Steve Claridge claims Leeds United have the potential become a top six club in English football.
Pundit Steve Claridge has told BBC Sport that he thinks Leeds United could be one of the top six teams in English football.
The Whites were in FA Cup action on Monday evening as they travelled to take on League Two side Cambridge United, and were behind in the first half when Uche Ikpeazu put Shaun Derry’s men in front.
Garry Monk needed a response in the second half, and that’s just what he got as Stuart Dallas and Alex Mowatt grabbed quickfire goals to put Leeds in front and seal a 2-1 win.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Leeds will now face AFC Wimbledon or Sutton United in the next round, but Monk will already be turning his attention to Friday’s game against Derby County in the Championship, with Leeds chasing a play-off place.
Monk, who was appointed as Leeds manager over the summer, currently has Leeds up in fifth place in the Championship table, having claimed six wins in the last eight games, dropping just five points from the last 24 available.
Leeds’ Alex Mowatt celebrates scoring their second goal against Cambridge
Leeds fans are beginning to dream of a return to the Premier League, almost 13 years since the club were relegated from the top flight, and Monk deserves the credit for Leeds’ impressive season so far.
After Monday’s win over Cambridge, pundit Steve Claridge told BBC Sport that he thinks Monk’s focus is helping the club after years of instability, whilst he also pointed to the financial backing Monk received over the summer as a factor in the success this term.
Claridge added that Leeds have the potential to be a top six team in English football, as they will have huge attendances if they win promotion, and have the ‘ammunition and quality’ to make a real go at winning promotion.
“Lots of things that have gone on at Leeds have left a slightly bitter taste,” said Claridge. “But what they done is given the manager a chance and backed him financially. You get the feeling Garry Monk, with what he has had to put up with, just lets it wash over him. He comes across as a focused person.”
“Leeds have the capabilities of being a top six or seven team in the country. They will get 35,000 every home game if they win promotion to the Premier League. They have the ammunition and quality to give it a real go,” he added.
Do you agree with Claridge’s suggestion?
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