Peter Ridsdale has hit back at those attacking his recently published account of his time at Leeds with a crushing statement.
Former chairman hits back
Peter Ridsdale has hit back at those attacking his recently published account of his time at Leeds with a crushing statement that claims 'the truth hurts'.
In his book entitled 'United They Fall' Ridsdale defended his decisions during his time at Elland Road and stated he was not to blame for the financial downfall of the Whites.
The former Leeds chairman also made a number of revelations including details of a pre-contract agreement made by Martin O'Neill to leave Celtic and become Leeds manager in the summer of 2003.
O'Neill, in accepting he signed a contract which was not legally binding, which has been seen by PA Sport, said he felt he had been coerced and strongly denied Ridsdale's suggestion the deal was conditional on him remaining as chairman, something which did not happen.
After being cleared to speak about his time at Leeds after a Department of Trade and Industry investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing, Ridsdale did not hold back in delivering his opinion on the entire situation.
"The truth hurts," said Ridsdale. "There are some people, who when they see the truth, either deny it or try to reinvent it.
"I cannot be 100 percent convinced Martin O'Neill would have joined Leeds because it had not been announced, even though he had given us the authorization to do so, but I stand by my belief he would.
"Martin always said we were destined to work together. We had already tried twice, so why would he come down to see me? Why would he sign the contract?
"Martin is one of the most loyal managers I know. To suggest I somehow coerced him into signing a contract just does him a disservice. He is a far stronger man than that."
Deranged
Ridsdale had also questioned former Whites boss David O'Leary's role in appointing Rune Hauge as sole agent in the deal which saw Rio Ferdinand move from West Ham to Leeds and claimed he effectively blocked a proposed £14million transfer for Olivier Dacourt to leave for Lazio.
After hearing of the allegations, O'Leary branded Ridsdale 'deranged' and has suggested he will be consulting his lawyers.
In a bid to defend his reputation, O'Leary said: "I am prepared to undergo any kind of scrutiny because I know I have done nothing wrong."
Ridsdale was ousted from his position at Elland Road in 2003 and believes he has been the victim of a smear campaign aimed at piling all blame of Leeds' downfall on him.
Seen as public enemy No.1 at Elland Road, Ridsdale admits the situation is unlikely to change but says he still cares about the club despite what people may think.
"It was the most difficult period I have ever had in my life," he said.
"I did not sleep at night. How could I? It was my football club. It wasn't a job, it was a love affair.
"I didn't talk to my family and no-one spoke to me in Leeds because the supporters were turning against me.
"It was pretty apparent no one on the board would stand shoulder to shoulder with me. It was the most lonely experience you could imagine."
