Three reasons for Leeds United fans to be particularly positive

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Leeds United appear to be enjoying much brighter days in the Championship currently.

Things have arguably looked brighter for Leeds over the last year than they have done for a very long time, with events on and off the pitch giving the fans a number of reasons to be positive.

With that in mind, HITC Sport has compiled a list of three particular reasons that explain the Elland Road faithful’s optimism…

The chairman and structure

After the often-chaotic tenure of Massimo Cellino and the years of poor ownership before the Italian arrived, the steps that Andrea Radrizzani has taken since taking full control have left supporters feeling extremely positive. The decision to buy back Elland Road was arguably the most notable and amongst the most well-received, and it appears that Radrizzani is fully determined to make Leeds realise their full potential.

The structure he swiftly put in place regarding the backroom team may have initially led to some criticism – especially in the hours following Garry Monk’s departure – but Thomas Christiansen’s appointment has looked inspired and Victor Orta’s recruitment has been encouraging so far.

Long-term contracts

Stuart Dallas signing a new long-term deal last month made the Northern Irishman the seventh first-team player to sign a new contract since Radrizzani took full control, as reported by the club’s official website.

After contract situations somewhat forced Leeds’ hand regarding the futures of the likes of Sam Byram and Charlie Taylor in recent years, this fresh approach to getting players tied down not only gives the Whites the stability that they have often lacked in more recent years, and shows to any potential targets that the foundations are being put in place.

The academy

In previous years, Leeds’ academy provided arguably one of the sole reasons for optimism as the first-team struggled to move themselves out of the Championship’s mid-table. Last term, the scale tipped the other way and the first-team’s excellent form overshadowed a very disappointing year for the academy.

This term however, there are signs that suggest that things may be a lot more balanced with a number of incredibly exciting youngsters being signed during the summer window. As the season continues and squads get stretched, having that quality in reserve could hand Leeds a massive boost – the kind of boost they simply did not have up their sleeve last year as the FA Cup defeat to Sutton arguably highlighted.