‘It was strange’ – Ally McCoist makes Leeds claim after latest twist in promotion race
Ally McCoist has said he thought “it was strange” that people were doubting Leeds United after they lost to Cardiff and added that promotion would be the perfect tribute to Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry.
Leeds are on the brink of promotion back to the Premier League after the latest dramatic twist in the season run-in.
West Brom only managed a draw at the weekend and Leeds secured a massive three points with a late, late goal from Pablo Hernandez on Sunday.
That was against his former club but it didn’t stop him celebrating like he’d won the World Cup.
Talking on talkSPORT Breakfast on Monday morning (7am) McCoist admitted to a soft spot for Leeds and that he wanted them to go on and secure promotion.
He also said it would be the perfect tribute to Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter and Trevor Cheery, who sadly all lost their lives recently.
“How fitting a tribute to get back in the top flight and they’ve given themselves a good chance of winning the Championship,” McCoist said.
“It would be the perfect tribute for Jack if they carry on how they are doing and get themselves promoted.”
Host Laura Woods reminded McCoist that Leeds also sadly lost Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry.
“No getting away from it,” said McCoist. “Leeds have been dealt a triple blow and under Bielsa, they’ve been absolutely terrific.
“I must admit I’ve got a soft spot for Leeds and I really hope they’re coming up to the top flight. It would be the perfect tribute.
“It was strange, I think it was the first game back, they were beaten at Cardiff and all the questions were getting asked.
“I remember talking to big Al [Alan Brazil], I said that’s a tough game for Leeds. Going to Cardiff was always going to be a tough game. I said calm down… That was a brilliant result at the weekend. It would be a major major surprise if they don’t go up from the position they find themselves in now.”
There was a minute’s silence held for Jack Charlton at clubs around the country after the sad news on Friday, and Leeds fans have already lost Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry in a tough start to 2020.
It’s desperately sad that the three Leeds greats won’t get to see their club finally get back into the Premier League but we know they’ll be beaming with pride and looking down from above.
It’s within touching distance now and, like McCoist, we can’t see any way that Leeds blow it this time.
And, he’s right to say it’s strange that people were talking about Leeds potentially blowing up.
People won’t stop talking about Brentford’s form but in the 11 games since the two sides met and drew 1-1, these are the numbers…
Leeds have won nine, drawn one and lost one for a return of 27 points. Brentford have won seven, drawn three and lost one for 24 points.
Who’s the form team in the Championship?
We also don’t think McCoist is the only neutral who has a soft spot for Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa and we hope that will grow in the Premier League.
The football that Leeds play is scintillating and it deserves the biggest stage.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay delivers update as fan asks if Milner will be signing for Leeds when promoted