Leeds United legend David Batty returned to Elland Road on this day in 1998, as he looked to help take the club back into title contention.
David Batty remains a firm favourite at Leeds, having enjoyed success with the club over two spells that spanned the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.
The Leeds academy product was part of the side that won the First Division title under legendary manager Howard Wilkinson, but left in controversial circumstances as the club faced a significant bill to rebuild Elland Road.
Batty was part of the squad that won the Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers, before moving to Newcastle United, linking up with former Leeds teammate Gary Speed in the North East.
However, new Leeds manager David O’Leary brought him back to Leeds at the end of 1998, as Batty revealed how close he had come to retiring before his emotional return to West Yorkshire.
Which former Leeds player would you have back, if you could pick one? Raphinha surely has to be up there💎
David Batty nearly quit football before Leeds United return
Batty was at the peak of his powers as a 30-year-old in the summer of 1998, when he agreed a new contract at Newcastle, having featured at the 1998 World Cup with England.
However, with Leeds looking ready to mount a challenge for the league title at the end of the millennium, O’Leary identified Batty as a priority target to add experience and aggression to his young side.
When Leeds’ interest became apparent, Batty requested a transfer, despite having just signed a new contract, which Newcastle looked intent on rejecting in an attempt to keep hold of the star midfielder.
Speaking to the Telegraph and Argus after eventually agreeing a £4.4 million transfer, Batty explained he was ready to retire had Newcastle stood in the way of a deal.
“It obviously isn’t something you take lightly. But it crossed my mind that I might pack it all in,” Batty said. “I have been happy at Newcastle, and I certainly didn’t sign a new long-term contract in the summer believing I wasn’t going to fulfil it.
“But it all changed when it became clear Leeds were serious about wanting me back,” before concluding, “I started to think that if I couldn’t play for Leeds, maybe I’d be better off not playing at all.”
Kalvin Phillips named David Batty in his dream Leeds United 5-a-side team
The similarities between Kalvin Phillips and Batty are striking, as the two men share a birthday, position and playing style.
Phillips has also been linked with a dream return to Elland Road in recent weeks, continuing the similarity between the two Leeds heroes.
This was something that Phillips remarked upon himself when asked to name his dream Leeds 5-a-side team in 2020, as he named Batty in his midfield.
Who would you name in your dream Leeds 5-a-side team? 🤔
David Batty was one of the big names Kalvin Phillips picked in 2020 💪
Naming Batty in his dream side alongside Mark Beeney, Gary Kelly, Aaron Lennon, and Tony Yeboah, Phillips said: “It’s going to have to be David Batty.
“He was a great player, he was in my position, he fought for everything, like I do. I think we share the same birthday as well, to be fair.”
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