Reckless presumption is not at work here.

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In an interview with the YEP, chief executive Shaun Harvey described promotion as a "hope" rather than an inevitability, a careful comment which closely resembled the mood of the supporters being asked to renew their season tickets.

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The club were lacking assurance on that front, just as the critical reaction to United's 1-1 draw with Brentford demonstrated flagging faith on the terraces.

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But the structure of costs for Elland Road next season at least gave the impression that the club are hell-bent on avoiding the thankless task of marketing a fourth year in League One.

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There is no concession great enough to compensate for that.

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As an aside to the increase in prices for next season, Leeds announced fall-back measures to deal with the worst-case scenario of another nine months at this level of the Football League – namely free tickets for home fixtures in the first two rounds of the Carling Cup and free tickets for home fixtures at every stage of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, excluding the area final.

In theory, that clause could amount to an additional six matches on top of those paid for by a season ticket. It could also amount to none, dependent entirely on draws and progression.

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Leeds cannot expect dissent created by another missed promotion to be appeased by that supplement, not while adult prices in the North Stand – a heavily subscribed area for season ticket holders – rise to £450. It is in United's interests to avoid a situation where the concession is necessary.

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The club must be aware that their period of grace in League One has passed. There was no appetite among United's fanbase for one season in this division, let alone three, but the unpredictability of the past two years has prolonged patience in the stands.

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That much is shown by the average attendance of 22,000 which the club's board budget for at Elland Road and consistently attain.

A 15-point deduction in 2007 ridiculed any assumption that Leeds would be promoted at their first attempt.

Even an appearance in the play-off final was ambitious. Similarly, when Gary McAllister was sacked midway through their second season in League One, it was accepted that United would do well to qualify for the play-offs.

Optimism in the aftermath of their semi-final loss to Millwall was based purely on the evidence of Simon Grayson's first six months as manager and the potential he showed.

This season has been different. For the first time, United's squad made the running in League One and did so for months. One defeat from 23 matches before January gave Leeds their opportunity while creating a rod for the backs of their players.