Leeds United have come a long way in the calendar year since new badge debacle

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On 24 January 2018, Leeds United launched their new badge, which went viral on social media and made the club a laughing stock.

The embarrassing design – which resembled something out of Pro Evolution Soccer – was reportedly extensively researched in consultation with the club’s fans but was mercifully scrapped after its hugely negative reaction.

The timing was also an issue; coming at a time when Thomas Christiansen was in the midst of a winless run that would ultimately cost him his job as Leeds slipped out of the promotion picture.

It was the moment that the fans and the owner were at their furthest apart, but from then on, it appeared the supporters were heard more.

Misguided as it was, Leeds tried to hire a local figure who would be in touch with fans, in the shape of Paul Heckingbottom, who was eventually replaced by Marcelo Bielsa in the summer.

And the Argentine has created even greater unity within the club; the fans back the team and the decisions behind the scenes and promotion is a very real possibility.

Talk has continued about Leeds slipping away as the pressure builds, but they have already lasted for far longer than they did last season under Christiansen.

Exactly a year on from their deepest embarrassment, Leeds have turned themselves around and are in pole position for a return to the Premier League. The contrast is remarkable.