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You are in: Football: Eng Prem |
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Monday, 4 March, 2002, 13:29 GMT
Leeds players back Kidd
Kidd fans: Martyn, Ferdinand and Smith
Leeds United players have delivered a solid show of support for under-fire head coach Brian Kidd.
England players Nigel Martyn and Rio Ferdinand, along with striker Alan Smith, called a news conference at Leeds' training ground to announce the players were firmly behind Kidd. Kidd was the principal target for a barrage of abuse from fans during the goalless draw at Everton.
Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale angrily strode round the touchline at the end of the game to confront the supporters on the final whistle. And Leeds boss David O'Leary was adamant in his insistence that former Manchester United assistant manager Kidd would remain his right-hand man as long as he was manager at Elland Road. As Leeds' title challenge has evaporated, the players have pledged their support to Kidd, who has been made a scapegoat by many supporters. England goalkeeper Maryn said: "We want to make it clear that we want Brian to stay. "The way the supporters are reacting is borne out of frustration, because after doing well at the start of the season we cannot seem to find a win since the turn of the year.
"So we have decided to underline our support for Brian before the situation gets any worse." The players' statement of backing followed an endorsement for Kidd from manager O'Leary. The Leeds boss insisted: "I will stay here as long as people want me to stay here and while I am here, and I hope that is still a long time, Brian Kidd will be here with me." Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale was warned by Merseyside Police after his confrontation with the fans. Chief superintendent David Williams said: "I appreciate why he did it and no doubt it was well-intentioned,
"But it was ill-advised. "A chairman's place is in the directors' box and not on the terraces. "We stressed that to him and we are not happy with what has happened. "We won't be taking any action but we shall be writing to both clubs and the Football Association. "If the FA want to take it any further it will be up to them. Ridsdale said: "I told the fans the manager, coaches and players are doing their best to put things right. "I thought it was important to get that over to them." "What they have to understand is that the players are totally behind Brian Kidd, while he also has the total support of the club." |
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See also:
04 Mar 02 | Eng Prem
04 Mar 02 | Leeds United
04 Mar 02 | Leeds United
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