Rumours rife about Woodgate

Last updated : 25 January 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Some claim the Leeds board has held a crisis meeting to discuss an offer for the defender and the possible reaction of the Elland Road fans, while others report that no bid has been made.

One radio station claims that Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale faces the sack if he can not sell Woodgate before the end of the transfer window, but other reports suggest that manager Terry Venables will be the one to go.

Seth Johnson’s move to Middlesbrough is claimed to have fallen through because the player has failed a medical, meaning that Leeds must sell Woodgate to raise funds, but some websites report that he will join the Smoggies on Monday.

The only things that we know for sure is that Venables is annoyed by the whole affair and supporters are furious with Ridsdale for even considering selling the England man.

Leeds fans abused their chairman during the 1-1 FA Cup draw at Gillingham and on Friday Venables hinted that he would consider resigning if Woodgate was sold.

"Enough is enough. I have to consider my future," said the former Barcelona manager.

"The club knows my thoughts but I don't think they are taken into account.

"I want to win more matches than I lose but if I'm not allowed to do that I must consider my own position.

"I don't blame Kieron Dyer for trying to get Woody to Newcastle. I've spoken to Jonathan about it and he appears happy to stay, but if he becomes tempted to go up there I don't know if I could persuade him otherwise."

Still there’s only six more days for something to happen, so we don’t have to hang on for much longer.