O'Leary, who was dumped by the club on 27 June, said the trial of the two players for an attack on an Asian student in January 2000 cost them the title.

Bowyer was cleared after a second trial in December last year, while Woodgate was found guilty of affray.

O'Leary said their invovlement in the case resulted in the club failing to win a trophy and cost him his job.

"I raised the profile of the club that made us attractive and we were going along very well until a certain incident came along two years into my reign and the club changed into so many other different things.

"I think we would have won the league only for that (the court case). We led the league two years back up to March and then ran out of steam, getting involved in a UEFA Cup semi-final."

But O'Leary said he still wished the Elland Road club every success, but said Woodgate could be as good as Rio Ferdinand if he matured.

"The thing he has to do is grow up. He can be a tremendous player on the pitch, great talent, but he has got to mature and look after himself much, much better off the field.

"With this (the court case) out of the way they will get a good run and I think they will finish third."

O'Leary said he would not be rushed back into management but would consider each offer as it came along and select the best option.

"I just won't take a job because it is the first one that comes up," he said.

"I'll take the job that is right."