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YOUR VIEWS Beckford transfer listed UPDATED

Read and add your views to the breaking news that Leeds United have transfer listed star striker Jermaine Beckford.

To add your views, click here. We'll publish the best in Wednesday's Yorkshire Evening Post.

To read the full story, click here.

YOUR VIEWS

If I am honest I am very disappointed that Jermaine is leaving, he will be hard to replace that's for sure

There is talk of David Healey returning to Elland Road, Jermaine scored more goals for Leeds in one season then Healy managed in three – OK its League One and Healy played in the Championship but I believe that Jermaine is the more natural of the two when it comes to finding the back of the net

It's well known that there is no loyalty on football pitches, in the stands yes, but very rarely on the pitch.

I agree with Ken Bates, he'll be hard pushed to find a club where he is treated as he is at Leeds

Thanks for your efforts Jermaine; you don't have to do exactly what your agent tells you, you do have a mind of your own!!

Simon Williams (READING)

****

As far as i concerned, it woul be good riddance to a very average player. Although you can not ignore his goalscoring record, more often than not most of his goals came against lowly opposition and he never delivers in the big games when we really need him such as Two play off semi finals last year, Wemblet last year and two play off semi finals this year. The only time he showed any passion in this years playoffs came in the 93rd minute at elland road when he decided to push there defenders about, but quite frankly this was too little too late and he simply conned his adoring fans.

Anybody with pace could quite easily score the same amount of goals that beckford has scored in league 1 and i suggest we make a play for Leroy Lita ( He would be a right coup ) who has just been released by reading and was previously on the verge of the england squad only two seasons ago. We now have the right man in charge and feel confident with the stance he has taken with beckford and also for the future prosperity of this club we all love.

Bye Bye Becks

Jonny and Scott ( Leeds ) LUFC SEASON TICKET HOLDERS 47 YEARS

****

His goals will be missed, but he bottles it at big games, nows the time to Bring back Smith and Viduka!

Mark, Leeds Fan,

Plymouth

****

The Jermaine Beckford saga. A dilemma obviously.

Firstly, so far we've only heard what's released to the press, ie. by the club (who are obviously going to make out they've made him a very good offer] and from the player's agent (who's at pains to impress that the player's not necessarily unhappy but he'd like his future 'sorting out'] Whatever the temperature of the discussions, you can bet that we, as fans, will never know the true story.

What we do know is this:

The guy's a good proven goalscorer (certainly at this level – maybe higher]. It's not really fair to cite what he did, or didn't do in the Championship 3 years ago. He was fresh out of non-league soccer and thrust into a struggling side then.

He has pace to burn and thus stops the opposition from playing a defensive high line and compressing the midfield.

He's only got one year left on his current contract, diminishing his true market value considerably.

So what are the options if he goes?

We can try to replace him like for like with a similar, pacy, prolific striker. With whom? Fryatt? No chance, he's off into the Championship. Cox? Probably heading the same way himself. Lambert? Not the quickest.

And in any event, every one of these is under contract and would probably cost us more than we might get for our own man. If that be the case, wouldn't we be better off utilising any additional cash which might be needed to fund an adequate replacement by simply improving the offer somewhat to Beckford and getting him to sign a new contract?

Other options?

Mike Grella? Untried. Dare we risk that?

Danny Graham, Carlisle? Hard worker, Not quite as prolific or quick but out of contract and could be a possibility.

Simeon Jackson, Gillingham? Pace to burn and another possibility but, again, wouldn't be any cheaper than our own man

Or, we have some other hitherto unknown lined up (another Snodgrass or Becchio please]

Once again we have to trust the men with the cheque books

A final, cynical thought...

Does promotion back to the Championship entail a further payout to creditors of the Old Club? or am I mistaken about that?

Stewart, Leeds

****

no player is bigger than the club, let him leave and get players in who want to play for the club, his attitude was terrible even pushing his own players about when he got one of his regular strops on.

shaz

****

I think a lot of people are failing to look at the bigger picture.

We need a wage structure in place to get Leeds back to where they belong in the long run. I know it's another season in League 1 but the profit made last year was encouraging. Anyone thinking that Mr Bates is just keeping his pennies in his pocket is hugely mistaken. A wise man once said you have to speculate to accumulate and Ken Bates is doing just that.

Keep the wage structure in place, keep making a profit, buy back Elland Road and Thorp Arch then move onwards and upwards. Slow and steady always win the race.

Tim, Essex

****

Although i understand the reasons for placing beckford on the transfer list i personally think his demands should have been met.Bates himself has said next season we will be stronger due to the stability of a good manager but losing your top goalscorer in what to me is a must win season is only going to destabilise the team.For the first time whilst we have been in this division i truly believed we would go automatically this time next year but not so sure now.I am not beckfords biggest fan but i am a fan of the goals he scores,yes you start from the back but goals win games and he has scored some quality this year.I think he should have one more season to help get us out of this league before we all go mad !

steve

****

Although not too upset to see Jermaine Beckford potentially leave as an individual, I am sure we will miss his goals.

