Meaning to ask this for ages on here , but seeing how I can easily confuse people it may require someone like Softie for instance to convert the resulting answers if any into some form of analytical sense. Everyone on here must have their all time favourite Newcastle player, common knowledge mine is Len White with only Tony Green and Alan Shearer getting close. I would say that in the event we had Zidane and he played out of his skin for 4 years , my favourite player would still be Len White. Is this I ask because he was at Newcastle at my impressioable football age , 14 years to 20 years, and this will never leave me , or have others on here changed their favourites over the years. The reasons why they hero-worshipped a particular player, the result of my little personal survey would have more meaning if we looked at the outcome by age group, the 50+ would be of special interest to myself, Fifties Fan, Flo , Phoenix, True, Jonno and others, then say a group 35 - 50 years, finally a younger group 15 - 35, apolgies not being sexist but probably though not divulging ages it will be of interest to have the contributions of our lovely females that contrbute to this forum.

So in a nutshell, your favourite player ever, is this likely to change,? the reason and influences behind your choice .

Your answers would be appreciated.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Answers

Ask Punters

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Alan Shearer. Mainly because he has been a tremendous player for us in the number 9 tradition, has stuck with the club when he could have got off somewhere better and signed for us when he could have gone anywhere in the world! (His heart was ruling his head in 1996)

I have been lucky enough to see Macdonald, Beardsley, etc play and although I have been big fans of them, for me Shearer is a real hero.

Thing is - the era you watch the team play in makes the difference, if you asked my Dad the same question, he also would say Len White. (Best player ever in a b and w shirt and never given the England recognition he deserved due to the southern bias according to him!)

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

For me, Gazza, then Beardsley, then Waddle. Shearer is a just a mercinary who throws his rattles out of the pram.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Reasons for Gazza Dave, and can you see him being superceeded in your eyes, * Apolgies Pit Bill for not naming above and thanks Lynda for your answer and your Dad`s football wisdom.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Interesting question Buff. I had meant to set up a "These you have loved" thread in which you would list favourite players and reasons but was beaten to the punch by Dougal's "crap players you have loved". Some players I have loved for their genius, Pedro, Suddick, Green, Tino. Others for their sheer longevity in the team, total dedication to the cause, Frank Clark, Warren Barton, and several others from the 60's era, others for their sheer character and personality, Ron McGarry (although I think my love for him has grown since he stopped playing!).

I'm sure I'll write more on this later, but for now, I'll settle for Frank Clark, in the top ten for all-time Toon appearances, saw him all through the 60's, won silverware for us(!!), remained president of the London Newcastle supporters Club despite managing Forest, and as a character, I just perceived him to be rock solid and dependable. Not a great player by any means - never threatened an England call up, yet in the twilight of his career, Brian Clough was astute enough to see he could do a job and wor Frankie won a European Cup medal which I was thrilled about for him. Further, the song "Frank Clark knows my Father" has no contenders as the finest football song of all time. I'm afraid Frank Clark had the advantage of me in this area!

:-)

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Has to be Beardsley for me. There is still no equivalent to the little playmaker in the premier league to this day. A genuine grafter with a touch of genius. Keegan was right.

Jonno……..Frank Clark? I was there the one time he scored!! Anyone remember the game.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Been away hiro? Been quiet lately!

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Anyone remember the game

Well you were in company with just 15947 others (I wasn't there) on the 2nd October, 1973 when Frank Clark made all the difference between a 5-0 and a 6-0 scoreline against Doncaster in the 2nd round of the League Cup. Something of a collecter's item there Hiro - well done!

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

My PC crashed with a virus. (only jokin!).

Winter hibernation and work commitments Gus, plus a very enjoyable week in Yallingup.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Favourite mag player has to be Rob Macdonald or Silvio Maric or Marcelino or Billy Askew or .......................... Sod it thats enuff!

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

I was at that game Jonno! Can you remember the puzzled look on the face of the Donny keeper (was it Kim Book?) when that sixth one went in and the ground absolutely errupted. You could see him thinking "what was so bloody special about that one then?"

Like Buff, Len White is high on my list. I remember in about 1961 desperately waiting outside the Colosseum in Whitley for the man to arrive with the Football Chronicle or whatever it was called then. There was going to be a coupon in it that you could fill in and send off to get Len White's autograph!!

I suppose from the more modern era Pedro has to get my vote. That goal he scored in the 2-1 at Spurs was one of the best I've ever seen. Ginola was probably the most skilful player I've seen in black and white but he could be such a git at times. Big Al at his peak was also a sight to behold.

