Jermaine Beckford scored when it mattered - the winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round and the goal against Bristol Rovers that secured promotion back to the Championship. Not bad for a forward who was plying his trade with non-league Wealdstone, while working as a windscreen fitter for the RAC when United came calling in March 2006. It took a profitable loan spell at Scunthorpe United to light Beckford’s goalscoring fires in the Football League, with Leeds reaping an ever bigger harvest in 2007/08. He finished as United’s top goalscorer with 20 goals and was named the club’s ‘Player of the Year’ before backing it up superbly with 27 league goals and 34 goals in all competitions in the 2008/09 season. Enjoy these rarely-seen photos of a striker whose goal-laden Whites career will never be forgotten by a generation of fans. READ MORE: 16 of the most iconic Leeds United photos of all time
1. Jermaine Beckford in focus
Jermaine Beckford in action against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road in September 2006. The Whites won 2-0.
Photo: Getty
2. Jermaine Beckford in focus
Jermaine Beckford argues with Pompey's Pedro Mendes during the Carling Cup second round clash at Fratton Park in August 2007.
Photo: Getty
3. Jermaine Beckford in focus
Jermaine Beckford celebrates scoring from the penalty spot against Swindon Town at Elland Road in November 2007. He scored both goals in a 2-1 win.
Photo: Getty
4. Jermaine Beckford in focus
Jermaine Beckford during the Coca Cola League One clash against Northampton Town at Elland Road in January 2008. The Whites won 3-0.
Photo: Getty