Some brilliant players have worn the Leeds United kit down the years, but which would make the greatest impact on the current team?
Garry Monk manager of Leeds United
Leeds United are flying high in the Championship currently and appear to be in with a good chance of perhaps securing a return to the Premier League where they will look to start getting back to the heights they scaled under Don Revie, Howard Wilkinson and even David O’Leary.
But hypothetically, which of the club’s most legendary players would, in their prime, have the biggest impact on the current squad? Before you get the chance to vote, here is a look at the contenders…
Billy Bremner
Widely considered the club’s greatest player and captain, Billy Bremner was a stalwart of the Revie team that were so revered in the 1960s and 1970s. His leadership and battling qualities would undoubtedly take Garry Monk’s men to heights the Elland Road faithful can only dream of right now.
Nigel Martyn
Nigel Martyn
Rob Green may currently be the Elland Road hero having saved a crucial penalty in the derby win over Sheffield Wednesday, but Nigel Martyn is arguably the greatest that Leeds have ever had between the sticks – though fans of Gary Sprake and David Harvey may question that.
John Charles
Chris Wood may be enjoying a brilliant season in front of goal, but he would have to do something spectacular at the highest level before he is mentioned in the same breath as the Gentle Giant John Charles. Across his two spells with Leeds, he scored 160 league goals. His ability to play at centre-back would have also been useful given the current side’s lack of options there.
Eddie Gray
Leeds have a cluster of wingers at their disposal currently, but none have really seized their chance. While Eddie Gray was injury-prone, his ability on the ball was mesmerising, and it must not be forgotten that he arguably scored one of the club’s greatest ever goals, with his solo effort against Burnley in 1970.
Norman Hunter
No-one put fear into the opposition quite like Norman Hunter. ‘Bites Yer Legs’ was one of the most solid centre-backs the English game has ever seen. His partnership with Jack Charlton – who also deserves an inclusion in this poll – was so important to Revie’s great side.
Lucas Radebe
Lucas Radebe
Despite not winning any honours during his time with Leeds, few players are as loved by the fans as Lucas Radebe. The passionate centre-back led O’Leary’s young side to the brink of domestic and European glory around the turn of the Millennium. What Monk would give to have a player such as the South African to help his young side now.
Tony Yeboah
Peter Lorimer and Allan Clarke may have scored more goals and Lee Chapman may have helped Leeds to the title in 1992, but Tony Yeboah’s goals were often scarcely believable. He was only with the Whites for a short time but definitely made a massive impact.
Gary McAllister
Of the incredible title-winning midfield from 25 years ago, Gary McAllister was arguably the talisman. Gary Speed, David Batty and Gordon Strachan should all arguably be in this pole, but the Scotsman’s quality, especially from set-pieces, was unrivalled at the time.
As mentioned, the likes of Clarke, Lorimer, Charlton, Strachan, Speed and Batty all have cases to be included in this poll, as well as the likes of Johnny Giles, Bobby Collins and so many others who have graced Elland Road down the years, so if you think someone else is more deserving of a vote than the eight selected, simply leave a comment below…
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