Despite a few negatives it is Goals that make Strikers and goals that win games.

Why have the club announced it to the world? Why not just say fine - we'll let your contract run out and see where you want to go at the end of next season. Hopefully with his goals we would be in The Championship and if the are any more attractive clubs wanting his services then, then so be it.

This may be a bit short sighted by the club, or it maybe a player and his agent getting ideas above their station - until we know the facts I will reserve judgement. He is worth a payrise - just depends how much.

KM

Manchester

****

Not surprised but echo what everyone else is saying, he can't hack it in the big games, and where ever he goes he wont be at a bigger club and will be a bench warmer!

We should keep him and let his contract go down and when we go up next year he will wont to sign a new contract, we must not sell him to a rival. Becchio is a much better team player and we should build round him, get in Lambert or Cox

Phil

Essex

****

After what happened against millwall pushing other players instead of getting into a goal scoring position, I am not surprised sometimes I have been wondering whether he didn't want to play for the club, if he goes, his goals will be missed but there are other strikers around who could do the job, but personally all the players who have left Leeds since we were in the premiership have all failed within the clubs they have gone to so Beckford will regret not being part of the Leeds set up

Greg Wood

Halifax

****

As far as I am concerned Beckford is gone, so much for "What shirt am I wearing bru?" Now my suggestion is that Larry should go for Cox (Swindon), someone with bags of goals, has a better first touch, isn't lazy and can help Luciano get some more goals himself God knows he deserves it having worked tirelessly supplying Beckford with his quantity. I just hope we can hold onto Snods, Delph et all, otherwise it will be more than another season in the 3rd tier.

Rockabilly Reb, Belfast

****

It was inevitable if we're honest, he was always going to want more than we were prepared to offer in this league.

Well done Bates and Leeds for sticking to the wage structure.

I always liked Becks, he could be a moody so and so but he knew where the back of the net was and scored some cracking goals.

Don't expect him to leave to soon as I can see this going all the way to the last few days of pre-season, as Becks and his agent wait to see who comes in with the most money.

I reckon Bates will want about 2-3 million for him, a lot for someone in League 1 and with only 12 months left on his contract. But that must be his worth, taking into consideration how much promotion to the championship would be

worth to Leeds.

I do think that a replacement needs to be brought in sooner rather than later as we have to prepare for life without him from now

I still wish him all the best where ever he ends up but one player dosen't make a team and personally I don't think he will ever play for a bigger team than leeds in stature.

Just hope some of the other don't follow suit.

We are Leeds and bigger players will come and go. we found him and I'm sure we'll find plenty more.

Thanks Becks.

Don Revie OBE 10 July 1927 – 26 May 1989 R.I.P

Steve

****

He may have had his faults but he is a catastrophic loss. Without the huge amount of brilliant individual goals he scored, we would have been nowhere near the play offs. In fact his goals have papered over the cracks. We are heavily over-reliant on him which is why when he didn't play well, we rarely created any chances. If we don't replace him with an equally good striker, we will not go up next season either.

Peter, London.

****

He is a rough diamond that was just starting to come good!

I wish him all the best for the future!

Saying that all the players have a collective responsibility for the reason that we did not get promotion so maybe a contract that offer's a big bonus if promotion is achieved should be offered to him!

After all Jamaine you should not expect to be given loads of cash unless the club gets something in return!

If he is determined to leave then I would really like to see some experience up front to help Mick Grellor and Beckio when they have lean spells, which they are going to have.

Lets hope that the rest of the players have decent terms left on there contracts so we are not in this position at the end of next season, if we fail to go up.

We are in a desperate need for a holding mid-fielder,

Derrick

****

jermaine beckford has been an excellent player for us leeds utd fc, i do think he has an attidude problem at the best off times, remember his sending off a few months back, missed the next 3 matches, we lost 2 off them and drawed the other, he did in away cost us automatic promotion, then his penalty miss against millwall grrr, anyway he cant put the gun to the clubs head and demand ex amount off pounds, i think we should sell him, should a decent bid come in for him, i think we could buy another decent striker with the money, just look at matty frytt off leicester, where did he come outta? scored 29/30 goals this season to, yet hes still only 21/22 or so, was looking forward to next season with beckford n becchio as a strike force, but doest look like that will happen now, leeds to i die fan, newry co-down n-ireland !!!

Shane

****

Most of the responses here are of the 'good riddance' nature but I have to disagree. If Jermaine Beckford is sold this summer, Leeds will be a weaker team next season and will have let their best striker go. It is less likely we'll be promoted, and we may even finish mid-table. I think this is a sad day. The Board should pay Beckford the salary he deserves for banging in 30+ goals a season. We will struggle to replace him, I'm afraid.

