As a new Championship season comes around, and the obligatory talk of who can clinch promotion to the Premier League surfaces, once again Leeds United are talked about as possible promotion contenders.
It seems that every year the ‘bigger clubs’ are always tipped for greatness, but, in my opinion, this year it really could be the year that Leeds finally reclaim Premier League status.
The Elland Road faithful have endured their fair share of lows in recent history, falling from grace due to financial troubles, and even found themselves in the despair of Sky Bet League One from 2007-2010.
For such a huge club with iconic history, this was something of a travesty for the devoted fans of the club, and ever since their relegation from the top flight during the 2003-2004 season many supporters have waited for the day the club finally returns to the top division.
Granted, the Yorkshire club haven’t had the greatest of starts to this new campaign, picking up just one win, and one draw from the first five games of the season, but in my opinion, this is not a pattern that will continue itself, and here’s why.
Firstly, with the abundance of new signings who have arrived this summer, including the likes of Hadi Sacko and Marcus Antonsson who have arrived from different countries, it is bound to take some time before the new additions can fully settle in and gel with each other.
This is also true with the managerial and coaching changes. Former Swansea manager Gary Monk now holds the reins at Elland Road, and there is no doubting his quality and credibility as a manager. However, he will also need time to settle and understand his players and his preferred team and tactics before the best performances are displayed.
Squad depth is also a key factor, and another string to the bow of Leeds. It seems that this year there are two or more players for almost every position, with a blend of youth players such as Kalvin Phillips and Tyler Denton coming through. This is as well as proven Championship players such as Chris Wood, and even former Premier League stars Pablo Hernandez and Rob Green. It appears that it is a perfect recipe for success, and only a matter of time before the former Swansea captain sees a turn around in form from his players.
All in all the signs are there for a positive year for Leeds, and with one of, if not the best fan base in the Championship on their side, you’d be a brave man to bet against Leeds being in contention come May.
