Izale McLeod

Izale McLeod
Personal information
Full nameIzale Michael McLeod
Date of birth15 October 1984
Place of birthPerry Barr, England[1]
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Playing positionStriker
Club information
Current team
Crawley Town
Number9
Youth career
?–2002Derby County
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2002–2004Derby County39(4)
2004→ Sheffield United (loan)7(0)
2004–2007Milton Keynes Dons117(54)
2007–2010Charlton Athletic31(3)
2008→ Colchester United (loan)2(0)
2009→ Millwall (loan)7(2)
2010→ Peterborough United (loan)4(0)
2010–2012Barnet73(32)
2012Portsmouth24(10)
2013–2014Milton Keynes Dons49(8)
2013→ Northampton Town (loan)4(1)
2014–Crawley Town41(19)
National team
2006England U211(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 12:59, 26 April 2015 (UTC).
† Appearances (Goals).

Izale Michael McLeod (born 15 October 1984) is an English professional footballer who plays for Crawley Town. He has played in The Football League for Derby County, Milton Keynes Dons, Charlton Athletic, Barnet and Portsmouth. He also played for England U21.

Club career

Derby County

Born in Birmingham, McLeod began his career at Derby County in 2002. He made his debut on 28 September 2002, at the age of seventeen, just three weeks before his eighteenth birthday, in a 1–0 win over Ipswich Town during which he received a yellow card. Weeks later on 30 October 2002, he scored his first goal in a 2–1 win over Sheffield United and scored against the other Sheffield team, Sheffield Wednesday, the following week in a 3–1 win.[2] After getting his chance in the first team, McLeod signed a two-year deal.[3] However the following season, McLeod suffered a knee cartilage injury in training, and was out for 6 weeks following surgery, losing his first team place as a result.[4] In the transfer window, McLeod was linked with a move to Russian and Ukrainian clubs, like Shinnik Yaroslavl.[5] McLeod was close to joining Shinnik Yaroslavl and Metalurh Donetsk, with the moves reportedly around the £300,000 mark.[6] However, McLeod eventually rejected the moves and stayed at Derby County, to fight for his place in the first team.[7] But he spent time on loan at First Division club Sheffield United, making seven appearances.[8] During his career at Derby, McLeod scored four goals in 41 appearances.

MK Dons

At the beginning of the 2004–05 season he joined newly relegated League One club Milton Keynes Dons for a reported fee of £150,000.[9] In the opening game of the season, he scored in his MK Dons debut in a 1–1 draw against Barnsley.[10] On 25 September 2004, he received a red card for the first time of his career and also scored a brace in a 4–2 win over Hartlepool United.[11] At the end of the season, he had scored 18 goals in a total of 48 appearance in an excellent start at MK Dons. At the start of his second season at MK Dons, he signed a two-year deal.[12]

In early March 2007, the Football League declared him League Two player of the year and he finished that season as League Two's joint top scorer despite missing several games due to injuries and suspensions. McLeod was named in the PFA Team of the Year for League Two for the 2006–07 season.[13] At the end of the season, McLeod was linked with clubs in Championship, having handed in a transfer request.[14]

Charlton Athletic

McLeod joined Charlton for a fee of £1.1 million, which could rise to £1.55 million, on a four-year contract on 9 August 2007.[15] He scored just one goal in 18 appearances for the Addicks before he joined Colchester United on loan on 29 February 2008 for one month. It was later revealed that Charlton had turned down approaches from League One clubs Crewe Alexandra and Huddersfield Town. However, his loan spell was cut short after he suffered a knee injury in the game against Plymouth Argyle on 4 March 2008, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2007–08 season.[16][17] His time at Charlton had not gone as planned and he couldn't reproduce his form at MK Dons.

Millwall

McLeod joined Millwall on loan during the January transfer window in 2009 in an attempt to overcome the injury problems which had plagued his Charlton career, scoring two goals in five appearances. However, after falling out with manager Kenny Jackett,[18] McLeod returned to Charlton.[19]

Peterborough United

On 9 January 2010, McLeod joined Championship side Peterborough United on loan until the end of the season.[20] McLeod made his Peterbrough debut in a 2–1 loss against Sheffield Wednesday on 23 January 2010. After making three more appearances, he fell out of favour with manager Mark Cooper, due to a discipline issue.[21] Even worse, McLeod suffered a meniscus problem, ruling him out for six to eight weeks.[22] As a result of his injury, he returned to Charlton.

