Leeds United assistant manager David O'Leary was this afternoon being hailed a hero for helping his team escape safely from a burning plane after it crash-landed shortly after take-off.

Speaking from his Harrogate home only hours after the drama, a modest O'Leary said: "I just regard myself and everyone as very lucky. Thankfully it is all over."

But players returning to Elland Road after today's Stansted Airport crash were quick to heap praise on their assistant manager. They told how the former Republic of Ireland international shoulder-charged an emergency exit open to let passengers out of the burning chartered jet.

The plane had climbed to 150ft when it was forced to abort take-off and crash-land with its engine ablaze.

Leeds utility player Gunnar Halle, a Norwegian international, paid tribute to O'Leary's quick-thinking.

He said: "David was the first one to his feet and shoulder-charged the middle exit door so we could all get out safely.

"The flames were still burning fiercely when we climbed out on to the wing. All the players were in shock, especially when we saw the size of the flames. We all thought the plane was going to explode."

He added: "The rest of the players coped well, especially David O'Leary, who kept everyone's spirits up. He was a real hero."

O'Leary injured his shoulder during the dramatic escape. One other person was slightly hurt, but the rest of United's entourage and four crew escaped uninjured.

Team physio Alan Sutton added: "David O'Leary jumped up and barged the emergency door open with his shoulder, I think that is how he got injured."

Defender David Weatherall said he feared he would never see his family again when he saw the flames take hold.

"The first thought that went through my mind when the engine exploded was 'Oh no, will I ever see them again?"

Goalkeeper Nigel Martyn, speaking from his luxury home on the outskirts of Leeds, said: "I haven't been able to sleep since it happened. I saw the flames come inside the plane. It was pretty scary but everyone was very calm." The British Aerospace 748 aircraft, operated by Emerald Air, landed with its nose and undercarriage collapsing as it ran over the end of the runway. It had been scheduled to bring the team back to Yorkshire after the 3-0 defeat by West Ham last night. Manager George Graham was not involved in the later drama as he was staying in London. Anxious fans gathered at Elland Road to await the return of their team, who completed their journey by coach.

Around 15 players went on to Leeds/Bradford airport to collect their cars.

Ray Fell, chairman of the Leeds United Supporters' Club, said fans were relieved that the players and club staff had escaped unhurt from the crash.

Leeds confirmed that Saturday's game against Barnsley at Elland Road was not in danger of postponement. AFTERMATH: The BA748 aircraft stands off the runway at Stansted today with its burnt-out engine visible, left

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