Tresor Kandol has come a long way since he tried to get away with paying for a ride on a Thameslink train.

The Leeds United striker - then a teenager with Luton Town - was subsequently found guilty of fare-dodging by Luton Magistrates Court. He was released by the Hatters shortly afterwards after making just 21 appearances in three years. But now, nine years later,  his career finally seems to have taken off like an express train at Elland Road.

Tresor Osmar Kandol was born on August 30, 1981 in Banga, Democratic Republic of Congo. He is the cousin of former Newcastle United star Lomana LuaLua, sharing the same trademark somersault goal celebration.

'This season has seen the striker become a pivotal point of the Leeds United renaissance'


After leaving Luton, had brief spells at Cambridge United and AFC Bournemouth, before arriving at non-league Thurrock in 2002 and banging in 61 goals in only 102 appearances over the next three years. In 2005 he moved to Dagenham and Redbridge, scoring six goals in 12 games before being loaned to Darlington, for whom he netted twice in seven games.

He was again involved in controversy whilst with Darlington, reportedly going AWOL for six days after being given permission to attend a christening in London.

By January 2006, Tresor was on the move again, this time to Barnet, where he hit 10 goals in 29 appearances. But once again his football life was overshadowed by his personal life when, after admitting driving whilst disqualified and failing to attend court, he was sent to prison for 13 weeks. After impressing for the Bees on his release, scoring twice to knock Cardiff City out of the Carling Cup, he caught the attention of newly-appointed Leeds boss Dennis Wise and joined the club on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

He scored his first goal for the Whites in a 2-2 draw with Barnsley, and saw his move made permanent during the transfer window last January. However, Leeds' battle to avoid the drop saw Kandol struggle to make an impact, and he became the subject of some fierce criticism from fans. United's subsequent relegation to League One, and the club's journey in and out of administration during the summer, must have made Tresor wonder if he might well be on the move once more.

However, this season has seen the striker become a pivotal point of the Leeds United renaissance. He has turned the boos into cheers, hitting eight league goals so far to join Jermaine Beckford at the head of the division's goalscoring charts.

Maybe Kandol has finally found a home, where he can forget the indiscretions of the past, and see his name in lights for all the right reasons. Long may the somersaults continue!