Striker Alan Smith admitted his outspoken views in the press had upset his team-mates but had produced the desired effect as Leeds beat fellow FA Premiership strugglers Leicester 3-2 at Elland Road last night.
Smith accused some players of lacking 'bottle' and said if Leeds went down the likelihood was he would be on his way out of the club.
His team-mates responded by taking a two-goal lead in the first half through Michael Duberry and Mark Viduka but then threw away that advantage as Paul Dickov and Muzzy Izzet levelled after the interval.
However, Smith started the move which eventually led to his 86th-minute winner and afterwards he revealed he was delighted with the performance of the side.
"I said a few things last week and I think I upset a few people but they needed to be said and on behalf of myself and the lads we showed exactly what we wanted to show," he said.
"I think I upset some of my team-mates but I got a response from them. Sometimes the truth is hard to take but we showed great character," Smith added.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
