Leeds fans back Farke with emotional tribute

He had to wait all season for his name to be sung - but when it was, the rafters shook and Daniel Farke was overcome with emotion.

Any question of how the Leeds fans felt towards the German manager was answered emphatically as he received two standing ovations throughout last night's demolition of Bristol City at Elland Road.

Fraught at times, Farke has encountered a mountain of challenges at United. During his first summer at the club, a loan exodus left the Leeds boss not knowing who would be in his squad from week-to-week.

When he lost three key players to release clauses last summer, he had to rebuild again.

Farke's pragmatic brand of football has been criticised at times, and his legacy seemed at threat from the twin shadows of Leeds' past: play-off heartbreak and Marcelo Bielsa.

But his methods have been more than vindicated by a club-record points total, the highest tally of home wins since 1968, the most goals since 1928 and a better goal difference (+64) than any club in Europe's top five leagues.

Farke's most important achievement was automatic promotion, yet barely 48 hours had passed after Leeds secured that milestone against Stoke City before speculation about his future began.

I wonder, at what other club could a manager get promoted with a club-record points total and immediate rumours of him being sacked begin?

Solid at the back, lethal in attack, Farke's methods made fifth-place play-off-chasing Bristol City look like a non-league team with nothing to play for last night.

The truth is, Farke has done everything to deserve to be in the dugout for Leeds United in the Premier League. The fans have spoken - it's time for the board to end the speculation. Let's enjoy the summer without Farke's future being in doubt.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock.