I handed in a Leeds United transfer request days before iconic Man Utd goal - this is why
Jermaine Beckford’s incredible 2009/10 campaign was somewhat overshadowed by uncertainty over his Leeds United future.
Jermaine Beckford insists his submission of a transfer request in December 2009 was meant to put pressure on Leeds United - with the striker desperate to extend his Elland Road stay.
Beckford enjoyed a memorable 2009/10 campaign on the pitch as part of a Leeds side who won League One promotion under Simon Grayson, scoring 31 goals in 52 games across all competitions. One finish stands out above the rest, of course, with the clinical striker finishing beyond Tomas Kuszczak to hand the Whites a famous FA Cup third-round win at Manchester United on January 3, 2010.
Days after that goal and Leeds’ famous win it emerged Beckford, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the season, submitted a transfer request at the end of December. Those reports fuelled frustration among supporters but it didn’t stop the striker scoring another crucial goal against Bristol Rovers to send his side up on the final day.
Beckford eventually left for Everton on a free transfer in May but remains closely linked with Leeds, regularly appearing as a TV pundit during broadcast games. And he’s now explained his side of the transfer request story in depth, clearing up why the decision was taken and his feelings surrounding fan anger.
Jermaine Beckford opens up on Leeds United transfer request
“My final season at Leeds, Newcastle asked ‘what’s Jermaine’s availability like in January?’ because my contract was up at the end of the season,” he told UndrTheCosh. “I was chasing a new contract at the club but for one reason or another, no talks were being held, and it was extremely frustrating.
“The question was, ‘is he going to be available in January, or in the summer?’ I was trying to get a new contract off Leeds, but it wasn’t happening. I was advised to put a transfer request in, to put pressure on the owners, to make sure I know what my future is. I wanted to stay. I was looking for a long-term contract. Leeds is an unbelievable club. I still cared.
“It was partially to put pressure on the owner, but to know what would happen. I didn’t want to leave, I was settled, playing the best football of my life, really happy. I didn’t want to leave, but I didn’t want to leave on a free because it’s weird. If I could give something back to the club, then that might soften the blow, instead of leaving on a free, but it didn’t happen.
“I retracted my transfer request because I didn’t feel comfortable with it. They didn’t even open talks. Three years, four years, bonus incentivised but on the same money, I would’ve taken it. I wanted to stay; I loved the club.
“It’s frustrating that it wasn’t covered well from my perspective, so fans could say we kind of understand it. Yeah of course [I got stick]. I 100% understand, if you don’t know all the facts. It looks ridiculous. But when you delve deeper into it, you’ve been trying to get a deal, and no talks are happening. Annoying.”