Dean Leacock

Fulham

Born in Croydon, London, Leacock signed his first professional contract on a three-year deal. At the time, he was known as an up-and-coming central defender, tipped by many to become the new Rio Ferdinand. Leacock made his professional debut as an eighteen-year-old for Fulham in a League Cup defeat against Wigan Athletic on 4 December 2002. After playing in another League Cup defeat by Wigan on 23 September 2003, Leacock made his Premier League debut in a 2–0 win over Blackburn Rovers on 28 September 2003. He made four consecutive league appearances for Fulham before his run in the team was cut short when he tore knee ligaments in the pre-match warm up before Fulham's 3–1 over Manchester United on 25 October 2003. The injury ruled him out for the season. Despite the injury, Leacock signed a new deal with Fulham until 2006. Leacock returned to fitness in time for the start of the 2004–05 season. On 10 September 2004, he joined Coventry City on a loan for a month, in a deal that was later extended to the end of the year. He made his debut for Coventry in a 3–0 defeat by Leeds United on 11 September 2004. He made 1 cup and 8 league appearances for Coventry before injury prompted an early return to Fulham. He returned to Coventry on loan in January 2005 and made a further 5 league and 2 cup appearances before his spell with the club was again cut short by injury. Leacock then made 5 league and 2 cup appearances for Fulham during the 2005–06 season, signing a new…

Derby County

Football League Championship play-offs: 2007