O'Neill confirms Leeds talks

Martin O'Neill has confirmed he did meet with Peter Ridsdale in 2003 with a view to becoming Leeds manager.

Former Celtic boss admits Ridsdale meeting

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed he did meet with Peter Ridsdale in 2003 with a view to becoming Leeds United manager.

The ex-Leicester City tactician had only six months left on his Celtic contract after being contacted by Leeds chairman Ridsdale with a view to succeeding Terry Venables at Elland Road.

O'Neill did sign a statement of intent with The Whites, although he claims it was in no way a contract with the West Yorkshire outfit, who were then in the Premier League.

The 55-year-old immediately broke off talks with Leeds once certain conditions were not being met and The Bhoys made it clear they wanted to extend his contract.

"This business is now historical and when I read the article I thought Peter was being Peter," stated O'Neill. "I was within my rights to speak to other clubs in the last stages of my deal.

"I was interested as I wanted to see if I had the potential to be working after June 30, 2003.

"I spoke to Peter Ridsdale and he asked me to see him. I signed a statement of intent on the understanding that there were a number of conditions one of which was that Terry Venables, who was manager at the time, wanted to leave.

"There were quite a number of conditions but it was not a contract as such certainly in terms of a legal document.

No deal

"When I realised that Celtic did actually want me and the conditions which were in the letter of intent were not being adhered to I wrote to him [Ridsdale] and told him that I was not going to continue.

"Peter Ridsdale knew the conditions were not being met and would not be met. He had my letter to say so. It is untrue that I didn't go to Leeds because he was no longer chairman.

"Personally, I did not want to leave Celtic at any given stage. I loved the club. If they had come to me earlier I wouldn't have been in contact with Leeds.

"When Celtic put a new contract to me I was happy to sign it."