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Leeds' unbeaten start to the Championship marks an exciting time for supporters, says Eddie Gray

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Eddie Gray believes optimism at Elland Road is sky high following Leeds' unbeaten start to the Championship.

Former player and manager Eddie Gray believes the momentum Leeds have created in the early stages of the Championship campaign has increased expectation levels around the club.

Leeds defeated Birmingham on Tuesday to extend their unbeaten league start to seven fixtures to move top of the table.

Christiansen is looking to lead the West Yorkshire club back to the top division in English domestic football for the first time since their relegation during the 2003/04 season.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds and Birmingham.

"They are exciting times for the fans, Gray told Sky Sports News HQ. "They have started the season very well, there's a long way to go but the good thing about it is the expectation level around the football club is going up again.

"The fans are very optimistic with what they have seen - new players have come in and performed well. They are not conceding goals; the only goals they have conceded in the league so far were in the first game at Bolton. Other than that they are looking pretty solid and creating chances.

"To be top of the table at this particular time with a new coach and new players is a great achievement."

Leeds United manager Thomas Christiansen during the Sky Bet Championship match at the City Ground, Nottingham.
Image: Gray has been impressed by new manager Thomas Christiansen

Gray, who enjoyed two spells as manager of Leeds, is impressed by how the Danish coach has moulded new signings into the squad during an emphatic start to the season, despite initial scepticism to his appointment.

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"It was a big surprise among most of the supporters," said Gray. "But since he has come into the football club, the players he has brought into the team are playing an aggressive brand of football and working extremely hard for each other.

"He has brought players into the club that can change the game so he deserves a lot of credit for the position Leeds are in."

Leeds United's Pablo Hernandez in action during the Sky Bet Championship match at Elland Road
Image: Pablo Hernandez is the creative force in Leeds' midfield

The former Scottish winger, who was an integral member of Leeds' squad in the 1960s and 70s, admits that there is a long way to go before Leeds can look forward to a return to the Premier League but believes that the atmosphere around the club and the improvements to the squad have improved their chances of promotion.

"It is early doors in the Championship - we know it's a tough and strange league but so far so good for the football club," Gray added.

Leeds United's Stuart Dallas at Elland Road
Image: Stuart Dallas scored for Leeds in their 2-0 victory over Birmingham

"The atmosphere around the stadium is tremendous - you look at the crowd last night and there were over 31,000. It was the biggest midweek crowd at Elland Road for a long time. Hopefully, come the end of the season we will be in the same position we are in now.

"The good thing about the team is you look at the game last night and the substitutes who come on like Kemar Roofe, who has played very well this season, and Stuart Dallas who scored the second goal. The bench is looking very strong and the first eleven have all done a job so far this season."

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