Viduka is a ‘dangerous animal’, Reid warns Premiership

PETER REID has warned the rest of the Premiership to beware the dangerous animal that is Leeds striker Mark Viduka.

While all the talk in recent weeks has been about Arsenal’s Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy at Manchester United given the battle for the title, there is no player enjoying the kind of hot-streak Viduka is on at present.

The Australia international has scored nine goals in Leeds’ last five league games, with six in three since the arrival of Reid helping to push them away from the relegation zone.

Viduka now has 17 for the season, with 15 in the league, and is fast closing in on his 22-goal tally of 2000-01, which was his first in the Premier League following his £6m arrival from Celtic.

The 27-year-old has often been accused of laziness, occasionally going missing in matches, but Reid has been thoroughly impressed by what he has seen so far. It is the kind of form which is again likely to have Europe’s top clubs casting an eye over Viduka should Leeds be forced to sell again this summer.

But that does not bother Reid as he said: “I want all my players to play well and if he is scoring goals then people are going to sit up. He’s certainly got all the attributes, without a doubt, to be a 20-goals per season man.

“He’s just been brilliant since I’ve been here. His goalscoring has been excellent, while some of his link up play has been terrific,” said Reid.

“Everybody knows about his ability, but it’s that hunger of wanting to score and of wanting to win games, and when you’ve a hungry Mark Viduka, you’ve a dangerous animal and that what he’s been.

Off the field, Peter Ridsdale yesterday severed all ties with Leeds, ending his 16-year association with the club. Ridsdale stood down as chairman at the end of last month on the same day the club announced increased losses of £78.9m, with Prof John McKenzie taking over the troubled Elland Road helm.

Ridsdale initially chose to remain on the board as a non-executive director, and to assist in what was described as a handover period to McKenzie, but less than three weeks on he has quit both the plc and football club boards.

After a turbulent season during which he has received hate mail and death threats following the sale of several key players, Ridsdale is to take stock before moving on.

“I’ve had 16 years as a director and enjoyed every minute,” said Ridsdale.

“But given that there are other avenues I am now pursuing it could be seen as a conflict of interests to remain any longer. I shall be taking time out to reflect and think about the future, but whatever happens I will remain a big fan of Leeds. My heart will always be in Leeds United,” said Ridsdale.

The supporters are happy to see the back of Ridsdale, who ended his five-and-a-half-year reign as chairman following the abuse he received during a home loss to Middlesbrough last month.