Leak deal had begun to look likely for Brewers

THERE is an element of what might have been about the departure of Ryan Leak from Burton Albion to Salford City on Monday, writes Colston Crawford.

When the Burton-born centre-half was a surprise arrival at the start of last season, it looked as if Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink had stumbled across a gem.

He had been playing in the Spanish second division with Burgos but returned home rather than find himself stranded out there as pandemic lockdowns bit.

Still only 22, he went straight into the team. Michael Bostwick was not ready and Sam Hughes was several months away from a playing return, so Burton were short of centre-halves and the immediate impression was of an excellent instant understanding with Conor Shaughnessy in the centre of defence.

Leak seemed to have time on the ball, his anticipation and heading was good – what was not to like?

And yet as the season wore on, Leak dropped back in the pecking order. Bostwick came back when he was fit.

When the veteran centre-half was injured again, in the 2-1 win at home to Portsmouth in September, Leak virtually sprinted on to the pitch to replace him from the bench. He looked like a man on a mission.

Fans were perplexed by his omission but it also looked like a classic case of the manager seeing something that less experienced eyes do not. And, of course, the manager sees them most days.

Leak did not register any of his 22 appearances beyond February.

When Hasselbaink said early in pre-season that some players who wanted more game time were likely to move on, it seemed certain that Leak was fitting into that category.

It looks like a good move for all parties. The Brewers have received an undisclosed fee.

Leak has the chance of a fresh start in a League Two side who should be challenging at the right end of the table and time is on his side to build a good career in the game.