The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 5th May) - Let's get this party started

[Ellandback1]

Good Morning. It's Monday 5th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Let's get this party started

Leeds Utd will finally have their moment. The City missed out on a proper promotion party in 2020 due to Covid restrictions, but are making up for lost time, fueled by securing the Championship title after Manor Solomon's injury time winner. The scenes in Plymouth last weekend, where thousands of travelling Leeds fans celebrated promotion and then the Championship title win, echoed the fervor of a similar pilgrimage 35 years ago. Then, as now, Leeds descended upon the South Coast, leaving an indelible mark – though thankfully, this time, the pubs merely ran dry, not the town itself!

Two days after lifting the Championship trophy, the party officially rolls into Leeds with an open-top bus parade. The route, a mile-long spectacle, will wind its way through the heart of the city, encompassing Headrow, City Square, Boar Lane, New Market Street, and sections of Wellington Street and Vicar Lane. It’s a parade designed not for a single viewing point, but for the entire City to share.

Our heroes are expected to arrive at around 1 pm, with the parade lasting approximately one to one-and-a-half hours. Given the anticipated massive turnout, fans are encouraged to line the entire route, creating a sea of white and yellow roaring cheers. Farke and the players themselves will be actively engaging with the crowd, ensuring an interactive, celebratory atmosphere. This is Leeds' moment, and the entire city is ready to embrace it.





Farke is going nowhere

Leeds United Chairman Paraag Marathe has issued a resounding vote of confidence in manager Daniel Farke, effectively silencing recent speculation about his future at the club. Dismissing much of the negative press as unfounded, Marathe publicly reaffirmed his complete support for Farke, confirming that he will lead the Whites back into the Premier League next season.

Marathe's statement wasn't simply a show of support; it outlined a clear vision for the upcoming season and beyond. He emphasised the collaborative spirit within the club's leadership, highlighting the ongoing partnerships with Managing Director Robbie Evans and Sporting Director Adam Underwood. The goal, he stressed, is to build the strongest possible squad within the club's financial parameters, a task made more challenging by the historically high relegation rate for newly-promoted teams.

However, Marathe expressed unwavering confidence in Leeds' ability to defy the odds. He pointed to several key advantages setting Leeds apart from other recently relegated teams like Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton. Farke's leadership, praised for its calming influence and ability to inspire players, staff, and supporters alike, is central to this optimism. Marathe recounted an instance where Farke's unwavering belief in promotion remained steadfast even after a disappointing draw, showcasing the manager's resilience and leadership qualities.

The chairman revealed that despite remaining publicly silent amidst the swirling speculation, he maintained private communication with Farke, consistently assuring him of the club’s unwavering support. He underscored several crucial factors contributing to Leeds' enhanced position: Farke's coaching staff, strong team spirit, fervent community support evidenced by a substantial season ticket waiting list, a lucrative sponsorship deal with Red Bull, and meticulous pre-season planning. These elements, coupled with a strategic approach to player acquisition, are expected to significantly bolster Leeds' chances of Premier League survival.

While acknowledging the departures of Messrs Kinnear, Hammond and Penrice, Marathe insisted that the club’s transfer strategy remains a collaborative effort, ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining market efficiency. The overall message from the Chairman is one of collective commitment to long-term success through informed decision-making and a clear, unified vision for the future of Leeds United. The club is betting on Farke, and his continued presence at the helm signals a determined push for Premier League survival.

[CUSSIE01]

Morning EB and all.
Thank God all the idle speculation has been put to bed and DF and the team can get on and build for next season. Having gained 100 points and secured the title DF has more than earned the right to another chance in the Premiership hopefully with the money to back him up this time. I loved the Championship, winning games, scoring goals, late winners and capped off by Manor’s stunning finish on Saturday but I hated it as well so good riddance.
Let’s get the party started.

[White Lotus]

At last a chairman with some common sense !
And a collective effort going forward built around the MANAGER pulling the strings = COMMON SENSE!!!
It's not going to be just one idiot doing the buying !
Leave the football to the manager!!
Things can be oh so easy when you just use your 'COMMON SENSE' !!!

[Chilli D]

What a season.
100 points 95 goals, 4 defeats in 46 games
Daniel Farke absolutely deserves his chance in the PL with us and I'm glad the club have quashed the speculation.
There's a busy summer ahead for the club, I think.
Commiserations to Burnley, 99 times out of 100 they would have won it but scoring goals is rewarded over clean sheets and rightly so.

[WhiteRose]

Good to hear that changing Farke was never a serious thought, keeping him is the decent thing to do. I would have been very disappointed in the club if he had gone without getting the chance he earned. If we go down then so be it, I’d rather keep him all season than see has beens and never weres desperately brought in. Far more dignity in Ipswich town sticking with their manager than you see from Leicester or Southampton

[Sean_Nile]

Clubs like Aston Villa, Brentford, and Brighton have bucked the yo-yo trend largely because of smart long-term planning, stable ownership, and coherent footballing identities that carried them through promotion and into the Premier League without relying solely on short-term fixes. Perhaps Leeds have got the ownership and manager correct, and the can work on team improvements in the summer break.

