Mighty Leeds Weblog

SAFE HANDS Written by Rob Conlon Signing Nigel Martyn for Leeds United in 1996 fit perfectly with Howard Wilkinson’s ten-year plan. Wilkinson had made sure Leeds were not left behind by the looming breakaway of the Premier League by winning promotion in 1990, and the club’s investment in the academy and youth development was beginning to bear fruit. Ian Harte was already in the first team, and by the end of the 1996/97 season, Paul Robinson, Jonathan Woodgate, Stephen McPhail and Harry Kewell were lifting the FA Youth Cup, with Alan Smith not far behind. To aid the transition, in came Martyn, the most expensive goalkeeper in Britain, alongside Lee Bowyer, the most expensive teenager. The problem was that Wilkinson had undermined his own plan by making Leeds champions of England six years ahead of schedule, meaning fans and directors were no longer feeling quite so patient about finishing 17th, 5th (twice) and 13th after winning the title. Nigel Martyn spoke to us for an episode...

WHAT'S THIS? WHERE AM I? Written by Rob Conlon Simon Walton is reflecting on a photo of his sixteen-year-old self sitting on the Elland Road turf, surrounded by angry Valencia players after being sent off against the Spanish champions and UEFA Cup holders. “When you’ve got Lucas Radebe fighting your corner, you know you’re doing okay,” he says, spotting The Chief running into shot and to his rescue. Walton is used to being reminded of this moment, when the anniversary rolls around of the day he marked his first senior appearance at Elland Road with a goal and a red card in a pre-season friendly. Leeds were preparing for their first season following relegation from the Premier League in 2004, and Walton’s second half penalty kickstarted a comeback from two down to a creditable 2-2 draw with the side they had faced in a European Cup semi-final just three years earlier. Nobody ever asks him about the goal, though. “I just get the yearly bombardment of, ‘How do you get sent off i...

Leeds owner GFH Capital has rejected a takeover bid from a consortium involving former defender Lucas Radebe. The BBC has learned Radebe, 44, is part of a group involving ex-Leeds director Adam Pearson looking to purchase a majority stake in the club for £7m. GFH said in a statement: "We are watching with a mixture of bemusement and interest the reports suggesting any credible takeover bid has been made. "No serious approach has been made by any members reportedly concerned." Dubai-based investment group GFH Capital bought the club from Ken Bates last December. Radebe and Leeds In 2010, Radebe told BBC Radio Leeds: "I want to give back to what the game has given me. "Much as I would like to be on the field of play again, my passion lies with the development of the game at grass roots level in South Africa or coming to join Leeds." Leeds United Supporters' Trust chairman Gary Cooper told BBC Sport that a takeover by the club with Radebe involv...

by Paul Robinson Leeds United legend Lucas Radebe is paying a visit later this month to the city where he made his footballing name. Ex-Whites skipper Radebe will be a special guest at United’s home match against Birmingham City on Sunday, October 20, it has been confirmed. The South African favourite will be signing copies of his book, Lucas: From Soweto to Soccer Superstar, at Elland Road’s superstore on the morning of the game. He will also be presented to the crowd inside the ground ahead of kick-off. Another book-signing session will take place from 11.30am to 1pm the previous day at the Waterstone’s store on Albion Street in Leeds city centre. Organisers of the Waterstone’s event are encouraging people to arrive early to avoid disappointment. Nicknamed The Chief, Radebe made more than 200 appearances for Leeds between 1994 and 2005. The central defender also played 70 times for South Africa, leading them to two World Cup tournaments. His book charts his compelling journe...