David O’leary – Leeds United On Trial

David O’leary – A Season On Trial. The Inside story of an Astonishing year

The inside account of the season that transformed a youthful, inexperienced side into one of the most feared in Europe, in the process confirming their young manager as one of the brightest prospects of his generation. The 2000/2001 season was one of high drama both on and off the field: the trial and retrial of Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate dominated both headlines and players’ thoughts alike; the #18 million signing of Rio Ferdinand broke the British transfer record; an incredible run of injuries to key players such as David Batty and Harry Kewell saw Leeds drop 20 points at home by Christmas and slump to 14th place in the table. But in Europe, O’Leary’s young team had grown from boys to men. Leeds came through a group boasting Barcelona and AC Milan, and then one featuring Real Madrid and Lazio. And once O’Leary’s side was restored to full strength, the team powered through the early months of 2001 towards their season’s extraordinary climax: a high tension Premiership duel with Liverpool and a battle with Valencia for a place in the Champion’s League final.