Ade Cox (Leeds fan)

****

pay the lad what he wants,we have 3000 people MORE than Leicester at EVERY home game,where goes the money!!!???? what will a 30 goal a season cost?where do we find him? i know no ones bigger than the club,but desent players cost,even in this league.get wried of the dead wood,and keep becks.he can only get better,with more quality around him.MOT from norway.

terje hansen,regular traveller

****

Have to say now that beckfords gona be leaving we need another ace striker,so how about Rickie Lambert?scored 29 goals in the league,and should be easy to get.and they should raid the SPL,loads of talent in that league,infact theres acouple of ace players at inverness-and they got relegated.and maybe its time for alan smith to return?

Paul Brunton,Scotland

****

No surptrise really. Despite running 'hot and cold' over the last couple of seasons and with his injuries, 34 goals is a great acheivement by any standards. Yes he will be missed. Can he 'cut the mustard' outside of the 3rd Division? we'll have to wait and see, but let's not forget the other players who have assisted Beckford in his achievements and no doubt Messrs Bates and Grayson have already considered their options if they were to get good offers for Beckford, Delph and Becchio. There are plenty of other stars in the making out there with youngsters coming through and 'Big Club' we may be but we are STILL in the 3rd division!! No one player can be bigger than the team.....isn't that right Ronaldo?????

Vince Bradshaw

San Miguel de Salinas

Spain

****

34 goals in one season AND he missed a few games through injury and stupid suspensions but without Beckford we maybe wouldn't have even got to the play-offs?!

All you who say good riddance are mental, come on Mr Bates offer more money you made 4 million profit this last/year so offer him some of that!!!!

How much has Mr Bates spent on the new scoreboard, I know its nice to have one but a bigger and better one than last time? We have done without one for last 2/3 seasons, bugger that, offer Beckford the extra money to stay, we have a decent squad now but need Beckford to get out of this shit league, coming close is no good anymore. A league one side getting 38,000 attendance on the last match and an average of 26,000 over the season……c'mon dig deeper, sell him once we have got promotion and you will get more for him in the long run!!!!!!!!!

A very upset and angry – Sharon Beaumont – this is my 28th Season, 9 as a Season Ticket holder.

****

Although disappointed that Beckford has decided to turn down the new offer I do feel that a change to a higher level may be beneficial to him.

However I also feel this change could also rebound on him - there are times in the game when Jermaine has shown no appetite in his appreciation of what is, after all a team game.

Too many times he has appeared to be interested in only himself - much to the disapproval of the home supporters.

This is something he must overcome and turn his goalscoring ability into teamwork and not outstanding individuality.

I am sure he would have had the opportunity in the Premier League by now if he could only change this "attitude" problem.

On the other hand I'm sure Simon will handle the matter without Beckford, which will result in the goals being shared around the team.

Ralph

Chesterfield

****

This is a mistake.

If we are serious about going up we needed to keep Becks and then get another striker to cover for injury , suspensions and add competition to Becks himself.

Leeds' support has been fantastically loyal through four years under Bates and four years of failure.

We are the most profitable club outside the premiership.

So why not take a gamble and keep him for next season ?

Next season has to be a success.

Not even our support can consistently be taken for granted year in year out, failure after failure.

Leeds utd, their fans and Beckford will ALL regret this.

Richard Milner

Coventry.

****

Isn't it ironic,that the two players who were responsible for us not getting to wembley this season, (douglas out of position for millwall goal)&(beckford missing a pen) are the same two players who are looking for more money.If we had of made it to the championship, there is no doubt that the club, would have offered them championship wages, but they were part of a team that failed us yet again.It angers me,that these footballers today,want it both ways.Once again, no loyalty from footballers in general, in todays game.No pride in wearing a famous shirt. Some of thse players( not just leeds) could'nt give a stuff about the club they play for

Colin

****

I'm not surprised that this has happened. It was quite clear last week that Beckford's agent has his eye on big money – remember he wants his 10% - and I feel he has told Beckford that he should get a great deal because he has scored the goals. The reason we shouldn't be held to ransom is obvious to me. Douglas was on a big wage for League 1 and to offer him the same or more would have destabilised the wage structure. Presumably Beckford's agent wanted a lot more, and to concede that sends the wrong message to the other players' i.e. that Beckford is more important than everyone else. That being said I will be sorry to see him leave as his goals have been important, but remember he missed 8 games because of a poor attitude and disciplinary record. I have no doubt that we can get a replacement who wants to play for Leeds. Look at Peterborough – they didn't have a big name striker but they are in the Championship. The reality is that one player doesn't make a team – it's the all round performance that counts.

Best wishes

Adrian Longden

***

I have read a number of these comments with interest and are a little disappointed that quite a few want to see Beckford fall on his face. I take the view that he has played well for Leeds and given good service, the fact he wants to move on is part of football and we should not be offended.

