With news coming last week suggesting that Leeds United were exploring the option of signing Jermaine Beckford, it created excitement and much discussion amongst supporters of the Whites.
With 84 goals in 147 appearances for Leeds, Beckford helped the club to escape from their League One nightmare. His goals against Manchester United and Bristol Rovers have stayed in the memories of many Leeds supporters and helped him to achieve a place in Leeds United history.
The news of a possible return understandable created quite a stir amongst the Leeds United fan base, but it also brought about questions of whether or not he would be good enough to compete in the Championship.
His performance in the League One Play-Off Final this weekend provides the answer, Beckford has shown that he is more than capable of finding the net and more than capable to be competitive in England’s 2nd tier. His 3 goals in Preston’s 4-0 victory over Swindon secured ex-Leeds boss Simon Grayson his return to the Championship with the Lancashire outfit, and as a side, they showed that they can do well in the league above next season.
Regardless of the level, Beckford’s hat-trick in his man of the match performance showed that he could cut it at Leeds. 18 goals for Preston since joining them on loan at the end of November proves that he is a striker who knows where the net is.
His 3 goals at Wembley prove it more than anything and the way he scored them shows he can score in different scenarios. The first was a fantastic close range effort, putting himself in the right place at the right time and managing to hold off the defender to hit the ball in first time. His second goal would have beaten most goalkeepers, collecting the ball at the top of the box, turning his defender and slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the goal from outside of the area with his left foot.
The third goal topped off a fantastic individual performance. The ball was played through to Beckford and he went one-on-one with the keeper, driving into the box, drawing the goalkeeper towards him and then slotting it into the far corner.
Not only will his goals improve Leeds, but so will his presence at the club. A club that has been in despair, divided, and continuing to fall apart in recent times needs someone on the pitch who can provide optimism and bring back better memories, Beckford could be that man.
As an option to come off the bench, Beckford will bring the goals that can change a game, much like he did previously. He is a revitalised player under Grayson’s guidance at Preston, Leeds need to capture that form and bring it back to Elland Road.
