Ritchie urges Beckford to stay (From Advertiser Series)

Ritchie urges Beckford to stay

2:48pm Monday 8th June 2009

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Jermaine Beckford has been urged to stay at Leeds United.

Beckford, who scored 34 goals last season, has rejected a new three-year contract and is awaiting offers from other clubs.

But former Elland Road striker Andy Ritchie believes the 25-year-old former Wealdstone player’s career would benefit if he remained with Leeds for at least another year.

Beckford’s present deal has a year to run but if he stays for another season without agreeing a new contract he could then walk away as a free agent, leaving United massively out of pocket.

Ritchie said: “I think Jermaine has things to learn and it would maybe be better for him to stay an extra year, though I don’t think he will.

“I don’t believe Leeds will get anybody who will score 34 goals for them next season but if Beckford goes they must sign someone who will get 20-odd goals at least.”

Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Doncaster, Sheffield United and Coventry are all thought to be interested in Beckford, although no firm bids have been made.

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