Former Leeds United forward Noel Whelan believes that winning promotion is even more important for the Whites after the club announced a pre-tax loss of over £20m.

Even though the club delivered record levels of turnover, it was confirmed last week that the Championship leaders had posted an operating loss of £36m, with that reduced by £15m due to player sales.

Whilst that isn't a major concern for Leeds and there were positives in terms of the increased revenue, Whelan told Football Insider it makes winning promotion this season crucial, even if he recognised just how much owner Andrea Radrizzani has done to help the club.

"There is a lot of clubs running a loss when it comes to the end of the season. The size of the club and the fact that we have stuck to the structure is a big plus. The fact that we are top of the league is that we are running the club in the right way.

"There will have been many debts before Mr. Radrizzani took over as well. We are playing catch-up. The figures are what they are right now but many clubs are in the same boat. It is not financial ruin. But it makes it even more important that we get to the Premier League."

Marcelo Bielsa's side are seven points clear of third place with nine games to play in the Championship.

QUIZ: These 15 players have played for both Leeds United and Bradford City – True or false?

The verdict

You have to agree with what Whelan is saying here. On one hand, Radrizzani deserves credit because he has done all he can to find he right balance financially, even though it has brought criticism in the past.

However, like may clubs, they are recording pretty significant losses and that's not something that can be sustained moving forward.

Promotion would immediately end any of those concerns and they are in a great position to reach the Premier League.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.