Bates Expects Leeds to Challenge

Leeds United chairman Ken Bates believes that the side will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.Bates also had a little dig at some of those clubs gambling the cash in the hope of winning promotion from the championship.Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Bates said, "There are a few clubs that have spent money, not always successfully as Nottingham Forest have illustrated, as have Bristol City for that matter.
"There are a few clubs that have spent money. There are three strong clubs that have come down from the Premiership, some of whom are struggling a bit."I think it is going to be a very open competition and hopefully, it will go on to the closing weeks as it makes it far more interesting for the fans but I think we will be there or thereabouts."Leeds have started to get into their stride in this seasons championship after a shaky start to the season.Having picked up only four points from a possible twelve from their opening four games, they have picked up ten points from the next four games.The defence is once again the main issue affecting Leeds this season, having conceded fifteen goals in eight games.They finally managed to keep their first clean sheet in all competitions this season, in last Saturday`s 1-0 win over Portsmouth at Elland RoadLeeds have gone into the international break this week in eleventh place. They also have a game in hand at Birmingham City due to the midland clubs involvement in the Europa League.

A win in that game would see Leeds sitting in fifth place in the championship.