Former Leeds United player Andy Ritchie believes that the team needs to produce a quick start next season in order to boost their promotion chances.
The Yorkshire side just missed out on the playoff places last season as they finished in seventh place, just five points outside the top six.
Leeds struggled to get off to a flying start last year and it ultimately cost them as they only secured one victory from their opening six Championship matches, including home defeats to Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Ritchie is adamant that Leeds must race out of the blocks at the start of the upcoming campaign as it will give them a better chance of achieving promotion.
“I think it makes a big difference next season in how you start,” he said.
“They were obviously very disappointed at the end of last season but you have got to look at it and say that did anybody really think that’s what they could have done?
“They took their chance and it virtually took them to the play-offs. And I think a good start would be a good testing point for them. That’s what they would want to get off to.”
Leeds travel to the Reebok Stadium on the opening day of the Championship campaign to face Bolton Wanderers before welcoming Preston North End and promotion hopefuls Fulham in the next two matches.
New manager Thomas Christiansen understands the importance of a fast start to a campaign as his APOEL side remained unbeaten for the first ten league matches last season, which helped them on their way to securing the Cypriot league title.
The Danish manager will be hopeful that he can enjoy the same start with Leeds next season.