Leeds United are battling to survive in the Premier League, having returned to the top flight under head coach Daniel Farke.
However, 26 years ago, Leeds entered the year 2000 full of optimism, as David O’Leary’s side topped the table.
If Manchester United dominated the 1990s, Leeds looked set to be the team of the new millennium, as their young side mounted a serious Premier League title challenge.
Leeds hosted Aston Villa at Elland Road on 3rd January 2000, having won 12 of their last 15 games, but seen a five-match winning run ended by Arsenal on 28th December.
Little did Leeds know that this would be as good as things got for O’Leary’s side that season, as they eventually slipped to a third-place finish, after Gareth Southgate scored an unlikely double to consign Leeds to a second consecutive defeat.
Here’s how the team looked on that day, and where they are now:
Which former Leeds player would you have back, if you could pick one? Raphinha surely has to be up there💎
Goalkeeper: Nigel Martyn
Nigel Martyn started in goal for Leeds in the defeat against Aston Villa and remains revered as a club legend. Martyn was vying with David Seaman for the role of England’s number one at the time, and is still considered to be one of the greatest goalkeepers in Leeds United history.
Right Back: Gary Kelly
Gary Kelly was a one-club man, having spent his entire playing career with Leeds. He made 531 appearances for the Whites between 1992 and 2007, and remained loyal to the club following their relegation to the Championship in 2004. He remains a firm favourite among the Leeds fans.
Left Back: Ian Harte
The nephew of Kelly and one of Leeds’ greatest ever free-kick takers, Ian Harte was a near-constant presence in O’Leary’s Leeds team. Harte left Leeds following their relegation in 2004 as the club’s financial problems mounted, and is now a successful agent.
Centre-Back: Jonathan Woodgate
Jonathan Woodgate was one of the most highly rated young defenders in England at the time, having come through the Leeds academy. However, injuries blighted his career, and his controversial sale was one of Peter Ridsdale’s most unpopular decisions. He is now a coach who last worked at Middlesbrough.
Centre-Back: Michael Duberry
Leeds paid big money to bring Duberry to Elland Road from Chelsea in June 1999. However, he struggled to live up to the expectations that came with his transfer fee, falling behind the likes of Lucas Radebe, Dominic Matteo and Rio Ferdinand in the pecking order. He now works as an Elite Performance Coach and mentor.
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Right Midfield: Eirik Bakke
One of the unsung heroes of the O’Leary team, Norwegian Eirik Bakke, started the game against Villa on the right of the Leeds midfield. Injuries also disrupted the end of Bakke’s time with the club before he left in 2006. He is now a coach in his native Norway.
Left Midfield: Harry Kewell
Then thought of as one of the most exciting players in the country, Harry Kewell started this game on the left wing and scored Leeds’ only goal of the game. Sadly, his reputation among Leeds fans was damaged by the manner of his exit to Liverpool and transfer to Galatasaray. He now manages Hanoi FC.
What is your favourite memory of the David O’Leary era? Let us know below
This team had some special players
Central Midfield: Alf-Inge Haaland
The father of Erling Haaland, Alf-Inge Haaland, was a popular member of the Leeds team that reached the semi-final of the UEFA Cup and finished third that season. He was sold to Manchester City that summer and can often be seen watching his famous son.
Central Midfield: Matthew Jones
Wales international Matthew Jones completed the Leeds midfield and was another product of the academy at Thorp Arch. Jones was sold to Leicester in December 2000, famously taking his place on the Leeds bench by accident when he returned to Elland Road for the first time. Injuries derailed a promising career, and he is now the manager of the Welsh under-21s side.
Centre forward: Alan Smith
In many ways, Alan Smith was the embodiment of the O’Leary side, as he mixed a fearless attitude and a tireless work ethic with plenty of skill. Smith was carried shoulder high from the pitch in his last Leeds appearance before joining the Whites’ arch-rivals, Manchester United. He now lives in the United States, where he works as the Director of the XL Academy.
Centre forward: Michael Bridges
One of the great regrets of the O’Leary side, Michael Bridges was in the middle of a prolific season which saw him score 19 Premier League goals for Leeds. However, a string of serious injuries meant he never hit those heights for the club again. He is now a regular on club media, featuring frequently on the LUTV coverage of games.
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