Leeds United welcomed Season Ticket Holder Nikki Allan and her retired guide dog to lead the team out with Captain Luke Ayling on Saturday afternoon, the perfect chance for Rita to say goodbye to the Elland Road crowd.                                                                                                                     

Supporters may have seen a video circulating around social media last week, posted by @Mundial, featuring lifelong Leeds United fan Nikki and her guide dog, Rita. Nikki and Rita have been attending games together since 2011, travelling home and away for the Whites for nine seasons, but at the age of 10 Rita has now had to retire and the centenary game against Birmingham City was her last match with owner Nikki.

However, the club decided to invite Rita back to Elland Road for one last time so she could say goodbye properly. Nikki and Rita joined Luke Ayling in the tunnel at kick-off and helped to lead the team out ahead of their Sky Bet Championship match against Cardiff City. As expected, they were given the warmest of receptions from everybody inside the stadium.

Also with Nikki at the weekend was Annie, her new guide dog who will now attend all games supporting Ms Allan. Annie is still getting accustomed to the noise and atmosphere at Elland Road and allowed Rita to have her moment in the spotlight as she gave her final farewell, waiting inside the tunnel. If you see Annie around please make sure you help us welcome her into the Leeds United family.

Speaking after the match, Nikki Allan said: “That was such a brilliant experience, going out with Luke especially as I’ve actually met him once before. I just absolutely loved it, it was such a special moment for me and having Rita there it was even more of a special moment. I thought the centenary match was the last game and being able to bring her back today was amazing.

“Having both Rita and Annie here together was so special, I’m getting emotional now thinking about it because I know that Rita is going today, I’ll have her back and forth but never at a game again, so it’s very emotional for me.

“Annie will take the mantle over now, our golden dog for the centenary year. She was just taking it in her stride today whilst Rita was going ballistic as usual. I’m hoping some of Rita’s exuberance will rub off on Annie but I’m just so lucky to have them both.”

Congratulations to Rita who has been a fantastic supporter, allowing Nikki the opportunity to still attend matches and enjoy each and every one of them, she will be missed.