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Leeds Leeds Leeds | 1998-2003

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In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Leeds United Football Club embarked on one of the most thrilling and ambitious chapters in its history.

Under the management of David O’Leary, the club blended an exciting mix of youthful exuberance with seasoned talent, crafting a dynamic and fearless style of football that captured the imagination of fans across England and Europe. Young stars like Harry Kewell, Jonathan Woodgate, Alan Smith, and Paul Robinson emerged from the club’s academy, while marquee signings such as Mark Viduka, Rio Ferdinand, and Olivier Dacourt added quality and experience. Leeds’ attacking, high-tempo football earned them not just plaudits but genuine contention for top honours.

Leeds Leeds Leeds, is a series of portrait photographs by Justin Slee taken during his time working for the cult football magazine, Leeds Leeds Leeds, between 1998-2003.

Leeds Leeds Leeds | Justin Slee, Lower Block photo zine
© Leeds Leeds Leeds | Justin Slee – Lower Block
Leeds Leeds Leeds | Justin Slee, Lower Block photo zine
© Leeds Leeds Leeds | Justin Slee – Lower Block

“A real privilege to capture images of such a unique part of my team’s footballing history.”

Justin Slee

The limited edition A5 zine contains 33 colour and black and white photographs spread across 44 pages. The zine features Leeds United icons such as Lucas Radebe, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, David Batty, Alan Smith and Rio Ferdinand during a fantastic period for the club which saw them challenge for top domestic and European titles.

The zine includes a forward by former Leeds Leeds Leeds magazine editor Neil Jeffries, and and introduction by the magazine’s founder the former Loaded and GQ editor, James Brown.

“It was a real privilege to capture images of such a unique part of my team’s footballing history. I recorded the development of gifted young players such as Lee Bowyer, Kewell, Harte, Smith, Woodgate, mixed with experience in Viduka, Radebe, Martyn, Batty, Dacourt, and Rio Ferdinand. The squad was exceptional, fearless, fast, and carefree. They had a bond and commitment to each other and to Leeds. It was a dream job.” Justin Slee

Domestically, they consistently pushed for Premier League glory and deep cup runs, while in Europe, they reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 2000 and memorably advanced to the Champions League semi-finals in 2001, defeating some of the continent’s elite along the way. Elland Road was buzzing, as the club seemed poised to re-establish itself among football’s giants. This period, marked by bold ambition and captivating performances, remains a golden era in the memories of Leeds supporters, a time when dreams of silverware and continental success felt within touching distance.

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