Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FALLEN GIANTS
Head-banging chairman typified problems facing Leeds in their plunge towards meltdown
THERE was an unforgettable, private moment when Leeds United became the laughing stock of the Premier League. Chairmen of rival clubs and League officials still talk about the fateful incident and the laughter it provoked. The chairman of Leeds was attending a Premier League meeting in 2003 when, to the amazement of delegates around him, he fell asleep. He had his head balanced on his palm as the gentle snores of a man enjoying an ever-deeper sleep were heard. Then disaster struck. His chin slipped off his upturned palm and the chairman’s head smashed on to the table with a resounding thud. This was Professor John Mckenzie’s debut at a Premier League meeting. What a start. Mckenzie (above), a selfappointed professor of organisation, succeeded Peter ‘Living the dream’ Ridsdale as Elland Road chairman. On the field Leeds were on the slide. Their fall from grace was to cost Terry Venables the manager’s job in the March and he was replaced by Peter Reid to ensure top-flight survival. Paul Robinson, one of a band of outstanding youngsters which also included Jonathan Woodgate, Alan Smith, Harry Kewell, James Milner and Aaron Lennon, recalled: “It was a strange season. In the summer, Rio Ferdinand asked for a transfer and landed a move to Manchester United. “In the dressing room, the boys really didn’t see this as a problem. We had a big squad and the club received a British record fee for Rio so we pressed on into the new season. “Terry Venables arrived in the summer and he was one of the best, most tactically-aware, managers I’ve ever played for. “He gave me my chance as the regular No.1. Nigel Martyn had been away with England at the World Cup in Japan and wanted a break rather than join the tour to China, Australia and Thailand. Terry announced he was going to back me in the new season. “He also tried to change our style. Leeds had always been a high-tempo team. Terry wanted to slow things down and work the ball through Paul Okon, the Aussie holding player he brought into midfield. It didn’t suit all the lads.” Leeds had debts of £79million when Ridsdale stepped down – £60m on a 25-year bond. Robinson, now 37 and still plying his trade in the Prem with Burnley, went on: “Everyone talks about the financial meltdown that engulfed the club but it didn’t emerge as an overnight problem. “It was little by little, but when you looked at the talent in the dressing room we still had a load of ability to call on. “Even without Robbie Keane our strikers were Mark Viduka, Alan Smith, Robbie Fowler, Harry Kewell and Michael Bridges. “Terry was replaced by Peter Reid – an old-school motivator. At no point did the players jack it in.” The hapless Mckenzie’s lack of football acumen saw him strike crazy deals. In the January, Liverpool proposed a £10m fee for Kewell. By June, Mckenzie was ready to let Kewell go to Anfield for just £5m with the player’s agent receiving £2m as commission. Leeds banked just £3m for a star player. Robinson recalled: “I had the chance to be reunited with David O’leary at Aston Villa. I turned it down because I wanted to stick with Leeds.” The next season Leeds did go down. And have never got back.