Let's not allow nostalgia to cloud our view here - over the last two seasons he hasn't been anything like as effective or as consistent as he was in the previous couple.

While still capable of the occasional moment of magic, he's not the game breaker he once was.

All the best to him, possibly one of the best overseas players in the SL era and will always remember the full lengther at against St Helens.

Legend

I also share the view that becauuse of his skill, longevity and successes he is Leeds greatest ever overseas player. It's been a joy.

I'd still prefer him in the 17 to Kirke and Hauraki, both this season and next. But making a bad move in retaining Kirke and signing Hauraki wouldn't make re-signing Ali the right thing to do so, sentimentality aside, the correct decision.

Great bloke, great player. Ali Bomaye!

I would say this was exactly the moment to allow nostalgia to cloud our view.


Looking back at his whole Leeds career, the overall effect is that he's been awesome.

I further maintain that, at whatever stage the game-breaking ability was lost, the fact remains that we haven't yet replaced it.

A major contributor to the success in 2004 and 2007 - superb player in his pomp - sadly we have seen only glimpses of that in recent years.

Great player who would still be in my 17 for Wembley.

Spot on.

The right decision for the future of the club and how we move forward.

Is Ali in 2011 the player he was 5 years ago? No.

He can show glimpses and he can still come up with important plays. But Leeds have to think about the next 5 years.

So it's a tough call to make, but 100% the right one.

Now we can look at his whole career in blue and amber and wax lyrical about the way he holds a ball, the flick impossible passes, the rugby freak. It was great to see. He was entertainment. All done with that big, daft lad, grin on his face.

A superstar of his time and a true gent. All the best big fella.

Given that I seem to remember a "leaving party" being put together for Matt Adamson and Dave Furner (two players who arguably contributed less for a shorter period to the success of the club), is there merit in putting together something similar for Ali? A chance for the fans to show their appreciation and wish the big fella well?

P.S. That's not me volunteering to organise it by the way...

Let me know when you organise it Andy and I, for one, will be there.

Big, big statement if only for the fact Arthur Clues played for Leeds.

But, you know what, I tend to agree with you. An absolute legend and top bloke and clubman, too.

Can only echo what's been posted and add that it's an honour to of watched him in the Blue 'n' Amber.
One word always comes to mind when remembering Ali in his prime WOW!
A club legend and many thanks Ali.

Was he 'our Cantona' in that his arrival mid-2004 gave Leeds the impetus to win that long overdue title - and then kick on ? Rather like Eric propelled Man Utd to their glorious new era....

IIRC his first game was against Salford at home.. wasn't going to go until it was annouced he was making his debut. Ali's been an absoloute legend a game breaker and one of if not THE best overseas players we've ever had.

I agree with other posters on here though, we need to replace him and we've not done so yet.

Big shame to see him go. Really have a soft spot for Ali, but also agree about the timing being about right. I hope he gets a spot in the 17 for Wembley as he is, as previously mentioned, a better selection than a few other names. Still capable of flashes of genius and will push through the gain line more often than not.

Legend

WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?