Even over two decades later, the name Leeds United still conjures up the same memories. That baggy white kit with ‘Strongbow’ plastered on the front. David O’Leary, Elland Road, a young Rio Ferdinand and European nights where the atmosphere crackled right across Yorkshire.
That team that famously reached the Champions League semi-finals is still written into folklore. Nigel Martyn in goal, Danny Mills and Ian Harte at full-back, Lee Bowyer, David Batty and Harry Kewell in midfield. But there were two men that typified this team more than any other. Alan Smith and Mark Viduka.
Let’s start with Smith. He still provides an interesting juxtaposition for Leeds fans. The boyhood fan born just five miles from the stadium graduated through the academy and then lit up the Premier League with that famous badge on his chest. Leeds as a city invested so much love and care into him as a footballer and human that the heart-breaking ending seemed impossible.
READ MORE:
- Best sporting moments of 2022
- Pele: Everybody's favourite footballer passes away
- Premier League odds with Betfred*
Leeds were unravelling as a club. Their finances were all over the show and they were heading for the second tier, just two years after that Champions League semi. But Smith was fighting with every sinew to keep them in the Premier League, and even said he would “never play for Man Utd” as he cemented himself as ‘Mr Leeds United’.
But by 2004, and with Manchester United the only club willing to pay £6m up front, he would do the unthinkable and cross the Pennines. It cut Leeds fans deep as they were forced to battle it out in the lower league while Smith plied his trade at Old Trafford, the home of the enemy.
Smith was left in tears following relegation, and he left the club that summer alongside his famous strike partner Viduka. The Australian was one of the most feared forwards in the Premier League during his four year spell in Yorkshire and averaged almost a goal every two games in all competitions.
The twinkle-toed big man was simply sensational to watch, and although he wasn’t local like Smith, the Leeds fans loved him like he was one of their own. The Australian provided the perfect partner for the local boy, and the two of them led Leeds into uncharted territory and beyond.
While Smith was at Manchester United, Viduka was tearing things up for Middlesbrough, but their paths would cross again. In 2007, Newcastle decided to reunite one of England’s favourite strike partnerships. Injuries would ultimately mean they never rekindled their past joys, as would a rare position change for Smith.
With Viduka, Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins, along with youngsters Shola Ameobi and Andy Carroll, Newcastle were absolutely stacked up front. It mean that Smith, who had played as an attacking midfielder for the Red Devils, was deployed as a defensive midfielder, as an alternative to Nicky Butt.
After five years at the club, Smith would leave and although a return to Leeds was touted it never materialised, and that would mark the end of his time at the top level. Meanwhile Viduka retired in 2009, and Newcastle would be the last club he ever played for.
The two may not go down as Newcastle legends, but as the two clubs meet again this weekend, their impact on Leeds United should never be forgotten.
*18+ | Be Gamble Aware