However, my point goes beyond whether Beckford signs or stays, I think the question we should be asking ourselves is why we are having to concern ourselves with this. We are Leeds; and we have largely put our financial difficulties behind us. We have Premiership support still. Why are we attracting and employing Division 1 journeymen and wannabee's. Leicester City gained promotion by effectively keeping a squad of Championship players together and they were head and shoulders above every team in the league. Ask yourselves why we are not doing just that, attacting Players from the Championship. Perhaps the Executive Management at Elland Road are not as keen as we are to extract us from this league. Maybe we are not sufficiently ambitious enough? You only have to look at some of the players who are being bandied around on this blog to come to the conclussion that we are lacking in any real ambition. 'Lets get Simon Cox from Swindon' was an earlier comment. Swindon Town finished 31 points behind Leeds, what kind of ambition is that!

If the Club was attracting the quality players this Club needs, the issue of whether Beckford stays or goes becomes less significant. The only person that can address this is Mr Bates. Given we are going to start our 3rd year in Division 1 speaks volumes from the Boardroom!!

Martin Moreton

***

If Beckford thinks he can make it been a small fish in a big pond by moving to the Championship or Premier League without Leeds then let him go, Leeds supporters deserve more than some small time Johnny who thinks he is bigger than the club. You will definitely need your gloves then when you are sat on the bench or in the stands week after week. Get a grip and stand up and be counted next season and repay the fans with 40 plus goals which you could get easily without the tantrums. WE DESERVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Rich and Will

****

As soon as the final whistle blew most Leeds fans knew that now we were staying in League 1 we would have trouble keeping our best players. Becks scored the goals in this division but it has to be seen if he can do it regularly in a higher 1, he could never be classed as a team player and i cant see this changing, like alot of players he seems to be looking at his pockets not at the club and fans who supported him and paid his wages since he came with a good record but at Non League level. I just hope this is not the trend as we are more than a supplier of talent to other teams.

WE R LEEDS AND WE DESERVE LOYALTY FROM THE PLAYERS WHO WE STAND BY YEAR BY YEAR

KEITH INGHAM

KEIGHLEY

****

If he had half a brain! But then again, lots of footballers don't, can't even say he's a good lad, so better that he goes.

The man has obviously been listening to the siren call of his agent, telling him what a world beater he is and how he is worth so much more.

Beckford says"yeah"! - but how much does the agent collect????

Is Beckford capable of making up his own mind??? - does he possess one????

In my opinion he is not a natural (team player) and has no particular love for Leeds, yes he scores goals but his own sense of self importance transcends the team at all times, so go lad and quickly.

Remember the piggybank? He went to the smoke and made a fortune but no championship, now if he'd stayed, well maybe.......... .

Tom,

Wakefield.

****

A good move on the part of LUFC. Now is the time to cash in on the goals he has scored this season. Let's hope that the money is put to good use. We need to replace him with a striker who can win the ball in the air. He has done really well for Leeds and I wish him well but doubt that he has the ability to play any higher than Championship football.

Joe Gamble

****

We don't need a 30+ goal a season striker. We need a hard working 20 goal striker who can hold it up for the supporting midfielders and distribute more effectively than Beckford. That will make up the diefference a good all round striker who will contribute to the team. So long Jermaine - thanks for the memories!

Andy Sawyer, Chesterfield

****

Beckford is a good finisher, but when a solid physical centre half comes up against him he cant cope ie Zak Whitbread. He was in my opinion the biggest disappointment in the 2 play off matches. His all round game is poor. Good luck to him if he thinks he can cope with the championship but I will be shocked if he is as succesful as he has been in League 1.

Leeds United are at a crossroads now Bates is unambitious and has no connection with the fans what so ever I think its time for him to step aside and let some proper investment be put into the club. We are being shown the way by clubs like Peterborough Burnley Scunthorpe etc. With the financial backing of the fans who have been brilliant its about time Bates Harvey etc matched the fans with their own financial backing instead of taking money out of the footballing side of things.

I would rather have a second rate ground than a first rate team. Hotels and shopping malls are so ill conceived in this current economic climate I think Bates ought to put them on the back burner and give Beckford the wages he is after and get us out of this mess.

Mark Brinley

Nottingham

Leeds 1976 onwards

****

Your a half decent league One "golden boot" finisher. But stepping up a division (I presume thats what your after along with a wad of cash!), You will need to add just a couple more things to your game.

Work rate and a little less attitude!

All the best for the future!!

Paul.

Aberford..

****

There's the door. Thanks for everything. If you don't want to play for Leeds United I don't want you playing for Leeds United.

Without his goals last season we wouldn't have been in the play offs. Had he not missed any games we might have gone up, largely on the back of his goal scoring ability. Tough act to follow then? Yes and no. Obviously, we're not likely to replace him with anyone capable of matching his record but I think we 'll be able to replace him with someone capable of getting 20+ and contributing more fully to the overall play of the team.

We have a much better manager in place for the start of the 2009/10 season that we did last time out. We're better organized, less prone to defensive blunders. It's not Whyte and Fairclough back there but it's an up grade. We have good, for the most, midfielders though we still lack someone who can stamp their authority on the game. Hopefully, Delph can contribute more to the scoring as his game develops. And, in Becchio, we already have one solid striker.

