Where are the XI that started Leeds United's first…

Where are the XI that started Leeds United's first ever Premier League game against Wimbledon

The Premier League is 30 years old today as Sheffield United beat Manchester United 2-1 in the division’s first official game. Leeds United, meanwhile, began the defence of their Division One crown against AFC Wimbledon in what was their opening game in the new format.

The Whites, managed by Howard Wilkinson, were 2-1 winners at Elland Road thanks to a double from Lee Chapman either side of Warren Barton’s equaliser. Given that today is the anniversary, here is a look at where the entire XI that started for Leeds against the Dons are now.

John Lukic – goalkeeper

After leaving Leeds for Arsenal in 1996, Lukic ended up retiring from football in 2001. Lukic has been working as a freelance goalkeeper coach since hanging up his boots.

Chris Fairclough – defender

Like Lukic, Fairclough also called it a day on his playing career in 2001, with his final club being York City. He has since held coaching roles at both Nottingham Forest and Charlton Athletic.

Jon Newsome – defender

After working in scouting and coaching roles following his retirement in 1999, Newsome is now a football agent for New Era Global Sports Management. Clients include Everton defender’s Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane.

Chris Whyte – defender

Like Newsome, Whyte is also a qualified football agent, helping to promote talent from under-developed countries. He also spends time coaching football in schools.

Tony Dorigo – defender

Dorigo is the only member of the side still involved in some capacity with Leeds, often co-commentating alongside Bryn Law for the club’s official channel LUTV.

David Batty – midfielder

Batty called time on his career in football in 2004 following a second spell at Leeds. He has since kept himself to himself and out of the spotlight that the sport can bring.

Gary McAllister – midfielder

On the contrary, McAllister has very much kept himself within the bubble of football, taking up several coaching roles. After managing Leeds in 2008, he has since held roles as assistant manager to Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa and Rangers.

Gary Speed – midfielder

Speed unfortunately passed away on 27 November 2011. He was manager of the Welsh national team at the time and is regarded as the man who began the country’s footballing resurgence.

Eric Cantona – attacker

Perhaps unsurprisingly given his personality during his football playing days, Cantona is now an actor. In fact, the Frenchman retired early from football at the age of 30 to pursue a career in the industry.

Lee Chapman – attacker

Chapman has also taken a completely different career after hanging up his boots, as he and his wife are thought to have owned a number of catering businesses in London.

Rod Wallace – attacker

Alongside Brian Deane, the man who scored the first ever Premier League goal, Wallace is now an ambassador for Phoenix Sport and Media Group. They provide expert advice to sporting talent.