Midfielder Eirik Bakke is synonymous with an era of success and excess in LS11. He enjoyed seven successful seasons helping Leeds United reach the semi-finals of both the UEFA Cup and Champions League. Bakke came to Leeds in 1999 as a Norwegian Under-21 international and the plan was to blend him slowly into an already strong midfield. “He was a player who I didn’t want to expose too quickly,” manager David O’Leary said. “But he emerged with great credit.” Bakke continued to make his presence felt in the post-O’Leary years but spent increasing amounts of time with Leeds’ medical staff as injuries consumed him. Enjoy these rarely-seen photos showcasing some of his stand out moments playing for Leeds United. READ MORE: 18 memories from Leeds United's Champions League adventure during the 2000s
![Eirik Bakke celebrates with Michael Bridges scoring against Aston Villa during the FA Cup fifth round clash at Villa Park in January 2000. The game finished 3-2 to Villa.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4Mjg0Nzg4.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
7. Eirik Bakke in focus
Eirik Bakke celebrates with Michael Bridges scoring against Aston Villa during the FA Cup fifth round clash at Villa Park in January 2000. The game finished 3-2 to Villa.Photo: Getty
![Tottenham Hotspur's Mauricio Taricco gets his claws into Eirik Bakke during the FA Carling Premiership clash at Elland Road in February 2000. Leeds won 1-0.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4Mjg0Nzg5.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
8. Eirik Bakke in focus
Tottenham Hotspur's Mauricio Taricco gets his claws into Eirik Bakke during the FA Carling Premiership clash at Elland Road in February 2000. Leeds won 1-0.Photo: Getty
![Eirik Bakke takes on AS Roma's Cafu during the UEFA Cup fourth round first leg clash at the Stadio Olimpico in March 2000. The game finished goalless.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4Mjg0Nzkw.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
9. Eirik Bakke in focus
Eirik Bakke takes on AS Roma's Cafu during the UEFA Cup fourth round first leg clash at the Stadio Olimpico in March 2000. The game finished goalless.Photo: Getty
![Eirik Bakke holds off the challenge of Bradford City striker Dean Saunders during the FA Carling Premiership match at Valley Parade in March 2000. Leeds won 2-1 thanks to a brace from Michael Bridges.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4Mjg0Nzkx.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
10. Eirik Bakke in focus
Eirik Bakke holds off the challenge of Bradford City striker Dean Saunders during the FA Carling Premiership match at Valley Parade in March 2000. Leeds won 2-1 thanks to a brace from Michael Bridges.Photo: Getty
![Eirik Bakke receives a red card from referee Costas Kapitanis during the Champions League third qualifying round first leg against 1860 Munich in August 2000. Leeds won 2-1.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4Mjg0Nzky.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
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Eirik Bakke receives a red card from referee Costas Kapitanis during the Champions League third qualifying round first leg against 1860 Munich in August 2000. Leeds won 2-1.Photo: Getty
![Eirik Bakke celebrates scoring the fourth goal against Besiktas during the Champions League clash at Elland Road in September 2000. The Whites 6-0.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE4Mjg0Nzkz.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
12. Eirik Bakke in focus
Eirik Bakke celebrates scoring the fourth goal against Besiktas during the Champions League clash at Elland Road in September 2000. The Whites 6-0.Photo: Getty