Post by Taxigirl on May 4, 2005 15:43:31 GMT
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;D
Former skipper Dominic Matteo believes Leeds could launch a serious assault on the Barclays Premiership next season.
The 31-year-old defender, back at Elland Road for the first time since his transfer to Blackburn to see a near full-house salute Lucas Radebe in his testimonial, is gunning for their swift return to the top flight.
Matteo, himself a hugely popular figure during his four years at the club, was taken aback by the sheer numbers who had turned out for good mate Radebe's farewell and reckons they will have a huge bearing on the club's short-term success.
"I hope Leeds get up as soon as possible," Matteo told the Press Association.
"I hope it's next season. The Championship is a tough league to get out of, but from scratch they have finished mid-table this time and will now know what it's all about.
"It would be great to see them back in the Premiership. There's only one place where these supporters deserve to be."
Matteo, who won United fans' hearts with the opening goal at the San Siro in a Champions League draw with AC Milan in 2000, played no part as a Leeds United XI went down 7-3 to an International XI which featured the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha, Bruce Grobelaar, Olivier Dacourt, Mario Melchiot, John Carew and Ivan Campo among others.
But he was happy to be involved and meet up again with old team-mates, with the likes of Nigel Martyn, David Batty, Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister, Gary Speed and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink turning out for Leeds.
"It's been great to come back and see all the lads again and the fans - they are fantastic.
"I've always said they are some of the best supporters in the country and for Lucas to get this crowd is amazing - but he really does deserve it.
"When I first signed he was one of the characters here. He had a fantastic attitude on and off the field.
"He's just a genuinely nice guy. I can't tell you how much respect I have for him.
"I went to his wedding in South Africa last year and I wouldn't have done that for just anybody, but I had to make the effort. He's that good a friend.
"I played alongside him and learned so much. He gave 110% every week in whatever he did.
"I never once saw him pull out of a tackle, even in training, he could also pass the ball well and would play through injuries when most others would sit it out.
"It's been a great day for him, but I'm sure we haven't seen the last of him."
;DFormer skipper Dominic Matteo believes Leeds could launch a serious assault on the Barclays Premiership next season.
The 31-year-old defender, back at Elland Road for the first time since his transfer to Blackburn to see a near full-house salute Lucas Radebe in his testimonial, is gunning for their swift return to the top flight.
Matteo, himself a hugely popular figure during his four years at the club, was taken aback by the sheer numbers who had turned out for good mate Radebe's farewell and reckons they will have a huge bearing on the club's short-term success.
"I hope Leeds get up as soon as possible," Matteo told the Press Association.
"I hope it's next season. The Championship is a tough league to get out of, but from scratch they have finished mid-table this time and will now know what it's all about.
"It would be great to see them back in the Premiership. There's only one place where these supporters deserve to be."
Matteo, who won United fans' hearts with the opening goal at the San Siro in a Champions League draw with AC Milan in 2000, played no part as a Leeds United XI went down 7-3 to an International XI which featured the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha, Bruce Grobelaar, Olivier Dacourt, Mario Melchiot, John Carew and Ivan Campo among others.
But he was happy to be involved and meet up again with old team-mates, with the likes of Nigel Martyn, David Batty, Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister, Gary Speed and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink turning out for Leeds.
"It's been great to come back and see all the lads again and the fans - they are fantastic.
"I've always said they are some of the best supporters in the country and for Lucas to get this crowd is amazing - but he really does deserve it.
"When I first signed he was one of the characters here. He had a fantastic attitude on and off the field.
"He's just a genuinely nice guy. I can't tell you how much respect I have for him.
"I went to his wedding in South Africa last year and I wouldn't have done that for just anybody, but I had to make the effort. He's that good a friend.
"I played alongside him and learned so much. He gave 110% every week in whatever he did.
"I never once saw him pull out of a tackle, even in training, he could also pass the ball well and would play through injuries when most others would sit it out.
"It's been a great day for him, but I'm sure we haven't seen the last of him."