Woodgate's contract reveals Leeds no-go

By Peter Donnelly
February 7 2003

Jonathan Woodgate will not be able to play for Newcastle when the Magpies travel to Elland Road next week. The defender might be fit and ready to go by then but Leeds and Newcastle both agreed on a clause blocking a Woodgate return.

The decision was mainly down to Leeds Chairman Peter Ridsdale, who didn't want the Leeds fans to go through with the agony of watching Woody play against them and preventing more angry fans.

Newcastle agreed to the clause and were just glad to sign him up on a 5-year contract.

This clause is only for this season and Woody will be avialable to play at Leeds next season.