Grayson will know who he'd like to bring in. The transfer request is hardly a suprise and, depending on wether or not Bates is prepared to back his manager fully - I'd have binned the big screen off and put every last penny into the team but, there you go, I'm a Leeds fan not a bussiness man so what do I know?- I'm sure there are still one or two proven goal scorers who'd be happy to play for our little club.

Lastly,it's hard to think of another such prolific goal scorer who has or had so little rapport with the fans of any club. Ever.

"Where do you see your own future?"

"What shirt am I wearing, bruv?

"Scunthorpe?"

Campbell Owen LS15-VYT

****

Pat on the back is what he deserves and nothing more, just like everyone else who left for greener pastures or more green in the bank account. He is gonna go to the championship, make a fool of him self sitting on the bench, well atleast then he will have enough time to ponder his biggest mistake, thats that and we got to look for another striker now, what say we keep Becchio real happy and sign Tevez.

Marching On Together

Bismark Julius Fonseca

U.A.E.

****

Everyone should be expected.

He deserves a championship club.

I think Fabian & Jonny will leave also..

John Yiu

****

He's a Prima Dona. It was obvious he would go this summer after his facial expression when we lost to Millwall in the play offs. He will get a move to a higher league, but I can't see him doing anything apart from warming there bench. It's a shame that the money grabber doesn't remember who it was who made him.

Jonny

From Barnsley

****

By'eck that w'fast considering they only started talking over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Now it's always possibly he's gone in saying he wants a move but, with the clubs recent history, I'm surprised that fans are so easily calling him without knowing any background. Doesn't seem to have been much negotiation, does there?

Also, this thing of not scoring in 'big' games, through the season he got two against all the other play-off contenders.

I liked his arrogance, it's often part of a strikers game. Although, I do wish he'd (sometimes) stopped whinging at the ref and got on with the game when the ball was still in play.

Snods can play upfront and given a pre-season in that role could be very good. It also gives a chance for Robinson to prove himself.

If Becks goes, I'd like to say, ta Jermaine, you were belting.

Mick McCann

****

No surprise. Would the real Beckford please stand up? Is he a money grabbing prima donna, or a player who wants to be a Leeds legend?

If not the latter, get the money and get rid.

He has bottled the big games no doubt, but so have some others. But - the only players worth having in this low league are ones with big hearts and even more guts. I fear Beckford has neither unless he surprises me with a "I am staying" statement - don't hold your breath.

Watch him disappear into obscurity over the next 12 months like Smith, Matteo, Bridges, Bowyer, Viduka, Kewell, Harte apologies to the others I missed from this list (remember that lot!).

When he does his "runner" we must have a proven goalscorer to replace him (means getting the cheque book out Santa Claus) or we are condemned to years watching this dross from the new hotel and nightclub as the stadium falls to bits.

MOT, Chris Alicante Whites.

****

So... another "legend" (hee hee!] disappears!! Can't wait to see him warming the bench somewhere else. It's all downhill from Leeds, Jermaine, take the money and run away. Maybe now we'll get someone in who actually HAS the bottle for bigger games AND will share Luciano's workload. Will miss the goals for sure, but I'm tired of watching badge-kissers – MOT, another great reason for winning promotion next season! Ger, Kildare.

****

I think this episode shows at the very least that the board have learned from the mistakes of the past, however upsetting it may be. They have chosen to invest in the longer term infrastructure (the new East Stand development, and I guess before long, a repurchase of Thorp Arch); these are real assets, rather than gambling money on players, transfer fees and salaries. 'Big signings' may be what the fans want, but not necessarily what we all really need – which is a club built on solid foundations, both financial and otherwise.

Good luck to Jermaine Beckford; and I can't wait to see who Simon Grayson brings in to replace him.

Gary Maltby

Ireland

****

Sad really. Jermaine has not shown it at a higher level, and if he had taken all his chances and the penalty(!) properly, Leeds could have gone up automatically. Where will he go? Boro? Newcastle? And will he perform at that level? Boro bigger than Leeds? Uum..Leeds must ensure that a goal scorer comes in, if a goal scorer goes out. The consequences of hoarding money and buying a second rate replacement are too depressing to contemplate. Even more significantly, it was not why Larry joined the club. Mr Bates needs to back the Manager here. Let's all hope that whoever comes in, can score goals.

Regards

Dave C (Sussex LUFC))

****

Typical. Scores a few goals and then gets greedy. Obviously doesn't care one bit about the club. He needs to remember who made him a full time footballer.

Vicky Taylor

****

Thanks Jermaine...is this you talking or is it your agent ??...Remember who has put you on the map...do you really believe that the grass will be greener in the Championship ?...Have you done it in the championship or premiership before...Yes/No ?....which other club can offer you a fan base and loyality that we have at Leeds......Do you want to remembered for the penalty miss against Millwall and failing to do it on the big occassions for Leeds...where else will you go and get a 3 year deal with a team built around you ?....If you play with your heart, remember where you said your heart is when Derby came calling BRUV ???......You want championship/premiership football, be a Legend at Leeds along side with the greats of LUFC and take us there !!! And regards your timing.....we will always remember 26th May for the life and memories of Don Revie.....DO THE RIGHT THING....AND STAY PUT !!!

