Former Leeds chairman Peter Risdale has lifted the lid on what has gone on behind the scenes with Leeds with his new book ” United We Fall”. In interesting excerpts, he has highlighted what went on with the committee dealing with Sven Goran Eriksson’s affair, the ingenious Jonathan Woodgate, and of course the manager at that time, David O’Leary.

Jonathan Woodgate

Ridsdale writes: “Jonathan is a world-class defender but could never be described as a mastermind. He had been told to look after his own passport and ‘to keep it somewhere safe.’

“On one European trip the players were asked for their passports. Jonathan hadn’t brought it with him. ‘Where is it?’ I asked him.

“You told me to put it somewhere safe so I did. It’s in the safe at home!”

Sven Goran Eriksson

Ridsdale was on the committee about Eriksson’s behaviour and reveals how everyone fell about laughing in the room.

He writes: “Sven was asked to attend an FA meeting to offer an explanation after his affair with Ulrika was exposed.

“A sheepish looking Sven sat next to the chairman Noel White, and launched into a rambling apology.

“When he finished speaking, there was an embarrassing silence and most people, including Sven, stared down at the table wondering where to look and what to say.

“Not even Noel could find the words that could break the ice. Then a broad Yorkshire accent broke the silence.

“It was the no nonsense Barry Taylor, now chairman of the FA Cup committee and director of Barnsley.

“He said just a little too loudly ‘Eeee, there’s no need to be embarrassed we’re only f***ing jealous!’

“And the room fell about laughing.”

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