Last night's game more than any other in the recent past served as a stark reminder as to how much football at the highest level in this country has changed since Leeds last graced the Premier League with their presence. Having been outside of the big money bubble for over half a decade, and delving as low as the Third Division; one-off cup encounters had served to remind the faithful of what we were missing - and to the surprise of ourselves, as well as the whole footballing community, we managed to stack up against, and outplay on occasion "Big Four" sides, despite our lowly status at the time.Leeds' latest encounter was, however, a wake-up call. It wasn't the result or the performance that was worrying but the real gulf in quality between a Manchester United second eleven - one that was worth over 70M in transfer fees, which is staggering in itself, and a current Whites first eleven - a good Championship side, was clear for all to see. The road back to the top is a very long one indeed.
The downward spiral of Leeds United and the culture shift in the Premier League where money is no object makes one wonder if it is possible for a prudently run club, without huge infrastructure to compete on a season to season basis with one such as Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal or Spurs, especially when lacking such large stadia, corporate facilities and brand pulling power or the backing of some form of Oligarch or an Arabian Royal Family.
When Leeds do return to the top flight, it is currently impossible to fathom anything above mediocrity and functionality - much along the lines of Stoke, Everton, Villa, or Bolton. Perhaps Fulham's foray into the Europa League is the most a side without a long established off the field income, and Premier League income, or a spend-for-fun benefactor can muster. Despite reluctance to accept otherwise, Leeds United will not be a sustained force in the Premier League for years to come, without first owning our assets, and secondly greatly expanding our brand and year-round services.
Whilst being stuck in the Championship may not be the correct time to be doing so, and selling off key playing staff without reinvestment is not acceptable, building off the field at some stage is completely necessary. Premier League money is significant but still unable to cover the cost of even being a mid table Premier League side, as Everton's Bill Kenwright will attest to. Hardly amongst the big spenders, Everton have been forced to secure their club's finances through borrowing against future television revenue streams, as the banks have at last said enough is enough.
Even the Football League is succumbing to the "Sky factor" with increases in parachute payments and an influx of wealthier owners making achieving in the Championship an increasingly daunting prospect. The likes of West Ham and Leicester's spending, whilst not always guaranteeing success, is certainly a sign of the times - where spending £14M in a transfer window, in the Second Division does happen. Luckily, for the most part the Football League remains a bastion of tradition, and such spending is founded on the gamble of getting the big bucks upon Premier League return, and not yet on business sense that is viable in the long term.
Returning to the Premier League is every fan's Holy Grail, but the return, to play against more of the major players in club football will also signal the start of a monetary battle Leeds and its fans are currently unprepared for. It seems to compete and survive in Leeds' current state, in the Championship, player sales are necessary to turn a profit, combined with "top-four" ticket prices. The step up will only see further hikes in pricing, and success on and off the pitch will demand that.
The club's wait to truly compete with the big boys in top flight football since Leeds last appeared there will be a long one and many years combined with heavy investment both on and off the field is necessary before the Whites can be an established side once more. So much work would still need to be done, and that's hoping the Championship escape occurs in the near future.
Patience is a virtue, unless we bag an Oligarch!
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