Leeds United welcome familiar opposition to Elland Road for their final tune-up fixture. Younger readers may not be aware, but the Whites used to be a regular outfit in European competition.
The Yorkshire youth of today would have only heard tales about the epic times from yesteryear. Almost 30 years ago, Leeds took on Monaco with one foot already in the UEFA Cup second round.
An impressive 3-0 victory a fortnight earlier put Howard Wilkinson’s side in a commanding position. However, in typical Leeds fashion, progressing to the next round was not a straightforward task as they succumbed to a 1-0 home defeat.
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Sonny Anderson scored after 22 minutes, causing the pressure levels to rise significantly. That goal would ultimately mean nothing as United secured a 3-1 aggregate lead.
Defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the second round would put the nail in their UEFA Cup coffin but a thrilling night in Monaco proved memorable nevertheless. Ahead of the warm-up game on Wednesday, LeedsLive has profiled the 11 players who started at Elland Road on September 26, 1995.
John Lukic
Leeds’ long-serving goalkeeper left for Arsenal in 1983, before doing the same again after his second spell at Elland Road 13 years later. Lukic is now an occasional goalie coach while frequently hosting after-dinner events, recounting tales from the famous 1991-92 season.
Paul Beesley
Beesley returned to Leeds as a coach in 2007, but a brief stay was almost as short as his playing time at the club. His son, Jake, plays for Blackpool in the Championship.
John Pemberton
Several coaching roles resulted in Pemberton taking caretaker charge of numerous clubs, such as Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United. However, he has been out of work since 2020.
David Wetherall
A man who crossed the divide to Bradford later in his career, Wetherhall has established a successful football career away from the field. He is the EFL’s head of youth development, helping the next generation flourish and fulfil their dreams.
Gary Kelly
Kelly is a true Leeds legend, amassing over 500 appearances and finishing his career as a one-club man. Returning to Ireland after his retirement, Kelly owns a gym in his hometown of Drogheda.
Carlton Palmer
The former England international spent three years of his career at Elland Road in the mid-90s. He works as a pundit, but took charge of Grantham Town in 2021 but got the sack after seven months.
Gary McAllister
A brief stint as Leeds manager in 2008 remains McAllister’s last game as a number one. Since then, he has enjoyed spells - working under former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard - as a number two.
Gary Speed
Football was rocked in November 2011 when news broke of Speed’s early passing. Another Whites legend who featured in this team.
David White
White set up a waste management company, White recycling, once his career ended. He is also an ambassador for the SAVE Association - a charity that aims to affect positive change in safeguarding and victim engagement, through football.
Brian Deane
Deane enjoyed a journeyman career, with two spells at Leeds and three at Sheffield United. By contrast, his managerial career features one club, Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08, but he was sacked after two years in the hot seat.
Tony Yeboah
A former fans’ favourite, Yeboah had a knack for the spectacular during his playing days. He now runs a hotel in Ghana and a sports management company.
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