Why do we have a garden gnome on public display?
Looking for something to keep his mind occupied during the COVID-19 lockdown, Leeds United fan Stephen Deacon made his very own miniature garden variant of then-manager Marcelo Bielsa.
The Argentinian is a cult figure at Elland Road, his swashbuckling brand of attacking football endearing him to supporters. Under Bielsa, Leeds were promoted to the Premier League in 2020, finishing ninth in their first season back in the top flight.
Bielsa became known for watching the game whilst sat atop a cooler or an overturned bucket, which served as the inspiration for Stephen’s gnome. The prototype went viral on social media, prompting Stephen to sell them online to scores of Leeds fans (and admirers in Bielsa’s homeland).
The gnome illustrates the deep connections that players and managers can form with supporters, as well as the ingenuity of football fans when it comes to honouring their heroes.
