Jermaine joined the club in March 2006 when he was plucked from non-league Wealdstone - but it wasn't until the 2007/08 season that the striker was handed a chance to shine.

Unable to force his way past a raft of strikers during Kevin Blackwell's tenure, Jermaine was loaned to Carlisle for a month early in the 2006/07 season.

On his return to Elland Road, and with Dennis Wise installed as the club's new manager, he made his first league start against Sunderland on Boxing Day 2006.

He was soon off on loan again and he spent the final months of the season at Scunthorpe United where his eight goals - including two stunning strikes - helped the Iron win promotion to the Championship.

But his big opportunity with United finally came at the start of 2007/08 when Wise handed Beckford and Tresor Kandol the chance to impress as a strike pairing.

The duo forged a good partnership as the club embarked on a terrific start to the season - Jermaine scored three 90th minute goals - and he went on to claim 20 goals in the league as United reached the Play-Off finals.

His future was the subject of media speculation during the January transfer window, but expressed no desire to part company with the club, and he ended the season with a clean sweep at the Player-of-the-Year awards.

Jermaine started the 2008/09 season in fine form, and had eight goals to his name by September 6, including a first ever professional hat-trick, scored against Chester City in the Carling Cup.