15 reasons to be cheerful...

Last updated : 08 February 2002 By
1: During 2001 Leeds United collected more points than any other side in the Premiership, therefore making them the greatest team in the land statistically last year.

2: Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan single-handedly knocked Manchester United out of the F.A Cup last week.

3: Mascot Ellie the Elephant has left the club.

4: Pop Idol favourite Gareth Gates, of Bradford, revealed this week on national radio that he supports Leeds.

5: Leeds are currently placed in the same spot in the title race, as they were this time last year - when they finished 3rd qualifying for the Champions League.

6: Leeds have only Manchester United to play from the sides currently above them in the league. One of the easiest run-in's of the contenders.

7: Event's off the field this season could have been a lot worse. The possibility of losing both Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer once hung over Elland Road like a dark cloud.

8: The return of stars such as Olivier Dacourt, Eirik Bakke, and hopefully Michael Bridges.

9: The club is still in the UEFA Cup, and are set to face PSV shortly.

10: Gary Kelly's testimonial at the end of the current season.

11: Harry Kewell, Robbie Fowler, and Rio Ferdinand.

12: Leicester City - one of United's voodoo sides in recent years are almost certain to be relegated this time around.

13: Young guns such as Harpal Singh, Jamie McMaster, and Frazer Richardson being on the verge of breaking through into the first team setup.

14: The new stadium.

15: Having the chance to prove the media wrong by claiming a Champions League spot, playing attractive, free-flowing clean football.