Jacob Burns was bought in August 2000 as midfield cover and as an
investment for the future. With the Great Injury Crisis decimating all
parts of the team, he made his debut against Charlton in
October. First impressions are generally favourable: he is very fit,
and his work rate can't be faulted. He does appear to be a little bit
over zealous in his tackling sometimes, and has given away a couple of
free kicks in fairly heart-stopping places (one of which lead to David
Beckham's goal at Old Trafford). He's having to learn fast and mature
even faster, and he seems to be rising to the challenges that DOL is
setting before him. With a fully fit squad, the best he can
realistically hope for is a seat on the bench, but in showing his
versatility and enthusiasm now, he's doing himself plenty of favours
for the future. He might never be more than a good squad rotation
player - but with the players that are currently at Leeds that's not
faint praise of his abilities.
After a regular spell in the reserves at the start of 2001-02,
Jacob picked up an injury that kept him out for a couple of months and
didn't make it back into the first team squad until November 2002.
It's widely assumed he'll be released in the summer - but should have
a decent chance of finding a Division 1 club he can do a good job
for.
Geoff Murison says: went to the same school. All round nice guy
made the train trip home easy. I'm proud of him. best of luck to
him!
IlGino says: U Legend Jacob..... hope u make the first team
soon.
John says: Jacob used to play with my younger brother as a youth in
Sydney. He was never what you would call a hot shot player. I am
very surprised that Leeds picked him up in the first place but good
luck to him.
toni blakeston says: he's gorgeous..and Australian. Perfect!
Kali Doublet says: Went to same school and caught train
together...lovely guy....welldone!
Don says: Jacob Burns is the least talented player i have ever seen
Jacobs NO.1 fan forever, Leeds says: Good Bye Jakey Baby, Good Luck
for the future. That guy deserved better than what he got. I was
proud to wear BURNS 25 on my Leeds shirt, I bet I was the only one
aswell (except jacob)
MK says: Met Burnsy in a Leeds Nightspot, where he was going widely
unreconised. Needless to say I probably ruined his night by trying to
talk to him most of the evening. Really friendly bloke, but hes quite
a comedy football player. Can t believe he s ever played at the level
he has. Apparently he has a well fit wife!
Emma Donohoe says: hi jacob it's emma i hope ypu can come to my
party bye
Johnny Lord says: sorry to say jacob burns is one of the worst
players ive seen don the white shirt. his perfromance at spurs in
02/03 was....unspeakable. i wish him well like
Phil says: without doubt the worst player ever to ware the white
shirt. what a waste of £1/4m
Eric Charles says: Glad you hopped off the sinking ship Jacob. With
you, Harry & now Dooks opening the door.......it is certainly spells
doom for Leeds. Go aussies!
johnny lord says: up there with russel doig
Klaus says: Jacob was a hack at Sydney Untied, a hack at Parramatta
Power and a hack at Leeds United. He might be fit but anyone can
run. I think there are about 350 players in Australia more worthy of a
place in professional football than him. Maybe next time they should
create a show called Football Idol and have no-names added to ELP
squads and let the public vote them off. Jacob would get my vote.
Alex Kesby says: Jacob Burns is a just another talented Aussie
going around England and Leeds should sign another one by the name of
Tim Cahill
trane says: What people don't seem to realise is the fact that jake
is a defensive midfielder.I have been close friends with jake my whole
life,and his strengths have always been endurance strength, shutting
the opposition down and winning possesion.Just like Dennis Rodman of
Chicago bulls fame,always winning the rebound-his primary job.Jake has
true grit that not many have in the sport.This is what leeds saw,and
he performed the job brilliantly.Klaus obviously never saw a single
game jake played for sydney united in the year they went to the grand
final.There is no doubt jacob was the single key to that teams
victory.He single-handedly tore defences to shreds and held the fort
while scoring goals.Another interesting fact, not many people know is
that jacob went to the same high school as harry kewell in sydney.And
while jacob was winning school soccer finals in consecutive years,
harry spent the whole time on the bench
|