Why Steve Evans deserves praise for sticking with Leeds United players that '˜weren't his'

But Whelan, writing in the Yorkshire Evening Post, says Leeds owner Massimo Cellino, must now “put his hand in his pocket” to help Evans mount a promotion bid next season.

Whelan says Evans “has come into a club with players that weren’t his. He’s now turning those players into something that he wants, his team.

“There are still players that he wants to bring into the club but let’s not take away the good job that he has done.

He’s come in and we have all seen the difference.”

He adds: “We can’t be having too many players that we are carrying, it’s got to be a collective effort from everyone and that desire and hard work and ethic of how to get three points doesn’t come from just your ability.

“But Steve is going to need backing from the chairman. He’s going to need these quality players that are going to make the difference next season when you compete against teams like Aston Villa and other big sides that miss out on promotion this season.

“It doesn’t get any easier but the chairman has got to put his hands in his pocket and he’s got to help Steve out.”