Southampton FC decision handed Leeds United a big Elland Road cult hero | OneFootball

Southampton releasing David Prutton gave Leeds United a League One cult hero back in 2007.

David Prutton is one of Leeds United's favourite cult-hero figures in recent memory, regularly impacting games in League One through his sheer will and determination.

Although he was born and raised in Hull, Prutton began his career at Nottingham Forest. He came through their youth system and made his senior debut in 1998. Over five seasons at Forest, he established himself as a versatile midfielder with a combative style.

That eventually caught the attention of Premier League clubs, particularly Southampton. Eventually, Prutton joined the Saints in 2003 for £2.5 million. He played three seasons for the Saints, making 94 appearances in all competitions.

His aggressive style and hard-working nature endeared him to the fans, though his time at the club also included a lengthy suspension following a confrontation with a referee. All of that was before he joined Leeds ane became known as 'Jesus' in West Yorkshire.

David Prutton joins Leeds United from Southampton

After a brief stint back on loan with Forest at the end of his spell with Southampton, Prutton eventually went on trial with Leeds in the summer of 2007. Southampton released him after 95 appearances for the side, making their loss Leeds' gain. The rest, as they say, is history.

His grit, determination, and no-nonsense style during a turbulent period for the club quickly endeared him to the Elland Road faithful. Arriving for free that summer following relegation to League One, Prutton joined Leeds when they were languishing in the third tier and battling financial troubles. All while fighting to reclaim their identity.

Despite the off-pitch chaos, Prutton’s commitment and hard work made him a fan favourite. He embraced the challenge, bringing energy and fight to the midfield in every game, often leading by example when the club needed stability.

Prutton's move to Leeds cemented his cult hero status. Known for his energetic, tough-tackling midfield play, he became a key figure in Leeds’ midfield during their time in the division, despite struggling to gain promotion out of it in the first few seasons.

Fans adored his commitment on the pitch, but it was his distinctive ‘Jesus’ look, with long flowing hair, that really caught the imagination and solidified his affection. Prutton’s character and work ethic resonated deeply with the Leeds faithful, making him a key figure in the dressing room as well during a turbulent time under Ken Bates.

His personality, filled with humour and drive, helped maintain team morale through challenging times and has translated well to TV screens in 2025, with Prutton the primary presenter on Sky Sports' EFL coverage. Although his appearance has vastly changed from the rugged midfielder at Elland Road, with a suave and stylish outfit usually accompanied by coiffed hair and a well-groomed beard.

It's little surprise that his personality shines through, though, given his ability to rally the dressing room, which helped foster a strong connection between Prutton and his teammates, but with the Leeds fanbase as well, who appreciated his passion and commitment.

He represented what Leeds fans admired most—hard work, resilience, and a never-say-die attitude. He may never have been a regular starter outside of his first season, but that was evident each time he took to the pitch in West Yorkshire.

One standout moment that cemented his cult status was his goal against Millwall in the 2008 play-off semi-final, where he scored a stunning long-range effort. It epitomised his never-say-die attitude, and even though Leeds fell short of promotion that year, Prutton is still fondly remembered.

David Prutton's career post-Leeds

After leaving Leeds in 2010, Prutton had spells at the likes of Colchester United, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon Town, and Coventry City before finishing his playing career at Scunthorpe United in 2014. Although his career didn’t hit the Premier League heights expected, he was always a reliable performer and leader in the teams he represented.

Most fondly remembered at Leeds and Southampton, Prutton’s legacy isn’t tied to trophies or promotion but his unwavering commitment to teams he represented, especially during one of the toughest periods in Leeds’ modern history.

His connection with the fans, forged through hard work and honest performances, ensured that. Though his time at the club was relatively short, the impact he left behind means he remains a figure that fans continue to hold in high regard. His love for the game naturally transitioned him into a career in the media, where he became a prominent broadcaster and ambassador for the EFL through Sky Sports.

Prutton is widely admired for his articulate analysis and charismatic personality in his presenting role. Fans all over the country hold him in high regard, appreciating not only his contributions as a player but also his passion for football and his down-to-earth nature as a pundit.

To this day, Prutton remains a popular figure with both Leeds supporters and wider football audiences, and the 43-year-old is unlikely to be going anywhere any time soon due to his on-screen antics. His 'Jesus-like' appearance is unlikely to ever make a return, though.