Leeds United would like to pay tribute to an Elland Road regular over the years, guide dog Rita, who would attend games with avid supporter Nikki Allan.

The club was lucky enough to have Rita as a special guest at Elland Road during the 2019/20 campaign, which was a chance for the Elland Road faithful to say goodbye to Rita as she retired from being a guide dog after years of service.

Our visually-impaired supporter Nikki Allan has spoken about Rita and their special relationship and she said: "Rita, my guide, enjoyed life to the full; travelling to the USA and Canda as well as all over the UK. She was a very hard-working and passionate dog, sensitive to others and gentle with other disabled supporters.

"Rita first assisted me to a game in April 2011, and she then made it known it was 'her film to watch' and expressed her opinion on what was happening on the pitch. Many a time she barked her opinion of joy or dismay. She only celebrated goals when Leeds scored, never the opponents. She made sure the team knew she was there when they were warming up, by barking until she received a signal that someone had seen her.

"Rita pioneered her way around away grounds where she became a welcomed guest. She even became a film star, a mascot at Elland Road, and was affectionately known as the Leeds United Guide Dog which, if googled, brings up many fond memories."

RIP to our Leeds United Guide Dog, Rita. Thank you for all the special memories.