|
January 31, 2003
(Friday)
*Not really something concerned a lot about Woody
but it speaks for a lot of us Leeds fans I think.... that's BETRAYAL!*
Why I am leaving
Leeds
By Sean Chaney
BBC Sport journalist and angry Leeds fan
Leeds' decision to sell Jonathan Woodgate was the final straw, the
one that well and truly broke the camel's back.
I have had enough.
After watching player after player after player go through the Elland
Road exit - I have decided to follow.
That's right, I am commiting football's cardinal sin.
I am divorcing Leeds United, and as of now I am looking for another
club.
I have supported Leeds since I was eight years old and I remember all
of the lows and the darkest days in Division Two.
I remember players like Frank Strandli, Ian Baird and Phil Masinga
embarrassing themselves on the Elland Road pitch.
I remember the glamour signings, players like Thomas Brolin, Lee
Sharpe and Robbie Fowler.
All were feted as symbols of a brand new dawn, but all departed under
a cloud.
I even put up with the sales of Eric Cantona and Rio Ferdinand to our
arch rivals Manchester United.
But selling Jonathan Woodgate is akin to selling the soul of the
football club.
Only last year Peter Ridsdale described Woodgate, Alan Smith and Paul
Robinson as the club's crown jewels, pledging they would never be
sold.
But Leeds have become the Premiership's equivalent of a car boot
sale - roll up with your money and grab a bargain.
What would happen if Manchester United, or more likely Arsenal, came
sniffing around for Paul Robinson?
How will Leeds ever achieve anything again if they sell their best
young players?
Leeds fans want, deserve and need answers from Ridsdale.
Why was David O'Leary given money the club could clearly not afford
to make non-essential signings like Fowler?
When Fowler came to Leeds the club already had Mark Viduka, Alan
Smith, Michael Bridges and Robbie Keane, as well as Harry Kewell.
Someone who was controlling the purse strings has made huge and
costly mistakes - that person should pay the price.
Rumours persist that Keane and Ferdinand left Elland Road for a
fraction of their reported transfer fees.
I have had enough and I have been with the club for years, why would
Terry Venables stay - he's only been there five minutes?
I am sorry that it has come to this, there have been good times as
well as bad and I will take with me some fond memories.
But enough is enough. I can't take the betrayal anymore - and I doubt
very much that I am the only one.
Next article:
Toon agree £9m Woodgate fee
Previous
article:
£10m or forget it
<< Back to New and Articles
|
