Heroes & Villains – Leeds United
Hero – Lucas Radebe
There are a multitude of former Leeds United legends who can earn the title of ‘Hero’ for this article but I thought that I’d include someone that wouldn’t be mentioned immediately.
That man is Lucas Radebe, who joined from Kaizer Chiefs of his homeland South Africa. This is where the indie band of the same name chose their name, so for that reason alone, Radebe must be considered a Leeds United ‘Hero’!
Howard Wilkinson signed Radebe for Leeds United in 1994 for the bargain price of £250,000! He struggled initially in English football, but improved remarkably under George Graham, who replaced Wilkinson in September 1996.
In one legendary moment back in April 1996, Leeds were playing rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. Goalkeeper Mark Beeney was sent off for handling the ball outside the box after only 15 minutes and Radebe took his place between the sticks for the rest of the match!
Radebe made a few great saves but was finally beaten in the 72nd minute, with Roy Keane scoring from the edge of the box.
The South African was chosen to replace Beeney as he started his career as a goalkeeper before moving outfield. He became a talented central midfielder and centre back.
He became club captain at the start of the 1998/99 season during Leeds’ successful era under David O’Leary. The young, exciting team performed well in the league by even better in Europe, reaching the semi finals of the UEFA Cup in 1999/00 and the Champions League the following season.
Injuries would keep him out for two years and his form suffered. With the team performing better without Radebe, it became much harder for him to force his way back in to the first team.
He retired from the game in 2005 and Leeds honoured Radebe with a testimonial match at the start of the May of that year. The game drew in an almost sell-out crowd of 37,886 and was a fitting send off for a cult hero of the club.
Villain – Eric Cantona
‘Le Grand Eric’ did the dirty on Leeds by committing the unforgivable sin of moving to Manchester United.
Cantona was part of Leeds’s Championship winning side of 1991/92 after joining in January 1992 from French side Nimes. Although he had trials with Sheffield Wednesday, Owls manager Trevor Francis decided against signing the temperamental Frenchman. Wednesday’s loss was Leeds’s gain and he scored 3 in 15 games, helping Howard Wilkinson’s side to the First Division championship.
He started the 1992/93 season at Elland Road, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-3 win over Liverpool in the Charity Shield at Wembley.
In the 19 games, Cantona scored 8 times as the club tried to retain their league title before the unthinkable happened.
The incredible news was announced on 16th November in that first Premier League season that Cantona had joined Manchester United.
Leeds fans could hardly believe the news and the club finished in a disappointing 17th position, only two points off relegation. They only won only one away game in the league all season.
To rub salt in the wound, Manchester United were crowned Premier League champions, with Cantona scoring nine league goals.
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