Webb: Jonathan (Jonny)

2008-2010 (Player Details)

Defender

Born: Harrogate: 15-01-1990

Debut: v Northampton Town (h) (Substitute) : 17-11-2008

Height&Weight: Unknown

Young defender Jonny Webb joined Leeds United on a one-year contract in August 2008. Gary McAllister had monitored him while he was playing local football as an eighteen-year-old in the Harrogate and District Junior Football League for Ripon City and Harrogate Railway. He attended St Aidans High School, where he also played Cricket and Basketball. He became an England Schoolboy International and was in the squad for his country's 2-0 victory against Scotland at Wembley Stadium. He initially played in central midfield but McAllister saw him as a central defender and used him in that role. He was signed on a one year contract which allowed him to return to obtaining his University degree in Business Studies, if he was unsuccessful as a professional footballer. It was Manager McAllister's hope that Webb would improve sufficiently so as to warrant involvement with the first team squad. This came to fruition when Webb made his first team debut in a Friday night F.A. Cup First Round clash with Northampton Town at Elland Road on 7th November 2008 when he was included on the substitutes' bench. With seven minutes of normal time left he was given his chance to make his debut and acquitted himself well, in his rapid progress under McAllister. He was loaned out to Newcastle Blue Star for a month on 27th February 2009, but the loan was extended to the end of the season and he played his last game in a 4-1 win over Curzon Ashton in the Unibond North (Play Off) Final which Blue star won and Webb scored the third goal. He scored twice in twenty games while at Blue Star. After his return he signed a new six month contract giving Manager Simon Grayson a chance to review his progress towards his long term future. Unfortunately for Webb he was unable to make any appearances as a hip injury required two operations. His contract with Leeds ran out on 13th January 2010 and it was not renewed.