BOTTOM’S UP
New Leeds boss believes promotion can still be done
PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM insists Leeds can still win promotion to the Premier League despite their slump.
Heckingbottom took over this week with Leeds having slipped down to 10th, seven points off the play-offs because of a sixgame winless run.
He led Barnsley to promotion from League One two years ago from an even worse position and claims Leeds can dream of a return to the top flight after a 14-year absence.
“It’s a target, definitely,” he said. “Two years ago, when I sat in this chair at Barnsley, we were 14th and we went up. I know it can be done.
“It’s something that’s definitely achievable, but if you get carried away with me setting that target, that puts undue pressure on. The next game is what it’s all about.
“If anyone heard me speak at Barnsley about setting goals and targets, they were always in the short term and private in lots of senses.
“One, you can sell yourself short and two, you can put undue pressure on people. But we still want pressure to win every game. The aim is to be a real force in this league.”
Heckingbottom faces a tough opener at Bramall Lane today against promotion and Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.
Leeds were top of the Championship in September then had an impressive run up until Boxing Day before a return of just two points from six games cost former head coach Thomas Christiansen his job. “One thing you have to have in this league is consistency,” said the Yorkshireman. “There’s no reason why we can’t find consistency between now and the end of the season. “We’ll start putting things in place that will hopefully benefit us in the short term this year and we’ll rise up the table.” Blades boss Chris Wilder believes the chance to manage Leeds was too good for Heckingbottom to refuse. Wilder (circle) said: ”Paul gets the maximum out of the resources he’s got at his disposal and that’s a big reason why Leeds were attracted to him. “And you can see the attraction from Paul’s point of view. Leeds are a fantastic club – a huge, imposing club with a massive stature in the game. “It’s a club that can – and probably should – be in the Premier League. But size and history bring no guarantees. There are no gimmes in football. “You have to earn the right to be in the top division. Leeds obviously have got the infrastructure and support that tells you, if they do get it right, it’s a powerful old football club.”