(Female - age 50 - if you're interested Buff!)

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Cheers Jacko - I know you are a female , happy enuff with June at present, circa Whickham Miners Hall Dance,Back Row , 1957 ,

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Sorry Buff - I didn't realise my comment could be interpreted as a chat up line! It was a reference to your original post about different age categories. Which of course, you knew anyway and were just trying to embarrass me!

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Jacko you make me feel so much better! I thought it was only me who walk in all innocence into the murkey world of `double entendre`! Hail kindred spirit!!!(:o)

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

If I could resurrect one of the past greats to play in the current team, without hesitation I would chose Jackie Milburn. In full flow, or striking the ball with that famour left foot, he was marvellous to behold. On the other hand, my father never thought him any near as good as Hughie Gallagher. I liked Len White, Buff, and he should have been capped, but I don't think that he was in the same class as the dynamic Milburn.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Len White for me, Buff. Perhaps it was because he was such a good player at a time when we had such a bad team and because I was a kid and just getting into being a toon supporter - little realizing at the time what I was in for.

There have been more technically skilled players than Len, but there have seldom been any who worked harder, were more honest pros, or who gave me more individual pleasure than Len White. There were a couple of seasons there where he was the best center forward in the country, and the fact that he wasn't capped was a crime.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Pedro is certainly the most brilliant player I've ever seen in a United shirt - he is one of the all time top players in any shirt. Some of his goals have to be seen to be believed - and how many goals scored by Linneker for England and Cole for Newcastle came from Pedro's incredible creativity near the opposition goal? Cole has never got near the 41 goals or the strike rate even while playing for the champions.

Of course the question was about favourite player which I take to mean something other than best. Is that what you mean Buff? So looking back at the players, the question for me means - which one puts the biggest smile on your face, which one would you most like to chat to about his career over a pint, which would you love to get in a time machine for and go back to see him play?

For me, I loved Pedro, idolised his extraordinary talent, he is a Geordie, one of us etc - but there is a tiny blot which stops him being number one in my book. I recall that partnership with Linneker in the World Cup, reading a book of his that Summer "Proud to be a Geordie", being so proud that Newcastle had this fantastic player - and then being absolutely gutted when he demanded a move to Liverpool (managed by the unspeakable TSM!)

Of course, I could sympathise with him due to the board lack of ambition, and he did come back and make substantial ammends with a majestic Indian Summer of a career, but there is a niggle there which stops him being my all time favourite. He hurt me once - a lot - which for me just slips him behind the ever loyal, utterly dependable Clark ahead of him in the number 1 spot...

I'd like to add to the short list I made earlier, and the name of Bob Moncur has to rank very high in my all time favourites list. Great defender, lived and breathed (and still does) Newcastle and scored 4 of the most colossal goals I have ever seen, THREE in the Fairs cup final (They were his first ever goals for the club, just one would have been immense - three - well if you'd read it in the Boys Own Annual you'd have said it was too far fetched) and the winner in that amazing voided game against Notts Forest in 1974 when we came back from the dead with 10 men and 1-3 to win 4-3.

From the Keegan managerial era, apart from Pedro, I guess my favourite has to be, Phillipe Albert, a class player, loves Newcastle, drinks in The Strawberry (where all the cliquey intellectuals tend to gather!) and he has miraculously bestowed upon me the power of clairvoyancy - let's face it - for example - even as you are reading this I can tell you what you are thinking of - you are thinking of one particular goal .... aren't you? The most luscious topping on the tastiest dish ever served at SJP. :-)

A scholar and a gentleman - The Prince.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Malcolm Macdonald. Not the Football Pink/TV pundit, but another bloke, (with the same name ). He had big hairy sideboards and wiped his snot on his cuffs. Could gob on the floor with the best of them in that golden age of gobbing. Disappeared without trace in a cup final, and finally disappeared without trace in the summer of 76. I often wonder what happened to him. Supermac has always been my all time favourite player for for absolutely no reason than I was at an impressionable age when he hockled for Newcastle. A few years later and it could have been Bobby Shinton.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Now Floridian - you have my undivided attention - I am hanging on your every word - CAN YOU TELL US EVERTHING YOU CAN REMEMBER YOUR DAD SAYING ABOUT HUGHIE. A thread of "players you wish you had seen" would surely put Hughie out in front of them all - the stats and the stories speak of an unbelievable talent. When I started going in the early 60's some of the older guys' eyes would mist over as they said "You should've seen Hughie Gallagher" but I was too young to be asking the right questions then ...