Mark Eddison

Leicestershire

****

I have said for a while now that we (Leeds) are a one man team with Beckfors scoring all the goals, but I am convinced now that he does not have the bottle for the big occasions. He dissappeared in last season's play off final, and again in the games against Millwall, if he didn't seem to know what to do when he got the ball. Becchio could do no more for him and had to score himself, and what about that penalty, wobbly legs, no conviction, no power, no goal. Let Beckford go, but I think the so called big teams who were interested have also realised he doesn't have the Kahoonas, that's why they won't be in such a rush this time to buy him.

Rockabilly Reb, Belfast

Liam Mathews

****

good riddance, we made him and two years running he has let us down in the big games, he will never make it in the Premiere league he thinks he is better than he actually is, get good money for an average player and buy Ricky lambert, yet another big time Charlie letting our great club down see ya!!!!!!

Steve forever Leeds Long

****

Once again Loyalty? Bank Balance? Where did you come from? Possible his agent is steering him away to further his bank balance WHAT COLOUR IS THE SHIRT IM WEARING BRUV? He can go for me Lazy YES good at scoring Yes! Is anyone person bigger than the team NO! Could Mr Bates have really afforded his wages YES! probably with the money accumulated from the Club Membership alone would have funded the whole squad. But if Bates buys back the training ground that will go to even it out. Are you buying it back Mr Bates? Surely the funds are now available?

Mark Teesside White forever faithful (even paying Pemiership prices!)

****

Proof if ever it was needed that we have a bunch of idiots running the club, lets wait until our top striker's contract gets down to 12 months and the season ends before offering him a new deal. Surely it would be better to offer him one 6 – 12 months ago when there was still the prospect of promotion and you could command a transfer fee for him.

Everyone on here keeps saying go out and get better but 20+ goals a season strikers at leeds are a rare breed and to get one even at this level would cost money which bates and co wont spend. They also look like they have lost out on sodje because they are messing about waiting for something to happen.

I hope I'm proved wrong but I think we could be in this league for some time to come

Regards

Tim, Moortown

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This is bad news. People can say what they like about Beckford's temperament, but the cold hard facts clearly show that he is a guaranteed prolific striker. And for a team that wants promotion that's a must. I honestly can't think of another striker that Leeds can attract who can score 20 goals a season and cost the same or less than the fee Leeds get for Beckford. I ask myself, which self respecting team (hoping to gain promotion from League 1 or stay in the Championship) would sell a 20 goals a season striker to rivals Leeds United.

I fear that Leeds will go for some old timer in the twilight of his career.

Why didn't Shaun Harvey take a gamble? If Leeds are so confident of gaining promotion (that's what keeps coming out the LUFC media machine), then why not keep Beckford for the remaining 12 months? The amount of profit Leeds would make from promotion to Championship would more than cancel out the money that will be recouped now for Beckford. Also, if Leeds are so confident of promotion next season, why not offer Beckford a 3 year contract on Championship wages? Alternatively, if Leeds kept Beckford on the remaining 12 months of his contract and achieved promotion to the Championship and Beckford was still on the books (albeit at the end of contract), why would Beckford rather sign for another club than Leeds?

The only gain from this is money going into the club's coffers. Whatever happened to 'Leeds are no longer a selling club?' and 'Leeds don't have to sell their best players?' Well that's exactly what they've done. What are Delph, Snodgrass, Howson, Becchio expected to think when the club sell their Player of the Season?

If this deal does go through then I sincerely hope that the money is spent on ensuring that Leeds take back Thorpe Arch.

I'm very disappointed. For a forward facing team hoping for future success, this a backward step.

Colin Sowerby

Chelmsford

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JB could not do it in the Championship – proven fact, did nothing last time.

Goes missing for the Big games, let's take the money & run.

Homer Simspon

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Get rid, he fell out with the crowd ages ago. He's not a team player. Spent most of his time looking for free kicks, instead of getting stuck in. We love 100 per cent players, we love Becchio.

Christine Pinder

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So the Prima Donna that is Beckford thinks he is good enough to go elsewhere. When another club does come in for him I will gladly take the day off work and drive him there myself.

The guy is bone idol and not a team player. Yes he has scored goals at this level but I honestly think that he has reached the limit of his capabilities. His all round game and contibution is poor. If he had put the work in that Becchio does he would have scored 50 goals.

Even if we had gone up we would have had to look elsewhere for a striker so no great loss there.

Lets go and get Simon Cox from Swindon

Mark Sutcliffe

Keighley Whites

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If Leeds do sell him then they need to replace him with another Striker who can get 30+ goals a season.

Make a move now for Simon Cox or Ricky Lambert before we miss out!!!

