Leeds United is a club with a rich heritage that was labelled as one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League in the late 90’s/early noughties.
Under David O'Leary and assistant Eddie Gray, Leeds never finished outside the top five in the Premier League
They secured qualification for both the Uefa Cup and the Champions League, enjoying cup runs to the semi finals of both competitions.
In 2004, the club hit financial turmoil and was forced to take out large loans to settle debts and was forced to sell some of their star names.
The Yorkshire side’s financial troubles took a downfall on their performances and they were relegated from the Premier League.
Ever since, Leeds has failed to reinstate their reputable status and have struggled to propel themselves out of the Championship.
Many legends have pulled on a white shirt at Elland Road over the years, and with the club lingering in the bottom half of the Championship this season, they could certainly do with some of their Champions League stars.
Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies FIVE Leeds United old boys that the fans would love to see back at the club…....
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
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Rio Ferdinand
An elegant footballer that defended with intelligence and guile, but also uses the ball when possession is gained.
Leeds broke not only the British transfer record, but also the world record fee for a defender to prise him away from Upton Park.
Paying £18m for Ferdinand, a fee that shocked the footballing world. The move undoubtedly benefited Rio, who improved his ability and claimed a spot in the England set-up as the old rearguard was phased out.
At the 2002 World Cup he emerged as a truly world class defender. He was a rock as England went out to Brazil in the quarter-finals.
Ferdinand was the Player of the Year at Leeds in his final season, and was a real favourite at Elland Road. He played 73 games for the club and scored three goals.
Harry Kewell
Harry was a member of the club’s superb 1996-97 FA Youth Cup-winning team and debuted at left back in early 1996.
With power, pace and a great footballing brain, his enormous potential was recognised by his fellow professionals.
He was voted young player of the year, and his worth was rated at £20m in 2000. Kewell's performances in his first three years brought a drooling collection of admirers.
The Australian also contributed a large part in Leeds’ pursuit to the Champions League semi-final.
Venables switched Kewell to be a striker and his change in position was a big hit, after scoring several classic goals, including a superb header against Manchester United.
The Australian International made 227 starts, with a further 15 from the bench and scored 63 goals.
Alan Smith
Smith was an excellent player in his Leeds United days, and established himself as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's first choice striking partner in the early noughties.
Smith coupled a deadly eye for goal with a real aggression that was unusual in one so slight of stature.
Smith gained excellent experience during Leeds' successful Champions League run during the 2000/01 season, the return of 11 Premiership goals was the best of his career and he also made his England debut.
His disciplinary record continued to haunt him the next season, as he picked up a total of three red cards and 12 yellow in all competitions. However, you could not fault his passion and determination in games.
The 2003/04 season was a huge one for Smith, he remained a shining light in a dismal Leeds team and was an inspiration.
Smith scored 56 goals in a total of 228 games before leaving for Manchester United.
Jonathan Woodgate
He joined the club at the age of 13 and was part of the side that won the FA Youth Cup in 1997. He went on to feature regularly in 1998 for the first team and really established himself as potentially the next star English defender.
His aerial abilities, combative nature and calmness on the ball led to him being earmarked as an England regular of the future.
Indeed his superb first season was capped by a call up from Kevin Keegan to the full England squad at the tender age of 19.
He had a wonderful 1999/2000 season until events off the pitch saw his form understandably dip.
He agreed a new contract with Leeds in the summer of 2002 that would keep him at Elland Road for five years.
Woodgate went on to secure an unbelievable move to Europe’s elite side Real Madrid.
Mark Viduka
He was signed by United in 2000 for £6m to add the power to an otherwise lightweight forward line.
A memorable four goals at home to Liverpool gained him instant approval from the Leeds fans and he finished with an impressive 22 goals in that first season.
The following season yielded a further 16 and he was constantly linked with Italian giants AS Roma.
Fortunately for United he was there to help stave off relegation with 22 goals in all in 2002-03. He made 162 starts, and 4 from the bench and scored 72 times.
Leeds fans.. Would you like to see these old boys back at your club? What is your best memory of them? Do you remember the glory days? Let us know in your thoughts and opinions below!