Over the years,the Premier League years for the Yorkshire giants have become a faint memory.It was the days of Mark Viduka and Rio Ferdinand playing in the Champions League.Darker times soon came-first administration in 2004,and then in 2007 the club was relegated to League One.
Simon Grayson led the club back to the second tier in 2010 as runners-up,during a time when the squad contained Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio.The target since has been Premier League football but it could be a long-term reality soon enough.
Ross McCormack leads the strike force currently,and was prolific last season.
THE GAFFER BRIAN MCDERMOTT
McDermott was appointed Leeds manager in March 2013 following the sacking of Neil Warnock.He made former Arsenal player Nigel Gibbs his assistant.
Born in Berkshire to Irish parents,Brian was a trainee at Arsenal in 1977 and became professional in 1979.He never eatablished himself as a top player for the team and was loaned out to Sweden's IFK and Fulham in 1983.
A few matches later,he had spells at Yeovil Town,Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City.The last stages of his career saw him play in Hong Kong before starting a new career as an insurance salesman.
He began his management at Slough,having been made boss in 1996.He lasted two years there before budget cuts saw him kicked out.The next stop was Woking who appointed him a month after he left Slough,but was sacked in 2000.
Reading named him as a scout in 2000 and he was promoted to head scout and then reserve team head coach in 2006.His time in the limelight came when he was named Reading manager in 2010,following a caretaker spell that saw the Royals knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup.Eventually,he won the Championship title with Reading.He was,despite the success,fired in March 2013.
Brian was named Leeds manager a few days later.This created a lucky coincidence because there is also a Leeds Rhinos rugby player called Brian McDermott-expect he's younger.
SIX OF THE BEST
PADDY KENNY GOALKEEPER
Paddy followed Neil Warnock for most of his career because the two are close.Starting at Bradford PA,he had a stint at Bury before joining Sheffield United in 2002.
He was part of the side who won promotion to the top flight in 2006.He rejoined Warnock in 2010 at QPR,yet again being part of a success story.He repeated this went Warnock went to Leeds,he followed!
THOMAS LEES DEFENDER
Leeds fan Tom signed a professional deal
in 2009,and a series of progressive performances has led him to the starting eleven.
Now 23,and following spells at Accrington and winning promotion with League Two Bury,Tom was described by Ken Bates as an "intelligent young man who will be prepared to learn".In the fixture at the Keepmoat two years ago,he scored in a 3-0 win.
RODOLPH AUSTIN MIDFIELDER
Jamaican Austin has turned down an offer from Stoke to join Norwegian side Brann in 2008.Leeds convinced him in 2012.
He made under 100 apperances in Scandanavia and scored 20 goals,including powerful volleys.He rejected Warnock at QPR,but the boss made a new offer in 2012 whilst at Leeds which granted him a work permit to join the club.He was made captain and scored on his debut.
DAVID NORRIS MIDFIELDER
This figure is no stranger to Devon's Plymouth Argyle,where he was a fan favourite,goal scorer and captain.Over six years(2002-2008),he made 220 appearances and then left for Ipswich.
Here,he made an impact with his goals and leadership ability.In May 2010,Roy Keane made him the new captain.He left the Tractor Boys in 2011 for Portsmouth.However,administration meant he had to leave on a free.It was Leeds who made the move.
PAUL GREEN MIDFIELDER
Paul Jason Green is the name all Doncaster fans will respect and remember for his unbelievable contribution ever since he joined as a trainee.
Paul signed for Doncaster in 2002 following a trial and aged 19,he was Young Player of the Season at Belle Vue.He won the Conference playoff final
in 2003,the JPT in 2007 and Championship promotion in 2008.He left the club shortly after.
The next destination was Derby and he spent four years at Pride Park.After the birth of his child,he moved to Leeds on a free.He has also earned 7 caps for Ireland and hopes for a warm return.
MATT SMITH STRIKER
Paul Dickov should know this 6'6" striker well to say he was signed by the Scot for Oldham from non-league Redditch United.
Matt studied at Manchester University and was playing part-time to fund his studies.He also worked at a café.Matt finally had his life changed when Oldham signed him.He was useful substitute and even scored twice in a FA Cup win over Liverpool-Rovers' Reece Wabara also scored that day.
Matt signed for Leeds in 2013 for £100,000.He was thrilled and scored his first ever goal against Doncaster in the cup.
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