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

Izale McLeod
Personal information
Full name Izale Michael McLeod[1]
Date of birth (1984-10-15) 15 October 1984 (age 40)[1]
Place of birth Perry Barr, England
Position(s) Forward
Youth career
0000–2002 Derby County
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2004 Derby County 39 (4)
2004Sheffield United (loan) 7 (0)
2004–2007 Milton Keynes Dons 117 (54)
2007–2010 Charlton Athletic 31 (3)
2008Colchester United (loan) 2 (0)
2009Millwall (loan) 7 (2)
2010Peterborough United (loan) 4 (0)
2010–2012 Barnet 73 (32)
2012 Portsmouth 24 (10)
2013–2014 Milton Keynes Dons 49 (8)
2013Northampton Town (loan) 4 (1)
2014–2015 Crawley Town 42 (19)
2015–2016 Notts County 37 (9)
2016 Yeovil Town 4 (0)
2016 Corby Town 1 (0)
2017 Wrexham 15 (1)
2018–2020 Kempston Rovers 36 (15)
Total 492 (158)
International career
2006 England U21 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:24, 25 February 2020 (UTC)

McLeod is the all-time leading scorer for Milton Keynes Dons with 71 goals in 188 appearances.

Club career

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Derby County

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Born in Perry Barr, Birmingham,[2] 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.[3] After getting his chance in the first team, McLeod signed a two-year deal.[4] 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.[5] In the transfer window, McLeod was linked with a move to Russian and Ukrainian clubs, like Shinnik Yaroslavl.[6] McLeod was close to joining Shinnik Yaroslavl and Metalurh Donetsk, with the moves reportedly around the £300,000 mark.[7] However, McLeod eventually rejected the moves and stayed at Derby County, to fight for his place in the first team.[8] But he spent time on loan at First Division club Sheffield United, making seven appearances.[9] During his career at Derby, McLeod scored four goals in 41 appearances.

Milton Keynes Dons

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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.[10] In the opening game of the season, he scored in his MK Dons debut in a 1–1 draw against Barnsley.[11] 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.[12] At the end of the season, he had scored 18 goals in a total of 48 appearances in an excellent start at MK Dons. At the start of his second season at MK Dons, he signed a two-year deal.[13]

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.[14] At the end of the season, McLeod was linked with clubs in Championship, having handed in a transfer request.[15]

Charlton Athletic

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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.[16] 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.[17][18] His time at Charlton had not gone as planned and he couldn't reproduce his form at MK Dons.

Millwall

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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,[19] McLeod returned to Charlton.[20]

Peterborough United

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On 9 January 2010, McLeod joined Championship club Peterborough United on loan until the end of the season.[21] McLeod made his Peterborough 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.[22] Even worse, McLeod suffered a meniscus problem, ruling him out for six to eight weeks.[23] As a result of his injury, he returned to Charlton.

Barnet

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McLeod left Charlton Athletic after his contract was cancelled in July 2010.[24] After unsuccessful trials over the summer of 2010 with Brentford[25] and Southend United,[26] McLeod signed a one-year contract with Barnet on 29 September 2010.[27][28] His penalty against Port Vale on the final day of the 2010–11 season saved the club from relegation out of the Football League.[29] On 18 May 2011, he signed for another year at Barnet.[30]

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. 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.[31] But McLeod rejected the transfer speculation, insisting he wanted to concentrate on his career at Barnet.[32]

In April, McLeod was named in the PFA Team of the Year for League Two for the 2011–12 season.[33] On 21 May 2012, he was out of contract and was subsequently released.[34] 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.[35]

Portsmouth

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In July, McLeod went on trial at League One relegated club Portsmouth,[36] having previously stated he is on the verge of joining a new club but the move was never finalised.[37] After playing in series of friendlies, on 16 August 2012, McLeod agreed to join Portsmouth on a short-term deal.[38] He scored on his league debut in a 1–1 draw against Bournemouth.[39] His second goal came in a 3–0 away win against Crawley Town on 9 September.[40] While at Portsmouth, McLeod's performance was praised by Guy Whittingham, due to his work rate.[41]

McLeod scored 11 goals in 27 games before leaving the club by mutual consent at the end of December 2012.[42] 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.[43] During Portsmouth's first half in the league, McLeod was the club's top scorer.

Milton Keynes Dons (second spell)

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On 3 January 2013 McLeod signed for Milton Keynes Dons on a free transfer on an 18-month contract,[44] having been linked a move back to his former club after his release.[45] 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.[46]

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.[47]

Later career

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Following his release from MK Dons, on 25 June 2014, McLeod signed a two-year deal with Crawley Town on a free transfer.[48]

On 22 August 2015, McLeod joined Notts County for an undisclosed six-figure sum on a two-year contract.[49] On 25 August 2016, McLeod left Notts County by mutual consent having scored 10 goals in 41 appearances for the club.[50]

Following the mutual termination of his contract at Notts County, McLeod joined fellow League Two club Yeovil Town until the end of the season.[51] He scored his first goal for Yeovil in an EFL Trophy tie against Portsmouth on 30 August 2016.[52] On 10 November 2016, after making only six appearances for Yeovil, McLeod left the club after his contract was terminated by mutual consent for personal reasons.[53]

