Leeds United Sign Ex-Manchester United Goal Keeper Paul Rachubka

Championship club Leeds United have signed former Manchester United and Blackpool goal keeper Paul Rachubka on a two-year contract. The signing comes as the need to find reinforcements has arisen due to the imminent departure of Kasper Schmeichel to Leicester City.

Former Manchester United and Blackpool man goes to Leeds

30 year old American Paul Rachubka started his career at Manchester United and failed to earn a solid first team spot at Old Trafford due to competition from Peter Schmeichel, Mark Bosnich and Fabien Barthez, and later moved on to have spells at Charlton Athletic, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Huddersfield Town. He then signed for Blackpool FC in 2007. At the Seaside club, Rachubka notched up 127 appearances and went on to win the 2007/08 Blackpool Player of the Year Award, also playing a key role in the club’s rise to the Premier League in 2010. In the 2010-11 season, Rachubka could notch up only 3 appearances and thus was released by Blackpool as they decided not to activate the one-year extension clause on his contract following their relegation from the Premier League.

Despite being signed as the number 2 goal keeper at Leeds, Rachubka is confident that he can fight to gain the number 1 spot at. Rachubka said in a statement to the Leeds United official website,

“I’m so enthusiastic about being here [Leeds]. I want to prove myself at a top class club. Leeds fans are fanatical and I want the chance to show them what I can do.”

At Leeds United, Rachubka is reunited with manager Simon Grayson who signed the American at Blackpool and is delighted to have his player back.

“This was a deal we had put in place last week and I’m delighted to conclude it today, and I look forward to working with him again.

“I worked with Paul at Blackpool, I have known him for a few years and know all about him. He’s a good, experienced goalkeeper to bring in to challenge within the squad.”