Leeds United Players - 2003-04 Relegation Season
Barclaycard Premier League

Robbo, England's No. 1 Paul Robinson Goalkeeper Squad Number: 1 International: England full & U-21 Understudy to Nigel Martyn for several seasons under David O'Leary, he was given his chance by Terry Venables during the 2003-03 season. He never looked back and the displaced England keeper, Nigel Martyn left the club on 31st August, 2003 to seek first-team football at Everton. Paul Robinson also established himself during the 2002-03 as a member of the full England squad having been a regular England U-21 keeper previously "Robbo" was brought up in Beverley, Humberside and was a childhood Manchester United fan (see, all great men have feet of clay). During the summer of 2003 close season, the Board of Leeds United plc agreed to sell Robbo for a derisory £3.25m fee, to O'Leary's new club, Aston Villa . The deal eventually fell through, ostensibly over personal terms. However, Robbo had had a public fallout with the new Chairman of Leeds United plc, Prof John McKenzie over the proposed sale. He said he felt he was being forced out to help pay Leeds United's monumental debts. McKenzie denied this. Both did their talking through the media. It was clear if the two talked to each other, rather than the media, the matter would have been seen as a misunderstanding due to misquoting in the press. There is no doubt most people saw the fee as a bargain, and Leeds fans were outraged that the club would accept such a low fee. Many felt Robbo was waiting for Man Utd or Arsenal to make a bid (both would later sign new keepers, Tim Howard and Lehmann), after all Aston Villa only finished one place above Leeds in 02-03 and while O'Leary claimed Robbo "loved him" (in a non-biblical way), he never gave him the chance to play a game in his final season as Leeds manager (2001-02). Eventually Robbo stayed, however, at the start of next season (2004-05) when he only has two years left on his contract, we will see what fallout remains of the bitter dispute when Leeds try to persuade him to sign an extension. Only then may we regret the decision to let Nigel Martyn go to pastures new, although we do have several good young goalies at the club. 3rd Sept, 2003 Update: 13th May - Leeds agree a sale of Paul to Spurs for a paltry £2,000,000. Not much for an England International keeper we have nutured since he was 14 years of age. But we can't afford the Ridsdale wages he is on. Cheers, Peter, you septic asswipe.

Danny Milosevic Danny Milosevic Goalkeeper Squad Number: 26 International: Australia U-23 Signed from Perth Glory on 20th Jan, 2000 for just £ 100,000 by David O'Leary, Danny was born in Carlton, Australia. The 6' 3" goalkeeper is a regular for the Olyroos, Australia's Olympic squad but has not broken into the Leeds first team due to the presence of two England goalkeepers, Martyn and Robinson. But as Nigel Martyn has now moved on to Everton, Danny now has the job of deputising for Paul Robinson. Danny has been an unlucky keeper, loan periods with Crewe and Plymouth last season both ending prematurely due to injury. Let's hope Aussie Danny didn't pick up any unpleasant similarities from fellow Australian Harry Cruel during their time together. Danny was released from his contract at the end of September 2003. This followed Nigel Martyn leaving Leeds to go to Everton. Danny lost the newly available reserve keeper's jersey to Scott Carson, who is younger. With the writing on the wall and Leeds keen to save money, Danny was released.

Scott Carson Scott Carson Goalkeeper Squad Number: 40 International: England Youth, U-21 Born in Whitehaven on 3rd September, 1985, Scott already has a number of England representative honours to his credit. He is said to command his area. Following the departure of Nigel Martyn to Everton at the start of the 2003-04 season Scott leap-frogged Danny Milosevic for the Reserve keeper's jersey. Despite his lack of experience, in October 2003 Scott was selected for the England U-21 squad! Scott made his full-match first team debut in the 1-1 draw against Man Utd at Old Trafford on 21st Feb, 2004. (Paul Robinson was banned having been Red carded, conceding a penalty, in the game against Middlesborough at Elland Road. Scott stepped onto the pitch and faced resulting the penalty. His first touch on his debut was retrieving it from the back of the net! Scott has appeared in goal for the England U-21 side during February 2004. Following the departure of Martyn and Robinson, Carson looks set for a busy 2004-2005 season in the First Division. Made his debut as the 'first choice' keeper at Chelsea on Sat, 15th May following the departure of Robinson to Spurs the previous day. Updated 15th May, 2004

Gary Kelly Gary Kelly Defender, Midfielder - Right Squad Number: 2 International: Republic of Ireland full Our longest serving player. Had a new lease of life last season under when he frequently played right midfield. Many fans thought it was his best season for ages. Loyal and as committed to Leeds United as Alan Smith. Despite little difference in ages, he is the uncle to Leeds United's left-back, and fellow Irish international, Ian Harte.

