Members News: CCFPA Sends Its Birthday Best To Leon- Our 6th Sky Blue Birthday Today!
Leon in the Sky Blue
In the last of a record six membership birthday greetings on a single day to former Sky Blues we are pleased to offer sincere ‘Happy Birthday’ greetings to our former striker Leon Best. Born in Nottingham on 19th September 1986 Leon is therefore at 38 the youngest of our ‘Birthday Boy’ members celebrating today!
Leon in the Sky Blue 2008-09
Leon moved to Newcastle United from the Ricoh in February 2010 having scored 23 goals in his 104 league and cup appearances for the Sky Blues since arriving from Southampton in 2007 (after successive loan periods with Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday, Bournemouth and Yeovil Town). He enjoyed a fairly profitable three seasons at St James’ Park where he helped the Toon Army into the Premiership and got ten goals in 46 appearances for the Geordies. He also became a full international for the Republic of Ireland in 2009-10 winning a total of seven Full Caps.
Leon gets his CCFPA tie from Frank
Leon then moved on a four-year contract with Blackburn Rovers for a fee of more than £3 million in July 2012 but in three seasons at Ewood Park (sixteen appearances: two goals) he spent more time on loan with Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County and Brighton (in total 49 appearances: five goals).
Then ‘Besty’ spent the 2015-16 Championship season at Rotherham United (sixteen appearances and four goals) before joining Ipswich Town in August 2016. However, the Tractor Boys then gaffer, Mick McCarthy increasingly saw ‘Besty’ as surplus to requirements as injuries plagued Leon’s progress and he managed only eleven league outings and he was released at the end of that season. Leon’s last club was Charlton Athletic where he signed a two month contract in November 2017 making just seven appearances for the Addicks in all competitions before being released in August 2018 and apparently hanging up his boots. He is self described as a businessman.
Leon joined the Association in August 2014 and is pictured (above right) being presented with his official Association tie by then CCFPA committee member Frank Pritchard .
CCFPA hopes Leon is having a really good birthday celebration today and wishes him well in looking to further his career.
