So, we have an exclusive for all Leeds fans out there, hot off the press is our interview with David Wetherall.

WW: First of all, is there any chance of pulling your boots and and coming back into the defence, because on recent showings, something needs to be done?

DW: Well, you’re right, something needs to be done, but as long as you score more goals than your opposition you’ll be fine haha! Watford was a bit of a disappointment at the weekend, but at that time in the match, you’d take a draw

Well, yeah, I think the way we’re going right now we’re grateful for any point!

Yeah, but I think you’ve got enough to maintain the play-off position, which is the main thing!

Well I hope so David!

So, what are your thoughts on the current position of Leeds United?

Well, I think the current position is strong considering they were promoted only last season. The realistic aim for this season will have been to consolidate their position in the Championship and possibly go for the play-offs next season, so to see them pushing for promotion straight away is fantastic. They are exceeding the expectations put in front of them in pre-season. Plus, they didn’t go out and spend huge sums of money, so to be in the position they are and to be pushing for promotion is a real credit to Simon Grayson and his coaching staff. Hopefully the club has the forward momentum once again.

Leading on from that then, what are your thoughts on Simon Grayson?

I’ve known Simon for a long time, he was around when I signed for Leeds, and it’s good to see someone who genuinely cares about the club making a success of it. He’s passionaite about the club, and he had a tough job when he took over, but he’s taken the team for strength to strength, and has made great strides with the squad and the club. Him and his staff definitely deserve a lot of credit for their hard work and achievements with Leeds United.

Who do you think is the best player in the current Leeds squad then?

Well, obviously I don’t like to single people out, but when Beckford left, everyone expected that the team would suffer as a result, because obviously he was the goal scorer and the headline grabber, so credit has to go to the squad for pulling together and getting good momentum, and to see they are the top scorers in the league just goes to show that you don’t always have to rely on a goalscorer. I think Max Gradel has been fantastic this season, he’s calmed down and changed his attitude, and he has been rewarded. Also, I feel Luciano Becchio has stepped up to the mark well, but overall, Leeds have a lot of fantastic attacking quality, which is vital in the Championship. Every week, Leeds are going out and attacking well, which puts teams on the back foot, and it’s winning you games!

Anyway, enough about the present! How did it feel when you won the title with Leeds in the 1991/1992 season?

Well, it was my first season and when I signed, I was only a part-timer, so I only had a limited involvement in the team, because I was still studying at University, but at the time, the club was absolutely flying and it really was a brilliant place to be. It was a fantastic feeling, knowing you had won the top division, and everyone to do with the club was excited to see what would come next.

Do you regret missing the league champions open top bus tour to revise for exams?

In a way, yes, but on the other hand, I hadn’t earned the right to be there, afterall, I’d only played 2 minutes all season! The experience doesn’t ofter come around though, the chance to join in the cheers and applause with the fans, but in the end, looking back, maybe it was for the best, I passed the exam, and that’s all that matters. But all the time, there is a part of me that regrets missing it because simply, it’s a fantastic experience!

So, David, what is your favourite memory of playing for Leeds United?

Well, I have quite a few. Everyone remembers their debut for a club. Mine was down at Southampton, and it was a great experience! But we also had the games against scum. Before I came to Leeds, I wasn’t really aware of the rivalry and passion that was involved, and when you come out on the winning side, it’s an amazing feeling!

How did you feel when you scored the winning goal against scum back in September ’97?

It was a fantastic feeling! My son had just been born a matter of days earlier, and it was his first game, so that made it even better! It was great for the team, and the fans, but on a personal level it was amazing! As soon as the goal went in, everything became a bit of a blur for a while, but it was a great game to take part in, and a fantastic one for Leeds fans to watch i’m sure!

Following on from that then, what is your least favourite memory of playing for Leeds United?

Oh, do you have to? Haha. Well, I think getting to the cup final in 1996 against Villa and then slumping to that 3-0 defeat has to be up there with the worst! Also the games against PSV in Europe were disappointing, especially after we beat Monaco so emphatically. But I think the worst memory of Leeds United I have is when I was told by David O’Leary that I was surplus to requirements, and that I was free to find a new club. Obviously I was disappointed, but in the end, I had to for the sake of my career.

So, who was the best player you have ever played with?

Well, i’m spoilt for choice there really! There were some unbelievable players at Leeds when I first joined like Gary McAllister, but I think it’s hard to look past Gordon Strachan the way he led the players and the dressing room was in a different class to any other captain I have played with. When Tony Yeboah joined he scored some phenonemal goals. He had a massive impact at the club, and to be playing on the same pitch as him was fantastic! He was a joy to watch, and his goals really were something else!

Who was the best player you’ve played against then?

Well, in that European Cup 2nd leg, Ronaldo appeared, but i’m still trying to blank that one out of my mind, he was a nuisance to deal with! But on the domestic side on football, I was lucky to be playing in the Premier League. There were some great players. I think one of the best players I played against in the Premier League has to be Alan Shearer in his younger days. He was another player who any defence would have trouble keeping quiet. I think the player who was the hardest to keep quiet was Thierry Henry at Arsenal. He really did cause you problems, he was fast and had a lot of skill! To be honest, I was fortunate to play against players like that!

So, finally David, would you consider a spell in management?

Well, I’ve had the experience when I managed Bradford for a while in 2007, and to be honest, right now, it’s not an option I want to take, who knows, in the future I may change my mind, but i’m currently happy with what i’m doing right now, helping youngsters develop into possible first teamers, whether it be for Bradford or for another club. I enjoy it more because I don’t have to go out every Saturday having to scramble for a result. I think right now, I have one of the best jobs in football!

Whitby Whites would like to thank David Wetherall for taking the time to do the interview. Thanks David!