Milanic motivated to keep Leeds United moving forward

All of a sudden there is a sense of optimism surrounding Elland Road. The fog of uncertainty has lifted. The troops of the West Yorkshire based club seem to be marching on together in unison once again, and are 50/1 with Coral to win the Championship.

Prepared to put their bodies on the line for each other, fighting for the cause, they epitomise the ‘United’ in Leeds United. In his brief spell as caretaker manager, academy boss and long-term employee Neil Redfearn re-organised, roused, and reinvigorated a squad of players that were desperately low on morale and transformed their belief system. As a result, they amassed 10 points from four games and tightened their defence, while simultaneously playing attractive football.

Redfearn’s reward is that new coach Darko Milanic will involve him in first-team affairs, as he seeks to continue the feel good factor. The aim, is undoubtedly top flight football, and he is aware of the aspirations at Elland Road.

Speaking to gathered journalists in the club’s media lounge, personifying a man of the utmost confidence, the Slovenian said:”It is a dream for everyone, for the fans, that we make it to the Premier League, but we know that it will be very difficult.”

It was undoubtedly going to take time for Leeds to settle this term, who brought in as many as 12 new faces over the summer, many of them new to English football. However, the core of the side, as opposed to previous seasons, is young, hungry, and full of potential, though Redfearn has also balanced this out with experience in key areas.

Milanic’s arrival will no doubt bring with it a number of other personnel, with his former player at Sturm Graz, Anel Hadzic said to be a target. The 25-year-old Bosnian defensive midfielder was at the World Cup with his country, and was linked with a move to Newcastle United in the summer. Known to be tenacious in the tackle, equipped with a footballing brain and a reputation for hard work, he will only enhance the team, should he arrive in January.

Striker Souleymane Doukara already looks a handful and is starting to settle, Mirko Antenucci as a natural finisher, while 21-year-old Paraguayan forward Brian Montenegro is flourishing for the reserves. It is fair to say Leeds are finally on an upward curve again.