Leeds United backed to be '˜in the mix' for promotion by Rotherham boss Kenny Jackett

Rotherham United boss Kenny Jackett believes Leeds United have a shot at promotion this season as he praised the management and recruitment of Garry Monk ahead of the clubs' Yorkshire derby on Saturday.
Leeds United head coach Garry Monk. Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeLeeds United head coach Garry Monk. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Leeds United head coach Garry Monk. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Jackett, whose team are bottom of the Championship, also feels United’s form under Monk has marked them out as “one of the sides who have a chance” of making the Premier League in May.

Leeds head into the clash with Rotherham in seventh place in the table having dropped out of the play-off zone after a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday.

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United’s performances in October earned Monk a place on the shortlist for the Championship’s manager-of-the-month award – a prize won by Newcastle’s Rafa Benitez – and Jackett added his voice to the praise of the 37-year-old’s impact at Elland Road.

Monk takes charge of his 22nd competitive game this weekend and is already the third longest-serving of seven managers and head coaches who have worked under United owner Massimo Cellino.

Jackett said: “They’ve done very well and they’ve evolved as the season’s gone on.

“The players Garry’s signed have been very good and made a difference. Like a high number of clubs in the Championship they’re expecting to get into the Premier League. It’s a competitive league but Leeds are one of the sides this season who have a chance.

“Garry’s an excellent manager with a good track record. It’s early for him but so far at Leeds it’s been a very good job.”