Video: I wish we had Bobby Collins at Leeds today says Cellino as road named in his honour

Betty Collins today unveiled the sign for Bobby Collins Way, which forms part of a recently-opened park-and-ride site close to the United great’s spiritual footballing home of Elland Road.

She was joined at the ceremony by family members and Leeds heroes of the past as well as Whites owner Massimo Cellino.

Betty said: “It’s a wonderful tribute to Bobby – he would have been extremely proud that his contribution to the success of Leeds United during the 1960s has been recognised by the city.

“As we all know, the club went on to become a major force at both national and European levels. On behalf of Bobby and all the Collins family, thank you to everyone involved in making this tribute possible.”

Collins’ son, Robert, said: “We are absolutely delighted – what an honour for the family and, in particular, my father.

“It’s great that what he did for Leeds United and the city of Leeds is being recognised.

“This is a memorial that is always going to be here, which is wonderful to know.”

Former United players at the ceremony included Eddie Gray, Peter Lorimer and Terry Yorath.

Yorath recalled the influence Collins had on him as a young apprentice at Elland Road, saying: “You could not have wished for a better professional to learn from.

“If you happened to do something wrong, he’d never shout at you – he’d just look at you and you would know!

“He was a fair man and he was a fantastic footballer.”

Collins died in January this year at the age of 82 after a battle with illness.

A midfielder, he joined Leeds from Everton in 1962 and went on to make 167 appearances in five years.

He was manager Don Revie’s on-field general as United began their rise from Second Division obscurity to the top of the European game.

Collins remained in Leeds after his retirement, spending some time coaching at schools in Hunslet.

The Elland Road park-and-ride site opened in June and is a collaboration between Leeds City Council, bus firm First and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Council bosses decided on the road name tribute following discussions with the Collins family, United and supporters of the club.