David Stockdale wants Brighton and his beloved Leeds to win promotion
Thursday 26 January 2017 22:27, UK
Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale hopes his beloved Leeds United overtake Newcastle United and gain promotion to the Premier League - along with the Seagulls.
Stockdale has been a mainstay in a Brighton side that has taken the Sky Bet Championship by storm this season.
They sit top of the pile after their 1-0 victory against Cardiff on Wednesday, two points clear of Rafa Benitez's Newcastle, who are seven points ahead of Leeds United in third.
Brighton's shot-stopper is a self-confessed Leeds fan - who still hopes one day to play for the club - and he is keeping a close eye on their promotion push under Garry Monk.
"I wouldn't mind winning the league and Leeds coming second," he told the Sky Sports EFL Podcast.
"It's such a competitive league, though. We went to Preston at lost - Leeds got beat at Barnsely. Long may it continue that Leeds do well.
"I remember saying that Monk was perfect for Leeds and he's proving me right!
"Leeds are my club. I grew up watching them in the Champions League. For me to see that come back to where they are now is a thrilling time."
Tomer Hemed's second-half winner on Wednesday in front of a 26,688 crowd at the Amex Stadium meant Brighton recorded their fifth successive home league win.
Stockdale has been part of a defence that have kept 14 clean sheets this season and when asked whether he is bothered if Brighton finish first or second, he replies: "Of course we want to win the league. Why not? I'm not going to stand here and say we want to finish second.
"When you look at the talent within the division it just shows what us and Newcastle are doing. We have to keep pushing Newcastle and make sure Huddersfield and Reading are the ones chasing us. We're just going to keep doing what we're doing and not look below us."
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