole new level.

"I think you're seeing on social media just how well thought of the club is.

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"We represent a lot of people and last year felt as if we had left everybody down with the play-offs.

"We really, really wanted to get this club back to where it belongs this season and we have managed to do that.

"We set out to get promoted and we've had the bonus of being champions now. It's an incredible feeling and very proud to be a part of it.

"They've been through it all. 16 years of pain. They've been here when times were good and when they were bad.

"The good times are returning and they've stuck by us through thick and thin.

"It's been an emotional few days and a real roller coaster. We put a lot of hard work in."

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