Leeds United back in Premier League after 16-year absence

Top Stories

Embracing the bright side: A guide on how to cultivate optimism

The power of solitude: Why you should go on a solo trip

How to get your kids to read: Essential tips for parents

Leeds United supporters gather beside the statue of club legend Billy Bremner to celebrate the club's return to the Premier League after a gap of 16 years. (AFP)

Leeds - Three times English champions, Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2004 after hitting financial trouble

By Reuters

Published: Fri 17 Jul 2020, 11:40 PM

Last updated: Sat 18 Jul 2020, 7:25 PM

Leeds United returned to the Premier League after a 16-year absence on Friday as West Bromwich Albion's loss at Huddersfield Town guaranteed them a top-two finish in the Championship.
A huge favour from Leeds' Yorkshire neighbours, who won 2-1, meant the celebrations could start in earnest at Elland Road.
The club's Italian owner Andrea Radrizzani will also be toasting promotion which is worth an estimated 170 million pounds ($213.64 million).

WE ARE BACK!!! @PremierLeague
- Leeds United (@LUFC) July 17, 2020

Leeds have 87 points with two games remaining, five more than second-placed West Brom who slumped to defeat at the John Smith's Stadium on Friday and have one game left.
Leeds are six points ahead of third-placed Brentford, who have also played 44, and a point from their last two matches will ensure Marcelo Bielsa's team rejoin the elite as champions.
They could even claim the second-tier title on Saturday if Brentford fail to win at Stoke City.
The success will be doubly sweet for Leeds who missed out on promotion last season in the playoffs despite looking favourites for automatic promotion for much of the campaign.
It also comes less than a week after the death of one of the club's greatest players - England World Cup-winning centre-half Jack Charlton.

FINANCIAL TROUBLE

Three times English champions, Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2004 after hitting financial trouble and being forced to sell a host of big-name players such as Robbie Keane, Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer.

Leeds United.
- Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 17, 2020

The problems were only just starting though and after three years in the Championship they slipped to the third tier and into administration with the future of the club in doubt.
While they eventually regained their place in the Championship in 2010 they never really challenged for promotion until the enigmatic Bielsa took charge in 2018.
They have been transformed under the former Argentina coach and can now look forward to renewing old rivalries with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.

?? "And we've had our up and downs..."

Thanks for the memories, @LUFC!#EFL | #LUFC pic.twitter.com/6kpJHYKTc2
- E F L (@EFL) July 17, 2020

Former skipper Dominic Matteo, who was part of the Leeds side that reached the Champions League semifinals in 2001, paid tribute to the 64-year-old Bielsa.
"This is one of the best feelings I've ever had," Matteo told Sky Sports. "Bielsa and the team have been incredible. Everything they have done from start to finish has been done the right way.
"What Bielsa has brought to this football club has been outstanding. He's got a bit of magic and you can see the passion in his body. He brings the best out of everyone and makes every player better. All credit to him and his staff."