Dave Hockaday gunning to make an impact at Leeds United

Leeds United head coach Dave Hockaday is desperate to prove himself at Elland Road ahead of his first season in charge of the Whites. The 56-year-old was surprisingly named as Brian McDermott's successor back in June, and it is safe to say that the reaction was mixed to say the least, with Hockaday by no means the blockbuster appointment fans craved, as they bid to return to the Premier League after a lengthy 10-year absence.

Leeds supporters are desperate for consistency in the dugout, having witnessed a plethora of managers come, and inevitably go, during the last decade. A wide range of gaffers have tried and failed, but it was still a shock when Hockaday, who is the club's eighth boss in 10 years, was handed the job as he has never managed in the Football League, with his only experience in charge of Conference outfit Forest Green Rovers.

Whoever is at the helm of the famous club is always going to be under pressure, however Hockaday finds himself under fire before he has even had a chance to take charge of a competitive game. Despite zero experience at this level the ex-Forest Green boss will be tasked with mounting a top-6 challenge, something the club have been unable to sustain in recent years.

Come Saturday Leeds will be embarking in their fifth consecutive campaign in the Championship. During that time they have failed to finish in the play-offs, with only one top-half standing to their name (7th in 2010/11). However, they did experience play-off heartache back in 2005/06, losing heavily to Watford in the Final. On this occasion the Yorkshire club can be backed at 12/1 (Bet365) to win promotion, while they are available at 7/1 to secure a top-6 standing.

The Whites kick off their season away to Millwall, who narrowly survived the drop last May. Hockaday's men can be backed at 2/1 with Betfred to get off to a flying start, while the Londoners have been installed as the 29/20 favourites, whereas a draw can be found at 12/5.