Leeds will surely dub this season a disappointment after their horrible capitulation, but the fact is that seventh place shows enormous progress, and perhaps they can go further next year.

Just a couple of months ago, Leeds looked absolutely certain to finish in the top six, as it looked more and more likely that it would be a battle for sixth place between Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham.

However, after a dire month in April, during which they won only one game, against Preston, the wheels fell off, and a 3-3 draw with Norwich City confirmed that they would be outside of the play offs.

Given the average nature of the last few seasons Leeds have endured, this year has been a positive step under Garry Monk, who is yet to sign a new contract with the club.

Perhaps next season is the year they go all the way, so here is an eleven that could see Leeds win the Championship next season......

 

Goalkeeper: David Stockdale

The newly promoted Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale has had his future thrown into doubt over the last couple of weeks, as his contract expires at the end of the season.

Brighton want to keep him, but Leeds and a number of other clubs are sniffing about at the opportunity to sign him, and, given Stockdale is a Leeds fan, a move isn't out of the question.

Despite some poor mistakes this year, there's little doubt that Stockdale is a top class goalkeeper at this level, and if he were to sign he could lead his local team to glory.

Right back: Luke Ayling

Ayling has been a bit of a revelation this season and has been tremendously solid in a very strong Leeds defence, and will likely keep his place ahead of next year.

The 25-year-old joined the club from Bristol City over the summer for a fee of around £750,000 and has found himself right at home at the club, forming a strong bond with fans over social media.

He's been one of Garry Monk's top signings over the summer and will no doubt play a big part in Leeds' future.

Centre back: Kyle Bartley

Leeds have already secured the services of one of their top performing loan stars this season, and will hope to make Bartley the next, playing a crucial role at the back.

Any deal could depend on Swansea's Premier League survival.

If they were to be relegated, they would, of course, want to keep one of the division's top performing defenders amongst their ranks.

Garry Monk will be desperate to keep the 25-year-old and maintain this mean back line he has formed whilst at the club.

Centre back: Pontus Jansson

Leeds did very well to secure the signing of Pontus Jansson just after the closure of the January transfer window, and before their capitulation, after which Jansson may not have signed.

The Swede is an immensely popular figure at Elland Road, and despite only signing permanently a few months ago, already has interest from the Premier League.

Left back: Greg Cunningham

I think the former Bristol City left back is among the Championship's most underrated players after another stellar season with Preston North End.

Leeds have a hole in their back line this year, with Charlie Taylor certain to depart for the Premier League this summer.

It is likely that Monk would prefer a left footer at the back rather than Gaetano Berardi, who he has used a number of times in that position this year.

Cunningham would be an astute signing by the club and could seemlessly replace the outgoing Taylor.

Central midfield: Liam Bridcutt

More of a defensively minded central midfielder, Bridcutt signed for Leeds permanently over the summer after a failed spell at Sunderland.

He's emerged as a strong leader at the club and will be someone who Monk probably points out to younger players as setting a strong example of maturity and leadership.

Bridcutt is a really solid player and could play a real part in getting Leeds back to the big time.

Central midfield: Jackson Irvine

I think Irvine could on the shortlist for a few clubs chasing the Premier League, after starring in Burton's astonishing season, a club tipped to struggle at this level.

Part of that success has been the arrival of Irvine, who finished the season as the club's top scorer and won player of the season, testament to his quality.

Irvine could add goal threat from a player who isn't Chris Wood next year, and could be the midfielder they've been waiting for.

Right wing: Lee Chung-Yong

With safety from relegation looking extremely likely, Sam Allardyce looks set for a considerable clear out of his squad this summer, and that will surely include Lee Chung-Yong.

The 27-year-old has never really featured too heavily in the first team picture at Palace, and has shown in his Bolton days that he is a top, tricky Championship winger.

Leeds' wingers have been ineffective this year and could use players with greater end product. Lee Chung-Yong can be that player.

Attacking midfield: Pablo Hernandez

A sizeable part of Garry Monk's recruitment policy last summer seemed to be to bring in players he knows, such as Matt Grimes, Kyle Bartley and Pablo Hernandez.

After initially signing on loan, Hernandez made his move permanent in January after a successful season with the club, picking up six goals and eight assists.

The 32-year-old will be an important player for Leeds next season, and his creative influence is certainly an enormous advantage at this level.

Left wing: Bakary Sako

Another Palace winger who is not getting nearly enough game time and who can add end product to Leeds' wide options is Bakary Sako.

The 28-year-old will almost definitely be subject to interest this summer, probably due to his stellar form the last time he was in the Championship with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

If Leeds want goals from out wide, Sako is the man.

He scored 15 times and made seven assists with Wolves in the 2014/15 season, and could be the winger they're looking for.

 

Striker: Chris Wood

It's hard to properly put into words how important Chris Wood has been to Leeds this season, and who would have seen it coming with only 13 goals last season.

He's bagged 30 in all competitions this season and finished as the divisions top scorer which will no doubt lead to interest this summer .

Leeds simply must keep Wood to have a chance of winning the league next year, Garry Monk has turned him into a top, top striker.

Leeds fans... Do you agree with this? Do you think this side could win the league? Let us know in the comments below.