There seems to be a watershed with a lot of players, and once they cross it, they never regain full fitness for any length of time. Howey seems to be an example (but good luck to him - nothing's a foregone conclusion). Of the other players that have played for us, Les Ferdinand and Robbie Elliot spring to mind, and there are obvious doubts over Duncan Ferguson. Darren Anderton is a classic, as is Jamie Redknapp. All good players that because of the odd glimpse of what they can achieve, have won support from managers and fans. But rarely does that support seem to be repaid. Sad but true.

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2000

Answers

You have to remember Windy that a lot of these players would have been finished well before now in days gone by. It's only the major advances in treatment and surgery that have enabled the likes of Gazza and AS to continue their careers.

In the 60's, and even 70's, cartiledge injuries were extremely serious and often terminated players careers. Nowadays, they're a 3 week job.

Many more players are now playing well into their 30's. Whether that's treatment advances or just that in general they look after their bodies better I'm not sure - probably a combination of both.

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2000