Ian Harte Ian Harte Full Back - Left Squad Number: 3 International: Republic of Ireland full Ian is a nephew of Gary Kelly. Despite his relatively young age, Ian Harte is tenth in the all-time list of European appearances for Leeds United, bettered only by the career totals of players from the great Revie squad. A regular international with a devasting free-kick, Ian can be frustratingly inconsistent. He is acknowledged to lack pace and has come in for some criticism from Leeds supporters. However, playing behind "Dirty Harry" Kewell did him no favours as he was a lazy sod who couldn't be bothered to get back and help defend, and so Harte was frequently exposed to opposition counter-attacks down the left. Interesting that Ireland seem happy with his performances, where he doesn't have to play behind the Antipodean idle git. Harte's Leeds career may be nearing the end as Reid had agreed a season-long (03-04) loan to Portsmouth which only fell through on deadline day because the managers didn't understand the new complex rules governing loans between Premiership clubs. Meanwhile, Reid brought in left-sided player Didier Domi, plus Matteo is free to play on the left with 2 new central defenders also loaned-in, Camara and Roque Junior. Ian may be spending a lot of time playing in the stiffs this season. Update Summer 2004: Ian was transferred to Levante in La Liga, Spain.

The Chief Lucas Radebe Defender - central Squad Number: 1 International: South African full Signed by Howard Wilkinson for just £250,000 in 1994 Lucas went on to captain both club and Bafan Bafana, the South African national side. Tremendously loyal, a footballing icon and ambassador in his own country, Lucas has been plagued with knee injuries over the last two seasons. Last season under Venables he played at the end with crippling pain in his knees to save the club from relegation due to an inexplicable shortage of England international-class central defenders (Rio and Woodgate- where are they now? Answers on a postcard to Pillock Ridsdale, c/o Barnsley FC). It was so bad that after games he couldn't train or even walk up the stairs at his home! After surgery in the summer the problem hasn't completely gone away but the courageous man will see through the season. Peter Reid has brought in Camara and Roque Junior to central defence, so, after his heroics of last season, hopefully "The Chief" can take it easier this season and make cameo substitute appearances and play in some cup games. www.leedsutd365.co.uk verdict: great servant to the club, simply the best

Zoumana Camara Zoumana Camara Defender - Central Squad Number: 6 International: French full The first of Peter Reid's on-loan signings for the 2003-04 season. One year on-loan from RC Lens with an option to purchase at the end of the period. Scored his debut goal against Middlesborough, away, on Saturday 29th August, 2003. The same game Danny Mills made his debut for Boro!! Zoumana's goal was a powerful header from a corner and equalised the score at 2-2. Leeds went on to win 2-3. Zoumana was born on 4th March, 1979 in Colombes, France and is 6' 0" tall. He started at St Etienne, quickly moved to Inter Milan but he made no starts and returned to France and RC Lens via Empoli, Bastia and Olympique Marseille. A regular under Peter Reid he was dropped by caretaker manager Eddie Gray immediately. Gray preferring even Duberry to Camara! In Jan he was one of two players who refused to sign a release form ending early the one season loan period. The decision to try and end the loan made more from financial necessity than by bad performances. 3rd Sept, 2003

"Rocky" Jose Vitor Roque Junior Defender - Left/Central Squad Number: 12 International: Brazil full World Cup Winner One season loan-in from AC Milan from 1st September 2003. Champions League Winner 2002-03 with AC Milan when they beat Juventus on penalties at Old Trafford. Oh, and he also won the World Cup! He is the first Brazilian to play for Leeds United. Made his debut for Leeds in the 0-4 away defeat at Leicester City. In a decidedly "Rocky" performance he was booked and never seemed with the pace of the game. To be fair, after signing for Leeds he went across the world to S America and played two games for Brazil. He then spent all of three days with his new colleagues upon his return before embarking on the dodgy Leicester performance! Nevertheless most Leeds fans felt let down. Roque was sent off in his next game for Leeds, a 2-0 defeat by Birmingham; after struggling to beat 10-men 2nd Division Swindon on penalties in the Carling Cup, we were then thrashed 0-4 by Everton! In the next game during which he was banned we beat Blackburn 2-1 in a performance that could have seen another four goals from Leeds. 8th Oct, 2003: In light of the above Roque's future at Leeds is very much in the balance. There can be no auto place for him just because of his playing history. All that counts is his current performance and he is very much out of touch at the moment. Updated 8th Oct, 2003 28th Jan 2004: Roque Junior's loan is terminated and he moves to Siena in Italy. Few Leeds fans will be sorry to see him go. Our worst performances were largely with him in the team. Amazing to say that about a defender that scored twice against Man Utd (Carling Cup).

