Leeds United will be part of an FA Cup quarter-final draw for the first time since 2002/03 this evening, following Sunday’s 3-0 fifth-round win over Norwich City. Goals from Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Joel Piroe capped off a dominant performance from Daniel Farke’s side, who will learn of their last-eight opponents tonight.
It’s been 23 years to the day since Leeds played an FA Cup quarter-final, with their 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United taking place on March 9, 2003. Steven Kabba scored the 78th-minute winner that day in a strange time for the Whites somewhere between a Champions League semi-final and Premier League relegation.
Leeds will hope they can avoid the latter while enjoying a cup run alongside this season. And as the current squad await their quarter-final opponent knowing one more win will send them to Wembley, the YEP looks at what happened to the team who fell short almost a quarter of a century ago.
7. CM: Paul Okon
The midfielder played just 15 times for Leeds between 2002 and 2003 but retired in 2007 amid injury concerns. Has since moved into coaching back in his home country of Australia and is currently an assistant coach with the national team. | Getty Images
8. CM: Seth Johnson
Played just 54 games across four years due to severe injury issues before being released in 2005, returning to Derby County where he retired in 2007. The former midfielder has recently spoken candidly about his Elland Road struggles and regret at not being able to contribute more. | Getty Images
9. LM: Raul Bravo
Signed on loan from Real Madrid in January, the Spaniard only played five Premier League games and is remembered as a disastrous signing. A well-travelled career also included spells in Greece, Belgium and across Spain before retiring in 2022 with La Liga and Champions League medals. | Getty Images
10. ST: Alan Smith
Made the very controversial move from Leeds to Manchester United in 2004, spending three years at Old Trafford before stints at Newcastle, MK Dons and Notts County. Briefly moved into management as caretaker at Notts County in 2017. Was last spotted working as a youth coach at the XL Soccer World Academy in Florida. | Getty Images
11. ST: Mark Viduka
The Duke enjoyed spells at Middlesbrough and Newcastle after leaving Leeds in 2004, hanging up his boots in 2009. His post-playing career is well-documented, with the former striker now running a coffee shop in Zagreb, Croatia with his wife. | Getty Images
12. Sub: Eirik Bakke
Stayed with Leeds following relegation and didn't leave until 2006, albeit recurring knee injuries kept him from playing much at all. Joined Aston Villa on loan in 2005 before returning to Norway with Brann and Sogndal. Spent six years in charge of the latter after retiring and most recently left second-tier Asane in February. | Getty Images