WE’LL CLAP ’EM THEN STOP ’EM

PHILLIP COCU will offer Leeds United a guard of honour following their promotion to the Premier League as champions.

Derby’s boss says that he will follow any protocol and ask his players to applaud Marcelo Bielsa’s side onto the pitch today.

Leeds ended their 16-year absence from the top flight after Huddersfield’s victory over West Brom sealed their return to the elite.

Yesterday’s results confirmed them as champions too, and Coco (above) said: “We will have to show respect to the team that has deserved to go up.

“That’s what’s sportsmanship is about, so yes, if asked to do it, we will do it.” However, he said that Derby’s own Premier League disappointment would not stop the Rams from finishing their season on a high.

Derby saw their play-off hopes dashed following a defeat at Cardiff, and Cocu explained that had taken the edge off their preparations.

He said: “It was a little bit quiet for a day or so after Cardiff.

“But we have pride. We’re at home. We have to try to beat them.

“We owe it to ourselves and our fans to stop them from playing like champions.”

The ex-Holland international had no doubt who was chiefly responsible for Leeds’ elevation – his opposite number, Bielsa.

He added: “I don’t know Bielsa in detail but the way he works, he has a clear philosophy that he sticks by and believes in.

“If you give him time at a club to build it, he will put on excellent performances.

“If you analyse how they play, you see his work and you see a certain type of football. Tactically, he’s a clever coach. He always finds solutions. They are an energetic team who can dominate.

“Last year, Leeds went close. This year, one better. And a big part of that is due to the contribution from Marcelo.”