Eddie Gray reveals delight at Leeds United promotion and pays tribute to lost legends

Eddie Gray has revealed his delight at Leeds United's return to the Premier League and paid tribute to Norman Hunter, Jack Charlton and Trevor Cherry.

The Whites ended 16 years of hurt on Friday evening as promotion to the top flight was confirmed without kicking a ball.

West Bromwich Albion's defeat to West Yorkshire neighbours Huddersfield Town meant the job was complete for Marcelo Bielsa's men with two games remaining.

Supporters rushed to Elland Road to celebrate with the United squad while fans across the world revelled in delight.

Club legend Gray - who celebrated by raising a glass at home - believes Bielsa deserves all the praise in the world for ending the Whites exile from England's elite.

"It's great for the club, great for the city," Gray told the YEP.

"You have to say that the owner, Angus Kinnear, Victor Orta - they deserve a lot of credit for having a vision to go and get somebody like Marcelo Bielsa to come to the club.

"Also, encouraging him to stay after the disappointment of last season - that was a big boost for the club.

"Marcelo deserves all the accolades he gets. He's got the club back in the Premier League and it's not been an easy task as previous managers have found out.

"The club has been through some difficult times but now we're sitting at the same table as the big boys.

"Liverpool, the two Manchester teams and Spurs and all the rest.

"It's a great city. Leeds is fantastic. The fans are passionate about their football club - it just means so much. It brings a lot being a Premier League club."

The Whites have lost three club legends in recent months.

Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry sadly passed away in April while record appearance maker Jack Charlton's untimely death was announced last week.

Gray paid tribute to his former team-mates, and to people who meant so much to the city of Leeds from glory years gone by.

"You lose Norman, Big Jack - a World Cup winner - and Trevor Cherry," he said.

"It's so sad for the football club, but it's something in their memory and we've all thought about them.

"I'm sure it's lovely for the families.

"It's also the centenary season for the football club. One hundred years on and to get promotion to the Premier League is terrific."