From Leeds Leeds Leeds

May 2002 from Leeds Leeds Leeds

Extract form Rio's interview Cheer leader

"It (missing out on France 98) was the biggest disappointment I've ever had and it's something that you don't ever want to happen again. You've got to make sure you do all the things you're doing right and do them properly, give them 100 per cent. I was approaching games thinking that I was going to France and that there was no chance for me not going to the European Championships and then, obviously, the Gaffer dropped the bombshell and the rest is history. I went on holiday and sat there and thought about what I needed to do and what I needed to cut out of my life and I've managed to do that. I've got to make sure I get into the England team and make sure I play well in the World Cup - if I get there."

Has he said anything like this to Woody?

"Oh, Woody doesn't need to be told. Woody knows that. There's nothing like the wake-up call that Woody's just had. You can't get any closer than that, or a more piercing wake-up call. People talk about Woody being this and that, but Woody's a great lad. He's appreciated at Leeds and brings a lot to the club. Through all the bad publicity and everything we've stood by him because he is a great lad. I don't want to talk about what's happening in the courts but he's not only a great lad, he's a great player. He knows he's a good player and that he can achieve what her wants to achieve.

"I'm not man enough to start judging players but I know that Woody's one of the best I've played with. And we are very fortunate to have some great centre-havles at this club: people like The Chief, who we can all learn from, ad Dominic Matteo - we're very lucky. So Woody doesn't need me to tell him anything. He knows he's had a big scare and his football ill have to do his talking in the future."

Previous article: O'Leary: Woodgate and Duberry have a bright Leeds future

Next article: Dane Bowers: 2nd cleverest man in the world

<< Back to Magazine Articles

since 17/6/2001