Gus Poyet and Tony Bellew comment on whether Leeds deserve Premier League

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Former Leeds United assistant manager Gus Poyet has told TalkSPORT that he believes Leeds deserve to be in the Premier League ahead of the Championship play-offs – while famous boxer Tony Bellew has also given his verdict.

Leeds are likely to finish in third place in the Championship, despite being in the top two automatic slots for the majority of the season. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have slipped away in recent games.

Losses to Wigan and Brentford before Sunday’s controversial 1-1 draw against Aston Villa ended their chances of finishing above Sheffield United. Now, they must do battle in the play-offs.

Poyet, who was assistant to Dennis Wise for 50 league and cup matches during the 2006-07 season, believes Leeds are worthy of promotion. Bellew reckons the Premier League is better to have a club like Leeds there.

“I worked there for a year and they deserve to be in the Premier League,” Poyet said. “We started the season with minus 15 points, went away to Tranmere, and took 10,000 fans – in League One.

“They made some financial decisions 15 years ago that saw them go down, but it is a special place and they deserve to be back in the Premier League.”

TBR’s view

Championship fans will tell you that momentum is the most crucial element when heading into the Championship play-offs. After losses to Brentford and Wigan, Leeds were lacking in that.

But after dominating Villa and deserving the three points, the feeling among Leeds fans is a lot more positive. Villa, meanwhile, have lost their winning streak.

Unless Leeds lose to Ipswich this weekend, it looks as though Aston Villa will take on West Brom. Leeds, meanwhile, will play Derby County, Bristol City or Middlesbrough.