Leeds United are on course to emulate Newcastle United and Wolves.
Leeds United are on track to win promotion as they sit in a strong position with four games to go.
It is a remarkable turnaround for a side which this time last season had nothing to play for at this stage of the campaign.
There is no doubt who is key, manager Marcelo Bielsa has masterminded Leeds’ success.
The Championship is a gruelling slog of a league, as Leeds have found to their cost in previous campaigns.
46 games, often playing twice a week, with teams closely matched for talent.
Bielsa is a difference maker, and it follows a trend, that managerial capability and stability is the key to winning promotion.
Newcastle and Wolves went up in previous seasons through the automatic places, thanks in large part to Rafa Benitez and Nuno Santo.
Like Bielsa, they were regarded as ‘too good’ for England’s second tier, but dropped down for the challenge anyway.
Their tactical knowledge, training, and in Bielsa’s case particularly, his research, has helped make a difference.
Next season’s Championship will once again see teams throw money at players, like West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest did this season.
But if teams really want a golden ticket to promotion, investing in an elite manager is the most sure-fire route.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
