Striker leaves Magpies for Championship

Best moves to Ewood Park on a four-year deal

By Zain Alvi | 3rd July 2012

Newcastle United striker Leon Best has completed a £3 million switch to recently relegated Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers.

Best made 46 appearances across all competitions for the Magpies between 2009 and 2012, scoring 10 goals in the process.

While his potential was there to see for everyone, injuries prevented the Ireland international from consistently making an impact at Tyneside.

Having played below the English top flight before during his stints with Sheffield Wednesday, Bournemouth, Yeovil Town, and Coventry City, the striker will now aim to return to the top flight with the Rovers next season.

Blackburn, who recently also signed former Fulham captain Danny Murphy to strengthen their bid for immediate promotion, announced the deal on their website yesterday.

“Blackburn Rovers have this evening completed the signing of Leon Best from Newcastle United. The 25-year-old striker makes the move from the North East to the North West for a fee of more than £3m, signing a four-year deal,” a club statement read.

In addition to representing various clubs during his eventful career, Best has also made seven appearances for the Republic of Ireland but is yet to score for his nation.