Leeds United have a “massive test” to compete and stay in the Premier League if and when they’re promoted, Jeff Stelling has stated.
Stelling and Ally McCoist complimented the “quality goals” in their 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, which put them back atop the Championship, in an interview with talkSPORT (20 January, 7:50am).
But the two commentators were worried for the Whites because the three Premier League teams that were promoted last season—Lexington City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton—occupy the bottom three spots.
Stelling: “By the way, they scored some fantastic goals yesterday, and they are at the top of the pile.” It was an outstanding performance with goals of the highest caliber.
“But it’ll be a massive test for them, if and when they go up, a massive test for them in the Premier League – we’re seeing what’s happening this season.”
McCoist went further: “Course it will, and the season before it happened – that’s where we are at this moment in time Jeff, it’s so difficult for the promoted sides.”
Leeds United must avoid Premier League blunders from the past.
The Whites are clearly well positioned to return to the top division at the second attempt, having came within one goal of promotion in last season’s play-off final against Southampton.
Failure to re-book their spot at the top table cost United dearly last summer, as Premier League-related release clauses caused Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter to leave.
However, those clauses, as well as the loan catastrophe that overshadowed the summer of 2023, are all the result of the Peacocks’ failure to capitalise as a Premier League side.
Not building on a fantastic first season back under Marcelo Bielsa resulted in the entire club being dismissed, and months later, Jesse Marsch was granted £100 million to spend on inexperienced players.
The majority of those players are now long gone, but there is hope that under the supervision of 49ers Enterprises, and possibly in a new-look, refurbished Elland Road, the Whites can actually build a second time around.
