Daniel Leadbitter

Daniel Leadbitter is a professional footballer currently playing for Football League Two club Torquay United. He can operate as a right-back or centre-half.
Career
Newcastle United
Leadbitter began his career with his hometown club, Newcastle United, signing a contract in July 2007. He made his debut for the Newcastle Acamdemy U18s against Middlesbrough in March 2007, scoring his first goal for the academy against Leeds in October.
He went on to play for Newcastle's reserve side after graduating from the club's Little Benton Academy, but was released in June 2011 having spent four years at the club without making a first-team appearance. On 26 April 2011 Leadbitter had a trial for Lincoln City, playing for their reserves in a 3-0 win over Gateshead reserves.
He was also in the Lincoln reserves squad against Scunthorpe United reserves on 3 May 2011.
Torquay United
Torquay United manager Martin Ling became aware of Leadbitter after watching him playing for Newcastle's Reserves whilst scouting for Hibernian and Walsall. Upon his release from Newcastle, Ling signed him on a two-year contract on 28 June 2011, along with Chris McPhee, who was signed from Kidderminster Harriers at the same time. Ling had told Scottish club Hibernian to "keep an eye" on Leadbitter, and claimed the player had had offers from Scotland after leaving Newcastle United.
Leadbitter made his Torquay United debut in the pre-season friendly win over Tiverton Town on 14 July 2011. Leadbitter's league debut for Torquay was delayed due to a hamstring injury and he missed Torquay's 2-2 draw with Burton Albion on the opening day of the 2011-12 season. The defender was expected to be fit for the second league game of the season against Bristol Rovers, but a relapse to the injury meant he failed to feature in the game.
Personal life
Leadbitter attended Gosforth High School prior to playing for hometown club Newcastle United. At school, he excelled at athletics, reaching the finals of the 400m event at the English Schools Championships.

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