Dominic Matteo Dominic Matteo Defender/Midfielder - Centre/Left Squad Number: 21 International: Scotland full Dominic moved from Liverpool to Elland Road just before the 2000-01 season for £4.25 million. His move was overshadowed by that of Viduka and Dacourt, and made noteworthy only because he was injured at the time and Leeds took a chance. The knee injury has dogged him throughout his Leeds career. His debut presaged great things as it was made in the 1-0 victory over AC Milan at home, in the Champions League. He was to score his first goal the following week when we stuffed the Turks of Besiktas 6-0. Dominic regularly partnered Rio Weirdinand at the centre of our defence, but he has also played midfield and left full-back. Terry Venables gave Dominic Matteo the Captain's armband after Rio Ferdinard jumped ship for the more lucrative financial waters of Manchester United. At the end of the season, like Lucas Radebe, he played through considerable pain in his knee to keep Leeds United out of a relegation spot. An operation in the summer of 2003 has hopefully cleared up his long standing knee problem. Dom gave up his international career lst season in a bid to extend his domestic career. Although selected for the full England squad several times, Dom choose to play for Scotland where he was born, in Dumfries on 28th April, 1974. He was also eligble to play for Italy through his grandparents! 4th Sept, 2003

Dubes Michael Duberry Defender Central Squad Number: 22 International:England U-21 Duberry signed from Chelsea for £4 million. O'Leary never really gave him a chance and Venables didn't use him much either. Obviously he's had a professionally difficult time at Leeds. Off the field he got embroiled in the Najeib, Bowyer, Woodgate court-case by doing them a favour and giving them a lift back to his house after the incident. Duberry was criticised by Woodgate for telling the truth at the second trial as a witness for the prosecution. Some knuckle-draggers in the Leeds crowd blamed him Duberry for this! It didn't help when drama-queen Woodgate said to Dubes, dramatically, "You've killed me!" Wanker. Duberry, announced in the summer of 2002 that he wanted to leave for first team fooball but he's still here. He played in most of the 03-04 pre-season games under Peter Reid and best friend Jody Morris signed for Leeds. Things were looking up for Dubes and it seemed like Reid would give him his chance - and then bad luck and irony hit Duberry in the face and broke a cheekbone and was sidelined for eight weeks. The culprit? Angel. Playing for David O'Leary's new side Aston Villa in the Dublin pre-season tournament. That bastard O'Leary just won't stop blighting Duberry's life! Of course, it seems like Duberry has again missed his chance as Reid had to bring in central defensive cover in the form of World Cup winner Roque Junior and French international Zoumana Camara, who is already winning plaudits and scored his first goal for Leeds. Unlucky Duberry loses out again. 3th Sept, 2003 End of 03-04 Update: Well, Duberry got his chance after Eddie Gray sent Roque Junior packing. He made a number of vital goaline clearances, won a number of penalties and even scored. He was often seen in the final minutes of games pushing forward as a makeshift attacker. One cannot blame him for lack of effort but sadly Michael really wasn't in the class of the men he replaced. Now highly paid we need to shift him as we cannot afford his wages in the First Division.

Didier Domi Didier Domi Defender - Midfielder - Left Squad Number: 29 International: French U-21 5th August, 2003, signed on a one year loan deal from Paris St Germain. We have the option to make the move permanent for £2,000,000. Domi made his Premiership mark with Newcastle where he left after a public falling-out with Sir Robbly Bobson. He cost the Barcodes £4,000,000 but moved back to PSG for £3,000,000 in January 2001. Domi was accepted to be a left-sided, pacy tough tackler and Sir Robbly Bobson didn't really want to lose him. Didier was born on May 2nd, 1978 in Sarcelles. At 5ft 10inches he's not tall by modern standards for a defender. During his time in France he won Le Championnait and the FA cup with PSG and also played in the Cup Winners' Cup final against Barcelona. Experience, pace, determination and most importantly, a winner. Update: Sadly for Leeds after a battle to get match-fit he hasn't featured under caretaker manager Eddie Gray. In Jan 2004 he refused to sign a release form ending his loan period at Elland Road. Though French side Bastia are rumoured to be interested in taking him. Update: Gray played Domi in Feb against Wolves when we won 4-1 at Elland Road after a demoralising run of defeats since December. He played against Man Utd at Old Trafford and made the lovely cross from the left into the box from which Alan Smith despatched the equaliser. Final score 1-1. Domi may yet have a part to play in the survival of Leeds. Update: Domi provides an attacking option and plays a part in a mini-revival by Leeds. But an injury ends his run and the mini-revival by Leeds. It is just a shame he took so long to get his act together for Leeds otherwise it could have been very different season for both player and club.

Frazer Richardson Frazer Richardson Full Back - Right Squad Number: 34 International: England U-20 Frazer is a future United right-back as he continues to understudy Republic of Ireland, international Gary Kelly. His job has been made easier by the departure of Danny Mills to Middlesborough on a season-long loan "I was glad to see the back of the treacherous, bald bastard," said Frazer bluntly. (Nah, he didn't, only kiddin'). Despite being born in Rotherham, Frazer Richardson is a lifelong Leeds fan who has emerged through the Leeds United Academy ranks to become an established youth international. He was rewarded with a four-year contract which he signed in the summer of 2002. But he had to wait another season for his debut which cam in August 2003, when he came on as a substitute against Southampton in the 0-0 draw, at Elland Road. I've heard the comment that he's a bit one-footed, but he's young enough to overcome that and anyway, it hasn't done Saint Michael of Owen any harm has it?

