Lorimer: O'Leary? Not Really

Last updated : 14 November 2003 By Kevin Markey

“The Leeds team went backwards on the pitch towards the end of his time in charge.

“He changed the coaching system and pushed out Eddie Gray, who was then his No 2.

“At the time, Leeds were in the semi-finals of the Champions League. But, after that, results started to suffer.

“When he left, all the blame for Leeds’ problems was put on him and the then-chairman Peter Ridsdale.

“But if Ridsdale is guilty of overspending, then O’Leary is guilty of under-achieving.

“I recall the day Leeds suffered an embarrassing FA Cup third-round defeat at Cardiff.

“O’Leary told everybody not to judge him on this game but on whether he would get Leeds into the Champions League.

“He missed out. His failure to deliver Champions League football is a big part of the reason why the club are in their current financial problems.”