Leeds United fans have had to suffer a lot over since finishing fifth in the Premier League back in 2002. Not only have they had to put up with financial struggles and difficult owners, there have been two relegations and three season in the third tier, embarrassing cup exit and an array of managers, a few good, more bad.
But what about all those players who have represented the clubs over the last two decades? Those names that the mere mention of them provokes a cold, uneasy feeling to takeover your body for a few seconds? Well, beware, we are about to bring them back to the fore.
Following the controversy over Jean-Kevin Augustin’s move from RB Leipzig we are looking back at some of the worst loan signings in the club’s history. Scroll down and click through, but take a deep breath first.
7. Armando Sa - January 2007, Espanyol
Braga, Benfica, Villarreal and Espanyol. The Mozambique international had a very good CV, especially for joining a side in the Championship. He was one of over 30 players to feature for the team as they finished bottom of the Championship. Photo: CESAR RANGEL
8. Wayne Andrews - October 2007, Coventry City
A striker crisis prompted the signing of Andrews and Mark de Vries. The former had slipped down the pecking order at Coventry City. He claimed he was sharp having scored plenty of goals for Coventry’s reserves. Two appearances would follow, including a defeat to Darlington in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Shudder. Photo: Pete Norton
9. Liam Dickinson - March 2009, Derby County
The striker was expected to move in January but the documents didn’t reach the Football League until 14 minutes after the deadline. Then an injury curtailed an emergency loan until March. After such a build up, his impact was little with no goals. Photo: Bryn Lennon
10. Darren O’Dea - June 2011, Celtic
It’s never a good sign when the manager released you from your loan deal early. That’s what happened with Darren O’Dea. Yet, doing so allowed the player to enjoy time off ahead of Euro 2012. He was, along with Aidy White, nominated for the Young International Player of the Year at the Football Association of Ireland International Football Awards. Photo: Ben Hoskins
11. Jimmy Kebe - January 2014, Crystal Palace
He made his debut in a 6-0 defeat, never really convinced and had fans chanting for him to be subbed. An eventful loan spell but certainly not the best. Has since become a pro poker player. Photo: Tony Marshall
12. Giuseppe Bellusci - August 2014, Catania
“I’d sooner have Monica Bellusci,” one Leeds United fan wrote. One of the “sicknote six” and for many supporters was at the club for way longer than he should have been. Error-prone and booed. He arrived from Catania initially on loan with the club’s official post announcing it still with ‘More to follow’ at the end. Photo: Tullio M. Puglia