Bakke The Gormless Eirik Bakke Midfielder Squad Number: 19 International: Norway full & U-21 Brought to the club for £1 million as one for the future, Bakke quickly established himself in the team. Unfortunately his performances since O'Leary left have not been of the previous standard. More recently he has alienated fans and club with his behaviour. He was convicted of drunk driving and made a palaver out of the court case instead of just pleading guilty. After being banned he was caught driving in Norway. He explained a local policeman had said the ban didn't apply to Norway. Wrong!!! Given the club's recent bad publicity with certain Newcastle United players, and the driving ban, you'd have thought Bakke would have kept his head down and tried to appease his employers? Wrong!!! After being diagnosed with a knee injury late in the 2003-03 season, Leeds medical staff told him to rest it over the summer break. What did he do? Played three times for Norway! Result? Ten minutes on the pitch at York in a pre-season friendly, during which he scored. After the game we don't see him again pre-season because the Leeds staff diagnose he is suffering from patella tendonitous. Prognosis - out for 6 months! Irate Leeds Directors threaten to sue the Norwegian F.A. for a million pounds. As usual we hear no more and Leeds United are a player down for half a season due to FIFA's ridiculous games of power politics and a spoilt player who should try and remember who pays his wages. Peter Reid has shown with players like Mills that he'll brook no idiots at Leeds and Bakke could find himself on a long loan-out once he is recovered from his self-inflicted injury. www.leedsutd365.co.uk rating: Gormless 3rd Sept, 2003

Nick Barmby Nick Barmby Position: On the bench! Squad Number: 12 International: England full Signed by Terry Venables in the summer of 2002 Nick had a dream debut scoring the first goal, an excellent volley, in a 3-0 hammering of Man City at elland Road. After that it was downhill for Venables and Barmby. He became part of the Leeds United injury hoodoo before Xmas 2002 which limited his effectiveness. By the time he came back Ridsdale had sold half his team mate in a desperate attempt to stop the ship sinking. Barmby has never hit the form that made him popular at Spurs, Everton and Liverpool. Plus he is somehat tarnished with being labelled a "Venables' man". Nicky was suprisingly dropped, alongside Danny Mills, for the first game of the 2003-04 season against Newcastle because Peter Reid had a problem with performances on the pitch and in training. Unlike Mills, who attacked the manager on his personal website, Barmby said he'd been through it before and would get his head down and play in the Reserves. 10 out of 10 for attitude. Barmby hasn't suddenly become a bad player overnight and can still offer Leeds something, he just needs to put the Venables period behind him and bide his time. Eddie Gray didn't fancy him and Barmby played no real part in our relegation season. It has since come to light that he is on £30,000 a week so it's no wonder he is in no hurry to go anywhere else! Another leaving present from the serial incompetent Peter Ridsdale and former manager Terry Venables. 13th May, 2004

David Batty David Batty Midfield Squad Number: 23 International: England full & U-21 David Batty, a Leeds lad, debuted at 18 in the old second division. In 250 appearances under Howard Wikinson he lifted the Second Division title and then the last ever First Division Championship in 1991-92. By then an England regular, Leeds fans were gutted when he was sold, basically to fund he new East stand; in the same way, that the brilliant John Charles was sold to Juventus in the 50s to pay for the rebuilding of the fire-damaged West Stand, criminally uninsured by incompetent Leeds Directors. (Have Leeds United ever had Directors that were actually competent to do the damn job?). After Blackburn Rovers he joined Newcastle United, who seem to have developed a penchant over the last ten years for signing Leeds Utd cast-offs (Speed, Bowyer, Woodgate etc.). Whilst a Newcatle Utd. player Batty missed his penalty in the shoot-out vs Argentina in the 1998 World Cup. Afterwards it became clear he'd never taken a penalty before, but he stepped forward when others shrank back, typical Batty. David Batty became David O'Leary's first signing in December 1998, when the prodigal son returned to Elland Road from Newcastle in a deal worth £4.4million. David Batty was playing the best football of his career when he sustained a calf injury against Bradford City, an injury that was to rule him out for the rest of the season. But his presence in the midfield alongside the youth of Bowyer, Bakke, McPhail and Kewell helped Leeds to the top of the Premiership and through the in the early rounds of the UEFA Cup. The injury wouldn't clear up, and it was only later that it was diagnosed that the medication he was using (to counter a heart problem that arose from his rib injury picked up in his first game back as a Leeds player), was preventing his recovery. After making his comeback as a substitute against Sunderland in December 2000, Batts went on to form a devastating partnership with Olivier Dacourt in the heart of the Leeds midfield and was outstanding in the Champions League and United's second half surge up the Premiership. However, after the departure of O'Leary, with whom he fell out, Batty found himself out of favour with new boss Terry Venables and dopey erstwhile Chairman, Peter Ridsdale. He didn't play a game in the 2002-03 season despite a fans' campaign to bring him back. A bout of tendonitis saved Venables from having to make a decision. When Reid was the temporary manager he said Batty could play if fit enough but he didn't make an appearance. After the signing of Morris, Olembe and Sahko and with a fit-again Johnson it remains to be seen how many times Batty turns out in his final season with Leeds, but be sure when he runs out on the pitch he'll get a great reception.4th Sept, 2003 UPDATE 22nd February: Batty faced the wrath of Leeds fans for the first time when as PFA rep he was seen as a ring-leader when the highly paid Leeds squad dragged their feet in agreeing to a 25% wage deferral in Jan 2004. The deferral was needed to help Leeds raise £5m to avoid administraion. This site particularly scathing of the first-team squad. Though the squad later agreed and Batty issued a denial of being a ring-leader unfortunately his image has been permanently damaged in the eyes of many fans. In Feb 2004, caretaker manager Eddie Gray told David Batty he would not play again for Leeds this season. As his contract expires in the summer it is now clear that he has played his last game for Leeds United. It is a shame it ended on such a sour note.

