New signing says he can't wait to start working with Dougie Freedman once again
Jermaine Beckford says the opportunity to rekindle his relationship with Dougie Freedman proved pivotal in his recent reasoning to sign for Bolton Wanderers.
A seemingly drawn-out transfer from Leicester City was finally rubber stamped on Wednesday afternoon.
And speaking exclusively to the club’s website Beckford, who played alongside Freedman for the second half of Leeds’ 2007/08 League One campaign, revealed he didn’t have to think twice about making the move.
He said: “The manager is big part of the reason I decided to sign here. I know him quite well as a person and he’s a top guy.
“We obviously played upfront together at Leeds – we formed a great partnership!
“Since he became a manager he’s someone I’ve always wanted to work with. I feel this is the perfect opportunity.
“Playing with him for that short period of time I certainly believe he helped make me a better player; I learned a lot from him.
“Understanding his mentality and knowing how he is, I believe I’ll be able to learn a lot more out on the training ground and improve my game that little bit more.
“As a club, Bolton have always struck me as a hard-working side with a lot of talented players. I hope can add a slightly different dimension.
“There are plenty of forwards here at the club already, but all competition for places is good competition.
“At the end of the day we’re all working together for the same cause and we want to try and get to the Premier League.”