On 24 November 2016, McLeod joined Northern Premier League club Corby Town.[54]

On 6 January 2017, McLeod joined Wrexham.[55] He was released by the club at the end of the 2016–17 season.[56]

On 4 July 2017, McLeod announced his retirement from professional football whilst also taking up a new role as a Business Sales Executive with his former club Milton Keynes Dons. At the time of taking up his new position, McLeod was still the club's all-time leading goalscorer.[57]

McLeod came out of retirement in November 2018 to sign for Southern League club Kempston Rovers.[58] He retired again in January 2020 due to a recurring injury.[59]

International career

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In February 2006, he was selected for the England national under-21 football team squad.[60] 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.[61]

Career statistics

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As of match played 11 January 2020.
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Derby County 2002–03[62] First Division 29 3 0 0 1 0 30 3
2003–04[63] First Division 10 1 0 0 1 0 11 1
Total 39 4 0 0 2 0 41 4
Sheffield United (loan) 2003–04[63] First Division 7 0 7 0
Milton Keynes Dons 2004–05[64] League One 43 16 3 0 2 2 0 0 48 18
2005–06[65] League One 39 17 4 1 1 0 2[a] 0 46 18
2006–07[66] League Two 34 21 2 2 2 1 3[b] 0 41 24
Total 116 54 9 3 5 3 5 0 135 60
Charlton Athletic 2007–08[67] Championship 18 1 2 0 3 0 23 1
2008–09[68] Championship 2 0 0 0 2 0
2009–10[69] League One 11 2 1 0 1 0 1[a] 1 14 3
Total 31 3 3 0 4 0 1 1 39 4
Colchester United (loan) 2007–08[67] Championship 2 0 2 0
Millwall (loan) 2008–09[68] League One 7 2 1 0 8 2
Peterborough United (loan) 2009–10[69] Championship 4 0 4 0
Barnet 2010–11[70] League Two 29 14 1 0 0 0 0 0 30 14
2011–12[71] League Two 44 18 1 1 2 0 6[a] 3 53 22
Total 73 32 2 1 2 0 6 3 83 36
Portsmouth 2012–13[72] League One 24 10 1 0 0 0 2[a] 1 27 11
Milton Keynes Dons 2012–13[72] League One 13 1 13 1
2013–14[73] League One 36 7 1 2 2 1 1[a] 0 40 10
Total 49 8 1 2 2 1 1 0 53 11
Northampton Town (loan) 2013–14[73] League Two 4 1 4 1
Crawley Town 2014–15[74] League One 42 19 1 0 2 1 2[a] 1 47 21
Notts County 2015–16[75] League Two 37 9 1 0 1 0 2[a] 1 41 10
Yeovil Town 2016–17[76] League Two 4 0 0 0 0 0 2[a] 1 6 1
Corby Town 2016–17[77] NPL Premier Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Wrexham 2016–17[77] National League 15 1 0 0 0 0 15 1
Kempston Rovers 2018–19[78] Southern D1 Central 16 7 0 0 0 0 16 7
2019–20[79] Southern D1 Central 20 8 2 0 1[c] 0 23 8
Total 36 15 2 0 1 0 39 15
Career total 492 158 21 6 18 5 22 8 552 177
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
  2. ^ Two appearances in League Two play-offs and one appearance in EFL Trophy
  3. ^ Appearance in FA Trophy

Honours

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Izale McLeod". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
  2. ^ "Blues join the race for hot-shot McLeod". Birmingham Mail. 22 December 2005. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
  3. ^ "Hornets beat sorry Potters". Sky Sports. 30 October 2002. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  4. ^ "McLeod signs Rams deal". Sky Sports. 31 January 2003. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  5. ^ "McLeod out six weeks". Sky Sports. 6 October 2003. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  6. ^ "Rams starlet wanted in Eastern bloc". Sky Sports. 22 January 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  7. ^ "Eastern pair close in on Rams duo". Sky Sports. 12 February 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  8. ^ "McLeod wants Derby stay". Sky Sports. 19 February 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  9. ^ "Pesch seals Rams move". Sky Sports. 12 March 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  10. ^ "One in, one out at Dons". Sky Sports. 30 July 2005. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  11. ^ "League One round-up". Sky Sports. 7 August 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  12. ^ "League One round-up". Sky Sports. 25 September 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
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  45. ^ Izale McLeod looks set to seal a move back to Milton Keynes Dons; Sky Sports, 31 December 2012
  46. ^ "That's us at our best says Robbo After Doncaster win". Milton Keynes Citizen. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
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  48. ^ "Izale McLeod: Crawley Town sign former MK Dons striker". BBC Sport. 25 June 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  49. ^ "Izale McLeod: Notts County sign Crawley Town striker". BBC Sport. 22 August 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
  50. ^ "Izale McLeod leaves Notts". Notts County F.C. 25 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
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  58. ^ "Izale McLeod – Kempston Rovers FC".
  59. ^ SQUAD UPDATE
  60. ^ Source: Milton Keynes Today[permanent dead link] (in English)
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