Jermaine Beckford has revealed that he had serious doubts that Everton would sign him back in 2010.
The Jamaica international striker retired from professional football earlier this summer, hanging up his boots for the final time after leaving Bury at the end of last season, having played just one game in that campaign due to injuries.
Beckford signed for Everton ahead of the 2010/11 season after being released by Leeds United and the forward finished his one and only season at Goodison Park as the club’s top goalscorer for the campaign.
Having signed on a free transfer, Beckford left in a £2.5million deal to Leicester the following summer, however the striker has reflected on his initial signing for the Toffees, and how he doubted it would ever happen at one point.
Talking exclusively to the Liverpool Echo, Beckford revealed how he had already spoken to David Moyes and was awaiting confirmation by the time the Whites cancelled his contract. Beckford explained the situation, saying:
I knew about the interest, but in football you hear about interest a lot. So I met with David Moyes, along with a number of other managers.
I didn’t really think anything of it, I just thought this is amazing, I’m meeting an amazing manager, someone who has been at the helm for a number of years and is well respected in the game.
I thought even if it didn’t work out, and I didn’t end up going to Everton, it was an opportunity for me to speak to him and get a couple of thoughts and ideas on what he thinks of me, where I can improve and where my strong points are.
It was a learning curve and it was great.
Beckford then expanded on the uncertainty behind the move, and how he was left waiting to hear back about the club’s interest. He continued:
[Moyes] didn’t actually say anything for a number of months.
It was great to have been able to sit down with him and then when the season finished, a few days, maybe a week later, I got a phone call from my agent saying David Moyes wants to sign you now, is it okay? I was like, wow, yeah, great!
I thought it was dead and buried so to have it resurrected and put to me, while I was a free agent, it was a no-brainer.
Was he underrated during his time at Goodison Park?
Read Everton Verdict
I’ve always thought Jermaine Beckford was an undervalued signing. Much like with Bernard in the current Everton squad, there is little better than signing a player with decent ability for no transfer fee.
It is a great move for the club, and although Beckford wasn’t as talented as the little Brazilian, he was a fairly competent player.
I don’t think Beckford is spoken about enough in all honesty, he was underrated. His goal alone against Chelsea is something to behold, and I think he deserves more credit. Best of wishes to him in his retirement.
