10 Greatest Cult Heroes Who Played For Leeds United

9. David Batty (1987-1993, 1998-2004)

Following the theme of home-grown players, fans' favourite Batty was a local lad with a local temperament who quickly won the hearts of the Elland Road faithful due to his no-nonsense physical style of play. Quiet off the pitch and a sheer force of nature on it, the tough tackling midfielder liked nothing more than a good old scrap, often putting his head where most wouldn't put a house brick. This reputation quickly spread, with him being labelled as one of the 'hardest' footballers in Britain for most of his career. But despite a sometimes reductive image and a fearless approach, Batty was actually a cultured ball-playing midfielder who was as technically proficient as his more mercurial teammates including the two Gary's (McAllister and Speed). It was his power and menace that made him a 'cult hero' though; so much so that he was welcomed back for a second stint after successful spells with Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. Batty can still be seen in and around Elland Road from time to time and will always be Leeds through and through; a real cult hero.