David O’Leary was back at Elland Road last month for Leeds United’s centenary celebrations, and he took the opportunity to look back on his time in the club’s dugout.
The 61-year-old, who played under Jack Charlton for the Republic of Ireland, made over 600 appearances for Arsenal, winning two league titles and two FA Cups, before winding down his playing career at Leeds.
He retired in 1995, but was back as George Graham’s assistant manager in 1996, and was subsequently promoted when there was a managerial vacancy in 1998.
As Leeds boss, he helped bring through youngsters including Jonathan Woodgate, Harry Kewell, Alan Smith and Stephen McPhail.
Leeds finished in the top four in each of his first three seasons in charge, falling to fifth in his final season, and memorably made it to the Champions League semi-finals in 2001.
“I haven’t got one,” he answered when asked if he could one particular favourite memory at Leeds.
“Some unbelievable, memorable nights, winning games, particularly Champions League nights, some of those trips, some great nights here, some great nights away, when after the game you’re able to celebrate with the fans.”
Last one, but my favourite picture taken after the AC Milan match. Dad spotted mum and I in the crowd ❤️ never seen him so proud. Wishing @LUFC all the best this season pic.twitter.com/WfTTrZwYvY
— Ciara O'Leary (@Ciara_OLeary7) October 17, 2019
Leeds made it to the final four of European football’s most prestigious cup competition, making it through two group stages ahead of the likes of Barcelona, Lazio and Anderlecht before winning a two-legged knockout tie against the champions of Spain at the time, Deportivo La Coruña.
That run included trips to some of the game's greatest venues, including the Camp Nou, the Bernabeu, the Stadio Olimpico and the San Siro, where Dom Matteo famously headed Leeds ahead in a 1-1 draw against an AC Milan side that featured Paolo Mandini, Gennaro Gattuso and Andriy Shevchenko.
“I just couldn’t pin one down personally myself,” O’Leary added.
“I think we went on a run of a few years with some great, great games, but I haven’t picked out one, but I have about half a dozen memories of the ultimate ones that were fantastic.
“Milan away, after the game watching all the fans behind celebrating and singing, Deportivo La Coruña here when we won and gave them a right going over, it was an amazing night, the atmosphere, the whole place was buzzing and rocking.”
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