They are undoubtedly one of the biggest clubs below the Premier League, but once again Leeds United were nowhere near returning to the top flight in 2014-15.

It is now 11 years since Leeds were last in the top tier and last term was one of the most turbulent in recent memory as a new owner and several managers made for a stormy season.

Theatrical Italian Massimo Cellino charmed the fans with his apparent love of the club, but his affinity with Whites supporters soon dwindled as he made two questionable managerial appointments before being banned from football activity with Leeds because of a tax evasion charge in his homeland.

Academy boss Neil Redfearn made the best of a bad situation in charge of the first team after Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanic left, but he wasn't given an extended deal this summer and has now returned to the youths so that Uwe Rosler can lead the first team in 2015-16.

Rosler didn't have the best of times with Wigan Athletic last term and he will have plenty to prove to the Elland Road faithful next season.

Five key results

Bournemouth 1-3 Leeds, September 16, 2014: Champions Bournemouth weren't at their brilliant best at this early stage of the season, but Leeds still impressed with three goals in 22 second-half minutes. Andrew Surman gave the hosts an early lead and it looked like it would be four defeats and no wins in five away games for Leeds until Souleymane Doukara, Giuseppe Bellusci and Mirko Antenucci - all new summer signings - silenced the Goldsands Stadium. Unfortunately, it was their only away win in 15 between August and the end of January. The Whites would also beat the Cherries at home, meaning they were one of only two teams to do the double on Eddie Howe's side last term.

Leeds 2-0 Derby County, November 29, 2014:

After only one win in 10, Leeds were just two points above the drop zone when league leaders Derby - on a three-game winning streak - visited Elland Road in late November. Many expected the Rams' run to be extended to four games, but a brace from Antenucci saw Leeds down Derby in surprising circumstances.

Huddersfield Town 1-2 Leeds, January 20, 2015: A barren streak followed that win over Derby as Leeds failed to win in eight to sit just two places above the bottom three. Again they stunned the league leaders, this time Bournemouth, to end their poor run of form before travelling to nearby Huddersfield for what is always a hotly-contested affair. Sam Byram gave them an early lead, but Huddersfield soon hit back and it appeared that the spoils would be shared until Billy Sharp came up with a late winner to send the travelling support wild.

Fulham 0-3 Leeds, March 18, 2015: Ultimately, those back-to-back January wins over Bournemouth and Huddersfield kickstarted a run of eight wins in 12 games that steered Redfearn's side away from trouble. The last of these victories came at Craven Cottage when Leeds blew away Fulham thanks to goals from Byram, Antenucci and Sol Bamba. The away supporters were also able to jeer former striker Ross McCormack as he was forced to trudge past the thousands who used to adore him when he was substituted late on with an injury. Leeds were back in the top half and 17 points clear of the bottom three.

Charlton Athletic 2-1 Leeds, April 18, 2015: It didn't get any better after the Fulham win, though, as Leeds only managed a 1-1 draw at rockbottom Blackpool before going on a five-game losing streak, with the last at Charlton not only bad because of the result but also the build-up. Just days before the contest, six of Leeds's squad pulled out in bizarre circumstances, appearing to undermine Redfearn's position as head coach. The Yorkshire club went on to lose the game and looked like a club in disarray, missing a penalty in the first half and throwing away the lead late on.

Best Player - Alex Mowatt

The 20-year-old finished just one goal behind Antenucci in the club's scoring charts with nine in the league and proved to be one of the Whites' most consistent performers in just his second season at senior level.

Three of his goals proved to be crucial winners and the only strikes on the day against Millwall, Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic. His contract still has two years left on it and there has so far been little reported interest in the left-footed central midfielder.

Leeds certainly need it to stay that way and they will hope that fellow young midfielder Lewis Cook also remains with the club this summer.

Most Improved Player - Sam Byram

There wasn't much to be proud of in 2014-15, but the young quartet of Mowatt, Cook, Byram and Charlie Taylor was one. Byram is the most used to senior football and in his third season he stepped up his game after slowing down in 2013-14.

Unlike Mowatt, there is reported interest in Byram with Sunderland believed to be keen on paying up to £8m for his services. If he does leave, Leeds might try to get him sent back on loan for next term.

Best Signing - Sol Bamba

Leeds's excellent run between January and March coincided with the arrival of Bamba from Palermo. The no-nonsense centre-back stood out in several of his 19 appearances for Leeds, but maybe never more than in the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough, who, you guessed it, were league leaders at the time.

Recent reports have suggested that the Ivorian will put pen to paper on a permanent deal this summer and he certainly would be a welcome addition if the deal goes through.

Best Goal - Rodolph Austin vs. Watford

Austin is searching for a new club this summer after Leeds decided not to renew his contract following three seasons in White. The Jamaican's last goal for the Yorkshire outfit was a sublime dipping volley to put Leeds two up on high-flying Watford. They held the lead until half time before capitulating to a 3-2 defeat in the second half. A game that summed up their season - brilliant at odd moments, but below-par for the most part.

Must Do Better - Liam Cooper

The Whites played several different combinations of new players at centre-back throughout the year, but while Bamba and Bellusci often impressed, Cooper didn't adapt as well in back in the Championship after signing from Chesterfield.

He signed a three-year deal last summer and must prove next season that he was worthy of such a lengthy deal.

End-of-season grade: C-

The capacity of Elland Road is more than both the stadiums of Bournemouth and Watford - the two automatically-promoted sides - put together. Unfortunately, the 20 teams in the top flight are not decided on stadium size or fanbase and Leeds were once more a long way adrift of those fighting it out at the top, despite several of their victories being against those in promotion contention.

In the last four seasons Leeds have ended up 14th, 13th, 15th and 15th. Mid-table mediocrity is now a chronic problem for the Yorkshire side. Rosler has to add talent, especially in attack, but also must form harmony both on the pitch and in the boardroom with showy Cellino.