Mark

Leeds

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Will we be sad to see him leave

If you listen to comments on the terraces(that's all season)

most would like to see him go he's not a team player, put

anyone up front with a bit of pace they'll score, he doesn't go

looking for the ball .

Denise Tooley

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to be honest much as i admire his goalscoring qualities , i won't miss his after match comments. the guy has cheese for a brain. an embarressment to leeds.

darren , leeds

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OK. He scores goals. So does Cox at Swindon and Lambert at Bristol Rovers . . . . . .and although a few less, Becchio at Leeds.

There, any comparison ends. Beckford is lazy, arrogant, frustrating, no heart, no courage and behaves like a spoilt brat. With his lack of effort and obvious disdain for the Leeds fans (Walsall away) all I can say is good riddance and let's hope it's Newcastle who buy him! Then they'll get even more of what they deserve!

Mitchie; Leeds

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Given his agent started the sabre rattling immediately after the play off defeat I suppose this was inevitable. I dont think we have another player who is going to score 34 goals a season but he needs to remember the service he received from Snodgrass (highest number of goal assists in Div 1), Becchio, Delph and Howson while his assists were zero for the season.I think this shows the selfish nature of top strikers but there are not a lot of sides wheres hes will get this degree of service. He's not the best striker in Div 1 (Cox scored more league goals for a much poorer side) so he may struggle in the Champiuonship.

Ernie Walker

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Makes me laugh when anything happens some of our fans don't agree with, Bates gets the stick, Beckford has always played for himself, especially in live matches on SKY !!, when i always think he's doing an audition to leave, and he didn't cover himself in glory on Soccer AM on Saturday (anyone see it ?? )

If he wants to go then let him - his goals ratio is great, fair enough - but we only want players who want to put on the white shirt - Sign Wilbraham from Mk Dons and all will be forgotten - See ya Jermaine

Andy ( HULL )

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Personally, I am glad they are selling Beckford.

Yes he scored a load of goals but lets be honest, if he had taken all his chances how many would he have scored?.... Also he was a moody git at times which doesn't help the team at all.... Hopefully they will have a big clear out at Elland Road because there are plenty that can't cut it in that team.

For me, Richardson, Prutton, Hughes Michalik, Kandol, Showumni, can go.

Obviously Douglas and Lucas are going so that would free up plenty of spare cash to invest in wages of better players. We definitely need a Goalkeeper and a right back. Also, we could do with strengthening the midfield with a more experienced player. I really do hope that Grayson doesn't sign Dickinson from Derby, because whilst ever he is pulling on a white shirt, there is a chance for me yet.

On the other hand I would love to see Dickinson from Stoke come to Leeds although I can't see it... It looks like Sodje is going to Bristol but do we really want a player who can't train and play week in week out. The games in League one come thick and fast so we need fit players.

M.O.T

James Morris. Leeds

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Jermaine Beckford: in a flash he can change a game and yes he has delighted us with some spectacular goals this season, who knows what his tally would have been if he had not been injured for a spell during the season. I am a fan, and I know he can make some dreadful decisions but you cannot say he isn't a great finisher "at this level". The important games seem to pass him by as if he feels the weight of expectation too much to handle we saw this in both playoff matches this season. I personally think he needs another season in this league before he starts to progress his career and I think Simon Grayson could be a great help to him over the full season, but at the end of the day he has to decide what he wants and I'd rather see him go than to pull on the shirt for another season when his heart isn't in it. At least this way we may get some money for the transfer market. Best of luck Jermaine but I do think you are missing a chance to be part of something great next season for an amazing club as we march on together…..

Pete Guerin, Limerick, Ireland.

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Jermaine obviously thinks he is bigger than the club, i cannot wait to see him fall flat on his face, he doesn't deserve to wear the white of Leeds again, Lets hope the more important players, Naylor / Delph / Howson / Becchio and Snodgrass stay, and a few more good players come in, and make us a force once more.MOT

Paul Atkinson

Bolton

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Losing Beckford will be a big blow. He has scored a lot of very important goals for us this season. People go on about hi penalty miss in the semi but we would not have been anywhere close to the playoffs if it had not been for Beckford's goals.

That said, no one player is bigger than the club and we cant go back down the road of paying them whatever they want and hopefully we will get a decent fee and can replace him with another 25 goal a season striker. It should not be hard in this division.

Matty Fryatt Anyone?

Quej from Leeds

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Another coup for Ken Bates

Let the best players go whilst banking the money.

If we get promoted, we go back into the too high wages scenario and Ken loses money.

Currently he laughing all the way to the bank, third rate wages with premiership crowds.

So long as we get to the playoffs each year, he cant lose.

Our history says we wont take any risks……….Just accept that we wont be back in the big time for several years yet……

Elland Road will look great with a new shopping complex and hotels, it will give us the opportunity to take our minds off the football!!!

Personally, I think we saw that Jermaine cant play the tops games, he didn't turn up against Milwall, and other top games he has disappeared.

If we can get a few quid, the so be it.

