In 2001, Leeds United bowed out of the UEFA Champions League at the final semi-final stage at the hands of Spanish side Valencia. In the group stages, Leeds finished above Barcelona, knocking the Catalan club out of the competition. Three years later Leeds were relegated to the second tier of English football.
Since that fateful day in 2004, the Whites have not had much to cheer about. Another relegation led to several years of League One obscurity, and even since returning to the second division, they have never looked like forcing a return to the promise land.
That has all changed this season. With the talented, young Garry Monk at the helm, Leeds have looked a different side this season. After seeming destined for a play-off spot for a large swathe of the season, the wheels are starting to come off Monk’s Premier League assault. This weekend the club dropped out of the top 6. Wins from their next three games will surely buy a ticket to the raffle, but nothing is assured.
If Leeds secure a play-off berth, anything is possible during the month of May. If they do not, Monk and his players are sure to be crushed. Whatever happens, the former Swansea manager has a lot to do this summer to ensure his squad is ready for the new campaign.
But what should Monk’s Leeds United’s priorities be this summer? Here we take a look at what the Elland Road outfit must do...
Top: Priority: Keep Chris Wood
In recent years, Leeds United have been blessed with a natural goal scorer. Jermaine Beckford dragged the Yorkshire team back to the Championship with his exploits. Luciano Becchio and Ross McCormack continued the tradition in the higher division. This year Chris Wood is the man behind the goals.
The big Kiwi striker has been a revelation this year, and leads the way with 25 goals from an impressive 75 shots on target. Wood’s form has kept Leeds campaign alive, with his goals accounting for almost half of Leeds’ total. The New Zealand Herald linked the player with a big money move to Everton last month, and do not be surprised to find more clubs snooping.
Wood is a striker with a huge presence, and after honing his game in the Championship after an unsuccessful spell with West Brom, the forward appears ready to tackle the Premier League. Leeds would struggle to replace Wood’s goals, and the New Zealander is key to Leeds' hopes for next season, wherever they may be.
Medium Priority: Rebuild
If Leeds fail to go up, Monk will have a big job on his hands. Players will leave, and morale will be shot. Monk is an excellent man manager, and has the ability to turn things round. He will need to evoke the mental strength of his players to come back stronger, and have another crack at Premier League elevation.
If Leeds go up, he has an even harder task to accomplish! Building a squad capable of top flight survival is no easy task, and the side’s that avoid relegation this time round will be sure to spend big to save flirting with the drop once more.
Leeds have a strong squad, but they will need players of calibre to stay up. Monk will have to be savvy in the market, and will have be working on fine margins to balance the squad from last year, with the new recruits.
Low: Priority: Look to youth
Leeds United are famed for their successful youth system, and it does not look like the production line is set to end any time soon. Several youngsters have been afforded first team opportunities this season, including the exceptionally talented Ronaldo Vieira. Drawing comparisons with his namesake, former Arsenal captain, Patrick, the 18-year-old has appeared in Leeds’ midfield 31 times in the Championship this season.
A fantastic break out season for such a youngster, Vieira is only expected to get better. If United can hold on to, and continue to produce such prestigious talent, then the club’s Italian owners may well keep their cheque books in their finely produced suit pockets for now.