Former Leeds United midfielder Michael Brown has backed the Leeds players to get over their play-off heartbreak from last season, although he knows just how tough that can be.

The Whites seemed set for automatic promotion until a disastrous two games over Easter handed the initiative to Sheffield United which they took advantage of to finish second.

Even so, Marcelo Bielsa's side were on the brink of Wembley as they were two goals ahead against Derby before the Rams fought back in their play-off semi-final second leg to condemn Leeds to another year outside the top-flight.

And, Brown, who has experienced the agony of losing in the play-offs with Sheffield United against Wolves in 2003, exclusively told FLW that the squad need to have a strong mentality to be able to bounce back.

"It’s tough, I’ve been there, done that. It’s a tough situation, I’ve won and lost in the play-offs and it’s very hard when you lose. You’ve got to have the attitude that we were so close, we can do it again."

He also added that he reckons Leeds have the right characters to ensure they will avoid a play-off hangover when the new season begins in August, although he outlined the challenges facing the Yorkshire outfit now and how vital new faces will be.

"I believe in the squad, I believe in the manager but they won’t be a surprise package like they were last season. People will expect more.

"You always worried that they may run out of steam with that style of play, although they were unlucky with the number of injuries they had. If they can get a couple more game-ready players in then that will help them."

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