When Casper Ankergren agreed to join a Leeds United team battling against relegation from the Championship in January 2007 he could not have anticipated the size of the challenges that would be thrown his way before the year was out. On the pitch Dennis Wise had made plugging the holes in a leaky defence his top priority, and his acquisition of Ankergren provided some respite in what ultimately would prove to be a doomed battle against the drop.
Casper was a rare calm head on a battlefield where most of his comrades were losing theirs. He immediately won over the United faithful with a series of man of the match performances and penalty saves. Despite the clubs perilous position the Dane was happy to prove his commitment to the club, saying at the time: 'Of course I would like to stay here. This is a major club for me. They have a fantastic passion for football here.'
When the clubs relegation to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history was finally confirmed, it seemed that Ankergren's wish for a prolonged stay would be a non-starter. Leeds United's seemingly endless period in administration meant that the former Denmark Under 21 International's permanent contract could not be finalised. His excellent performances for the club had not gone unnoticed at home or abroad.
However, the lifting of the Football League's transfer embargo on the eve of the new season saw Dennis Wise move quickly to secure a key piece of his jigsaw. Casper became the clubs first signing of the summer, agreeing a three-year deal from Brondby for an undisclosed fee.
The Dane immediately began to repay his managers faith in him, continuing his excellent form between the sticks. Despite the pressure of United's 15 point handicap Ankergren and his defence managed to keep seven clean sheets during the sides 13 games unbeaten start to the campaign. Casper received personal recognition when he was awarded the Coca-Cola League One Player of the Month for September. The 6ft 3in stopper will clearly be looking to get his hands on an even more precious piece of silverware by the end of the season.
