16 Mar 2020 16:18:47
I have been looking and comparing, some of the past and present players, who have graced our pitch over the years.
A position that stood out by a country mile, was Centre Backs.
I don`t think there is a team in the whole football league, that can boast such an illustrious selection of great players for one position, and yes I said great.
It is only from 1955 ish, I know there were others before, because my late Dad used to tell me about Jimmy Gibson and Joe Tate.
I have named Barry and Dublin at the bottom, although not strictly Central defenders, they were far better than what we have now.
Jimmy Dugdale
John Sleeuwenhoek
Chris Nicholl
Allan Evans
Ken McNaught
Paul McGrath
Ugo Ehiogu
Shaun Teale
Gareth Southgate
Olof Mellberg
Martin Laursen
John Terry
Gareth Barry
Dion Dublin
I know some are no longer with us,
but every one of them were fantastic, and I thank them all for the memories and service they gave our club.
16 Mar 2020 16:53:08
Impressive list Dave, but I noticed Ian Ross isn’t on there.
16 Mar 2020 17:06:15
Yeah, good player Mark, but not a centre back was he.
He was in the side when Chris Nicoll was centre back or Fred Turnbull.
16 Mar 2020 18:00:08
I'll throw in Kent Nielsen, scored against Inter Milan when we beat them 2-0 on that great European night at Villa Park to which the great Gary Newbon asked Sid Cowans the immortal question "you think they'll beat you at the San Siro? " If looks could of killed still makes my p##s itch thinking about it! Not even well done great result. clown!
16 Mar 2020 18:21:32
Ian Ross partnered Chris Nicholl Dave, I think he did play in midfield for part of his career as well though.
16 Mar 2020 18:25:17
I was also thinking maybe Carlos Cuéllar, Richard Dunne and Ron Vlaar mate.
16 Mar 2020 18:34:16
Ok, Guys that`s cool.
Ian Ross and Kent Nielson only strengthen the case.
Mark I am not sure I would rate, Cuellar, Dunne, or Vlaar as greats.
There again it all comes down to personal opinions, so no argument.
16 Mar 2020 18:36:14
Oh and Martin Keown, was with us for a few years I believe. He wasn’t bad either certainly better than any of the current crop.
16 Mar 2020 18:50:17
Maybe not greats Dave, I agree there, but still better than we’ve got now, I would say.
16 Mar 2020 19:21:44
You have twisted my arm on Keown, a no nonsense player but effective.