Former Ireland striker Leon Best gets pay-off to leave Blackburn Rovers early
FORMER Ireland striker Leon Best is at a major crossroads in his career after he was given a pay-off to leave Blackburn Rovers 12 months ahead of schedule.
Still only 28 years of age, Best was once deemed good enough at club level to earn a £3million move to Blackburn Rovers and also good enough at international level to play against Brazil.
But the Nottingham-born, Dublin-raised striker has been going backwards for some time now and Blackburn have this week cut their losses and paid up the last year of Best's contract.
The club's local newspaper, the Lancashire Telegraph, have done their sums and they reckon that Best, who scored just two league goals for Rovers since his move from Newcastle United in 2012, cost the club £11milion in transfer fees and wages. Over £5m per goal is a big outlay even for a club like Blackburn.
Loan spells away from Blackburn did not work out either - Best failed to score in 33 games while on loan to Derby and Brighton last season, and at one point in his time at Brighton he was booed by the home fans.
Giovanni Trapattoni was a fan of the big striker and Best is without doubt a talented player who should not be written off at 28.
But, having enjoyed a £30,000 a week salary for the last three years, Best may have to lower his demands before he finds a new employer.
Blackburn