Radebe bows out after turbulent decade

Lucas Radebe tomorrow bids a fond farewell to Leeds – but not without a swipe at those he blames for virtually bringing the club to its knees.

Radebe will celebrate more than 10 years at Elland Road with a testimonial that sees a number of past and present players on hand to honour the South African, as well as a bank holiday crowd of more than 30,000.

The 36-year-old has been witness to the rise and fall of the club during that time, in particular the heady Champions League days when Leeds reached the semi-finals, only for a dramatic collapse to unfold as United almost went out of business.

Radebe looked on as millions were spent on high-profile transfers during the tenure of former chairman Peter Ridsdale, with the defender effectively counting them all in, only to count them all out again as the sales were forced on the club to ease crippling debts.

The last three seasons have been particularly painful for Radebe, notably relegation a year ago.

“The last season under David O’Leary [2001-02], you could see towards the end we were spiralling down and there were a lot of financial problems, in particular because of the huge wage structure,” recalled Radebe.

“The players could sense things were going wrong money-wise because there was a lot of speculation about the players, and missing out on the Champions League that season was a bitter blow.

“We were top of the league at the start of that year and that said a lot about the club at that point, but then the way it all came down was so heartbreaking.

“Obviously, when things are going well and the players are happy, you don’t think about what could happen or financial problems. All we knew was football.

“We didn’t know what was happening upstairs, so when the news came through about the financial problems, it had a negative impact on the team and helped send us on our way down.

“You can’t point the finger at one person. There are many people responsible, in particular the board. They should have known better to take a risk like they did with a great club such as ours. You don’t do that.

“To then get relegated last season, that was the last straw. At the end there were many who didn’t believe it, but it was reality.”

Radebe believes the Leeds side of three years ago would have gone on to greatness had the financial problems not been so acute.

“If that group of players had stayed together I’m sure we would have won trophies,” insisted Radebe.

“We were a threat to Manchester United and taking Europe by storm. It was incredible what was happening to such a young side who were looking forward to such big things. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out the way everybody expected.

“Whether it would have been any different if David had stayed, I don’t know. Once you start to struggle and you sell your quality players, it’s always going to be different.”

But nothing prepared Radebe for what was to then take place as the players departed and the club teetered on the brink of bankruptcy.

“Everybody was wondering what would happen next, and then it came out of the blue the club would fold and you thought ‘oh God!”’ added Radebe.

“It was hard watching everybody leave. At one time the place was like a morgue. During the good days you would wake up in the morning and look forward to training, but then in the bad days you didn’t want to come in.

“You’d pull up and nobody would be smiling, and you’d see good people just sinking under the weight of what was happening.”

Through it all Radebe remained, and he can at least see brighter times ahead now the club is over the worst, ensuring his testimonial will be a happy send-off.

“I’ve been here over 10 years and it feels like such a short, short time,” maintained Radebe.

“But I’ve enjoyed myself and the fans have made it possible. This gives me a chance to say thank-you to them because they have played such a huge part in my career.”