O'Leary rules out Ridsdale pact

David O'Leary insists he is still bitter towards Peter Ridsdale over his dismissal from Leeds United as he prepares to return…

David O'Leary insists he is still bitter towards Peter Ridsdale over his dismissal from Leeds United as he prepares to return to Elland Road today.

Leeds chairman Ridsdale yesterday stated he is hoping former manager O'Leary will be given a warm welcome when he forms part of the Sky Sports commentary team for this morning's clash with Manchester United.

However, O'Leary is clearly in no mood to forgive and forget the manner of his sacking.

The Irishman told the Daily Mail: "He (Ridsdale) has stated that I remain his friend. But I doubt that I will ever be able to speak to him again.

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"Anybody can be sacked, but what upset me more was some of the stuff that was said after I left. To say I had lost the dressing room was disgusting. It couldn't have been further from the truth.

"It will probably hit me when I go back to Elland Road, but I will be walking into the place with my head held high. The fans know I did a good job. I didn't leave them in bad shape."

Teams:

Leeds:
Robinson, Mills, Woodgate, Matteo, Harte, Barmby, Bowyer, Dacourt, Kewell, Smith, Viduka. Subs:Martyn, Kelly, Radebe, Bakke, McPhail.

Man Utd:
Barthez, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Blanc, Silvestre, Phil Neville, Beckham, Butt, Giggs, van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer. Subs:Ricardo, Chadwick, Forlan, Pugh, Roche

Referee:J Winter (Cleveland)

PA