Seth Johnson Seth Johnson Midfielder Squad Number: 20 International: England full & U-21 Johnson is a £7 million David O'Leary signing. Luckily for Leeds United, although the transfer figure could rise to £9 million, that depends on appearances! Now the left-footed, Brummie-born, midfielder was seen as full of promise when at Derby County but full of medication once he came to Leeds. He's spent nearly all the time on the treatment table rather than the pitch. Even at the start of the 2003 season he admitted his knee is sore after each game; but full-marks, he was willing to suffer because the team was short-handed due to idiots like Bakke with self-inflicted injuries. Like Bakke, this "wild child" has just been convicted of drunk driving and doing 135 mph whilst under the influence! He's just received a two-year ban (August 2003) and a 100 hours community service. Leeds fans have seen glimpses of what is possible but infuriatingly every time johnosn has shown a touch of form he been injured. Maybe this season it will trun around for him and the club. Peter Reid plans to use Johnson with Morris as tough-tackling, midfield playmakers - Bremner and Giles anyone? 4th Sept, 2003 In the final run-in to relegation Seth's injury proness rears it's ugly head with a cruciate injury. He can't play and we cannot afford the £37,000 a week wages in the First Division. His wages will always be the high watermark of Peter Ridsdale's incompetence as a Director of a football club.

Paul Keegan Paul Keegan Midfielderr Squad Number: 37 International: Republic of Ireland U-20 Dubliner, Paul Keegan, is a midfielder who has attracted admirers with his passing game, able to split open the defence for the forwards and also play a holding role when it is needed. Has yet to make his competitive first team debut. 4th Sept, 2003

Aaron Lennon Aaron Lennon Striker Squad Number: 25 International: England U-17 At 5' 5" Aaron has some growing to do, but at 16 he has years left to do it! Aaron became the youngest Premiership player ever after coming off the bench for Leeds United against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in August 2003 for his senior debut; aged 16 years and 129 days Though his achievement failed to hit the headlines, it would have done had his scampering run at goal ended with him hitting the back of the net to also become the youngest ever Premiership goalscorer - taking the record from Elland Road team-mate James Milner. From Chapeltown in Leeds, Aaron shot to prominence in the 2002/03 season when his exploits for the juniors started to get him noticed, which included a hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup. Able to operate as a winger or a striker, the slightly built Aaron makes up for what he loses in stature with skill. Aaron Lennon only signed his first Academy contract at Elland Road over the summer of 2003, having been on schoolboy terms before.

Jamie McMaster Jamie McMaster Midfield Squad Number: 28 International: England U-21 Jamie arrived at Leeds from the NSW Academy, having been born in Sydney. Jamie committed his international future to England. He made four appearances under Venables ,who wasn't afraid to blood youngsters, in the 2002-03 season but has still to fullfil his much vaunted potential. He'll be 21 this year and so must perform or seek a future elsewhere, like several others such as Harpal Singh.

