Listening to Talk Sport today, they were talking about Gerrard`s opportunity to become Liverpool`s best ever player by signing an extension to his contract. They went on to list past greats, Dalglish, Rush, Callaghan, Keegan, Lawrenson, Hansen and Phil Thomson, Emlyn Hughes was not even mentioned and the list was endlessâ¦..real players. Made me think who would be classed as Cardiff`s best ever player, as most of those Liverpool legends were at the club for some years each. Apart from the twenties, we have never had anyone outstanding who has stayed, Ramsey might be the most valuable, Toshack a young star maybe, and Phil Dwyer for longevity. I`ve forgotton somebody surely?
"Greatest Ever Player" - depends what you mean I suppose Dom. If you're talking about a long serving legend, then look no further than Don Murray.
As far as Don was concerned, that era saw another couple at least who could fit that bill. Peter King and Gary Bell were great club stalwarts over long periods. At the other end of the spectrum, what about The Greatest Player You Never Saw?
Most of the above were before my time My personal all time top 3 would be: 1. Willie Anderson (would kill for a winger like him right now) 2. Phil 'Joe' Dwyer (he wouldn't last 5 mins these days with the rules about tackling...plus he's a Grange boy ) 3. Graham Kavanagh (a born leader and heartbeat of the PO winning squad imo) There are others who have come and gone and a lot more who are/were better but never were Bluebirds. Everyone will have an opinion but to me, the great players are those who've left their mark on me long after they've gone.
Greatest ever player to wear a city shirt for a period of time to be thought of as a great player would be difficult.....at our level, you generally could not hang on to great players, so they are short lived. H, has just mentioned Graham Kavanagh, and I think he could be described as a great player at our level. Truth is......we have never had a great player! Mostly favourite players. Had a great woman though.....having her now!
H, they didn't complain because they knew he'd give them another one if they did. Sliding tackles were common place, but it was usually shin to shin or thigh to thigh when contact was made. There were a few 'naughty' tackles but you didn't get as many 'studs up' tackles and people were sliding rather than flying through the air. I think the game is poorer for the lack of full blooded challenges.
He was not one of my favourites but Leighton Phillips when he played for the City seems to have more time and class than those around him. He went on the play for the Villa in his prime and played well for them and Wales.
Sliding tackles......brings to mind the well endowed Peter Rodrigues......a bit of a legend on two counts apparantly!
As already stated above not many greats had many seasons with us. We signed great players in the twilight of their careers but hardly bluebirds legends given the criteria seems to be years served. Some could say Ledley was one of our better products of the youth system but he didn't play in the first team long enough to be deemed a bluebirds great. Rambo will never be a bluebirds great because he only had a handful of games before his sale to the Arsenal and then came back for a while on loan. Arguably one of the most talented player in bluebirds history. So for dedication and loyalty to the club, for me, it has to be Phil Dwyer. However you could also put Bellers in there even though he was only on loan for one season. The bottom line is it's too subjective to call and the more I try to think about it the more confused I get.
JH, Must admit I liked Billy Ronson coz he's a titch like me although I may be a bit taller Only saw him play as a bluebird for a season or so before I left Cardiff in 1980. Not sure he was a prolific scorer but a handy player all the same. Pretty much like John Buchanan if memory serves me right.
