Champions League: Ridsdale’s ‘dream too far’

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale believes reaching the Champions League final is ‘‘a dream too far’’ despite the latest Euro heroics from David O’Leary’s side.

Ridsdale was left glowing with pride after watching Leeds remarkably crush Deportivo La Coruna 3-0 at Elland Road in last night’s quarter-final first leg.

A place in the semi-final beckons against either Arsenal or Valencia, beaten finalists in last season’s UEFA Cup and Champions League respectively.

But Ridsdale reckons a return to the San Siro in Milan the venue where Leeds booked their place for the second group stage for the final in May is pushing expectations to the limit.

‘‘There is no doubt that coming this far is a dream few of us could have anticipated last August when we started the journey against 1860 Munich,’’ said Ridsdale.

‘‘It has been fantastic for us to get this far, with every prospect of reaching the semi-finals when the odds have been highly stacked against us throughout.

‘‘On the basis we appear to have mastered the art of playing against the European elite, a semi-final meeting with Valencia would be preferable to Arsenal.

‘‘Should we be in a situation where we are up against Arsenal, that would mean three meetings with them in the space of eight days (a league game in between the semi-final ties). It would be like three high-profile Premiership clashes in a row.

‘‘But realistically, getting to the final in Milan next month is probably a dream too far. However, there is such a fantastic spirit in the camp, you wouldn’t put anything past them.’’

Leeds have already banked just under £7million in prize money alone for reaching the last eight, with that figure likely to be doubled when television revenue, gate receipts and merchandising are added.

A further £6.3million in UEFA prize money awaits should Leeds, now third favourites to lift the European Cup, go on to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Ridsdale, though, realises it is vital Leeds build on what they have already achieved and what they could achieve this season, and that is making sure they are in next season’s competition.

Leeds remain in the hunt for the vital third place in the Premiership, with Ipswich, Liverpool, Sunderland and Chelsea the main threat to United’s hopes.

Ridsdale added: ‘‘To re-qualify for next season’s competition we need to finish in the top three of the Premier League.

‘‘A top three finish looked a distant hope when we went to Maine Road in January lying in 14th place.

‘‘Our results since that time have been outstanding and our last two Premier League victories, away to Charlton and Sunderland, have put us right back in contention for European football again next season.

‘‘The results since January are a timely reminder to everyone who lacked faith at the time in our long-term strategy.’’

Despite the celebrations following last night’s victory, Ridsdale has by no means forgotten the fact today represents the first anniversary of the deaths of Kevin Speight and Christopher Loftus.

The two Leeds supporters were knifed to death on the eve of the first leg of United’s UEFA Cup semi-final against Galatasaray in Istanbul.

As a mark of respect Ridsdale today unveiled a memorial plaque at Elland Road, near to the Billy Bremner statue, while a considerable sum of money raised through collections was also handed over to the Speight and Loftus families.

‘‘On this first anniversary of the two avid Leeds’ supporters deaths, our thoughts and best wishes go to their families as we pause to reflect again on the futility of violence,’’ said Ridsdale

‘‘The hope must be that no one will ever again have to deal with such events as those in Istanbul.

‘‘I hope that our memories of Kevin and Christopher will make us all grateful for our health, happiness, families and friends.’’