Only ten years ago, Leeds were gracing the premier stage in European football on a Champions League run that took them to the semi-finals of the competition. They looked set to become one of England’s elite sides.

Fast forward a decade and Leeds fans have encountered highs and lows that would test the loyalty of even the most committed of supporters. Financial catastrophe led to the sale of much of the team and saw eventual relegation from the Premier League in 2004. This was followed by relegation from the Championship in 2007 and the club was placed in administration.

Fast forward to 2010 and Leeds had secured their return to the second tier of English football, recovering from the lowest point in the club’s history. This season has suggested that, ahead of expectations of a mid-table finish, the good times could be returning to Elland Road.

Strong home form has seen Leeds high in the league table, comfortably within the play-off places and raising hopes of an immediate return to a place among the elite of English football.

The strength of Leeds’ promotion surge has been built upon the strength of their attacking options. Luciano Becchio remains the club’s top goal scorer ahead of strong double-figure contributions from Gradel , Howson and Somma. This has been reflected in the unusual amount of high scoring games featuring Leeds this season. For every 4-0 victory over Scunthorpe or 5-2 trouncing of Doncaster, there have been 6-4 and 5-2 defeats to Preston and Barnsley respectively. Away form remains a worry, as does a defence that has regularly leaked goals, the 3-3 draw with Barnsley being a case in point.

This Jekyll and Hyde approach has seen Leeds remain infuriatingly inconsistent throughout the season but nevertheless have managed to retain a promotion charge that leaves the club hopeful of a shot at a play off or, if results go Leeds’ way, even at an automatic promotion place.

However, strong League position has been coupled with relative failure in the cup competitions. The Carling Cup exit to league rivals Leicester was particularly disappointing but the FA cup provided Leeds’ most memorable game of the season. A 1-1 draw with Arsenal saw Leeds eventually defeated in the return leg 3-1 but buoyed by the performances throughout the two ties.

For Leeds, this season can only be described as a success. A return to the Championship has been coupled with a promotion charge that suggests that the future is beginning to look positive once again. Should promotion be won, the resurrection of a giant of the English game will be complete.