If you search hard enough through what remains of 2004’s internet, you can find a photo of ‘the new Mr Leeds United’, James Milner, wearing the new Leeds United Diadora kit, in a photoshoot with Tania Panesar from the women’s team. “It’s a very smart kit and feels good on,” said Milner, when it was unveiled on 23rd May. On 24th May, the old Mr Leeds United, Alan Smith, was sold to Manchester United. On 2nd July, Milner was sold to Newcastle.

This can happen when a club gets relegated from the Premier League! Selling Milner was a watershed of sorts. Before him, only Paul Robinson (before the previous season was even over), Smith, Michael Bridges and Jason Wilcox had left. After him went everybody else.

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