Deserves a separate thread if you can recall any of your dad's yarns ...

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

I must admit my fourite player(s) go way back. though withrespect, not as far back as some. Wyn Davies, Albert Bennett, Bryan (Pop) Robson, the unforgettable Tony Green, Davie Craig, Frank Clarke, Alan Foggon, Jackie Sinclair. Bobby Moncur, Ollie Burton, John MacNamee, Terry Hibbit (RIP), Supermac and John Tudor to name a few. All great in the eyes of a young(ish) lad on the popular side of old. Undoubtedly my hero and still greatest all time has to be Jinky Jimmy Smith. For those who remember him, say no more. For those who didn't see him in his hey day, you missed something special.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

The golden age of gobbing

Wow! What a marvellous phrase WB. I think there's a book in you there - go easy on the glossy pictures in the middle mind but that is a wonderful title...

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Chris Waddle, I think.

I agree with Buff's thought about impressionable ages - for me the 80's promotion season was magical, the sun seemed to shine every Saturday and less than three goals scored was a disappointment. Although most who watched the team around that time would pick out Beardsley, I was won over by Waddler. On a less flashy note, even at that age I appreciated the work Glenn Roeder - still the best centre- back I've seen in b&w, and yes, that is more of a comment on his sucessors than on him - and David McCreery used to put in. Along with Beardsley and of course Keegan, that little bunch are probably my favourites.

Buff - you might remember me talking about our housekeeper-type lady who sadly died a few months ago. I think she and her husband were friendly with Len White - he was evidently her favourite too! I've got a nice cup-final-related article from the 50's autographed by LW in my bulging memorabilia file.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Right! "The Golden Age of Gobbing" with Scratch n Sniff pix and free 3d glasses to bring it to life.... I can see it now...£££s...film rights...£££s...merchandise...£££s...booksigning tours...£££s

(sorry to stray off the subject on an excellent thread, will someone please rescue it - I'm off to the publishers)

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Re Frank Clark - a top bloke! I met him when he was Chief Executive or some such position at Leyton Orient. Port Vale were playing there and we had "acquired" tickets for the directors' box. Before the game we were in this posh (well by div 2 standards!) area having a drink when Frank came in. We went to have a natter to him and I mentioned his first goal for Toon. His face lit up!! He was a very pleasant chap to talk to - not at all stand-offish because we were mere fans. A genuine Geordie hero.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Yes Len White was a great player, but was crippled by D. Mackay. Never the same again.
The player I went to watch in the 60s was Suddick - his was a great wasted talent which I identified with (the wasting bit that is - not the talent!)
In contrast the next player I really had time for was Macdonald - best and most exciting of a pretty poor lot - although Jimmy Smith had his moments.
After that Beardsley - what a talent.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Well my dad would pick Albert Stubbins. Again an impressionable age thing, saw lots of war time games when Stubbins regularly scored 6 or 7 in a game.

At my impressionable age it was the Irving Nattrass, Tommy Cassidy. The biggest hero I ever had though was a toss up between Gazza, Andy Cole and Tino. They all did things that I couldn't even comprehend how they did it. Waddle and Ceardsley were magical but you knew what they were going to do.

If it had to be one it would be Tino

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Jinky Jim Smith...*sigh*......more recently Beardsley......

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Beardo or Lee.

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

Well Buff, along with MacBeth's dad I have to go along with Albert Stubbins simply because his goal production was simply awesome. Of course he scored most of his goals during the war years. I think that almost all of the young fans in the forties ( myself included) would plump for Albert (Now don't read anything in to that remark). We were there to see Wor Jackie begin his career and develop, and were there for the first games of Frank Brennan and Roy Bentley ( the same game if my memory serves me correctly). Also saw the amazing, cocksure, Len Shackleton. Wish I had seen Len White, he must have been a great one. So where am I with all this? In my limited experience, Shackleton was probably the most gifted player to play for Newcastle (if you don't count in wartime "guests" like Tom Finney), and Frank Brennan may have been the most indispensable, but I think that Stubbins will always be my favourite. Seems to me that the man, like so many other great Newcastle players, has never received proper acknowledgement from the club. -phoenix

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2001

No apology needed Buff. A toss up between Len White and Malcolm MacDonald. Whitey for looking the part and the blinder in that inter league game, MM for his first game for us and maintaining a high standard while he was with us. Bobby Mitchell has to come out quite high as well - the quintessential mazy dribbler.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

It has to be Beardsley for me, although I'm tempted to say Gazza, but only cos he asked me out for a drink once ;-)

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Beardsley...

