Post by Taxigirl on Apr 27, 2005 15:14:22 GMT
www.leedsunited.com
On Testimonial Snub
With less than a week to go before the big day itself, former Leeds star Alan Smith has revealed his disappointment at not being able to play in Lucas Radebe's testimonial game.
The striker had been keen to play in the game for Lucas's Leeds United Allstars against a World XI team on Monday, 2nd May, kick off 3.00pm, on what would have been his first return to Elland Road since his controversial move to Manchester United, but following adverse comments by a small number of supporters, it was decided he won't appear on police advice.
Radebe was also disappointed that one of his close friends at Leeds would not be able to feature at the main event in his bid to raise £500,000 for charity during his testimonial year.
Smith said he would respect the decision of the organisers in a statement given exclusively to Leeds Leeds Leeds, the Club's official magazine.
He said:"If I am unable to play in Lucas¹ testimonial I will obviously be very disappointed, not just for myself but for Lucas too.
"Lucas wasn¹t just my team mate but also my captain and really helped me in the early stages of my career. At the end of the day this is his event and I want to be able to give him as much support as possible.
"Personally I would not be at all apprehensive about returning to Elland Road, I know what most of the fans opinions are because they tell me every time I return to the city. However, if it means extra security costs just in case then that¹s money that is being taken from the charities.
"I¹ve got to remember this isn¹t just about me and what would be an emotional return, this is about Lucas and his charities. I know how precious every penny is to them and I certainly wouldn¹t want to cost them anything. I hope Lucas has a great day and so do all the Leeds fans."
Read more from Smithy and Lucas in May's Leeds Leeds Leeds - available now.
Meanwhile, tickets for the game itself are selling well and pre-match sales have already passed the 20,000+ mark and are on course to reach 30,000.
Tickets are still available for the match priced at £15 for adults, £10 for juniors and OAPs with family packages on offer at £30 (Family Stand — two adults, and two juniors). Corporate packages are also available at £50 + VAT per person.
Leeds United ticket office on 0845 121 1992.
On Testimonial Snub
With less than a week to go before the big day itself, former Leeds star Alan Smith has revealed his disappointment at not being able to play in Lucas Radebe's testimonial game.
The striker had been keen to play in the game for Lucas's Leeds United Allstars against a World XI team on Monday, 2nd May, kick off 3.00pm, on what would have been his first return to Elland Road since his controversial move to Manchester United, but following adverse comments by a small number of supporters, it was decided he won't appear on police advice.
Radebe was also disappointed that one of his close friends at Leeds would not be able to feature at the main event in his bid to raise £500,000 for charity during his testimonial year.
Smith said he would respect the decision of the organisers in a statement given exclusively to Leeds Leeds Leeds, the Club's official magazine.
He said:"If I am unable to play in Lucas¹ testimonial I will obviously be very disappointed, not just for myself but for Lucas too.
"Lucas wasn¹t just my team mate but also my captain and really helped me in the early stages of my career. At the end of the day this is his event and I want to be able to give him as much support as possible.
"Personally I would not be at all apprehensive about returning to Elland Road, I know what most of the fans opinions are because they tell me every time I return to the city. However, if it means extra security costs just in case then that¹s money that is being taken from the charities.
"I¹ve got to remember this isn¹t just about me and what would be an emotional return, this is about Lucas and his charities. I know how precious every penny is to them and I certainly wouldn¹t want to cost them anything. I hope Lucas has a great day and so do all the Leeds fans."
Read more from Smithy and Lucas in May's Leeds Leeds Leeds - available now.
Meanwhile, tickets for the game itself are selling well and pre-match sales have already passed the 20,000+ mark and are on course to reach 30,000.
Tickets are still available for the match priced at £15 for adults, £10 for juniors and OAPs with family packages on offer at £30 (Family Stand — two adults, and two juniors). Corporate packages are also available at £50 + VAT per person.
Leeds United ticket office on 0845 121 1992.