Optimism can be a wonderful thing...

raveydavey · Optimism can be a wonderful thing...

htt p://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.u...United-Upbeat-fans-put.5340264.jp

Leeds United are being heavily backed by fans in their quest to make it third time lucky and win the League One title next year.
The Whites have suffered play-off heartache for the last two seasons – Millwall ending the dreams of Simon Grayson's side with a dramatic victory over two legs in last month's play-off semi-final.

However, Harrogate-based bookmakers Skybet make Leeds their 3-1 favourites ahead of season 2009-10, revealing they will lose money if Grayson's troops take the crown.

Skybet's Tim Reynolds said: "So far we've only got two losers in our book for the League One title – Leeds (3-1) and Brighton (16-1 from 33-1).

"Sixty nine per cent of the total stakes on the League One title is on Leeds and I reckon that closer to the new season we'll be 5-2 or 2-1 on Leeds to win the title unless our customers come for another team.

"I think a lot of people will also be waiting for teams to make their summer transfers before putting their money down."

The bookmakers have a whole host of imaginative Leeds specials, with United 9-1 to top the table on September 1 and 7-1 to lead the way on Christmas Day.

A United player to represent England – Fabian Delph perhaps – is priced at 66-1, while a repeat of 2005's amazing 4-3 victory at newly-relegated Southampton is available at 100-1.