A SEAGULL WHO GREW HIS WINGS AT COBBLERS
Leonard’s making name on loan at Northampton
Gutted. That’s how Marc Leonard felt when news filtered through that Graham Potter and Billy Reid were leaving Brighton for Chelsea.
Why wouldn’t he? Those two were responsible for integrating the 20-year- old Scot into the Seagulls’ first-team squad.
For the last 12 months, Potter and Reid instilled a belief that he could become a Premier League footballer.
So, of course, his initial reaction was disappointment.
But when Leonard took a step back, that changed.
Instead of getting frustrated, it gave him fire in his belly.
Instead of moping about their departure to Stamford Bridge, he felt more motivated than ever.
Ultimately, if the head coach and assistant of the former European champions rates you that highly, why would you feel down about it?
For Leonard now, it’s about fulfilling the potential Potter and Reid believe he has.
And that’s what the midfielder intends to do, starting with his loan move to Northampton Town.
He could have stayed at Brighton and featured on the bench for new boss Roberto De Zerbi, alongside top internationals Leandro Trossard, Adam Lallana and Moises Caicedo.
But, with the blessing of Potter and Reid in the summer, he stepped out of his comfort zone by going to League Two. And so far, the former Hearts kid has been a standout.
No one in the Cobblers’ squad has made more accurate passes, tackles or interceptions than Leonard this term.
Northampton are second top and have won five on the spin in the league.
The switch, which was rubberstamped by Potter and Reid before Chelsea came calling, is going to plan and Leonard is convinced that when he returns to the Amex – albeit under a new gaffer – he’ll be a better playerr than the one who left.
Leonard – a Scotland Under-211 international – told MailSport: “Myy first reaction when I’d heard they weree going to Chelsea was to feel a bit gutted.d.
“That’s because I’d built up such a good relationship with them.
“The Brighton boys were texting eachch other saying we hoped it didn’t happenen just because of the atmosphere andnd environment the manager had created.d.
“It was great to be part of it so, at first,st, I was disappointed.
“I’d have loved to play for the clubub under those two.
“But when you look at the biggerer picture, it’s an amazing story for them.
“And it gives me extra motivation to succeed now, knowing what they think of me.
“I want to prove them right. I spoke to the manager in the summer who said I was part of what he had going on at Brighton.
“That was really encouraging to hear. But he wanted me to gain experience here at Northampton.
“He’d taken me up to train with the first team so that’s what he thought of me as a player. It was the same with Billy who I spoke to just last week.
“He told me I was ready for this and not to worry about anything – just go and do it.
“He reminded me that I’d trained with Brighton’s first team for a year so I should know that I’m a good player.
“They gave me so much confidence. Going anywhere on loan, you do wonder, ‘ What if this doesn’t work out?’
“But that reassurance from Billy was crucial. It’s up to me now to show I’m
ready to bebeafootballeratthehighestafootballeratthehighest levellevel. “He told me not to be nervous, just to believe in what I can do.
“You probably don’t realise until they move on to a club like Chelsea just how high-level these people are as coaches.
“To think they rate me highly is a great feeling.
“You’re just so focused on doing well yourself.
“But when I take a step back I’m grateful that I got the chance to work with and learn from football exper t s like the manager and Billy.
“It was a privilege to be part of what was going on at Brighton.
“I can’t thank them enough for having that faith in me.”
Pot ter and
Reid’s move to
Chelsea has spl it
opinion. o Their backers insist they’re exactly ex what the London giants need. They see the pair bringing calmness, humility hu and a long-term vision to a club clu known for being trigger-happy when wh it comes to gaffers.
Others O say the jump from Brighton, where wh there is relatively little pressure and an few egos, to the Blues where silverware silv is a must for a dressing-room containing con the likes of Thiago Silva, Raheem Ra Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Au is too steep.
But B Leonard knows which camp he’s in. He said: “For someone like Billy especially, esp I’m delighted for him.
“He gives his all every day and he’s now at a club where he’ll thrive.
“He’s been on some journey as a coach. It’s It’ madness to think where he’s come from and where he is now.
“But they’ll go into that Chelsea dressing-room and it won’t faze them. They’ll handle it. “The first thing they’ll do is build a positive environment and good relationships with everyone at the club.
“It’ll be exactly the same as what they did at Brighton. They built a style of play that was instantly recognisable when you watched them play.
“They’ll do the same at Chelsea. “People have said it’s a big step for Potter but I don’t think there’s anyone more suited than him for that job.
“He’ll go there and turn Chelsea into a better side who will hopefully go on and win trophies.”
For Leonard, it’s all about progression – and promotion – this season.
He’s flying for Jon Brady’s side and loving life in League Two.
With the backing of two Scots,
Brighton loan manager
Gordon
Greer and new technical director Davie Weir, he wants to impress Italian boss De Zerbi and return to the south coast ready to challenge for a first-team spot.
He said: “The level of professionalism doesn’t really change. You’re in charge of your own career at the end of the day.
“My thoughts coming into it were that it would be a huge change coming from the Premier League.
“I thought I’d miss things that I have at Brighton. But it hasn’t been like that at all. I’ve really enjoyed it.
“I’m convinced I’ll go back to Brighton a better player for this experience, whether that’s in January or the summer.
“Playing in front of fans and winning – nothing beats it. We’ve won five in a row and it’s brilliant.
“Once you’ve tasted it, you want more. The feeling you get after the game is so positive. Until now, I’ve never really felt anything like that.
“It would be great to get a
promotion on my CV.”
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