We've all seen hundreds of players come and go over the years, the good the bad and the David Hopkins. But a couple of players stick out in my mind that never got the accolade that they deserved, if you like my unsung hero's. 1) Peter Haddock Quality left back, no weakness, rarely made any mistakes. Did a steady job week in, week out. Mr reliable 2) Carl Shutt Was never really given the chance to shine as at the time, we had loads of high profile forwards who cost millions of pounds. Will never forget his goal vs Stuttgart (I think) when Cantana was hauled off, and Shutt came on, and scored a world class solo goal.
Definitely agree with those two elland,Haddock was pure class & Carl Shutt's goal v Stuttgart still brings shivers down the spine! Of the present lot I'd say Mike Grella.
I actually think that Chris Fairclough and Chris Whyte (what was up with his hair) were both underated, they were our centre backs when we won the league, they were'nt axactly household names. LeedsinEssex, agree Grella is underated, and has'nt been given a chance, but he has'nt done much so far...
Grella's attitude is wrong. He was sent out on loan to Swindon and fell out with the manager because he thought he was too good to be there/not get in the starting 11 every week. He's been offered loans to league 2 sides and turned them down. Was talkin to a bloke that works at All Bar One in Millenium Square the other night when I spotted Grella out, he lives below Grella and Somma, says Grella is very snobby. Says Gradel's a perfect gent, mind. Not surprising.
Mark I work next to Bewleys hotel and Gradels parents must stay there a lot because gradels always parked outside, When I saw him I shouted Max n he come over n shook my hand
His mum's dead and his dad left when he was young... so you're probably just interrupting his hooker sessions!
There was an article in the Bournemouth Echo a couple of years ago that told his story; it's really sad. Has to look after his numerous brothers and sisters by himself, though I guess being a professional footballer helps in that respect.
I was staying at Bewley's a wee while ago and there were a couple of policemen standing in the reception area. Appearing at the door from the rooms were a couple of scantily clad women who saw the coppers and promptly disappeared back through the door as quickly as possible looking for a back entrance.
Carl Shutt? I cringed when we used to bring him on, I thought he was useless and yes I remember screaming NO when he was brought on against Stuttgart and then was made to eat my words when he scored.
Peter Haddock was a very underated player was badly injures by Ince and never played again Gradel often see him at Leeds Market always smilesseems a decent chap
Think Tony Doreigo was underated too, actually given the choice Doreigo,Harte or Haddock, who would you have ???
Sean Gregan is the best central defender we've had since we were in the Premier League. Neil Kilkenny keeps getting slaughtered on the forums, despite being instrumental in our best performances and being outstanding in his last game for us.