James Milner   James Milner Postion: Midfield Squad Number: 38 International: England U-21 Made his full debut as a substitute at West Ham in November to become the second-youngest ever player to ever play in the Premiership. Milner, at sixteen and 309 days, is the second youngest ever player at Elland Road behind Leeds legend Peter Lorimer, who at the tender age of 15 years, 289 days, made his debut against Southampton in September 1962. The Horsforth teenager impressed for the England U-17 side in the 2002 summer tournament and his performances helped him force his way into senior football at such a young age. He became the youngster ever Premiership scorer during the 2002-03 season, aged 16 and 357 days, when Venables gave James his chance against Chelsea. He took the recently-set record away from Wayne Rooney by just 4 days. After playing over 30 games during the relegation 2003-04 season the teenager was in demand and Spurs made a spectacular offer for him, but teenager James stepped up to fill the shoes of former "Mr Leeds", Alan Smith by saying, "No", and opting to stay with Leeds in the First Division. However, it wasn't long before Robson, aged manager of Newcastle (now known as NewLeeds) United, who seems to have no managerial plan other than "buy Leeds United players", had another attempt at buying the Premiership by making a silly bid in excess of £5 million for the youngster. The spineless Leeds Board wet their collective pants at the size of the fee and immediately put it to the youngster that he could leave, contrary to all the verbal assurances the mendacious gits had given Leeds fans since the Spurs bid. Typical that a Leeds Board once again puts the onus on a Leeds player to leave and try to avoid the inevitable flak. This time Milner turned the tables by forgoing financial benefits to help the club and his agent said, "However, he leaves with a heavy heart and is glad that the money his move has generated will help Leeds in the longer term." Nice kid, and all at leedsutd365.co.uk wish him well in his personal footballing achievements in the future. As for Robson and Newcastle United we wish them relegation nightmares and financial ruin so we can see other clubs pick over their corpse; look at your history "Toon Barmy", you know it's coming once again, the spectre of failure hangs over your club and has for 35 trophy-less years. As for the Leeds Utd Board, they can stop pretending to be Leeds United fans and return to the smoke-filled rooms of financial skull-duggery and let the real fans try and save the club by belief in the youth - oh, bollocks we can't, they've sold 'em all, the fuckers. Update 2nd July 2004 yet another black day in the tarnished history of Leeds United

Jody Morris Jody Morris Midfielder Squad Number: 4 International: England U-17 Jody Morris became Peter Reid's first signing at Elland Road when he joined in mid-July 2003. Released by Chelsea at the end of the 2002-03 season, he was set to join the Scum at Cardiff City until "Cruel" Kewell gave up the sickening pretense that he was going to stay at Leeds and we finally knew where we stood financially and we were able to offer Jody a means of staying in the Premiership. The "feisty" midfielder is only 5' 5", but he's an all-action attacking, tackling playmaker. He also wears the number "4" shirt. does that descritption remind you of anyone? Answers on a postcard to the "Billy Bremner Competition, c/o www.leedsutd365.co.uk". Chelsea were his local club and he made an excellent start with a first team debut just after his 17th birthday and he also captained England Under 17s. His honours include a winners' medal in the 2000 FA Cup and Charity Shield and a runners-up medal in the 1997 Charity Shield. UPDATE: The Yorkshire Evening Post revealed on 8th Oct, 2003 that Jody Morris was arrested on Tuesday 7th Oct, at the Leeds United training ground at Thorpe Arch, for questioning by Police investigating a serious sexual assault on a 20 year-old female in a lay-by on the A58, near Collingham, on Monday night. Charged with rape, the charges against Morris are eventually dropped. Morris later is released by Leeds and moves to Rotherham. 13th May, 2003

Salomon Olembe Salomon Olembe Midfielder Squad Number: 24 International: Cameroon full The 22-year old is on a season-long loan from Marseille with an option to buy. Leeds beat off competition from Spanish club Espanyol for his signature. Joins fellow francophone loanees Camara, Domi, and Chapuis. Olembe was an international debutant for the Indomitable Lions, at just 16 years of age. Six years later he has played in two World Cups, 56 internationals and scored six goals. He has played all his career in France and like Didier Domi, he has won Le Championnait, this time with Nantes. Last season he was with Olympique Marseille (with Chapuis and Sakho) were he played 28 times, scoring once. His signing was only completed on Monday 1st September, 2003, deadline day! As we write he is on international dury with in the African Nations Cup. However, like all the loan signings of Peter Reid he was dropped by Eddie Gray when he took over. Seen by many as the most successful of the loan signings he is liked by the Leeds fans. He has reportedly turned down a move to Blackburn preferring to stay at Leeds, which given the current situation is a sign of loyalty appreciated by the hard-pressed Leeds fans. He played his last game for Leeds at Chelsea, Sat 15th May, 2004 15th May 2004

Jermaine Pennant Jermaine Pennant Midfielder Squad Number: 11 International: England U-21 The Nottingham-born 20-year-old joined Leeds United on a two month loan period from Arsenal on Wednesday 20th August, having been sent off in the England Under-21's against Croatia the previous night! He is due to return to Highbury on October 19, but cannot play in any Carling Cup games. Jermaine has not made an impact on Arsenal's squad of internaionals since joining the club for £2 million from Notts County, a record fee for a teenager, set by a tribunal much to Arsenal's chagrin, five years ago! Jermaine has only started one Premiership game for the Gunners but he did score a hat-trick against Southampton! For Leeds Utd fans, impressed by the young man's performances so far this season, the good news is that Pennant spent two spells on loan with First Division Watford last season and admitted earlier this year that he might have to consider a permanent move to further his career! But whether Leeds could afford him is another matter, perhaps the most for which we can hope is an extension to the two month loan period. In the meantime, let's enjoy Jermaine's contributions to the cause. UPDATE: The Yorkshire Evening Post revealed on 8th Oct, 2003 that Jody Morris was arrested on Tuesday 7th Oct, at the Leeds United training ground at Thorpe Arch, for questioning by Police investigating a serious sexual assault on a 20 year-old female in a lay-by on the A58, near Collingham, on Monday night. Jermaine Pennant was also questioned by West Yorkshire Police at the ground but he was not arrested. Eventually the charges against Morris were dropped. Update 13th May, 2004: Arsenal allowed Jermaine to play the whole season for Leeds United and he was a constant first team choice under manager Eddie Gray. Jermaine was popular with the Elland Road crowd and many hoped that he could make a permanent move to Leeds. Doubtless it will be a few years before we see the same talent on the Elland Road pitch in a white shirt.