Aston Villa, though a historically big club, came up in 2019 after restructuring both financially and tactically under new ownership. They invested heavily but also wisely, and having a clear vision, backed by strong recruitment (like Grealish staying and later signings such as Watkins and Konsa), gave them just enough to survive. Since then, they've kicked on with ambitious management hires and further investment, and the appointment of a good manager

Brighton took a very different route. Promoted in 2017, they built slowly but sensibly. Under Chris Hughton and then Graham Potter, they established a possession-based style backed by Tony Bloom’s data-driven recruitment strategy and sound financial stewardship. Their success wasn't built on panic buys but on long-term planning and a clear footballing philosophy, even if it meant accepting short-term struggles. Footballing identity is important... and hopefully Farke's attacking football philosophy will thrive in the premiership.

Brentford followed a similarly analytical approach, with Matthew Benham’s model of smart recruitment and tactical innovation. Their promotion in 2021 was the product of years of groundwork, and once up, they didn’t abandon their identity. Thomas Frank’s side kept a tight core of players, integrated smart buys like Christian Nørgaard and Ivan Toney, and maintained their direct, disciplined style.

All three clubs avoided the chaotic overhaul many promoted sides attempt. They retained their structure and trusted their systems rather than abandoning what made them successful in the Championship. That, more than money alone, has made the difference.

[Tom the Cat]

Did you see that we are to be heavily fined by the FA for the celebrations after scoring the winning goal ? If we are to be heavily fined what hope have Bradford City after their fans pitch invasion which held up the match for ten minutes. It will be interesting to see the punishments handed out.

[Sean_Nile]

How much the relegated teams spent on recruitment. Money can't by you safety.

[SG90]

Did you see that we are to be heavily fined by the FA for the celebrations after scoring the winning goal ? If we are to be heavily fined what hope have Bradford City after their fans pitch invasion which held up the match for ten minutes. It will be interesting to see the punishments handed out.

Fined for celebrating a big goal? Football is a joke. I didn't see anything untoward, just Solomon showing us his biceps.

[SG90]

How much PL experience do we have? Mes, Darlow, Bogle, Firpo, Struijk, Fraud, James, Gnonto, Ampadu, Byram I think. Not including Solomon or Rothwell for now as they're not ours. Some of them only have less than 50 games too.

[Irish Ian]

Morning all.

Its a Bank Holiday, the sun is out and the parade will begin in a couple of hours, time to enjoy the culmination in what has been possibly the most Un Leedsy season in modern history.

No doubt the higher critics will be pouring over every one of the Chairmans words, looking for hidden nuance, searching for a hint of contradiction in what has been said, storing up his words to turn into missiles sometime further down the line.

If that is your thing then go for it, most of us pull out a couple of cold ones from the fridge and enjoy the fun and celebrate the club, the squad and the manager who gave us this sweet success.

[Jaydog]

Fined for celebrating a big goal? Football is a joke. I didn't see anything untoward, just Solomon showing us his biceps.

He took 2 shirts off. Should’ve been a red.

[Jaydog]

Morning all.

Its a Bank Holiday, the sun is out and the parade will begin in a couple of hours, time to enjoy the culmination in what has been possibly the most Un Leedsy season in modern history.

No doubt the higher critics will be pouring over every one of the Chairmans words, looking for hidden nuance, searching for a hint of contradiction in what has been said, storing up his words to turn into missiles sometime further down the line.

If that is your thing then go for it, most of us pull out a couple of cold ones from the fridge and enjoy the fun and celebrate the club, the squad and the manager who gave us this sweet success.

13 & cloudy in Leeds according to BBC weather.
Coat, hat & whisky.

[weasel]

How much PL experience do we have? Mes, Darlow, Bogle, Firpo, Struijk, Fraud, James, Gnonto, Ampadu, Byram I think. Not including Solomon or Rothwell for now as they're not ours. Some of them only have less than 50 games too.

Rodon has a bit too, even if just being around the squad than actual games for Spurs. I think we have enough so that we are not total novices. We also have youngish players who will hopefully be able to prove they are good enough.

[Irish Ian]

13 & cloudy in Leeds according to BBC weather.
Coat, hat & whisky.

Its always freezing in Leeds

[Ellandback1]

Morning all.



No doubt the higher critics will be pouring over every one of the Chairmans words, looking for hidden nuance, searching for a hint of contradiction in what has been said, storing up his words to turn into missiles sometime further down the line.

I've tried...

[Sean_Nile]

Will LUTV be covering the parade?

[CUSSIE01]

Fined for celebrating a big goal? Football is a joke. I didn't see anything untoward, just Solomon showing us his biceps.

He thought about showing us his a**e but thankfully thought better of it or the FA would have had him in jail.

[whiteinfrance]

Live victory parade on Leeds United youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH2VYAk7myQ

From 1pm

[Jammy 07]

Live victory parade on Leeds United youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH2VYAk7myQ

From 1pm

Thanks for that

Crazy scenes of celebration and shows the players (if they didn't know already) how much it means to the fans.