Richard Keys has insisted that the Championship promotion race is impossible to call with Leeds, Leicester and Ipswich all fighting for the automatic promotion places.
There was high praise for Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, with the Tractor Boys currently sitting in second place, but with just two points separating the top three, it would be tough to call.
He did, however, explain that he does not like what he’s seen from Leicester as the club have “serious questions” to answer about their finances after their Premier League charge.
Writing via his blog [8 April], Keys shared: “The battle to get out of the C’ship is fascinating now. It’s impossible to call it – the race for automatic promotion – or a play-off place.
“How well have Ipswich done? The defeat at Norwich was untimely, but Kieran McKenna deserves a whole lot of praise for another terrific – whatever happens now.
“Leeds and Leicester are the other two jockeying for an automatic place. I’ve got to admit there’s something about Leicester’s bid that I don’t like. It feels like 2003 all over again to me.
“Their promotion that year – after falling into administration – led to the current regulations about financial mismanagement being brought in. Once again they’ve got some serious questions to answer about their finances.”
Leeds United battle for promotion continues
Leicester have moved back up into first place, still with a game in hand on both Ipswich and Leeds as they now have one hand back on the title, but with the second automatic promotion place up for grabs, both Leeds and Ipswich faltered.
Even a point against Coventry would have seen Leeds move above Ipswich, so when Joel Piroe was presented with the opportunity to snatch that point despite a terrible performance overall, it was one he had to take in the hotly-contested promotion battle.
The controversy surrounding Leicester’s financial situation will likely rumble on for some time, with their potential punishment not set to be delivered until next season if they are promoted to the Premier League.
This could leave both Ipswich and Leeds frustrated if, as alleged, it is revealed that Leicester have broken financial rules to gain an advantage which ultimately sees them pip both sides to the Championship title and to promotion.
In other Leeds United news, a Crysencio Summerville contract update has emerged.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Copyright © 2024
Leave a Reply