Beckford ready for big challenge after exit from Leeds

Jermaine Beckford cannot wait to play in the top flight just four years after plying his trade in non-league football and working as a windscreen fitter.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Jun 2010, 10:42 BST
Updated 1st Jun 2010, 10:45 BST

The former Wealdstone striker has joined Everton on a four-year deal from Leeds United after having his contract cancelled – his move to Goodison having been exclusively revealed by the Yorkshire Post in January.

Beckford, 26, scored 31 goals for Leeds last season, the final one coming on the last day against Bristol Rovers, which clinched promotion from League One.

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That took his tally for Leeds to 85 in 150 appearances after he joined the Elland Road club from the non-league club in March 2006.

His goals caught the eye of Everton manager David Moyes and after passing a medical at the club's Finch Farm training complex, Beckford said: "I wish the season was starting tomorrow. I've been fortunate enough to score goals at the clubs that I've been at and, hopefully, I'll be able to do that here as well. I hope I can hit the ground running."

The former Chelsea trainee has shown he can score against top-flight opposition, scoring the goal which earned a 1-0 win against then Premier League champions Manchester United in the FA Cup third round and twice at White Hart Lane as Spurs were held 2-2 in the fourth round, before Leeds lost in the replay.

Related topics:Jermaine BeckfordLeedsBristol RoversDavid MoyesManchester UnitedEvertonLeeds UnitedWealdstoneLeague One