Recent results have Leeds United supporters talking of another crisis. Saturday’s heavy 6-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday reignited fears that the Whites are nowhere near returning to the Premier League.

In manager Brian McDermott, Leeds United has the right manager to push the club towards promotion despite some recent difficult results. At Reading, McDermott proved able at managing a club to promotion as well as scouting and unearthing talent that helped drive the club towards remarkable success. McDermott’s time at Reading saw him fill just about every critical coaching role at the club, which gave him a complete skill set with which to approach the Leeds job with.

The reunion of McDermott with Jimmy Kebe, a winger signed on loan from Crystal Palace, will help. Kebe, who contributed mightily to Reading’s promotion under the manager, is one of potentially several major moves this January. Leeds have also signed Cameron Stewart from Hull City.

McDermott said this about Kebe:

“Jimmy is a player that I scouted from France in 2006. He has fantastic pace, he is a real team player, and he made and scored goals for us in the Championship and the Premier League.

“I’m delighted he’s come on board and I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”

Liberated earlier this year from the maniacal clutches of Ken Bates, Leeds United AFC is one of the best supported football clubs in Europe. With Bates gone, they now can safely begin its climb back to where it belongs — near the top of the England’s top flight league. In Brian McDermott, the Whites have a manager that will guide them back to the Premier League if given time to do the job.

With the lamentable Bates era now firmly behind the Yorkshire club, McDermott can focus on football. McDermott inherited a Leeds side that was cobbled together under previous managers due to the severe financial restrictions Bates put on the club. But currently sitting just four points out of a promotion playoff spot, McDermott’s side is well positioned for the usual late run that Reading clubs enjoyed.

Kebe’s addition will give the Whites more pace on the flank and more creativity in the midfield.  Coupled with right-back Sam Byram, Leeds could be a potent force on the right side.

The Whites must also look to shore up a back-line that has been inconsistent at times this season as well as find another creative force in the center of midfield.

With the ambition of the club firmly restored thanks to Bates’ departure and the hiring of McDermott, better times lay ahead for some of the best fans in English football.

Editor’s note: For the latest LUFC news, analysis and opinion, visit the Leeds United team page.