James Beattie has issued a message to the Leeds United fans, along with the staff at the club's training base and stadium, as he leaves the Whites. 

The Leeds first team coach, who was widely credited for his role in helping Whites striker Chris Wood enjoy a hugely prolific season, is heading to link up with former Leeds boss Garry Monk at Middlesbrough.




Beattie played his part in helping Leeds enjoy a good season last term, with the Whites only narrowly missing out on a spot in the Championship playoffs.

And he has issued a farewell message as he departs Elland Road for Middlesbrough.
 


"To all the staff at Thorp Arch and Elland Road who all contributed to last season's success, not always in a winning sense, but on a level of giving belief in a football club again to the fans, giving the team a proper identity and a way of playing", he said in a statement.

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"I would like to thank the fans, who are truly amazing and deserve the team to be successful and if the team was as successful as the fans' loyalty, commitment and support, then I'm sure it would be at the pinnacle of the sport", Beattie concluded.

Beattie and Monk will return to Elland Road with Middlesbrough in November, and it remains to be seen what reception the pair are given by the Leeds faithful.

Leeds have since appointed Thomas Christiansen as head coach, with the Dane bringing in his own backroom staff to the club.