Leeds United’s 2003 FA Cup Quarter-Final Team: Where Are They Now?
Leeds United are just one game away from an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, a position they haven’t reached in almost 25 years. Their upcoming match against relegation rivals West Ham United marks their first FA Cup quarter-final appearance since 2003, when they lost 1-0 to Sheffield United. This article takes a look back at the players who featured in that game and where they are now.
Goalkeeper: Paul Robinson
Paul Robinson was a product of Leeds’ academy and had a breakthrough season in 2002-03, earning the club’s Player of the Year award. He left Leeds after their relegation the following year and went on to become England’s number one in the mid-2000s. He played for Tottenham and Blackburn before retiring in 2011. Since then, he has dabbled in punditry.
Right Back: Danny Mills
Danny Mills fell out of favor at Leeds and spent the relegation season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he won the League Cup. After leaving Leeds, he joined Manchester City but his career suffered due to injuries. He now works as a media commentator. His son George is a British 1500 metres title winner, while his brother Stanley plays for Oxford United.
Centre Back: Teddy Lucic
Lucic had a loan spell with Leeds but wasn’t signed permanently. He moved to Bayer Leverkusen but struggled to make an impact. He eventually retired in 2010 and has kept a low profile since.
Centre Back: Raul Bravo
Raul Bravo made only five Premier League appearances during his half-season loan from Real Madrid. He later became a regular at the Bernabeu but had a modest career, playing for several clubs across Europe. In 2019, he was arrested on charges related to corruption and money laundering, though he denied the allegations.
Centre Back: Lucas Radebe
Lucas Radebe remained at Leeds until after their relegation but was hampered by injuries. He retired in 2005 and returned to South Africa. He is still a beloved figure at Leeds and was named a club ambassador in 2022.
Left Back: Ian Harte
Ian Harte played for several clubs after leaving Leeds, including Levante and Reading. He now works as a football agent, representing players like Jack Clarke. The substitute from that game remains a mystery.
Midfielder: Seth Johnson
Seth Johnson was part of the controversial spending under Peter Ridsdale. Despite his injury struggles, he played for Derby and retired at 28. He recently appeared on Undr The Cosh, a podcast discussing football history.
Midfielder: Paul Okon
Paul Okon had a brief stint at Leeds before returning to Australia. He later became a coach and is currently an assistant to Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic.
Midfielder: Nick Barmby
Nick Barmby left Leeds after their relegation and played for Hull City. He later became a manager but was sacked after a short tenure. He hasn’t been involved in coaching since.
Central Midfielder: Harry Kewell
Harry Kewell was a standout player at Leeds but had a contentious move to Liverpool. He later represented Galatasaray, which caused friction with fans. He now manages Hanoi FC in Vietnam.
Central Midfielder: Eirik Bakke
Eirik Bakke had a more positive legacy at Leeds. He continued playing in the Championship before retiring in Norway. He is currently a coach and is free after leaving Asane.
Striker: Alan Smith
Alan Smith’s move to Manchester United was controversial, especially for a loyal Leeds supporter. He played for Newcastle United and later coached in the U.S. He now lives in Orlando and works in a soccer academy.
Striker: Mark Viduka
Mark Viduka expressed his love for Leeds in a recent interview, citing financial reasons for his departure. He played for Middlesbrough and Newcastle before retiring. He now runs a coffee shop in Zagreb.
READ: Eirik Bakke: Beating ‘arrogant’ Arsenal with Leeds; going on the p*ss pre-Milan
Final Thoughts
The 2003 FA Cup quarter-final team for Leeds United represents a significant chapter in the club’s history. While some players have found success beyond Elland Road, others have faded into obscurity. The current squad now has a chance to create new memories at Wembley, continuing the legacy of the club’s storied past.
