Whites legend Eddie Gray makes telling assessment about Leeds United atmosphere

But even a man who was at the heart of the club’s most glorious era, a Revie boy, ranks the atmosphere generated at LS11 during Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure as the greatest he has experienced.

As Mr Leeds United, with a playing career of almost 20 years at Elland Road, two stints as manager and a 55-year involvement with his beloved Whites, Gray has had a front row seat for the best and worst of times, from European success to League One doldrums.

The current team, who are still celebrating a Championship title and promotion to the Premier League, have earned high praise from the 72-year-old.

It is the football they play under Bielsa that has generated the atmosphere Gray relished, before a pandemic removed fans from the game.

“They’ve played some tremendous football this season,” he told the YEP.

“I’ve said to people in the past that I think the atmosphere at Elland Road over the last season or so has been the best I’ve ever known it.

"I think that’s down to the football they’ve played, the confidence they give the fans with the way they were playing and how they approached games.”

Gray was particularly impressed by the manner in which Leeds completed their mission, when the pressure was on in the final stage of the season and they had to dig in for 1-0 wins over Swansea and Barnsley

It might not have all been sparkling football, but it was the work of champions.

“When it was a bit nervy they’ve been tremendous and we’ve got over the line,” he said.

“We weren’t playing at our best but we won the game and that’s important when you’re going through a league campaign.

"You’re not always going to dominate and play free flowing football.

"When it comes to the tough matches they’ve ground it out and they know they can get results.

"I’m delighted for everyone connected to the club.”

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Thank you Laura Collins