Barnet

McLeod left Charlton Athletic after his contract was cancelled in July 2010.[23] After unsuccessful trials over the summer of 2010 with Brentford[24] and Southend United,[25] McLeod signed a one-year contract with Barnet on 29 September 2010.[26][27] His penalty against Port Vale on the final day of the 2010–11 season saved the club from relegation out of the Football League.[28] On 18 May 2011, he signed for another year at Barnet.[29]

McLeod had a great start to the 2011–12 League Two season. He scored both goals as Barnet twice came from behind to draw 2–2 at home with then league leaders Gillingham. He then went on to score a penalty in an away 2–2 at Rotherham United. His good league form continued, as he scored two more goals in Barnet's 4–2 away defeat to Bradford City. He scored another penalty in Barnet's 3–1 win at Colchester United in the Football League Trophy First Round. He was subsequently sent off during the same game for two bookable offences. McLeod returned to the first team after a one match ban and marked his return with a goal in a 3–1 defeat at Crewe Alexandra. He then scored another goal in Barnet's 2–0 home victory over struggling xxxxxxxxx. McLeod netted in six straight league games for Barnet, scoring seven goals in the process. Due to his goalscoring form, McLeod was linked with clubs like Crawley Town in the transfer windows during the season.[30] But McLeod rejected the transfer speculation, insisting he wanted to concentrate on his career at Barnet.[31]

In April, McLeod was named in the PFA Team of the Year for League Two for the 2011–12 season.[32] On 21 May 2012, he was out of contract and was subsequently released.[33] After his release from Barnet, McLeod explained that he left the club for a new challenge with a team that could gain promotion rather than helping to avoid relegation.[34]

Portsmouth

In July, McLeod went on trial at League One relegated side Portsmouth,[35] having previously stated he is on the verge of joining a new club but the move was never finalised.[36] After playing in series of friendlies, on 16 August 2012, McLeod agreed to join Portsmouth on a short-term deal.[37] He scored on his league debut in a 1–1 draw against Bournemouth.[38] His second goal came in a 3–0 away win against Crawley Town on 9 September.[39] While at Portsmouth, McLeod's performance was praised by Guy Whittingham, due to his work rate.[40]

McLeod scored 11 goals in 27 games before leaving the club by mutual consent at the end of December 2012.[41] This is explained when caretaker manager Whittingham left him out of the squad, citing tactical reason in a 2–1 loss against Crawley Town, which could have been his last appearance.[42] During Portsmouth's first-half in the league, McLeod was the club's top scorer.

Return to MK Dons

On 3 January 2013 McLeod signed for Milton Keynes Dons on a free transfer on an 18-month contract,[43] having been linked a move back to his former club after his release.[44] Mcleod described his return to MK Dons as a dream come true. He scored his first goal upon his return against Doncaster Rovers in a 3–0 win.[45]

On 28 November 2013, McLeod joined Northampton Town until 4 January 2014 but it was cut short due to an injury suffered in a 1–0 defeat in the hands of Burton Albion on Boxing Day 2013.[46]

Crawley Town

Following his release from MK Dons, on 25 June 2014, McLeod signed a two-year deal with Crawley Town on a free transfer.[47]

International career

In February 2006, he was selected for the England national under-21 football team squad.[48] He played one game for the under-21s, as a 73rd minute substitute versus Norway's U21 team, on 28 February 2006, at the Madejski Stadium, Reading, Berkshire. England won the game 3–1.[49]

Career statistics

As of match played 7 February 2015.
Club statistics
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Derby County 2002–03[50] First Division 2930010—303
2003–04[51] First Division 1010010—111
Total 3940020—414
Sheffield United (loan) 2003–04[51] First Division 70———70
Milton Keynes Dons 2004–05[52] League One 43163022004818
2005–06[53] League One 391741102[lower-alpha 1]04618
2006–07[54] League Two 342122213[lower-alpha 2]04124
Total 1165493535013560
Charlton Athletic 2007–08[55] Championship 1812030—231
2008–09[56] Championship 20—00—20
2009–10[57] League One 11210101[lower-alpha 1]1143
Total 313304011394
Colchester United (loan) 2007–08[55] Championship 20———20
Millwall (loan) 2008–09[56] League One 7210——82
Peterborough United (loan) 2009–10[57] Championship 40———40
Barnet 2010–11[58] League Two 29141000003014
2011–12[59] League Two 441811206[lower-alpha 1]35322
Total 73322120638336
Portsmouth 2012–13[60] League One 241010002[lower-alpha 1]12711
Milton Keynes Dons 2012–13[60] League One 131———131
2013–14[61] League One 36712211[lower-alpha 1]04010
Total 4981221105311
Northampton Town (loan) 2013–14[61] League Two 41———41
Crawley Town 2014–15[62] League One 251010212[lower-alpha 1]13012
Career total 381124186175176433141
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  2. ↑ One appearance in Football League Trophy, two in League Two play-offs

