Daniel Farke’s side picked up 90 points during the regular campaign but that was still not enough for automatic promotion due to the returns of second-placed Ipswich Town and champions Leicester City. It meant United’s bid for promotion went to the play-offs which again ended in tears for Leeds as Farke’s side were beaten 1-0 in last Sunday’s Wembley final against Southampton.
After the 3-1 win at home to Hull City on April 1, five of United’s final nine games including the play-offs ended in defeat, starting with a 2-1 loss at Coventry City and crucially ending with the Wembley play-off final itself. But the Whites had gone on an unbeaten run of 15 games before falling to defeat at Coventry as part of a season which featured four victories both home and away against promoted pair Leicester and Ipswich.
Ultimately, though, Leeds remain in the Championship and, here Leeds United writer Lee Sobot gives every player a mark out of ten for this season’s contributions as a one-off score but not the ‘average’ mark based on the match by match official YEP ratings.
7. Glen Kamara
7/10. Quite a hard one to mark as very solid in midfield, often very impressive but just a feeling that Leeds need more centre midfield attacking input from Kamara and Gruev. Nevertheless, a decent first season with the Whites. Photo: George Wood
8. Crysencio Summerville
9/10. The Championship's player of the season so very hard not to give him 9/10, backed up by a brilliant return of 20 goals and nine assists. Just needed one more in the play-off final but it can't always just be down to him. Photo: Michael Regan
9. Willy Gnonto
7/10. An absolute rollercoaster of a season which began with him refusing to play and handing in a transfer request. But somehow found a way back and impressive at times in the second half of the season. Brilliant on his day but inconsistent, like plenty of others. Photo: Michael Regan
10. Georginio Rutter
8/10. Another hard one to mark as also inconsistent and dipped at just the wrong time at the end of the season. Also missed plenty of good chances but almost unplayable for opposition defences at his best. Photo: Michael Regan
11. Joel Piroe
7/10. Too many displays where he failed to get going but not forgetting the fact that the striker did net 14 goals which is no mean feat. Probably somewhere between a 6 and a 7. Photo: Ed Sykes
12. Patrick Bamford
7/10. Injured at the start of the season and then struggled to get going but burst into life from the new year onwards with a sudden goals spree. The Whites no 9 can divide opinion but Leeds usually look a better team when he is in it. Nine goals as part of a tally that only started in January. Another somewhere between a 6 and a 7. Photo: George Wood