Made his name with Bolton in their promotion season. A £2,500,000 move to Middlesborough followed. However, despite an England cap in 2002 Michael never made the grade at Boro and both club and player were happy to sever the connection. Michael arrives on a free but Leeds United will pay Middlesborough FC a fee if Leeds Utd are promoted during the contract.
Created: 24th June 2004
Update 22nd Feb 2005:
Michael Ricketts is sent on loan to Stoke City until 23rd March. The writing was on the wall after the loan signing of Rob Hulse and his startling 2 goal debut last week against Reading. By comparison Ricketts has only scored once and that was in the League Cup against Swindon back in September. Blackwell hasn't selected him to start since the embarrassing defeat against Rotherham way back in November when he was particularly ineffective compared to defender Clarke Carlisle who managed to hit either the post or bar three times in the first seven minutes! He has been on the subs bench thirteen times whilst making only eleven starts in Championship and League Cup Matches.
Update 24th March 2005: Ricketts loan has been extended to the end of season 2004-05
Update 31st August 2005:
Michael returns from the close season 21lbs lighter and turns in some impressive pre-season performances and scores some goals. However, the writing is on the wall as during the close season Blackwell signs three strikers, Cresswell, Hulse and Blake. On deadline day Cardiff City agree to take him on loan until January 2006. It's a deal good for both Leeds and player and he goes with the fans best wishes.
Update 30th January 2006:
Ricketts did well during his loan period, netting 5 times in 17 games for the Bluebirds. But when it came time to make a move for him City, run by Ridsdale, who else, couldn't find the money, so Michael unexpectedly washed up at Elland Road again. This time it was Burnley who offered Michael a playing lifeline by signing him on loan, as they has just sold Ade Akinbyi to the Blades for a cool £1.75 million.
Update 12th Feb 2006:
Michael responded well to the move scoring a goal in each of his first two games:
debut story, second goal against Ipswich Town.
