Darren Huckerby comments on his Leeds United struggles, fan pressure and Chris Wood

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The former Leeds United forward has discussed the potential of the Kiwi striker.

Leeds United’s Chris Wood celebrates with team mates after scoring their second goal

Leeds United’s love-hate relationship with their striker Chris Wood has been plainly evident at the start of this campaign.

The New Zealand international struggled to find his form early on in the campaign and when he scored an overhead kick equaliser in the 90^th minute v Fulham recently he could not contain himself with his celebration, cupping his ears to the crowd.

Leeds United’s Chris Wood scores their first goal

It was an action born of frustration for the big man and one former Leeds striker who knows about being frustrated at Elland Road is Darren Huckerby.

Darren Huckerby at Leeds

He spent 18 months at Leeds but only scored six goals in that period, after a switch from Coventry City.

Talking to BBC Radio Leeds this week he commented on his time at Leeds, before discussing the pressure a striker, such as Wood, is under at Elland Road:

“I didn’t really show the Leeds fans what I could do, so slightly disappointing. But I also understand it was a fantastic place to be at that time.”

On Wood he stated:

“If you are going to play with two up front you got to have a player up there who is good in the air and good at holding the ball. I think Wood does that, so that’s a start.

“There’s always going to be an expectation at Leeds just because of what’s happened previously down the years.

“The fans demand winners and success and it’s difficult to keep that going when things are going against you.

Leeds United’s Chris Wood celebrates after scoring their second goal

“It is difficult, especially as a centre-forward, because you have got to score goals. If you don’t score goals then the pressure is on straight away.”

Wood has since gone on to placate fans at Leeds even more, scoring against Sheffield Wednesday in a 2-0 win and piling in with the travelling Leeds support to celebrate.

Like Huckerby there is talent with Wood, but at times he can be a frustrating figure. But if he can keep scoring goals then he can certainly find himself a hero with the Leeds faithful.