Jason Wilcox Jason Wilcox Midfielder Squad Number: 16 International: England full Jason was signed for £4 million, by David O'Leary from Blackburn Rovers, where he captained the side and won a Premiership winners medal. Filling in for the long-term injured Kewell, Jason was soon capped by Keegan to fill in the problem England left-wing position. However, it was downhill from there. Kewell returned and O'Leary turned his attention elsewhere just as he did with Duberry. Jason played more games in one season under Venables than he had in any season under O'Leary. Jason's play has recently been characterised by some heavy and wild challenges and frequent bookings, the frustration of his own and Leeds' position seems to be coming out in his play. 2003-04, his place is effectively being taken by Lamin Sakho who has been an instant hit, as he was, on the left wing. Now 32 Jason's Leeds career looks to be drawing to a quiet close in the Reserves unless he sorts out his play. 15th May, Jason played his last game for Leeds United at Chelsea on Saturday 15th May, 2004. Jason's contract runs out this summer and will not be renewed. 1st July Update: Jason signs for Championship rivals Leicester on a free transfer. Jason's rugged tackling style will be ideally suited to Championship football

the next "Woody" Martin Woods Midfield Squad Number: 27 Born New Year's Day, 1986 in Bellshill, Scotland (what a celeberation that must have been!), Martin is a midfielder who earned himself a berth on Leeds United's pre-season trip to Dublin after some good displays for the juniors and reserves. An all action type of player, Martin is an exciting prospect for the future. Has yet to make his competitive first team debut. 4th Sept, 2003

Michael Bridges Michael Bridges Position: Usually on the treatment table Squad Number: 8 International: England U-21 Michael scored 22 goals in his first season with The Whites, having been sold by Sunderland's then manager, Peter Reid! Since then his career has been blighted by 3 serious leg injuries. Leeds Utd and its fans supported Bridges through years of expensive rehabilitation but were rewarded in a shameful fashion this season when the striker demanded a move to Newcastle because he was tired of Reserve team football. Even though he had yet to fully comeback from his injuries! As usual these days the player got his wish in Jan 2004, when he moved to Newcastle United... or their reserves to be accurate! Bridges joins the ingrate class of Rio, Bowyer, Woodgate, Keane and too many more to mention that show no gratitude for the club that stood by them and had faith in them. We wish him the same continued luck at Newcastle, the little shit deserves no better. 22nd Feb, 2004 Hah! Now Toon reject he's happy enough to sponge off Leeds again until someone else gives him a chance! After his utterances whilst trying to ingratiate himself at Newcastle he's now known at Leeds as Burntmy, as in Michael "burnt my" Bridges. Let's hope Bolton or Pompey come in for him before he gets another long-term injury and reverts to his normal Leeds United squad staus of "Liability". Another entrant in the Leeds United Hall of Infamy. Updated 22nd May Update: 9th June, Bridges agrees move to Bolton. It's another free transfer, to be completed when the gravy train hits the buffers, sorry, when his Leeds contract expires 1st July, 2004

Cyril Chapuis Cyril Chapuis Striker Squad Number: 15 Another French season loan from Olympique Marseille. Tracked by Newcastle United last season (02-03), he turned down moves to Portsmouth, Southampton, Bolton, Everton and Spurs in the summer of 2003. The decision to join Leeds on transfer deadline day was influenced by the presence of fellow French loanees Lamine Sakho, Didier Domi and Zoumana Camara. Like Sakho he was played out of position last season and only netted 4 times. With Viduka starting the new season as he finished the last and Alan Smith also having found his scoring boots it looks like Chapuis will be in for a covering role this season. Of course it is nice for the manager to have an experienced striking option on the bench with which to freshen up the attack during a game where it's just not working for you. Chapuis was released from his loan contract in Jan 2004 as Leeds desperately try to stave off administration. Eddie Gray's policy of sidelining Peter Reid's loan signings meant Chapuis never reallly had an opportunity to show Leeds fans what he could do. We wish him all the best for the future. 28th Jan 2004

