Leeds United supporters will, unfortunately, not get the chance to watch their side in the Premier League again next season.
The Whites were beaten 1-0 by Southampton in the play-off final last weekend meaning they will be playing Championship football for at least another year.
However, with plenty of positive off-field work going on from the 49ers, including the announcement of the most lucrative sponsorship deal in EFL history with Red Bull, fans have every right to feel optimistic they can go one better next season.
Despite the disappointment of relegation, then missing out on automatic promotion, and then losing in the play-off final, Leeds’ support certainly hasn’t waivered in the last 12 months.
Daniel Farke spoke of how much the reception they received at the end of the regular season meant to him and the squad, while Liam Cooper also hailed the travelling to support to Wembley as ‘lunatics’.
Trippier shares the best away atmosphere he’s ever played in
While outsiders may view it as an arrogant point of view, there is no doubt the Premier League is a better place when Leeds are in it.
On paper, seeing Leeds come up against the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea is just a far more enticing game than that of other clubs currently in the division.
Leeds are one of the few clubs who can still say they possess an old, traditional British stadium, as well as the atmosphere to go with it in the stands.
And in an interview with Channel 4 Sport ahead of the EUROs this summer, Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier is someone who has backed up that viewpoint.
A number of England stars were asked what they feel the best away atmosphere is to play in, and while several opted for Anfield, Trippier couldn’t look beyond Elland Road.
He said: “I’d say Elland Road is up there. Playing against Leeds when I was at Burnley, Tottenham and Newcastle, I think you know Leeds are really passionate fans.
“I think they’ve got a great support there and I’ve managed to play for England there as well. So I’d say Elland Road, maybe Anfield as well, but Elland Road certainly.”
Leeds want to sign Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist
Leeds fans will be eager to see the sort of players they will be able to attract this summer, as they look to build a squad capable of bouncing back.
And the first real link of the window arrived on Friday afternoon, with Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist reportedly a loan target at Elland Road.
Gilchrist enjoyed a breakthrough season at Chelsea but is in need of more regular minutes to take the next step in his development.
Leeds are said to be battling Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers for the 20-year-old, who started against the Whites in the FA Cup back in March.