The Simon Grayson era at Leeds United was one which was quickly dismantled, but Jermaine Beckford, Luciano Becchio, and Jonny Howson quickly became fan favourites.
Jonny Howson is helping the U-21 team via a player-coach role and Jermaine Beckford continues to be involved at Leeds United in various media roles for Sky and LUTV.
Luciano Becchio has been at Elland Road watching Leeds on occasion since his departure from the club, and it’s clear Leeds had a lasting impression on the 41-year-old.
Becchio blamed Neil Warnock for his Leeds departure but his legacy at Elland Road remains strong to this day. He retired in 2017 after spells in Spain and Argentina to end his career.
Leeds United captain Jonny Howson
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Luciano Becchio visits Leeds to see Jermaine Beckford and Jonny Howson
Over the last season, it’s been evident Becchio still watches Leeds and has all season. He is now currently back in Leeds touring different venues.
Last night, he was part of “Becchio & Beckford Unplugged Goals, Glory & Banter”. The event was at The Victoria Hall in Keighley.
However, in visiting the UK, the duo reunited at Elland Road and Thorp Arch for more media work and to promote the fact they are doing another show this weekend.
It’s titled: “Luciano Becchio & Jermaine Beckford”. It is on Sunday 7 Sep 2025 7.00pm – 11.00pm at The Leeds Irish Centre.
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Of course, for fans of a certain age, the 2008-2011 period of having most of these players in the Grayson era is nostalgic and invokes predominantly positive memories — such as Old Trafford and Bristol Rovers.
Grayson’s side had plenty of quality in midfield and attack, scoring numerous goals. Becchio, Beckford, and Howson were all a huge part of that. They met up at Thorp Arch, with Becchio posting it on his Instagram story.
The trio were all vital pieces of that Grayson team, with Becchio captioning it: “Old friends🥰”
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Ezgjan Alioski also spotted with a fan on international duty
Although of a different era, and more closely tied to a recent one of success than Grayson’s spell at Leeds, Ezgjan Alioski has also been pictured in a heartwarming moment on social media during the international break.
Two days ago, Leeds fan Rowan on Twitter/X shared: “It was a great moment to meet a Leeds United legend in @ezgjanalioski he was kind enough to sign my @TheSquareBall promotion special! Unexpected trip to the Victoria Žižkov stadium in Prague.”
Alioski was one of the key players during the Marcelo Bielsa era at the club for a time, but he is still going strong for his national team in North Macedonia.