Back in September, it seemed as if a wearying and familiar pattern would repeat itself. Garry Monk didn't get off to a good start at Leeds, and with the team in the bottom three of the Championship before a 2-1 win over Blackburn, the vultures were circling. One vulture in particular: According to a number of reports, Monk was to be the latest manager sacked by notoriously impatient owner, Massimo Cellino.
Skip forward six months, and Monk is still in situ while Leeds are fourth and looking in good shape to end a 13-year spell away from the Premier League.