Not since the 2003-04 season have the injury blighted duo of Jonathan Woodgate and Alan Smith lined up alongside each other in the white of Leeds United. It was that fateful season that one of the biggest clubs in English football succumbed to the relegation trapdoor, to which they have yet to return. Next season they will again try to regain their place in the top echelon of English football, a challenge that could be aided by old boys Woodgate and Smith. Both men are now without a club after they were released by Tottenham and Newcastle respectively, meaning it’s an avenue Leeds should certainly consider exploring. However, it’s one that brings as many potential negatives as positives.

When a club brings back a former player it can work one of two ways, it can generate a buzz of anticipation and excitement amongst the fans, or it can have the complete opposite effect. Woodgate and Smith were both held in very high esteem by Leeds fans while they played for the Elland Road outfit, but they both left the club at a time when it was in free fall. Their departures were inevitable, as both were highly regarded young England internationals who had to be sold to help Leeds financial situation . However, Smith’s departure left fans enraged, as he crossed the Pennines for arch rivals Manchester United no sooner had the dust settled on Leeds relegation. So would the fans welcome him back with open arms?

The main consideration that should come to the forefront with any potential signing of Woodgate and Smith should be their fitness levels. Do Leeds want to bring two players to the club who could feasibly spend most of the season in the treatment room? Jonathan Woodgate in particular has spent large parts of his career battling numerous injuries which have ruined what had the potential to be a hugely successful career. Woodgate only made one appearance for Spurs last season, in the game with Milan at the San Siro. Smith didn’t fair much better either, he only made eleven appearances for the Magpies.

Then we come to the next dilemma in signing the two former stars, their wages. Both may have suffered with injuries throughout their careers, but they haven’t suffered financially, they have both been involved in big money moves which have seen their bank balances well looked after. They would both be well aware they would need to take a pay cut to sign for Leeds, but they would still command considerably higher wages than their team mates. The prospect of paying top wages to players who could find themselves spending more time in the treatment room than on the pitch should be a major consideration for Leeds to take on board.

However, if they managed to stay fit for the majority of the season Leeds would be enhancing their aspirations for a promotion push with two quality players, who would bring a wealth of experience to the side. Having two Premiership calibre players in their ranks would not only significantly increase Leeds promotions credentials, but it would send out a statement of intent. Woodgate and Smith experienced what were possibly some of the greatest moments of their careers playing for Leeds, notably the memorable Champions League campaign in the 2000-01 season. Such times are a long gone now, but the two men could be the catalysts in the next memorable chapter in Leeds United’s history – the season Leeds get back to the Premier League.

It would certainly be a risk for Leeds to bring Smith and Woodgate back to the club, but is it a risk worth taking?  What would the fans reaction to Smith be like? Would his move to Man United be water under the bridge, or do some fans still harbour resentment towards him? Do Woodgate’s persistent injury problems make any move for him foolish, or could he reignite his career and Leeds hopes of promotion with a move back to Elland Road? These are all questions Leeds fans need to ask themselves.

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