Honours

Individual

References

  1. ↑ "Player Details: Izale McLeod". English National Football Archive.
  2. ↑ "Hornets beat sorry Potters". Sky Sports. 30 October 2002. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  3. ↑ "McLeod signs Rams deal". Sky Sports. 31 January 2003. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  4. ↑ "McLeod out six weeks". Sky Sports. 6 October 2003. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  5. ↑ "Rams starlet wanted in Eastern bloc". Sky Sports. 22 January 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  6. ↑ "Eastern pair close in on Rams duo". Sky Sports. 12 February 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  7. ↑ "McLeod wants Derby stay". Sky Sports. 19 February 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  8. ↑ "Pesch seals Rams move". Sky Sports. 12 March 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  9. ↑ "One in, one out at Dons". Sky Sports. 30 July 2005. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  10. ↑ "League One round-up". Sky Sports. 7 August 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  11. ↑ "League One round-up". Sky Sports. 25 September 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  12. ↑ "MK Dons aim to keep McLeod". Sky Sports. 14 July 2005. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  13. ↑ "Ronaldo secures PFA awards double". BBC Sport. 22 April 2007. Retrieved 19 May 2007.
  14. ↑ "McLeod attracts attention". Sky Sports. 13 July 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  15. ↑ "Charlton snap up McLeod & Zheng". BBC Sport. 9 August 2007. Retrieved 9 August 2007.
  16. ↑ Colchester United official website. Retrieved on 7 March 2008.
  17. ↑ "McLeod suffers knee nightmare". Sky Sports. 8 March 2008. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  18. ↑ "Lions boss set for McLeod talks". Sporting Life. 16 March 2009. Retrieved 17 March 2009.
  19. ↑ "McLeod left in limbo". Sky Sports. 5 March 2009. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  20. ↑ "Posh seal McLeod move". Sky Sports. 9 January 2010. Retrieved 9 January 2010.
  21. ↑ "Cooper explains McLeod axe". Sky Sports. 1 February 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  22. ↑ "Posh suffer striker blow". Sky Sports. 19 February 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  23. ↑ "McLeod departs Charlton". Sky Sports.
  24. ↑ "McLeod no longer Bees target". Sky Sports. 3 August 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  25. ↑ "Southend end interest in Elvis Hammond and Izale McLeodt". BBC. 22 August 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  26. ↑ "McLeod makes Underhill move". Sky Sports. 29 September 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  27. ↑ "Barnet swoop for striker McLeod". BBC News. 29 September 2010.
  28. ↑ Fletcher, Paul (7 May 2011). "Barnet 1 – 0 Port Vale". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 May 2011.
  29. ↑ "McLeod earns new Bees deal". Sky Sports. 16 May 2011. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  30. ↑ "Town eye McLeod deal". Sky Sports. 5 March 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  31. ↑ "McLeod shrugs off transfer talk". Sky Sports. 4 January 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  32. ↑ "McLeod named in divisional XI". Sky Sports. 23 April 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  33. ↑ "McLeod, Brill lead Bees exodus". Sky Sports. 22 May 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  34. ↑ "McLeod eyes success". Sky Sports. 3 June 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  35. ↑ "McLeod on trial with Pompey". Sky Sports. 18 July 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  36. ↑ "McLeod close to new club". Sky Sports. 8 July 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  37. ↑ "Portsmouth announce 10 new signings on short-term deals". BBC Sport. 16 August 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  38. ↑ "Portsmouth 1–1 Bournemouth" BBC Sport. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  39. ↑ "Crawley Town 0–3 Portsmouth" BBC Sport. 9 September 2012. Retrieved 10 September 2012.
  40. ↑ "Whittingham salutes McLeod work-rate". Portsmouth News. 26 November 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  41. ↑ "Portsmouth sign David Connolly as Izale McLeod departs". BBC Sport. 31 December 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  42. ↑ "Pompey boss lifts lid on shock striker omission". Portsmouth News. 27 December 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  43. ↑ "Izale McLeod completes return to Mk Dons". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  44. ↑ Izale McLeod looks set to seal a move back to Milton Keynes Dons; Sky Sports, 31 December 2012
  45. ↑ "That's us at our best says Robbo After Doncaster win". Milton Keynes Citizen. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
  46. ↑ "Izale McLeod joins Northampton on loan from MK Dons". BBC Sport. 28 November 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  47. ↑ "Izale McLeod: Crawley Town sign former MK Dons striker". BBC Sport. 25 June 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  48. ↑ Source: Milton Keynes Today (English)
  49. ↑ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack. "British and Irish Under-21 Teams 2005–06". SKY SPORTS FOOTBALL YEARBOOK 2006–2007 (37th ed.). Headline Publishing Group. p. 964. ISBN 0-7553-1526-X.
  50. ↑ "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  52. ↑ "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  53. ↑ "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  54. ↑ "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  58. ↑ "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  59. ↑ "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  62. ↑ "Games played by Izale McLeod in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  63. ↑ "Individual Awards". Coludaybyday.co.uk.

External links