progression is obvious to see, says mcgeechan

The Lions legend returned to his home city last summer to a club that was drifting in English rugby’s second tier.

But after helping rebuild Leeds in his role as executive chairman, McGeechan sees positive signs for the future.

With a host of players signed up for next season, that increased stability off the pitch is mirrored on it.

And after storming into the play-offs with six straight wins, McGeechan believes Leeds can make a real statement of intent over the next two games against red-hot favourites Newcastle.

“The important thing was establishing a really good base this year and having a good financial structure going forward,” said McGeechan.

“On top of that it was about getting key players signed for next season. You only grow to be a top-performing team if you have everything consolidated and you don’t do that by having mass change at the end of every season.

“We’ve worked hard to be able to do that. All round there’s a good feeling that everyone is on the same wavelength. There is a stability and a forward-thinking approach that means as each challenge comes we’re ready for it.

“And that’s how we view Newcastle. That’s the next challenge on the field. We’ve got a lot of things right off it, and it’s all there to play for.”

Defeating the Falcons over two legs is a monumental ask for a Leeds team that might be a stronger promotion proposition next season.

But the form that Diccon Edwards’s side take into the game heartens McGeechan.

“We’ve had a very good six weeks, we’ve played some really good rugby and I think it will be nice to see some of that come to fruition,” said McGeechan ahead of Monday’s first leg.

“The coaches have to take credit. The game has come together well, we know it’s a relatively young side so they were always going to be learning as they went through the season.

“But they have become more consistent and have a collective understanding of what is required to win.

“Newcastle have put a lot of money in and have a lot of strength in depth. They have had a very good season.

“It’s now about us having the confidence to play to the levels we have shown in recent weeks.

“It will be a good measure of how far we have come as a side and as a club.”