Daniel Farke, manager of Leeds United
Daniel Farke, manager of Leeds United

Leeds United 'haunted' by what happened as Farke woes resurface v Preston

Ian Darke

There's not much Ian Darke hasn't seen in football. The former Sky Sports and BT Sport commentator has one of the most recognisable voices in the English game. Nowadays he commentates on matches for Fox, ABC and ESPN in the USA and we're delighted to get his expert reaction to all the latest news.

Published on

Leeds United are just like any club in the Championship in struggling for a lengthy run of wins, according to Ian Darke.

The TV broadcaster, speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, reacted as Daniel Farke's side salvaged a point in an unglamorous but hard-fought battle at Preston North End on Saturday [14 December].

Darke has put the occasional dip in performance level down to the schedule and standard of the division, and has admitted the Whites could be "haunted" by their sluggish end to last term which then culminated in the play-off final heartache against Southampton.

"If you look at their form generally, they're grinding out enough points to stay in the top two. When they drop points, the way I see it is it's to do with the schedule and how tough the league is. It's really hard to put together a sequence of eight or nine wins for any club," Darke explained.

"So unless they're hit by some collective neurosis and freeze up, they should be okay. It will get nervy, they've been there before and so has Farke. They will be a little bit haunted by slowing down and then losing the play-off final. I don't think the nerves of the fans can cope with another play-off campaign.

"From a Leeds perspective, you would hope that would give them the steel to get it done this time around."

Leeds United set for 92 points on current average

Leeds United have averaged two points per game in the Championship so far this season, which if maintained would present a total of 92 points.

Farke steered his team to a 90-point haul last term, which was only enough for third place and the subsequent play-off drama which consigned the club to another year out of the top flight.

Leeds United fans at Elland Road.
Leeds United fans are amongst the most passionate supporters in the country

Among the 20 complete seasons of the current Championship format, Leeds' points total of last season would have been enough for automatic promotion in 14 of those.

For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

MOT Leeds News | Breaking News, Match Reactions, Transfers & Fan Voice
motleedsnews.com