I do think that Beckford’s attitude has changed over the course of this season. In the first 2-3 months I thought that he’d really pulled his socks up; was doing far more chasing and harrying, was generally encouraging his colleagues, and (given all the speculation over the Summer) gave the appearance of being genuinely happy with his lot. Over the last few weeks, though, he seems to have not only regressed to the “bad old days”, but seems even less interested than he was before. Saturday just typified it for me. No, he didn’t get the greatest of service – but that’s when strikers have to work even harder to try to make things happen. And there were several occasions when the ball was running through towards Jaidi, Becks was less than 10 yards away from the defender, but didn’t even give a pretence of challenging. (Maybe put off by the thought of trying to tackle a brick s***house?!)

I always think back to the famous 4-3 game against Liverpool a few years back. We were 2-0 down with ‘Pool in complete control …. Smith chased a ball he had no right to get anywhere near, put the defender (Ziege?) under pressure so his clearance rebounded off Smith to Viduka, and the whole balance of the game changed.

Can’t imagine Beckford ever doing that ……!!!!!

Robert Snodgrass: The creator of several of United’s better chances and the scorer of a decisive goal which was threatening to elude Leeds. His sublime finish oozed class. 8/10

Snoddy is probably my favourite player in the current team and it was an amazing goal he scored that made the difference. Aside from that though, I thought everyone was in agreement that he’d had a very bad day? His passing and crossing seldom reached it’s destination, but his tireless work ethic paid dividends.

I’d agree it’s a lot harder than some may think to rate players.

Hughes and Bromby – both were beaten a couple of times, but can see why the ratings seem a little low. The reason for that is I didn’t think they did anything exceptional but did do their job well. If Parker was fit, he’d do the same thing every week so to give them extra credit for one game where they peformed as they should seems unrealistic. In heinsight however, maybe 7/10 would have been a little fairer?

I honestly didn’t think Becks did all that badly. I’ve seen him play so much worse so for people to give him 3/10 (vital) seems ludicrous when they’re happy to give him 7-8-9 just because he scores in other games. For dragging half the oppositions defence with him all game alone he’s worth his place in the team. It creates space for others.

As for Nayl’s I think there was a difference of 2 between himself and the full-backs. To go back to my earlier point of Ankergren never making a save, that’s largely because Nayl’s and Kis made the likes of Rickie Lambert look as threatening as Tomas Brolin. Few defences have been able to cope with that threat all season, but at Elland Road it was non-existant.

I think everyones view of any game invariably alters from the next person. Just checked Phil Hay’s now (who has started rating again just to prove me wrong) and he’s scored the full-backs higher and Becchio much lower (6). For me, Becchio was tireless in his efforts and aside from the six yard header, he never put a foot wrong. It’s weird because on other weeks where I think Becchio’s had a poor game, Phil rates him higher than I would, but differences of opinion are part and parcel of the game and make it all the more enjoyable.

I’ve got to agree with AndrewM that Bromby had the best game I’ve seen him play for Leeds. He’s really not a full back, but on Saturday I don’t think he did anything wrong – 6/10 is a bit mean. Similarly for Hughes – was there really a difference of 2 between him and Nayls??? Especially when you say he had his best game for Leeds (in your opinion)??

And I have to disagree over Beckford – he had an awful game. Apart from fluffing the two best chances of the game – and a striker with his aspirations HAS to do better – he rarely chased the ball or closed the defenders down. I get really angry with him when there’s a ball played between him and a defender, and he can’t be bothered to even try to put pressure on the defender – it does nothing to help out the rest of the team. Not good enough, and to give him 6 seems completely out of kilter with the scores for Bromby, Hughes and Ankergren.

But then they’re the traditional “bad guys” in the Leeds team, aren’t they …..??!

Beckford for me was really out of order. Like you I think he didnt play too bad, he did chase the occasional ball. I dont think the scouts watching would have been too pleased with his antics. If he does go in January then he isn’t going to be first choice where ever he goes, premier league or otherwise.

Also not sure if you can confirm or deny this. The Wealdstone chairman was on Talksport radio last Wednesday and confirmed that he is watching the Beckford situation with great interest as Wealdstone have a 40% sell on clause. This would also indicate a reason why SG is unwilling to sell