Read Norwich are running this at the moment. They have now got to the strikers. In a list of ten, there is no room for Ron Davies. Bet the compiler never ever saw him play. Earnshaw is on it, as is Deehan, who were both very good, but not in the same league. Fash is as far back as they go so maybe they think memories of us older Gentlemen,and Ladies, are too eroded to give a view.
Could be that they chose mainly from the more recent era of canaries because there had been no top flight football before 1972? I have no recollection of Ron Davies so can't really argue, other than to say whilst his stats were very good - goal every other game. they were in the second tier, so it is difficult to say he would be justifiably ahead of others who have played, or even excelled at a higher level. Of course just because Grabbarse and Steve Morrison have played for us in the PL does not simply make them better, but in the absence of trawling through all old footage over the years it is hard to judge a player unless you witnessed them first hand. Bah!
Having now voted, I can't understand how for example Dublin was considered. I'd plump for Sutton, he was instrumental in our greatest season and under that premis, whilst he had certain limitations shouldn't Robins warrent a mention? Again the higher the level you are the more of an achievement to play at and sustain the level. Bah!
I get the point that not everyone has seen players from other eras. So why call it the 'best players of all time' ? Change the title, and I may consider voting.
Hi bors, I never saw Varco play but the cry "give it to Varco" should give some indication of his capabilities. If we are looking for the all time best player then that is what is required. Bly, Hollis, Davies, Eyre et al must be considered in the reckoning. My personal choice for top player would be Chris Sutton. What about Johnny Gavin, is he considered ? Earnshaw I would not even consider, he didn't know how to keep onside !!! Edit. Whoops forgot Channon.
But can you consider a player who never played in the top flight for us to be the equal of those who did? The gap between tiers in the past may not have been so pronounced but a player in a lower division still is allowed to shine to a greater degree by playing against worse players. The argument for Holt for example would be that the PL has grown into a monster with even us having a number of international players, Higher quality players allround means tough environment and the greater the achievement in getting near the top and living with those players. I'd still go with Sutton, but would acknowledge that there are likely to be some deserting cases omitted because the author haden't ever seen them inspite of the division in which they played. bah!
Well I'm going for Holty in his prime, had he played in in '92 side we may well have gone on to win the Title. The man in my avatar should also get a mention, as although he was never a complete footballer he certainly knew where the back of the net was ! Hmm here's a thought, a striking partnership of MacDougall and Holt
Not seen the poll but the top ten strikers I have seen play for us are: Hugh Curran, Chris Sutton, Ted MacDougall, Phil Boyer, Robert Fleck, Justin Fashanu, Grant Holt, John Deehan, Dean Ashton (all too briefly) and Mark Robins. Just my opinion for what it is worth......
Actually Iwan for Deehan is a late substitution - how did I forget him ? Drinkell was great, I also liked Ashley Ward and before that John Manning. There's been quite a few when you think about it (Reeves, Channon, Silvester, Ross Jack !!!)
Just noticed this thread. The concept of the poll is daft, the club was formed in 1902, so who can say who the best player was? Unless you're 100 years old or more it's pointless. I saw Man U did one fairly recently and Ryan Giggs was top!!!!! So I guess most of the people in Yarmouth never saw Best, Charlton, Law etc.