As Leeds United fans around the world bask in the glory of winning the Championship, here are some of the most vivid memories from Whites fans of the last 16 years.
For those that have been living on the moon, Leeds fans have had to battle with two relegations, a seemingly endless list of managers and owners that could have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Thankfully, for the moment at least, this gives them the chance to look back on some darker times with a smile and no little relief.
Some of the memories beggar belief...
Dan Bradley, 38, Insurance team leader, Leeds
What memories are the most vivid of the last 16 years?
Most vivid, I would have to say, is promotion from League One. Although those were dark days, the positive was that we got to win more games than not and push for promotion.
That made life more exciting than finishing 15th in the Championship every year, with the season over by October.
The culmination of life in League One was needing a win at home v Bristol Rovers to go up. We were 1-0 down, and down to 10 men after a Max Gradel red card.
Jermaine Beckford scored the winner, and Elland Road exploded so much it needed another ten seasons in the Championship to cool down.
Which owner left the sourest taste?
So many to choose from, but it has to be Massimo Cellino. From fans chasing his taxi around the Elland Road car park (not in a fan idolisation way), hiring and firing about eight managers, even sacking Brian McDermott twice.
There are so many things that went wrong and he clearly didn’t have any money, he even tried to shut down Thorp Arch (our training ground) as he said it cost too much money!
One time, he went public about his disgust that one of our best young players wouldn’t sign a deal. It was then the player said he was actually offered less than he was currently on!
There were so many bizarre stories such as getting Vern Troyer to Elland Road as guest of honour, to leaving press conferences halfway through to go for a smoke, leaving the manager just sat there.
He was only ever after his own gain.
Which manager of the last 16 years is the most easily forgotten?
I actually totally forgot about Uwe Rosler, but he was only there for five months. Darko Milanic was also pretty forgettable, he couldn’t speak English and only lasted a month in charge.
He invited his family to watch the game and afterwards Cellino fired him.
How do you think you'll get on next year?
I actually think we’ll get on alright! Teams like Sheffield United have shown you don’t need to go mad changing the entire squad to be successful, equally we all saw what happened to Fulham in signing an entirely new squad.
I’d like to see a few additions but, on the whole, it would be good to see these players and the Bielsa system put to the test at the highest level - they’ve certainly earned that right.
I think a few of the players would suit a higher level too.
Where do you want Bielsa's statue put?
Ha! Whatever happens, he’ll always be a legend here, both for what he’s done for the team, the style of play, the results, and the myth surrounding him.
It’s a shame we won’t be there to see celebrate with the squad on the pitch side and recreate the Newell’s Carajo he is famous for (look it up).
I don’t see him being here forever though - he may even decide that his mission is accomplished now in getting us promoted - so we should savour every game with him.
Alex Rowe, Sports Psychologist, 34, Leeds
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