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Woodgate, Bowyer to return to Leeds amid cheers, boos

Newcastle teammates Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer are expected to get different receptions when they return to Leeds today.

While Woodgate should garner applause from Elland Road fans, Bowyer is likely in for more boos.

"There are people who still don't like [Bowyer]," said John Boocock, chairman of the Leeds United Supporters' Trust. "It's not just to do with his lack of commitment to Leeds. It's his ethics. His reception will be lukewarm at best."

Playing with Leeds at the time, Woodgate and Bowyer stood trial on charges of grievous bodily harm and affray after an Asian student was attacked in January 2000. Bowyer was cleared of criminal charges but fined by the club after admitting he was drunk the night Sarfraz Najeib was assaulted.

Woodgate was found guilty of affray, or fighting, and sentenced to 100 hours of community service. Leeds fans supported both during the trial and were upset when Bowyer decided to leave for West Ham in January. He joined Newcastle in the offseason.

When the Hammers played at Leeds last February, fans shouted "scum" and "Judas," and Bowyer was booed throughout the game.

Bowyer was hoping he wouldn't have to play at Elland Road until later in the season.

"I would rather have gone back there a little bit further into the season," said Bowyer. "But we have a good record against Leeds at Elland Road, don't we?"

Woodgate left for Newcastle, also in January, but under different circumstances. He was sold -- against then manager Terry Venables' wishes -- so the club could ease its heavy debt.

Woodgate was injured when Newcastle played at Leeds in late February.

"There's going to be no problem at all for Jonathan Woodgate," said Boocock.

"His reception will be a foregone conclusion. People will applaud him because he was flawless. Other than that period when he was involved in the trial, he never let the side down. When playing for Leeds, Woodgate played with his heart. His commitment was never in doubt."

Newcastle manager Bobby Robson hopes the fans will behave.

"What you have to remember is that those two players loved Leeds United," said Robson. "They gave loyal service at that club for several seasons and loved that club and played very well for them. I just hope Leeds United supporters remember that, the time those two players gave to Leeds United."

Newcastle forward Alan Shearer said both Woodgate and Bowyer could handle whatever happens Sunday.

"I don't know what reception they'll get -- I think one might get a better one than the other," he said.

"But that won't faze them. They're both strong characters -- they've had to be with what they've gone through -- and I know they're looking forward to it, as is everyone else."
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