J is for Johnson, Seth Maurice.

At the outset, it seemed a match made in heaven.

Leeds get an England capped, 22-year-old aggressive midfielder, who scores the odd goal and with a name like Seth is even sounds like he came from up our way.

What we got was a multi-million pound flop, blighted by injury, loss of form and even when we wanted to play him, bizarrely we could not afford to do so!

Plus he was a Brummie and not a Yorkshireman.

When Seth arrived in the Autumn of 2001, it seemed like a forward thinking move. David Batty's illustrious career was winding down and there was even talk of Seth fitting in nicely to the role of Lee Bowyer - who was midway through a criminal court case and if the national opinion was to be believed, would be detained at her Majesty's Pleasure for some time.

Seth's negotiations with a certain Peter Ridsdale became Urban Legend. Apparently (if you have never heard it) Seth and his agent arrived in Leeds, hoping to get £10,000 a week and Mr R made an opening offer of £37,000 a week. Ridsdale has since denied this in his autobiography and quoted a figure of around £10,000 less.

Even so it was a ridiculous amount of money and a poor return for 54 games and 4 goals.

Leeds so nearly cut their losses and a deal was agreed with Middlesbrough, but alarm bells were ringing when Johnson failed a medical on his knees. By the time he was fully fit again and needed for action, by now Leeds were struggling in the Championship, any further appearances for us would have triggered off another payment due to Derby County.

In August 2005, a seemingly sensible conclusion was reached. Seth was released and rejoined the Rams.

Seth had two more years at Pride Park, helping Derby to promotion in his first season back but injuring his knee in the play-off final against West Brom.

The following season, aged just 28, he was released by Derby and would never play professional again.

Now 32,reminiscent of his time at Leeds - his whereabouts is unknown!

Photo: Action Images

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