100for100 - Greatest LUFC Players 55-51

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100for100 - Greatest LUFC Players 55-51

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Back in 2005 we compiled a list of the 100 Greatest Leeds Players Ever. Over 164 players were nominated to give us our final 100 but in the time that has passed since 2005 nearly 200 more players have donned the white shirt of Leeds United. It has not been a period of glory for Leeds United but there have been some stand out players who deserve to be added to the list. Some of those who were fresh in the memory when the initial vote was taken may have faded in the memories over the years and some players may no be looked on with greater fondness. As such we have updated the 100 Greatest Leeds United Players Ever in time for our centenary year and give you our 100for100. Players 60-56 included; Robbie Keane, David Wetherall, Chris Fairclough, Michael Bridges and Duncan McKenzie. Now we bring you players 55 to 51...




55) Eirik Bakke (1999-2006)

Country: Norway | DOB: 13/09/1977 | Position: Midfielder | Apps: 196 | Goals: 21

Born Sogndal in 1977, he signed for United in 1999 and soon became the find of his initial season. Brought over from Norway to be groomed for Premiership football, he made it impossible for Manager David O'Leary to leave him out. Captain of the Norwegian under 21's, he went on to win full caps and represented his country in Euro 2000. Voted Leeds Young Player of the Year, his tremendous touch, passing ability and an eye for goal, his £1.75m fee looked a bargain, until injuries started to dog his career. Has won 25 full and 34 under 21 caps and, has 153 starts and 26 from the bench to date with 20 goals. He missed most of 2003-04 season and repeated the misfortune in 2004-05, when he was loaned to Aston Villa.

Read more about Eirik Bakke on Oz Whites fantastic Leeds United FC History website.





54) Jermaine Beckford (2006-2010)

Country: England | DOB: 09/12/1983 | Position: Forward | Apps: 152 | Goals: 85

Dropped by Chelsea at a young age Jermaine Beckford became a car windscreen fitter and played for non-league Wealdstone where he scored 54 goals in 82 appearances. His impressive record attracted attention from over 30 league sides before signing for Leeds United in March 2006. Beckford initially had limited opportunities at Leeds with loan spells at Carlisle and Scunthorpe finally becoming a first team regular in the 2007-2008 season. Beckford went on to score 72 league goals in the next three seasons helping Leeds to get promoted from League One in the process. Perhaps he will most famously be remembered for his goal in the FA Cup victory over Manchester on 3rd January 2010. Following the end of the 2009-2010 season Leeds cancelled Beckford's contract a month early to enable him to join Everton.

Read more about Jermaine Beckford on Oz Whites fantastic Leeds United FC History website.


All White: Leeds United's 100 Greatest Players
By Jon Howe and Andrew Dalton

For a different perspective on the 100 greatest Leeds players of all time check out All White by Jon Howe and Andrew Dalton. A celebration of Leeds United's greatest 100 players. Definitive and official, All White offers a perspective on the history of the club, combining stories and expert insights into the players with telling facts and statistics. From Bremner and Batty, Chapman and Charles to Smudger and Sniffer, the book gives a real sense of how these heroic, combative, iconic characters could affect the moods and the lives of fans over the decades - all contributing to the rollercoaster drama that is pure Leeds.




53) Willis Edwards (1925-1943)

Country: England | DOB: 28/04/1903 | Position: Midfielder | Apps: 444 | Goals: 6

Born 1903, Willis joined LUFC in 1925 from Chesterfield, he became the finest wing-half of his day. His splendid ball control, incisive passing and supreme heading ability earned him 16 England Caps and 11 appearances for the Football League. Made 444 appearances and scored 6 goals until 1939 and even then turned out in emergencies as a guest. Willis was a true Leeds Legend,later serving time also as a Trainer and Manager.

Read more about Willis Edwards on Oz Whites fantastic Leeds United FC History website.





52) John Lukic (1990-1996)

Country: England | DOB: 11/12/1960 | Position: Goalkeeper | Apps: 430 | Goals: 0

He signed for Leeds in 1978 where he succeeded David Harvey despite opposition from future internationals David Seaman and Henry Smith. He made his debut in 1979 and made a club record 146 consecutive appearances. After gaining England Youth and under 23 honours his run was broken when he asked for a transfer and he was signed by Arsenal in 1983 for ?125,000.He never gained full international status but won a League Cup Winners and runners up medal together with a League Championship medal before reurning to LUFC fo ?1m in 1990. He had a brilliant season as United took the championship in 1992. He played 430 games before returning to Arsenal in 1996.

Read more about John Lukic on Oz Whites fantastic Leeds United FC History website.







51) Danny Mills (1999-2003)

Country: England | DOB: 18/05/1977 | Position: Defender | Apps: 141 | Goals: 4

Born Norwich 1977, he initially played for his home town team. After a ?4m transfer from Charlton Athletic in 1999, Danny found himself with only 20 appearances in his first season with Leeds, due to the re-emergence of Gary Kelly. He maintained enough form to be chosen at England under 21 level, including the European Championship winning team in Slovakia. An ideal player at EPL level he had the ability to play any of the back four positions and to push forward in midfield if need be. He regained his first team berth and won over his critics to become an important part of David O'Leary's team. Despite a few on-field indiscretions, he won a place in England's 2002 World Cup team, recovering from an initial poor performance to become a solid performer, as the team reached the quarter finals.

Read more about Danny Mills on Oz Whites fantastic Leeds United FC History website.


For the full 100 players check out our 100 Greatest Ever Leeds Players...

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