Woodgate coup makes fans doubt the denials

Leeds fans could be forgiven for fearing that history is about to repeat itself, despite repeated assurances that Alan Smith is not for sale.

A year ago Peter Ridsdale, then the club's chairman, could not have been more emphatic about the future of Jonathan Woodgate. The Teesside-born centre half was going nowhere, he insisted repeatedly.

Newcastle, carefully led by chairman Freddy Shepherd, sat quietly on the sidelines and waited, aware of the increasing panic that accompanied each statement that Woodgate would not be leaving.

Sir Bobby Robson had watched Woodgate play brilliantly during Leeds' fleeting glory in the Champions League three seasons ago. He told his coaching staff and chairman that he would love to sign Woodgate and viewed the player as faultless, though he added that he did not think he would ever get him.

Nevertheless, Shepherd continued to stalk his man and, as the deadline loomed, his nerve held firm.

He had informed Leeds that Newcastle's offer of £8m was final. 'Take it or leave it,' he had told them.

Leeds, inevitably, took it. Ridsdale said his club did not need the money but, behind the scenes, Leeds were beginning to sink under the weight of their huge debts.