Del of a car for Leeds 'plonkers'

BBC Sport Online reports on the Leeds United players who are being forced to drive a three wheeler if they don't perform.

Del-boy fever is sweeping Elland Road, but Leeds United's superstars are desperate not to be a part of it.

The player judged to have performed the worst each week is being forced to drive home a yellow Reliant Robin, similar to the one used in top sitcom Only Fools and Horses.

I thought it was Trotters Independent Trainers turning up!

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale

Defender Jonathan Woodgate was voted the inaugural ' Plonker of the Week' and is currently cruising around Yorkshire in the three wheeler.

The entire Leeds squad chipped in to buy the old banger, street value £1,500, as an incentive to do well this season.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale hopes it will inspire them to great things, although he got a shock when he first saw the car.

Mickey-taking

"I thought it was Trotters Independent Trainers turning up!" he laughed.

"But it demonstrates the fantastic team spirit that we have here."

It should also make the players go the extra mile in training to avoid the inevitable mickey-taking.

Rodney: The original 'plonker'

And in case the unlucky loser is tempted to cheat, they will be forced to leave their Mercedes or Ferrari in the club car park.

Woodgate turned up for training in the Reliant Robin on Monday and will have to drive it to Elland Road on Saturday for Leeds' opening game of the season against Southampton.

But there is a plus side.

Every player who takes charge of the car from now until May has to sign their name on one of the doors. It will then be auctioned off for charity at the end of the season.

"Lovely jubbly!" as Del would say.