Wednesday 15 March 2017 17:51, UK
Liam Bridcutt says Leeds' return to prominence has been a "long time coming", and has credited manager Garry Monk for much of their success this season.
Having finished in the bottom half of the Sky Bet Championship for the last five years, Leeds are challenging in the play-off places this season.
They host second-placed Brighton on Saturday evening, live on Sky Sports.
Leeds captain Bridcutt, who has played in the Premier League with Sunderland, told the EFL Weekly Podcast: "It's a great opportunity and experience for Leeds and we are looking forward to these moments.
"It's been a long time coming. It's a massive club, it's about time that Leeds are starting to come good again. The fans have been brilliant. There's a good atmosphere around the club and around the city.
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"I remember growing up and watching games and Leeds were always the team you looked at as one of the best around. It's a great point for Leeds this season and it's good to see the club fighting to be back towards the top."
Bridcutt first joined Leeds on loan from Sunderland in November 2015.
He made the move permanent when Monk arrived last summer, and says much has changed since he first arrived at Elland Road.
"There's a massive difference from when I started," he said.
"When I first came in on loan the fans were still brilliant but you could sense the club was in a bit of transition and this year there has been a massive change. The transition has come at the right time with the new manager.
"He has done a really good job. He was an experienced player and not long retired and has that respect.
"He knows what he is talking about because he has been there and done it. He has given some really good advice about promotion and things we have to do. He's been in this situation and has the knowledge to pass on to the boys.
"You can relate to him. I played against him myself and also Swansea when he was a manager. He understands the boys and they look up to him as a player and coach."
It will be a reunion for Bridcutt on Saturday as he takes on his former side Brighton.
The midfielder spent four seasons with the Seagulls from 2010-14 and says he would like to see them get promoted with Leeds.
"They are in great form and looking for promotion after being unlucky in the last few seasons not to get it," he said.
"Brighton was the club that kickstarted by career and gave me a great opportunity to showcase what I can do. I owe them a lot and I loved playing for them. But when it comes to game day you know what you have to do.
"We know if we stick to our gameplan we can get a result."
Bridcutt also expressed his desire to return to the top flight: "The spell I did have in the Premier League I did well but I wasn't getting enough opportunities to play.
"I want to be at the top, I strive to get better every year and the only way I will do that is getting back to the Premier League."
Watch Leeds v Brighton live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 5.15pm on Saturday.
