Loads of Leeds United supporters have been reacting on social media after former Whites striker Jermaine Beckford confirmed that injuries have caused him to retire from professional football.
Beckford joined the West Yorkshire side from boyhood club Wealdstone FC in 2006, where he made a name for himself as a prolific Football League striker, with 20 goals to his name in the 2007/08 League One campaign (TransferMarkt), and followed suit with 27 the following term and 25 the season after that.
The London-born striker is remembered fondly by the Elland Road faithful for his efforts during what some supporters describe as ‘our darkest times’, with many reflecting on his strikes following the announcement of his retirement.
Two of Beckford’s goals for Leeds stand out prominently to the club’s fanbase, with his FA Cup Third Round winning strike at Manchester United in January 2010 particularly famous, along with his effort against Bristol Rovers that May when Leeds came from behind to secure the second automatic promotion spot out of League One.
Beckford would go on to join Everton later that month as a free agent after the striker’s contract was terminated a year early (BBC), before joining Leicester City, Preston North End and Bury.
The 6-cap former Jamaica international only played one game for Bury last season, though, and has taken to Instagram to confirm that he has been forced to retire at 35 due to injuries.
“My journey as a professional footballer has unfortunately come to an end,” he wrote. “The operations I’ve had over the last couple of years have gotten the better of me.
“Football has given me all and more than I could’ve ever dreamed of and for all those that I have had the privilege of meeting and sharing any and all moments with, I will be eternally grateful.”
Here’s what these fans have reacted to news of his retirement…
Not bad for a former RAC windscreen fitter, eh? Enjoy retirement, Becks. You’ll always be welcome here.
— David Guile (@ellandduck) August 27, 2019
You forget the sheer quality of his goals and how deadly him and Becchio were together. Happy Retirement Jermaine. Always part of the club….
— A Sense of Leeds United (@LUFCsense) August 27, 2019
The amount of quality goals is something else, played his best football for us #Legend
— Zai (@Zais_P3rch) August 27, 2019
Unforgettable moments! A true predator in front of goal. All the best Jermaine in your new ventures!
— Lee (@Lee_Adorned) August 27, 2019
A shining light during our darkest times. Thank you Jermaine
— GL (@GJLindley) August 27, 2019
Jermaine and Simon Grayson – embedded in the history of Leeds United and the hearts of fans everywhere … but dare I say it 2018-19-20 feels even bigger in the journey of Leeds United back to the team everyone interested in football wants to watch! #bielsaball #MOT
— BonkersBoutBielsa (@snb7x) August 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/Michael46041497/status/1166250901058793472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
What a champ Jermaine ! Miss him and his partner in crime @becchioluciano #mot
— Andrew Dickinson (@Andrewerd) August 27, 2019
Happy retirement Becks, you will always be a legend in Leeds 2 goals stand out more than others January 3rd and Bristol at home to this generation of Leeds fans those two days are the most memorable
— rob cartwright (@robcartwright6) August 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/Russlufc/status/1166255632917442560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
