Christie Goes

Last updated : 29 January 2009 By Kevin Markey
Christie gave a 7-day notice to leave Leeds on January 22 as per an agreement he made with the club.

The injury-prone frontman, who turns 30 in April, initially joined Leeds on trial 12 months ago, only for injury to damage his hopes of a deal.

Leeds offered him another chance in the autumn when they allowed him to use the training facilities at Thorp Arch in a bid to gain full fitness and after looking at him in training, Christie signed a deal in October.

The Peterborough-born forward made his Leeds debut in the 5-2 FA Cup win at Northampton in November and he scored his first goal in the 3-1 win over Stockport on December 28, his first goal in almost two years.

Christie's progress was subsequently monitored by Simon Grayson, who had been impressed in the player during his time as Blackpool boss, and he started the 2-0 home defeat to Carlisle on Janaury 10, his only league start for the club.

Behind Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio in the striking pecking order, Christie was replaced that day by loanee Lee Trundle, who jumped ahead of the queue in front of him.

The return of Tresor Kandol further increased the striking options for Grayson, prompting the decision to release the former Middlesbrough and Derby star.