Leeds United are currently in an intense battle for automatic promotion from the Championship, but could take inspiration from one of their former defenders.
The Whites sit third in the table with just two-and-a-half weeks of the season remaining, having seen their form stumble over the last few matches.
Since returning from the international break, Leeds have picked up just five points from a possible 15 available, with destiny no longer in their hands for the final three games.
Having looked out of it just a week ago, Southampton are now hot on Leeds’ trail, with Leicester City and Ipswich Town just one and two points ahead of the Whites respectively in the top two. Even a supercomputer is struggling to split the four teams.
Leeds would’ve had one foot in the Premier League already had they been just slightly better recently, but it would be fair to say one of their former defenders has had no such problem getting over the line.
Former Leeds defender Shaughnessy wins Portsmouth League One
Leeds have let go of a numerous players over the last few years that have gone onto enjoy really solid careers in the EFL.
Max Dean at MK Dons is a prime example of that, and he will be looking to follow in the footsteps of ex-Leeds man Conor Shaughnessy by helping his side win promotion.
As per leedsunited.com, Shaughnessy was released for nothing in 2021 and has gone onto play for a number of teams since, starting at Rochdale, before moving to Burton Albion and then joining Portsmouth.
It is at the latter where he has really managed to find himself a home, playing 90 minutes in 43 of Portsmouth’s 44 league games since joining this season.
And the 27-year-old has forever established himself in Portsmouth folklore, as he scored the goal that both secured promotion and the League One title last night.
Pompey had been trailing 2-1 at home to Barnsley going into the last 10 minutes, but a dramatic turnaround which culminated in Shaughnessy’s winner won them the title on a special night at Fratton Park.
Leeds will be hoping to avoid Portsmouth reunion
August will represent the first time in 12 years Portsmouth will be a Championship club again, with crippling financial issues having seen them being stuck in League One and Two.
They have managed to gradually work their way back up the pyramid and it would be fair to say that it is nice to see them back in the second tier.
However, Leeds will be very much hoping they do not have to make the trip to the South Coast next season, as ultimately, it would mean they have failed in their mission to get promoted.