49ers want Leeds to pull off Newcastle rise as timeline emerges
Leeds United are moving in the right direction again after clinching promotion back to the Premier League with an emphatic win over Stoke on Monday.
Leeds bounced back from their previous run of poor form with four successive wins, including Monday's 6-0 triumph over the Potters.
The Whites looked destined for the playoffs when they managed just one win in six outings before beating Middlesbrough 1-0 on 8 April.
But the West Yorkshire giants have now secured their top-two spot, and are ready to battle Burnley for the Championship title.
Timeline emerges as Leeds seek top-eight Premier League finish
Despite winning promotion, the 49ers Enterprises are reportedly considering sacking Daniel Farke as Leeds prepare for life in the Premier League.
| Championship table (Top two) | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1 Leeds | 44 | 60 | 94 |
| 2 Burnley | 44 | 46 | 94 |
While dismissing the German after he clinched a top-two spot would be harsh, it would arguably demonstrate the Whites' appetite for success in the top flight.
Journalist Graeme Bailey told Leeds United News that the Whites want to finish in the Premier League's top eight within five years: "Leeds United are here to really do what Newcastle did last time they came back up. In the next five years, Leeds want to be in the top eight. They’re not coming up to go straight back down."
Five-year plan will delight Leeds supporters
In modern times, the Elland Road faithful have become accustomed to watching their side in the Championship, while their last Premier League stint lasted just three seasons.
The Whites have enjoyed a rich history, with three top-flight titles to their name, and fans do not want to see their side bouncing between the top two tiers.
Therefore, supporters will be pleased that the 49ers have established a five-year plan to emulate Newcastle's success and challenge for the European spots.
The 49ers have already established their intent as they are preparing to spend big in the summer transfer window with the initial goal of Premier League survival in mind.
Recent seasons have shown that the gap between the Championship and the Premier League is bigger than ever, but Leeds must now aim to bridge that gap and avoid the same relegation fate as the likes of Leicester.
Whether Farke is at the helm next term remains to be seen, but the Whites' eventual top-flight aspirations are clear and ambitious.