Continuing in the series, we take a look at controversial former Brighton striker Leon Knight.
Name – Leon Knight
Position – Striker
Signed – August 2003 from Chelsea for £100,000
Left – Jan 2006 to Swansea City for £125,000
Albion Appearances (goals): 108 appearance 36 goals
Leon Knight joined Brighton from Chelsea in the summer of 2003 following loan spells at
Huddersfield, Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers. He had the unenviable task of replacing fans favourite Bobby Zamora who had just departed for Spurs.
Knight proved an instant success firing in 27 league and cup goals as the Seagulls were promoted from League 1 via the play offs. He even netted the winner from the penalty spot against Bristol City in the final at the Millennium Stadium. The championship proved to be a lot harder for the young forward though and he struggled with form managing just 4 goals in the following campaign as Brighton narrowly avoided relegation.
He fared no better in the 2005/2006 season and after an alleged fall out with manager Mark McGhee he was transferred to league 1 side Swansea City in January 2006 for £125,000.
Leon made a dream start for the Swans, scoring a first half hat trick on his debut against MK Dons. The goals started flowing again and City reached the play off final against Barnsley. This time however, Leon was on the losing side.
Shortly afterwards, Leon was transfer listed amidst rumours of a another fallout, this time with the Swansea manager Kenny Jackett and after a brief loan spell with Barnsley, he joined Milton Keynes Dons for an undisclosed fee.
A temperamental player, at times he was brilliant but sometimes he appeared disinterested and half hearted when things aren`t going his way.
It would be nice for Albion fans to remember him for his goal scoring heroics and the play off final winner in 2004, unfortunately he has managed to alienate the majority of supporters (and possibly players) with derogatory remarks made against the club in interviews following his departure and he would probably receive a very hostile reception if he ever returns to the Withdean.
By Stuart Davis
