It was January 2010 when Newcastle approached Leeds United for their prized asset, Jermaine Beckford. Having plundered over 50 goals for the club during his two and a half year stint in League One, Chris Hughton was ready to recruit him as Newcastle prepared to close in on promotion to the top-flight. Having had two offers rejected for Leeds top scorer, a dismayed Beckford subsequently lodged a transfer request, which was instantly ignored.
''I have always said the Beckford decision was down to Simon Grayson. We could have picked up a quick £1.8 million cash from Newcastle for Beckfords transfer and Becks wanted to go. But Simon has always said he would do what was best for Leeds United and that means getting promotion. - Leeds chairman Ken Bates, January 2010.
Perhaps Beckford would have fulfilled a use at St. James Park - after all, he scored ten goals for Everton during his sole season in the top-flight - but considering the striker has mustered a paltry 23 goals in his last 86 Championship appearances for Leicester City, Huddersfield and Bolton, it was probably for the best that he never ended up on Tyneside.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