The most astute 'reader' of a game that we've ever had. genius.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

My favourite player as a kid was either Jinky or John Tudor (whose knee I sat on oooer missus as a cub scout)But my favourite player would always be Tino, just for his skill and flair and his attitude.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Has to be Beardsley for me - passion and skill. Other favourites:

Rob Lee and Alan Shoulder

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

My most-admired ever Toon player was Wyn 'the Leap' Davies, edging out Supermac and Pedro.

Wyn scored buckets of goals for Bolton before coming here, and much like today, we tried several times to get him - the premier centre forward of his day. Days when centre forwards were really special

We played Bolton in what was essentially a Div2 promotion decider on either a Good Friday or Easter Monday at an SJP that was packed to the rafters. Davies was majestic, and was causing mayhem in our defence until Big John McGrath was able to knacker him and put him out of the game. We subsequently won, 2-1 I believe, and went on to win promotion.

I was absolutely ecstatic when we signed him and dreamed of unparalled success for 't Toon. He was tall, and well built with swept back fairish hair, and was just awesome in the air, actually unbeatable by fair means. Best leaper and header of a ball I've ever seen. Unfortunately, he wasn't very good on the deck and rarely scored other than with his head. The top teams eventually rumbled him and either cut off the suppply line to him, or kicked him out of games and he didn't last all that long - however, he performed magnificantly in our famous Fairs Cup run against foreign defences who literally had no defence against him. Great man, for ever my hero.

We've had many extremely good flair players over the years that I've loved watching.
Alan Suddick was wonderful to watch.
'Jinking' Jimmy Smith was a very special player but never consistent enough.
Tony Green was perhaps the greatest of them all, but sadly all so fleetingly.
Terry Hibbit had a marvellous football brain: tiny man but a wonderful passer of a ball, and was the player who really made Supermac.
Gazza was wonderful, but again displayed his magic all too fleetingly in b&w.

From them all I couldn't separate Tony Green and Pedro as my favourite flair players, but players who had it all - skill and commitment in spades. I feel privileged to have watched so many good ones in b&w.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Ah divvent knaa why, but I thought mickey burns was the dogs bollox, loved the man and what he stood for (all 5'4 of him) Beardo has to be up there also, as does supermac ( I saw him once at newcastle airport, I was five or six, he was standing at the bar with a bird on each arm, I went up to him and asked him for his autograph, he smiled and said "Not now son I am busy" Bastard!

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Favourite player ever?

I think we should agree on all of the above, plus Albert Bennett. Hopefully our next signing will get the all-time vote.

And talking of Frank Clark - programme notes Sept 16th 1967, SJP. Today's Opponents - Coventry City. Kick-off 3pm:

"A native of Highfield, County Durham, Frank joined United from Crook Town in 1963. He was given his first League outing in April the following year, and has been a consistent performer in the first team ever since. Played in all League games in United's promotion year, and has only missed a couple of games since then through injury.

"Frank is a keen 'pop' music fan and also a dab hand on the guitar and is the 'musician' when travelling on away games. A single lad, Frank celebrated his birthday last Saturday.

"Frank gained Amateur International honours with Crook Town before turning professional, and hopes in the future to gain further honours in the game."

How very different from the life of our own dear Premiership...

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

To say I am delighted with the response would be an understatement and to top it all to see my own personal hero up there , chosen by quite a few of us `auldies` has really put a topping on things. Records show that pound for pound Len White was the greatest goalscorer in our history. I admit I was at the age where I yearned for a hero in my beloved black and white, he was everything in my mind what a pro footballer should be , a product of the famous Newcastle scouting system of that era sadly continued at times today,ie lose to a lowly club in the early rounds of the FA Cup , Stanley Seymour fancies the opposition winger, Jackie Grainger (England B int), tries to sign him, fails and comes back with the reserve winger Len White . For another thread perhaps but did Colin Grainger come into the equation at one stage, then signed for Sunderland , made a record and disapeared? True , I was at the away game at WHL when Dave Mackay crippled Len right in front of me, with intent I may add , I shall never forget.

Dan, Yes I do remember you telling me about about your housekeeper.

