Promotion’s a tribute to lost legends

IT would have been almost poetic if Leeds had clinched promotion this weekend at Derby – the club who broke their hearts in the play-offs last season.

As it happened, they sealed their return to the Premier League without kicking a ball after Huddersfield beat West Brom last night, and I could not be happier for everyone at Elland Road.

Leeds United are back where they belong.

In the last few months we have said goodbye to Norman Hunter, Trevor Cherry and Jack Charlton from the great squad of Don Revie’s era.

I can think of no better tribute to their memories than Leeds United being restored to English football’s elite.

After a catalogue of near-misses, their time has come. And I can’t wait to see how Marcelo Bielsa approaches the Premier League.

One immediate consequence of Leeds going up is that they will now leapfrog several clubs in the pecking order when top players become available in the transfer market.

With a big stadium, a massive fan base, and one of Europe’s most acclaimed coaches running the team, Leeds will surely be a very attractive proposition to overseas players who dream of a career in the Premier League.

There was always more to their controversial manager Bielsa (above) than the froth and white noise around last season’s Spygate drama that kept us all entertained.

Now I can’t wait for Leeds to give him the stage to prove it.

I really hope the Six-0-six airwaves tomorrow evening are filled with celebrating Leeds fans.

FANS could be allowed back into stadiums from October – even if it’s only limited numbers – under the latest Government easing of lockdown. That’s great news, and a step in the right direction, in the battle against coronavirus. But remember: This is a deadly virus. Please don’t take liberties with it, and let’s be careful out there.