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Post by WyomingWhite on Mar 15, 2006 13:35:03 GMT -1
Jermaine Can Be Gem Of A Find
United boss Kevin Blackwell is hoping he has unearthed a "real gem" after beating off competition from a host of top clubs for non-league striker Jermaine Beckford.
Beckford, a striker with Ryman League Premier side Wealdstone, has undergone part of a medical at Thorp Arch today after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the 22-year-old.
Once on the books of Reading and QPR, Beckford has been in prolific form this season, scoring 35 goals in 40 games.
He has been tracked by dozens of league and Premiership clubs, including Chelsea, Southampton, Charlton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace but he has agreed personal terms with United and should officially be confirmed as a Leeds player on Thursday morning if he completes his medical later this evening.
Blackwell said: "Everything's nearly done and we are delighted to have signed Jermaine.
"We were aware that there were a lot of clubs interested in him, we watched him a couple of times this season and were certainly not the only ones, in fact we understand Southampton, Chelsea, Palace and Watford all put bids in for him but for me when Leeds United comes calling there's no contest.
"The chairman thinks there are one or two nuggets in the lower leagues and he wants us to try and tap into that resource as much as possible. Jermaine was certainly the man grabbing the headlines.
"There wont be many out there but the chairman feels he wants to have a dabble and we've given Jermaine a big chance now.
"But there will be no pressure on the lad to come in and set the world alight, we want him to settle down and find his feet first and then we'll hopefully see what he has to offer. He's one for the future.
"Hopefully he'll be a real gem and he will not find a better place for his talent to grow."
Previous stars to emerge from Wealdstone include Stuart Pearce and former United defender turned Hollywood star Vinnie Jones.
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Post by thales on Mar 15, 2006 13:56:54 GMT -1
Jermaine Can Be Gem Of A FindUnited boss Kevin Blackwell is hoping he has unearthed a "real gem" after beating off competition from a host of top clubs for non-league striker Jermaine Beckford. Beckford, a striker with Ryman League Premier side Wealdstone, has undergone part of a medical at Thorp Arch today after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the 22-year-old. Once on the books of Reading and QPR, Beckford has been in prolific form this season, scoring 35 goals in 40 games. He has been tracked by dozens of league and Premiership clubs, including Chelsea, Southampton, Charlton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace but he has agreed personal terms with United and should officially be confirmed as a Leeds player on Thursday morning if he completes his medical later this evening. Blackwell said: "Everything's nearly done and we are delighted to have signed Jermaine. "We were aware that there were a lot of clubs interested in him, we watched him a couple of times this season and were certainly not the only ones, in fact we understand Southampton, Chelsea, Palace and Watford all put bids in for him but for me when Leeds United comes calling there's no contest. "The chairman thinks there are one or two nuggets in the lower leagues and he wants us to try and tap into that resource as much as possible. Jermaine was certainly the man grabbing the headlines. "There wont be many out there but the chairman feels he wants to have a dabble and we've given Jermaine a big chance now. "But there will be no pressure on the lad to come in and set the world alight, we want him to settle down and find his feet first and then we'll hopefully see what he has to offer. He's one for the future. "Hopefully he'll be a real gem and he will not find a better place for his talent to grow." Previous stars to emerge from Wealdstone include Stuart Pearce and former United defender turned Hollywood star Vinnie Jones. wayhey a proper signing(not loan) ;D |
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Post by WyomingWhite on Mar 15, 2006 13:58:28 GMT -1
I guess we can pay fees for non league players even when the transfer window is shut then, (this is news to me).
Sounds like very good news, 35 goals in 40 appearances is impressive at any level.
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Post by Lollipop on Mar 15, 2006 14:03:24 GMT -1
Who. The. Fuck.....?
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Post by WyomingWhite on Mar 15, 2006 14:07:46 GMT -1
Here's an article from the Wealdstone website prior to Beckford signing for Leeds.:
Stones sought after striker Jermaine Beckford could clinch a dream move to Chelsea.
Chelsea's coaching staff will examine the Stones star striker over a two-day training camp at Stamford Bridge before making a decision on whether or not to hand him a professional contract. Jermaine, who has previously had trials with Reading and QPR, has rattled in 34 goals in all competitive matches this season, and poses a constant headache for defenders as a result of his size and pace. Colchester, Swindon and Brentford are also tracking our young striker, while Yeovil this week tabled a £30,000 offer for him. Yeovil boss Steve Thompson said
"We have watched him a couple of times, as have a few teams.We've made a bid and the decision is now the player's. He has a full-time job but would have to quit that if he wants to join professional football."
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Post by WyomingWhite on Mar 15, 2006 14:08:24 GMT -1
Hmm... a part timer!!
Aparently Charlton had a look at him too:
"The chase for our 22 year old striker, Jermaine Beckford is hotting up with Premiership side, Charlton Athletic the latest club to show an interest after watching him play for Crystal Palace's reserves in midweek."
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Post by WyomingWhite on Mar 15, 2006 14:17:15 GMT -1
Here's a pic:  |
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Post by Lollipop on Mar 15, 2006 14:19:00 GMT -1
Here's a pic: Aww he's sweet...come on Jermaine...PLEASE be better than your namesake. |
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Post by WyomingWhite on Mar 15, 2006 14:21:07 GMT -1
Here's a pic: Aww he's sweet...come on Jermaine...PLEASE be better than your namesake. Which one? Pennant or Wright  Better than Pennant would be good  |
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Post by Lollipop on Mar 15, 2006 14:25:35 GMT -1
Aww he's sweet...come on Jermaine...PLEASE be better than your namesake. Which one? Pennant or Wright Better than Pennant would be good Wright! He's awful! But yes, better than Pennant even, would be immense! Hopefully, this means the Moore and the Ricketts will be fobbed off elsewhere....Burrrnleh can keep the fat one. |
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Post by Fizzy Bread on Mar 15, 2006 14:51:56 GMT -1
Here's a pic: Aww he's sweet...come on Jermaine...PLEASE be better than your namesake. Well he looks skinnier than Jamma so thats a start... |
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Post by WyomingWhite on Mar 15, 2006 15:02:47 GMT -1
there's a pic on the Leeds website now:  |
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Post by Fizzy Bread on Mar 15, 2006 15:08:31 GMT -1
Here's a pic: He looks so much older in this one!! ^^ there's a pic on the Leeds website now: |
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Post by Billy on Mar 15, 2006 15:42:41 GMT -1
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GO JERMAINE
MOT
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Post by Fizzy Bread on Mar 15, 2006 16:02:32 GMT -1
So he could be in the team to play Cov?
Surely not ready yet though..
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Post by MikeNewellsBarmyArmy on Mar 15, 2006 17:00:52 GMT -1
Bet you he'll be a big thing in a few years... rags to riches stories etc...
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Post by Golden_Boy™ on Mar 15, 2006 18:16:49 GMT -1
His goal scoring record is immense - fair enough it may not be in a very good league, but he sounds a decent player.
Wish we got him... hope he does well.
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Post by Tony Yeboah's Lunchbox on Mar 15, 2006 18:29:00 GMT -1
Beckford.......sounds alright doesnt he....I wonder if he's any relation to Darren?
Any who he's one for the future.....
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Post by Dr LuKas on Mar 15, 2006 19:26:53 GMT -1
I'm excited about this. The Champsionship is a massive step up for him but he sounds like a natural scorer. I hope he does well with us.
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Post by bananacrepe on Mar 15, 2006 20:54:59 GMT -1
sounds a good deal. most impressed by the fact that he chose us over other teams chasing him.
Banana
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Better than Pennant would be good 
