Post by onloantodiv1 on May 17, 2006 14:34:17 GMT 1
MY LEEDS
Ridsdale adds his backing to United's bid for promotion
EXCLUSIVE By Phil Hay
Leeds United's supporters will be joined by a familiar figure in Cardiff on Sunday – ex-Elland Road chairman Peter Ridsdale.
Cardiff City's executive deputy chairman has used his connections in the Welsh capital to secure a sought-after ticket for the Championship Play-off final between United and Watford at the Millennium Stadium.
Over 30,000 Leeds fans will make the journey to South Wales this weekend in the hope of witnessing United's return to the Premiership, and lifelong-supporter Ridsdale intends to add his weight to the expectant ranks behind Kevin Blackwell's side.
"You don't need to ask who I'll be supporting," he said. "It would give me the utmost pleasure to see Leeds back in the Premiership because that's where they ought to be.
"I'm speaking as a fan, and someone who has followed Leeds since the age of seven. A lot of criticism came my way towards the end of my time as chairman, some of which was justified, but I've never lost my affinity for the club.
"I'm deputy chairman of Cardiff so it hasn't been difficult for me to get a ticket. I've no idea whether I'll be in with the Leeds fans, but it should be a great day wherever I'm sitting."
Ridsdale severed his operational connections with Elland Road in 2003 when he resigned as chairman after a highly-eventful reign, but he followed the club as a youngster and sat on United's board for a total of 16 years. The 54-year-old's exit preceded the deep and controversial decline which dragged Leeds out of the top flight the following season, and a previously respected chairman saw his popularity plummet among United's supporters.
But Ridsdale said: "I acted in what I thought were the best interests of Leeds United, and I still want to see the club be as successful as possible.
"Watford are a good side and it won't be an easy game, but I really hope Sunday belongs to Leeds."
TOMORROW: I'll never forget my United roots
17 May 2006
Ridsdale adds his backing to United's bid for promotion
EXCLUSIVE By Phil Hay
Leeds United's supporters will be joined by a familiar figure in Cardiff on Sunday – ex-Elland Road chairman Peter Ridsdale.
Cardiff City's executive deputy chairman has used his connections in the Welsh capital to secure a sought-after ticket for the Championship Play-off final between United and Watford at the Millennium Stadium.
Over 30,000 Leeds fans will make the journey to South Wales this weekend in the hope of witnessing United's return to the Premiership, and lifelong-supporter Ridsdale intends to add his weight to the expectant ranks behind Kevin Blackwell's side.
"You don't need to ask who I'll be supporting," he said. "It would give me the utmost pleasure to see Leeds back in the Premiership because that's where they ought to be.
"I'm speaking as a fan, and someone who has followed Leeds since the age of seven. A lot of criticism came my way towards the end of my time as chairman, some of which was justified, but I've never lost my affinity for the club.
"I'm deputy chairman of Cardiff so it hasn't been difficult for me to get a ticket. I've no idea whether I'll be in with the Leeds fans, but it should be a great day wherever I'm sitting."
Ridsdale severed his operational connections with Elland Road in 2003 when he resigned as chairman after a highly-eventful reign, but he followed the club as a youngster and sat on United's board for a total of 16 years. The 54-year-old's exit preceded the deep and controversial decline which dragged Leeds out of the top flight the following season, and a previously respected chairman saw his popularity plummet among United's supporters.
But Ridsdale said: "I acted in what I thought were the best interests of Leeds United, and I still want to see the club be as successful as possible.
"Watford are a good side and it won't be an easy game, but I really hope Sunday belongs to Leeds."
TOMORROW: I'll never forget my United roots
17 May 2006
