The former Australian captain became Terry Venables second signing at Elland Road, and became the sixth Australian at the club. Signed on a free transfer, Okon has has previous experience in the Premiership with Middlesbrough, whom he also joined under Terry Venables. Though he may be signed for free, but the former Lazio and Fiorentina player has made the Leeds midfield look more stable, as both he and Eirik Bakke had forged a very strong partnership at the heart of the team. They were both so strong as a force in the midfield that ex-Leeds stars like Lee Bowyer and Olivier Dacourt has not a chance to play their parts as well. Hopefully, Okon can continue to contribute a lot more to Leeds' midfield for a long time to come, as we have to also understand the fact that Okon is not getting any younger as his age is slowly catching up with him!

Despite being earmarked as a player for the future, Eirik announced his arrival in the Premiership with an impressive home debut against Newcastle in September 1999 and went on to play a key role in United's season both at home and in Europe. An elegant midfielder with an eye for goal, especially in the air as his double against Galatasaray in the UEFA Cup semi-final proved, he deservedly picked up the LUFC Young Player of the Year award for the season. The Norwegian's second season at Elland Road proved to be a stop start affair as he struggled top overcome injuries that dogged him throughout the campaign. However, after shaking off his injuries this season, Eirik is slowly getting back to the kind superb form that he had shown in his early part of Leeds' affair. Thanks to much of Paul Okon's influence, both Eirik and the Aussie midfielder has forged a powerful midfield combination.

Former United boss David O'Leary swooped to sign Jason Wilcox and make him his seventh signing when he paid Blackburn Rovers £3million for the left winger in a surprise move just before Christmas 1999. He quickly settled in at Elland Road and his contribution to Leeds' Premiership and UEFA Cup campaigns was so impressive he won a call up again to the England squad and was a certainty for Euro 2000 until a groin injury ruled him out. Jason was again dogged by injuries the following season and was restricted to a number of cameo roles. Many, including myself, thought this lad would end up following the likes of Rio Ferdinand (transfered to Man Utd), Robbie Keane (transfered to Spurs), Olivier Dacourt (loaned to Roma), and Lee Bowyer (transfered to West Ham) leaving Elland Road. That was, however, not the case when Terry Venables decided to give Jason another chance to prove himself and he did just that - producing quality perforamances in as many games played since the start of the 02-03 season. Now the question would be, can this player last long enough to be part of Leeds United 1st team now that there has been talks around England and South America of Brazilian World Cup winning player Kleberson could be Venables' next signing? Good question, and we'll just have to wait and see what the answer would be...

Leeds born highly promising midfielder who has been fast tracked into the United first team squad during the 2002/03 season. Made his full debut as a substitute at West Ham in November to become the second-youngest ever player to ever play in the Premiership behind Coventry City's Gary McSheffrey who was 16 years 198 days old when he made his debut v Aston Villa Prem in February 1999. James caught the attention of many when he scored against Southampton and Chelsea, beating Everton's Wayne Rooney to be the youngest Premiership goal scorer. Milner, at sixteen and 309 days, is the second youngest ever player at Elland Road behind Leeds legend Peter Lorimer, who at the tender age of 15 years, 289 days, made his debut against Southampton in September 1962. I may be wrong for saying this, but believe it and like it or not, James could go on to be a huge star that will shine at Elland Road. Many said Wayne Rooney will become the next big thing, but to me, after Michael Owen, there's another boy-wonder in the making and James is just the one!

Much-heralded Irishman whose sweet skills have him earmarked as one of the biggest talents in the league, he is now set for a long career with both club and country. United's young player of the year award in 1997, as Leeds lifted the FA Youth Cup, he made his first team bow as a substitute at Leicester in February 1998 and hit the headlines with a defence splitting 70 yard through ball for Rod Wallace. David O'Leary gave youth its head and picked him and his youth team compadres for his second game in charge. His left foot has brought him to the fore yet he needs to add some vital steel and energy to his performances if he is to fulfill his wonderful talent. McPhail, however, suffers greatly from fitness problems and his hopes of becoming a regular in the Leeds side were affected by a string of injuries. Was allowed to go out on loan in mid-March 2002 to join First Division rivals Millwall. However, he was sent off on his debut against Sheffield Wednesday, which meant he would only play a total of three games for the Lions. By the start of the 2002/03 season, McPhail had made 76 appearances for Leeds, netting twice. However, it would now be a "make-or-break" situation for this player. If McPhail can break into the first team and prooves himself well enough, he could well see a bright future ahead at Elland Road. Otherwise, he might be yet another player to face the axe as Leeds' manager, Terry Venables look to trim down the size of his current squad, and also to bring in more cash to pay off debts owed by the club itself.