Leeds United have fallen from grace since they were the high-flying side in the late 60’s/early 70’s – the last ever champions of the old First Division and a side pushing to be European giants in the 2000-01 season.
After two relegations, nine managerial changes in the past three years and an owner who is more controversial than a Roy Chubby Brown stand-up routine, Leeds United look to be heading back to the Premier League or at least striving to be in the top-flight once again.
Leeds appear to be more consistent this term, which is a stark contrast to what Leeds United fans have experienced over the past few seasons.
Gary Monk has transformed Leeds since taking the reins in June, as he made high profile signings to compete with the massive amounts of money being spent at Newcastle, Norwich and Aston Villa.
Monk’s Premier League experience has certainly helped him settle in quite nicely in his new role seeing as Leeds are currently taking the Championship by storm.
The former defender, who recently won manager of the month, has restored confidence at Elland Road with Leeds seemingly in a solid groove as they headed into the International break with three back to back wins.
Monk has managed to build a spine for the team that can challenge the high-flyers in the league and keep fighting till the end. Since conceding late on against Wigan, Leeds United have scored the winning goal in the last fifteen minutes of the game in their previous three games as they continue to prove they are no pushovers.
Amid protests against the regime at Elland Road, the players have plugged away to secure eight wins in their first sixteen games which is incredibly impressive if you compare the situation with other clubs such as Blackpool, Blackburn, Charlton and Nottingham Forest who are sinking into oblivion.
Massimo Cellino is still an unpopular figure who looms over Leeds United like a thunderous cloud, but the manager and players have to take credit for playing on through adversity to keep the loyal fans onside.
Leed’s spine deserves a lot of credit for the club’s recent success – the experienced goalkeeper Rob Green, the passionate fan favourite centre-half, Pontus Jansson, the tricky playmaker Eunan O’Kane and the prolific striker Chris Wood. Leeds have the foundations to build on the solid start to the season they have experienced.
Leeds United might only just be 6th in the league standings, but this start to the season will be a huge confidence boost to a side who have been struggling for the past few seasons.
Leeds United are fearless at the moment and will be thinking they can go anywhere, play anyone and pick up points, which is never a bad thing. Garry Monk is hoping he can bring the good times back to Elland Road at the end of the season and hopefully get them back into the Premier League.
