Leeds United won their ninth promotion in the club’s history last week, with three of those coming since the turn of the millennium.
2020 was a season Leeds were unable to celebrate in the correct fashion during the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning 2025’s Ethan Ampadu-led open-top bus parade was just the second time in recent memory in which Leeds supporters could take in the moment to its fullest extent.
2010 was the last time, but that was a promotion in second place and without the title. That came under the tutelage of Simon Grayson in League One following a dramatic final day of the campaign against Bristol Rovers. Jermaine Beckford notched the winner for ten-man Leeds to end the season in second.
A pitch invasion ensued but that Leeds team would be slowly dismantled in the Championship, with the likes of Beckford, Luciano Becchio, Jonny Howson, and Max Gradel all proving to be far too good for second tier football — let alone the third tier.
Johnson and Snodgrass react to 15-year Leeds anniversary
This week marked the anniversary of that promotion. Two of the other heroes of that season’s team are Robert Snodgrass and Bradley Johnson, with both having plenty to say after 15 years since a day they’ll never forget.
He said: “15 years ago today, I hit the WORST shot of my life…..and it turned into the BEST assist of my career!!!!!🤣
“@jermainebecks83 doing what he done best an scoring the winner to get us promoted, Funny how the worst shot became the best moment!!! A day I’ll never forget still jump around like I was when watching it back.
“Happy to see the club back where they belong, congratulations on another promotion #ALAW”
In the replies to the post, Grayson said: “You became a master at miscued shots 😂 Forever grateful for this one though 👏🔥”. Snodgrass also added: “What a day 👏❤️”.
The latter then took to Twitter/X and said: “15 years ago promotion with @LUFC what a journey played every game and left out of the most important game of the season the last and final game, as I couldn’t move my ankle took 4 steroid injections that season strapped with every strapping possible loaded up on anti inflammatory and giving everything putting everything on the line for a fantastic club, amazing people and a great set of lads and staff ❤️⚽️”
Had Leeds kept that team together, they could have ended their wait for Premier League football sooner than 2020. Ken Bates was happy to sell a number of the stars and Leeds slid into mid-table mediocrity on a consistent basis.
Robert Snodgrass’ goal and assist record for Leeds United
Leeds may have had lots of quality players over the years but few were as impactful as Snodgrass during those years in the wilderness of the EFL.
Barcelona record breaker Raphinha and Pablo Hernandez perhaps captured the hearts and minds of more fans but they ran where Snodgrass first walked. His left peg and set-piece ability made him a ridiculously hard player to keep quiet. Snodgrass has been compared to Manor Solomon recently, such was his talent.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2008/09 – League One | 51 | 11 | 1 |
| 2009/10 – League One | 57 | 10 | 16 |
| 2010/11 – Championship | 39 | 7 | 8 |
| 2011/12 – Championship | 44 | 13 | 15 |
The Whites made him captain shortly before his departure to Norwich City, but Snodgrass’ level was above the second tier at that point and they couldn’t retain him for any longer. The Scot was a seriously good player for someone lacking real pace, but his intelligence set him apart.
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