Simon Johnson Simon Johnson Forward Squad Number: 39 Born in West Bromwich on 9th March, 1983, Simon is still learning his craft. Signed from Hull City, Simon has had a promising loan spell back at Hull last season; scores regularly in the reserves and got his debut under Peter Reid, as a second half substitute during the 6-1 away demolition of Charlton at the back end of 2002-03 season. Probably one for the future, behind Viduka, Smith, Chapuis and Bridges in the pecking order for first team football. However, that may take some pressure off him; by necessity a lot of youngsters have been thrown into the Premiership fray over the last twelve months. Leeds United currently hold the record for the youngest Premiership player and youngest Premiership goalscorer. evidence of our penury rather than something of which to be proud! 4th Sept, 2003

Alan Smith Alan Smith Striker Squad Number: 17 International: England full & U-21 Alan Smith, the Rothwell lad had dream debut when he just three weeks on from his 18th birthday, he scored with his first touch in senior football, in front of the Anfield Kop to level the scores in a game United went on to win 3 -1 on Saturday the 14th November 1998. Alan Smith then went on to establish himself as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's striking partner and scored 9 goals in just 16 starts. However, after injuring his ankle in a pre-season friendly his form dipped in the 1999-00 season. But after an operation Alan started the 2000/2001 season on fire and scored the vital winner against 1860 Munich in the Champions League qualifier. Smithy formed an instant partnership with Jimmy Floyd Moneybank's replacement, ex-Celt, Mark Viduka and was called up to the full England squad and even got a Carling Player of the Month Award. He finished the 2000-01 season on a high with a career best 18 goal tally and by winning two full England caps. Smithy's career has been blighted by disciplinary problems including dismissal in the Champions League Semi-Final 2nd Leg against Valencia, and when playing for England. However, several dismissals have been clearly wrong and brought about by his reputation: witness the words of referee Neale Barry addressing a seminar of 24 top referees, who dismissed Smith for an elbow on Turkish defender Alpay in the previous Villa vs Leeds game. Neale described the game as one of ''the most evil'' (clearly a man given to hyperbole is our Neale - OK, Neale now think of an adjective to describe Hitler, Idi Amin or Saddam?) he had refereed during his five years of officiating in the Premiership, while he said of Alan Smith: ''He was hissing and snarling at me and I knew one way or another he was in for a short afternoon .' Now is there any doubt as to why Alan Smith is the player most often booked and red carded in the Premiership? And anyone who saw the incident knew Alpay was faking it. Alpay is a thug; he kicked a supporter at the Riverside Stadium during the England vs. Turkey international. But we let him earn a living in this country, bloody amazing what we'll tolerate in the UK. Anyway, idiots like Neale still referee, Alpay still desecrates every ground he visits and Smithy's suspensions cost him the chance to go to the 2002 World Cup with England. However, he had the last laugh, as he played a leading role for David Platt's Under-21 side in the European Championships in Switzerland, winning rave reviews whilst a toothless England lacking in passion floundered against Brazil (including desperately bad Leeds loan signing Roque Junior!) Last season, 2002-03, Leeds changed manager twice, lost six international players and flirted with relegation up to the penultimate weekend of the season. Smithy played out of position under Venables, on the right of midfield. Alan Smith said, "I discussed relegation with my mum, dad and girlfriend last season and said that no matter what happened, I wanted to stay. "I think it's easy to for people to walk away when you've been relegated, but it takes a better type of person to stay and say we're all going to stick together and make sure the club gets back where it belongs." Sentiments that it would have been nice to hear from at least ONE of the the following acquisitive, grasping, greedy, ego-centric, glory-hunting, pusillanimous, self-publicists: Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Keane, Jonathan Woodgate, Robbie Fowler, Lee Bowyer, Olivier Dacourt and Harry Kewell . Update May 2003: Leeds are relegated at Bolton, and Smith declares, "I'm not a Division One player". Despite which he is feted at the end of the next game vs Charlton, the last at Elland Road in the Premiership, and is swallowed up by a spontaneous pitch invasion. He states after the game he is looking for a move to a foreign club as it will make it easier for him to return to the club when we get back in the Premiership! Turns out to be talking a load of bollocks, when the drop came he couldn't leave Leeds fast enough. He talked sentimental rubbish but when the crunch came he skipped off to, of all clubs, Manchester United for £6 million upfront and an unknown player called Danny Pugh. He said he needed to move for his England career, the move came two days after he wasn't picked in the England Euro 2004 squad! It's hard to see how warming the bench at Old Trafford will advance his career, but we never said footballers were the sharpest knives in the drawer did we? Update 2005 The England striker is now playing in midfield! Still difficult to see how that helps his chances of getting to then World Cup with England. Update 18th Feb 2006: Alan Smith suffers horrific, freak leg break in 5th round FA Cup tie at Anfield Sir Alex Ferguson: "Worst injury I've ever seen. Ironically, Smith's World Cup chances are zero and now his very career is being called into question.