Hunt Tips Leeds For Promotion

Reading are six points away from the record of 105 points, set by Sunderland in the 1998-9 season, with three matches left.

For Leeds the play-offs beckon, and Reading goalscorer Hunt believes there are considerable grounds for optimism at Elland Road.

He said: 'I had a look around the stadium and the top tier on one of the stands was empty.

'If that's full, then crikey, anyone coming to Leeds United in the first or second leg of the play-offs will find it very difficult.

'It's a big ground and an intimidating place, so Leeds have a great chance. Whoever deals with the pressure best will go up.'



Kevin Blackwell also received strong vocal backing from the Elland Road crowd after this week admitting he considered quitting in the wake of receiving hate mail from fans following the side's loss of form.

The abuse from a minority of supporters has, according to reports, included threats of physical violence and the 47-year-old fears for the safety of his family.

But fans soon began to chant Blackwell's name when the match kicked off.

The Leeds boss said: 'It's unfortunate what happened last week. Many of the fans demand Premier League football but we can't let frustration get in our way.

'A little bit of frustration blew over last week but I thought the fans were fantastic today.

'We sit here with three play-off games to get us into the Premiership and we'll start preparing now.'

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