OTHER BITS

Last updated : 31 March 2003 By editor

Ridsdale has gone and Leeds are still in a mess.

Peter Ridsdale has resigned as chairman of Leeds United.

In a statement released to the Stock Exchange, the 50-year-old announced he is standing down after five years as chairman.

Ridsdale said in the statement to the Stock Exchange: "After five years as chairman I have decided to step down and hand over the reins as chairman to Professor John McKenzie who has my full support."

WUMPATAH

Rio Ferdinand learning to lump it rather than play football.

"My game has matured a lot. When I was at West Ham, and even at Leeds, I would take risks and sometimes get caught out. But my coaches at United and England have tried to make me a bit more of a defender. I still want to play nice football but only at the right times."

CARLOS TO MISS UNITED CLASH?

According to the Sun Roberto Carlos may be banned from the first leg of Real’s quarter-final against United a week tomorrow.

Carlos was sent off for shouldering Israeli referee Alon Yefet in the chest as Brazil lost 2-1 away to Portugal in Saturday's friendly.

The defender's punishment will depend on the ref's report to FIFA’, reports the Sun.

TRANSFER RUMOUR

According to rumour kings Planet Football United are keeping tabs on Iranian international Mehdi Mahdavikia.