1.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 08:33:41
Great article Ed001! I was really intrigued by the rise and fall (and fall, and fall) of Leeds in that era. I knew they spent well beyond their means and were the blueprint for so many clubs that gambled and lost in the future. But this has really helped me understand the dynamics behind that 5-6 year cycle. Thank you!

{Ed001's Note - cheers Zed.}

2.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 08:52:03
Very interesting. Ed001 I know your a fan of defenders, how did you rate Radebe (sorry about the spelling) . I completely forgot about him but remember at the time thinking how good he was. Woodgate I always thought had a bit of Hansen about him but obviously he turned out not to be a very nice person. I'm glad Leeds are back, they are one of the big boys and it was always a great away game. I remember during the Oleary days me and 2 mates went and I had a Shankly top on and there was a pub full of Leeds fans looking at me. Not one made a nasty comment and we all had great banter and drinks together before making our way to the ground.

{Ed001's Note - I loved Radebe, fantastic player only hampered by injuries.}

3.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 09:12:11
Brilliant article mate, so much information. Loved the little detail about the kaizer chiefs 😂

Don't know much about Jonathan woodgate at all, was he very talented? It seems bizarre that someone with the criminal record and discipline problems that he has would end up getting a move to real Madrid.

Thanks mate.

{Ed001's Note - very talented but a total bell.}

4.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 09:38:21
Thanks for the excellent article, Ed. Always thought it was a big missed opportunity with Leeds - considering the players they developed and some of their buys during that period. Wanted it all too fast. Always thought D. O’L was the king of self-promotion. I seem to remember him touting to step in when Houllier had the heart problem.

{Ed001's Note - O'Leary was always trying to position himself to replace Fergie.}

5.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 10:31:33
My memory is that O'Leary used to be in Ireland a fair bit promoting stuff, including his book. It's telling that he hasn't done anything since a stint at Villa where he was good in the first season and otherwise rubbish.

Either no one wanted to touch him after that, or he thought himself to good for the clubs who were interested.

6.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 12:16:58
He always replaced Fergie when he retired on championship manager 01/ 02.

7.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 12:34:43
O'Neill used to get it sometimes too Jimmy. Which'd usually be hilarious as he'd play 352 and drop Giggs cos the AI managers don't realise you can play wingers in central positions in that game.

8.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 13:13:05
Great article Ed, do you know, I never knew Keane played for Inter!

You mentioned O'Leary got a career ending injury which made me wonder, what happens to a player who gets a career ending injury part way through a contract? I assume insurance covers it, or does the player get the remainder of their contract? In my employment, I will get certain pay outs based on the loss of a limb, an eye or even death, all varying amounts. It would be interesting to know how it works in the football world. Do players take out their own separate insurances?

{Ed001's Note - clubs insure players and it depends on the circumstances, but usually it is their contract paid up and their medical bills paid for as long as it takes.}

9.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 13:33:28
OK, thanks Ed.

10.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 14:25:58
I actually got to meet O'Leary in the players lounge at Villa Park one day, and he was an absolute gentleman, a real pleasure to chat to.

11.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 14:00:58
If David O’Leary was made of chocolate he would have eaten himself. Big Jack couldn’t stand him but showed how magnanimous he was by still picking him for Italia 90. I shudder at the memory of the Bowyer/ Woodgate trial and how Duberry was ostracised. Didn’t know Woodgate had previous from Boro.

Great read as always Ed 001.

{Ed001's Note - very much so mate, Woodgate was a horrible man, ran with a gang of thugs and had previous for booting people in the head.}

12.) 23 Jun 2021
23 Jun 2021 15:17:02
Woodgate was a scout for us not so long ago wasn't he?