The former Wealdstone forward, who has scored 17 times for Leeds this season, also collected the Goal of the Year accolade for his effort against Rotherham United while on loan at Scunthorpe United last term.


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Beckford's tally of eight strikes in 18 appearances helped Scunthorpe claim the 2006-07 League One title, and he scored a total of 23 goals last year. He is currently League One's leading goalscorer, one ahead of Swansea City's Jason Scotland who scored for the 16th time on Saturday.

Beckford said: "I can't think of a better feeling right now.
"I didn't set any targets at the start of the season, other than to prove myself. As a club we are aiming for promotion. It looks like it might come via the play-offs, but you never know about automatic promotion.
"It's a massive honour, it really is. I don't know if they have picked the right person but goals speak for themselves and I am really happy."

The strike which earned Beckford the Goal of the Year award – a curling effort from the edge of the box – came against the Millers at Glanford Park in February of last year.

Beckford said: "It was one of those you knew was going in as soon as I hit it."