Mike Dean has revealed that he wants Leeds United to be successfully promoted back to the Premier League for the sake of the club’s supporters.
The former top-flight referee, speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday on April 20, told host Simon Thomas that officiating at Elland Road is “great” but “really, really hostile,” while appreciating the atmosphere created by Leeds fans.
And, with Daniel Farke’s side in a close four-way race for the two automatic promotion slots alongside Leicester City, Ipswich, and Southampton, he expressed confidence in the German to complete the task.
When asked about taking command of games at the Whites’ home stadium, Dean (1.25pm) stated, “It’s lovely, it’s great, great atmosphere. It’s quite hostile, but you want this team to return to the Premier League because the fans deserve it, wonderful club.”
Daniel Farke supported Leeds United’s promotion attempt.
Dean’s declaration may be challenged by the Whites’ three primary opponents for a return to the top flight, and he does not appear to be a big fan of anyone engaged with the Elland Road business.
Despite a fantastic run of success earlier in 2024, in which Farke led his club back into the automatic promotion battle, the team has since faltered, and nothing is guaranteed.
Despite having Crysencio Summerville as the second-tier Player of the Season and two more Team of the Season members in Ethan Ampadu and Georginio Rutter, Leeds United are currently on the outside looking in at the top two slots.
Following Leicester’s stunning win against West Brom on Saturday, they are now four points clear in first place, with Ipswich two points behind in second and the Saints fast regaining ground on the Whites from fourth place, despite a setback against Cardiff.