When starting this thread I should have requested all to put one or three stars to signify age group , fair idea of the 50+ brigade, not so sure about 35+ and 20 to 35, ah well, not enough info to base a great amount of statistics on but there is defintley a trend amongst the majority , I will let it run its course but apart from Jonno,Phoenix and to a lesser extent Dan , one feature stands out, we are picking attacking players. Like I say other things come to mind but that will wait a couple of days . One para from Phoenix is worth recalling when he talks about his 2nd fav, Frank Brennan, "Seems to me that the man like so many other great Newcatle players has never received proper acknowledgement from the club" - so true.

Jonno your hero, Frank Clark , okay he followed me into the school team, Hookergate Grammar, into Derwent Valley Boy`s team, and then to Crook Town although my stay there was albeit brief, not content with this he joined my cricket club Lintz Colliery at youth and Senior level {opening bat), cricket like his football, steady plodder ,

Wavey Dave and Bake, your man Jinky Jimmy Smith, along with Alan Foggon he was my first GOH at our football presentation night at the Holmeside Club in Dunston, the phrase "We had to pour him into his taxi " springs to mind , great guy , barbers/bookies Stowell St !!! C`mon Softie/Dougal/Gav/Rik/Bobby/DeBuild, and others I await your response , nee cliques with Buff, aal Jock Thomson`s bairns here :-)

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Buff, I went to Frank Clark's testimonial cricket match at Jesmond. FC was a fine batsman but was badly outshone by a big hitting Supermac. Supermac hit a towering hook which was angling straight for a young bake and his mate sitting on the boundary. I saw it late and had to roll out of the way at the last minute.

Could have been my claim to fame, hit by Supermac with a cricket ball, but the ball just missed me. However Supermac did shout sorry across the ground to me and my mate, although both me and my mate swear to this day that it was to us.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

Excellent thread. Has to be Tony Green. He had such vision and skill that would be wonderful to watch today, or even tomorrow. He made such a lasting impression on me (as an impressionable bairn) as the most talented blerk to kick a football. Alongside him would be Pedro for the same reasons. I also agree with Jonno regarding the Prince. Always looked as though he had loads of time on the ball. Something in very short supply - a defender who looked comfortable in possession. And as for that goal................'nuff said. With regard to these three Buff, no my opinion of them would never change, even if we signed that French blerky.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

Thanks to all, it looks to me that the 50+ brigade will always go with their hero of the time, I can visulise for example Flo extolling the merits of `Wor Jackie` to his family, his grandchildren and hopefully great granchildren , on thus are the reasons why we are a big club, The 35-50+ could be a mixed bag and it would be probably be swayed by staying with their present hero, mainly I feel because their kids at a impressionable age will have told the story of their parents hero so many times, to change at this late hour would be seen as a cop out by todays youngster and credibility would be gone. IMHO that the more younger element of us and late supporters have been denied a hero and when one comes along , they will overpower him with their support (are you listening Mr Dyer). The above are my personal feelings, others may read into it differently.

No goalkeepers chosen and very few defenders , is that how we judge the game?, is that how we look at our players?, Memories of Ernie Taylor backheeling into Jackies path to rifle home at Wembley, Supermac`s debut and shrugging off defenders in the semi, of Len White picking the ball up on the halfway line, dribbling past 5 Man City defenders before slotting home. Do any of us look at the bigger picture, it is obvious Jonno does by choosing Frank Clark, not the most gifted of players, but a consistent defender,a model pro and a good guy to have in the dressing room by all accounts. In your posts it is so obvious that anyone born a Geordie , has talent ,ability will be on the fast track of your all time greats . There are other points worth considering but that about covers it except for one final item.

THE GREENSPUN BB`S TEAM OF THE CENTURY, (in 4-3-3)

Shay Given (no keeper nominated)

Irving Nattrass Frank Brennan Bobby Moncur/Phil Albert F Clark

Tony Green Paul Gascoigne Peter Beardsley

Len White Malcolm McDonald Chris Waddle

The surprise must be no Alan Shearer, no Jackie Milburn but the best bit is to come, I get to manage them and have with the help of the board will attempt not to be a cliquey Buff and welcome my team Manager.........Buff .............asst/man Rick (no threat to me)

First Team Coach......Swifts Taxis, Asst Coach..Pit Bill (Motivator)

Reserve Coach.. Got to be Softie....Fitness Coach Geordie the Eagle

Masseuse, SBA , Kats ,..............Club Physcoligist.....Gibbo

Academy Director ....Tre (get em young)Chief Scout.Screach (air mile

Head Groundsman...De Builder,.....Club Mascot ..Min................

