PaddyPower: Leeds United Season Preview

Real Championship football fans gave the Paddy Power Blog their honest previews for the new season. We told them to ignore Neil Warnock, admire Sam Byram and dream of Max Gradel.

State of play: Despite what Neil Warnock may say the football last season was dire. Having skirted with relegation many fans were relieved to finish thirteenth. We have improved the squad slightly but fans have a lot of confidence in the new manager, top half is realistic, play-offs would be a fantastic achievement.

How’s the gaffer? New boss Brian McDermott had little to work with at the end of last season but has certainly been making all the right noises during the summer. His ethos of building a club not just a team and having a long-term plan has gone down well. He seems to be concentrating on youth and hopefully will get us playing some good football again. The proof will be in the performances though.

Terrace hero: Difficult to say, with Howson, Snodgrass and Becchio gone it’s up to a new hero to emerge. Youngster Sam Byram certainly stole the show last year and was the subject of all the off-season transfer speculation. New man Luke Murphy, our one million pound signing from Crewe will certainly looking to make his mark.

Big-time Charlie: Michael Brown the walking red card. Or Danny Pugh, no one is quite sure what position he plays or what use he is, if anyone has any idea let me know.

Worst away ground in the Championship and why? The Riverside. Soulless new build in a desolate part of town with a charming walk over railway lines and through waste ground to get there. And it’s in Middlesbrough.

Which Championship side have the best away fans? Leeds United of course. We travel in vast numbers to all corners of the country week in week out.

Who is your dream Championship signing? We’re still lacking in midfield, not in numbers but in quality, especially out wide. Many fans would love to see Max Gradel back at the club but anyone with a bit of pace who can put in a good ball would be a welcome addition.

What is your best terrace chant? We'd would be foolish not to say Marching on Together.

Will Leeds march into the top six? Check out PaddyPower's latest Championship odds
Take a peek at all the PaddyPower Championship previews