Leeds can't afford to miss golden opportunity

By Adam Washbrook

Twenty odd years ago, Leeds United were one of the most exciting teams in English football. Challengers to Manchester United, European semi-finalists, and boasting some elite players.

Then-chairman Peter Ridsdale took out loans against the prospect of the share of the TV rights and sponsorship revenues gained from qualification and progression in the UEFA Champions League to help further the funds available to the club as they bid for success.

Unfortunately, success didn’t come.

Instead, Leeds failed to qualify for the Champions League, and financial implosion followed. They lost some of their top players, and sunk all the way to League One in a matter of years.

(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Leeds’ are still widely seen as one of the biggest clubs in England. Averaging over 30,000 fans at home games over the course of the 2017-18 season, they boasted the second highest attendance figure.

Their rise back up from League One has been a gradual one. Since Simon Grayson took Leeds back into the Championship in 2010, the club has narrowly missed out on the play-offs on multiple occasions, seen multiple managers come and go, as well as seeing the entire club change hands under difficult circumstances.

Following the summer arrival of Marcelo Bielsa, the Argentinian set about a tough task: restoring fallen giants.

 (Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/WBA FC via Getty Images)

The acquisition of Biesla to lead the troops was massive, and it’s been a promising start to the season for Leeds. They’re currently third, only a point behind the automatic promotion places.

The boss says the Championship is too close to call at this stage, and much hangs on how his side deals with any run of poor form.

After so many difficult years and with the wind finally blowing in their favour, Leeds can’t afford to let another chance to return to the Premier League become another missed opportunity.