The Coronavirus pandemic largely put pay to that, but this year is set to be different, and David Prutton believes that it could have a big positive for Marcelo Bielsa’s men.
Writing in a column for the Yorkshire Evening Post, he said: “This is an era where you have got fantastic players, a good team ethic, a great manager in Marcelo Bielsa, international footballers in the ranks and a team that is back playing against the big boys that they can genuinely call their rivals.
“There are Yorkshire derbies scattered around and big matches in the Championship and also when they were in League One.
“But with the greatest respect, these are their proper rivals – Manchester United, Liverpool, people like that who they can’t wait to play against.
“I just think this season will be a reward for what the fans have had to deal with and I don’t just mean over the last 18 months with the restrictions due to Covid but the last 16 years that they have waited to get back to the top table.
“Now they are able to get back there and see it and see Elland Road in all its glory. The pitch will look magnificent, the stands which are steeped in history will be noisy and full of colour.”
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League transfer speculation below…
1. Toon make Ederson approach
Newcastle United have made an approach for Corinthians' defensive midfielder Ederson. (Globo) (Photo by Lucas Uebel/Getty Images) Photo: Lucas Uebel
2. Magpies favourites to land Tuanzebe
Newcastle United are favourites ahead of Aston Villa to secure a loan deal for Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe. (Football Insider) (Photo by Aleksandra Szmigiel - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool
3. Albion in for Nketiah
Brighton are hoping to strike a £20 million deal for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this month. (The Sun) (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images) Photo: Steve Welsh
4. Tau on brink of exit
Percy Tau was left out of Brighton’s squad to face Getafe on Sunday amid reports that his expected move to Al Ahly is nearing completion. (King Fut) (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Photo: Mike Hewitt
5. Clarets face Lookman struggle
Ademola Lookman is unsure about making a move to Premier League club Burnley. The Clarets are struggling to close a deal for the Crystal Palace target. (The Sun) Crystal Palace (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Photo: Justin Setterfield
6. Clarets lead Christie race
Burnley lead the race to sign Ryan Christie. Celtic could sell the midfielder for just £5 million this summer. (Sunday People) (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images) Photo: Steve Welsh