Richard Hall

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Loyalty!!!!

He missed a penalty. We suffer with another year in the 3rd tier and he will be off. No wonder fans get fed up. I can't wait to hear what he has to say.

Rich

Sheffield

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Not surprised to be perfectly honest, this is the direction modern football has taken. I don't believe the offer from Leeds would have been unreasonable, not even Uncle Ken would hold back on a player that can score 30+ goals a season. I cant help but think his agent and his 'image consultant' may have been putting words in his ear. After all, Becks has to earn enough to give these leeches their cut too!

Chris (Spider),

Leeds

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Jermaine has scored plenty of goals, but when it came to the big crunch matches he disappeared, he'll find it a lot harder in the championship.

Naylors arrival at Leeds has proved this, he's been the best defender in league one since his arrival, yet he couldnt get a game at Ipswich.The core of the team is the most crucial part and beckford isnt part of that as far as i'm concerned the youngsters are the ones who'll get us up next year, Parker, Howson, Snodgrass, Delph and Beccio.If Jermaine thinks he's too good to play for Leeds good riddance, he'll regret it.

Andy - Birstall

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What can I say about Jermaine Beckford? His record shows that he can score a bagful of goals. Yet I still think he is over-rated. He has a bad touch. He is lazy and he misses many chances in a game. He needs 2 chances to score 1 goal. How can someone who is meant to be so highly rated play so awfully in such an improtant game like the Millwall one? How can any top srtriker miss a penaltly too?

He lives on his reputaion from the past 2 seasons now and I believe we could replace him with someone cheaper like Rickie Lambert and who works harder for the team. Let's get some cash for beckford! 3m would be an excellent investment on him! MARCHING ON TOGETHER!!!!

Danny, Avid Leeds Fan

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No one player is bigger than the Club SG knows what he is doing main worry is that he will sit out his contract now the club have turned round and listed him

Also as much as I rate him in League one I think he would struggle at a higher level, especially temperament wise if he goes I can see him like a lot of ex Leeds players

(Viduka, Smith, Bowyer, Kewell, Healy) to name a few disappear from the limelight and on to the subs bench I can't see a lot of interest for him at the price we will be looking for but hopefully we will get

good money for him which can be reinvested in a couple of Hungry strikers who will relish playing in front of 25, - 30,000 and not freeze on the big occasion like Mr Beckford

Best Regards

Tony Cole

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He is obviously going to be a massive loss to the team with regards his goal scoring ability and his pace which has meant defences have to play deep against us. However, I personally wont miss his petulance and arrogant swagger.

We gave Beckford his chance bringing him from non league football and he has rewarded us by scoring so many goals, but its time for change. As Ken Bates has already stated we have to go for automatic promotion next season and the only way we will get there is with players who want to play for the club.

I think he will struggle to step up to the Championship, especially next season with the quality that is in that league. Unlike League 1 he won't get 5 or 6 chances a game, he will be limited to one or two.

Lets hope we get a good offer for him and with the money we can strengthen the squad. I would like to see us make an approach for former loanee Danny Graham of Carlisle who is out of contract.

James Mohammed, Leeds

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To be quite honest i'm not surprised or bothered at all yes he scored 34 goals last season but honestly he will struggle to play in a league higher than this with defenders that actually defend, so we're better just cashing him in and getting a younger better player who is more care more than beckford because he acts like league one's cristano ronaldo and i'm just sick of it. i just hope larry's got an suitable replacement in his mind.

Bryn Johnson

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Is Simon Martin on a different planet, Dickinson was awful, never looked like a footballer. In reality, Beckford was never going to stay another season in league one.

Marc Bracha

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here we go again ,As much as i like Jermaine Beckford he can be a loose cannon at times.Where has loyalty gone? he was fitting windscreens a few years ago and i bet that didn't pay nearly as much.

I would presume it was a better deal than his current one so it is a shame.A lot are probably going to start knocking the guy but as long as we have Becchio And Snods up front we will still have goal power and who knows who may be on Simons shopping list for next season.

phil from Hull

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Will be gutted when he leaves but if the kitty is big enough take it and get in another decent striker.

I am sure Newcastle or Middlesborough will have the money to pay for him.

Becchio has done really well and if we get another player similar to him we will be winning and Beckford can move on and further his career and bank balance.

It is a pity that footballers forget so quickly where they came from and how they got there.

Good luck to him…I hope it works out.

Steve Mchugh

South Africa

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Beckford transfer listed? He's scored plenty but I trust the manager to replace him with someone who might hold it up better and involve our midfield more, maybe we could keep Dickinson who despite certain section of the crowd getting on his back has looked promising. We simply must hang on to Robert Snodgrass and Lucciano Becchio though. To lose them would be disastrous. To give the new manager a full season should see us up, I do feel though that a small gamble must be taken and at least offer Championship wages to attract Championship players, our crowds pay for it and therefore deserve to see the commitment. It's not the chairman's money, it's the fans' money.

Simon Martin

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