Sam Byram has reflected on his 2016 move from West Ham United to Leeds United
Sam Byram has lifted the lid on his first move away from Leeds United following the end of his second Elland Road spell.
The 32-year-old ascended the youth ranks in LS11 and established himself as a key first-team figure during a tumultuous chapter in the club’s history.
He was lured away from West Yorkshire in January 2016, when West Ham United gave the defender a chance to shine in the Premier League.
Sam Byram barely featured in his final season at Leeds United.placeholder image
Sam Byram barely featured in his final season at Leeds United. | George Wood/Getty Images
Sam Byram on West Ham United move
Byram later returned to Leeds in the summer of 2023, taking his Whites appearance tally to 224 before seeing his contract expire back in June. Having completed a free transfer switch to Middlesbrough, Byram has reflected on his Leeds experiences in an interview with the club’s in-house media team.
Regarding his 2016 move to the capital, Byram said: “It was difficult. I think for everyone involved in the club, it was obviously a really tough time. Looking back as a young kid, I had never imagined leaving or never wanted to leave. I think the circumstances around it and the fact that I had a chance to go and play in the Premier League, it was something at that time I couldn’t say no to.
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“I wouldn’t say I regretted it because I met my wife down in London and obviously had an unbelievable experience living in the capital. But, if I had foreseen the sort of the trajectory that Leeds would have gone on, it would have made me question the decision at the time.
“I never expected that chance to come back. Obviously, huge credit and thanks to the manager and his staff for giving me that opportunity. Being able to spend the last three seasons here, they have been probably the best and the happiest part of football that I have had in my career.”
Second spell at Leeds United
Injury plagued Byram at West Ham and fitness issues also proved troublesome when he moved on to Norwich City.
There were doubts over his availability record when he returned to Leeds three years ago, doubts he quashed by staying fit and playing an important role in the Championship.
Sam Byram joined West United from Leeds United in January 2016.placeholder image
Sam Byram joined West United from Leeds United in January 2016. | Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
He said: “I like to think that I came in with optimism and real eagerness. You know, for me it was a huge chance to sign a deal back at Leeds and I like to think that every day in training, every day that I have come into the building, I have brought a positivity and a happy-go-lucky spirit, just wanting to train and do my best for the club.
“I think that probably rubs off on the group and I hope it has. The last three years, like I say, I think we have built a real strong foundation for players coming in. They can see what it means to be at Leeds and what you need to do, not just to play for Leeds but to be a good person around the building.
“I think obviously growing up around it, it is instilled in me and others that have come through the Academy. I think it takes a lot to play for Leeds.
“It takes a lot of character, a lot of courage and passion. They are all things that hopefully from me being around the place and trying to sort of educate people on the club, that is something that the fans can see on the pitch and everyone who steps on and puts a shirt on.”