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. cHAIRMAN (jONNO, OKAYS THAT IS CLIQEY)

C.E.O ( cLARKY) SEC..Macbeth.....Asst Sec....Galaxy......Treasurer Gavin Heron Esq

Press/Photo Steph......NUTV ....Dan the Man....NUFC Com .....Ciarra

Club Historian ..Flo ......Comm Man..Bobby......Legal Aff ..Dougal

Thats my team for all seasons on and off the pitch, no skeletons in the cupboard, onward and upward , TIOY

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

Gerraway ye clicky awld bugger, what aboot PiC as Chief Security guy, I would help the kids ower the wall (espescially if they were trying to get out)and I would hoy people out for not singing as well.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

Nice team though Buff, if only........................

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

If we could just get that backroom/management staff in place, there'd be huge improvements in the club. ;-)

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

Well, I've been waiting for somebody to bring up the name of one of my all time favourites, but in vain it seems. Never a mention. well, I always did go for the more understated types. Jim Iley held the middle of the team together through most of the 1960s, not the most spectacular but never failed to be where he was needed, could win the ball (ask some of the more well-known ball-players of the time) but also use it very well.

High spot: promotion-winning game against Bolton, Easter 1965. Made the first goal (free kick picked out Willie Penman, diving header, back of net). Scored the second himself, memory says slotted through a crowd of players from 20 yards, but somebody with the book will probably correct me. Would add a bit of much-needed bite to the midfield above, but not at the expense of ability.

Nobody agree? Oh well. Some bu99er will probably mention hairstyles...

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

I thought you really were Jim Iley, Dr. Bill!

Excellent player in an excellent half-back line (what's a half-back line, Grandad?) - Anderson, McGrath & Iley.

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

Need a keeper coach buff?

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

Dr Bill, be careful about revealing your age on here lest one of our esteemed female correspondents should make an improper advance. :-)

Jim Iley! Marvellous player - marvellous half back line, Anderson McGrath,Iley

No I tend to go along with you Bill about the "unsung heroes" and in particular those who get slated by the crowd. Iley was often a target on the few occasions he did fail as it was easy to get on the back of the "baldy git". My own hero Clark was constantly shouted at by people who knew far less about football than he - "Tackle him man Clarky" rang out constantly as Clark backed off his man, knowing that to lunge in would enable the winger to take him out of the game. That's another reason I like Barton so much. After what has been done to him at SJP he could throw his toys out the pram or hide in games - never - total commitment - total professionalism. And still the same w*nkers shouting "Tackle him man" as he backs off from - Ryan Giggs in full flight!

You must have seen Iley and Keith Kettleborough in the same team? If they stood close together they looked like Jordan on steroids! Or perhaps not....

Jonno 51.2 - All advances welcome especially improper ones. :-)

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

Jonno you cannot honestly be positively comparing Warren Barton with Frank Clark.

Warren Barton backs off until Giggs is in the box and he daren't tackle him. Clark jockeyed, guided away from goal, timed things. No comparison. AND, Warren Barton doesn't know my dad

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

In an interview with Clarky, no not our Clarky , he was asked whom he considered his most dangerous opponent, (winger), the one who gave him the most hassle, he said Scots int John Robertson of Nottingham Forest was head and shoulders above the rest, reasons, 2 good feet, good control , although he was deceptivly slow, got past his full back inside and outside, and his positioning to receive ball. I watched him closely after that (Buff speaking) and Cloughie crafty sod had Robertson working to receive 5 yards either side of center line, no covering back , no runs forward off the ball ,in USA speak a wide receiver and as we all know Frank needed a passport to cross halfway.

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

This is only my ninth season (glory hunting, not a "real football fan", Johnny come lately, Keegan bandwagon-jumper that I am) so I don't think my opinion of greatest players I have seen is worth a whole bundle. For the record it's Beardsley. First time I had been reduced to tears by a goal was when everything appeared to be conspiring against us during the run-in in 95/6 and Beardo shuffled through the entire QPR team to keep the dream alive. The relief of it all was such that had I been somehow able to hug him then I'd still be holding him now. Not sure whether I had the right to get so involved in it all having only experienced the highs of third and sixth place in the league, but maybe your first love is always the strongest.

The only player I've found truly inspirational since him was Ferguson, but there were too many flaws to make him a true great. Still responsible for generating more testosterone in me than all the rest of them put together.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001

Iley and Keith Kettleborough

aka Snitchy and Snatchy.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001