That's it. Undisputable. For the first time in quite a while we have an out and out forward who is outright FEARED by other teams. I cannae remember the last time we had that.
Not yet performed at top level so until then can't compare with past strikers but certainly has been a fantastic buy so far. Can think of more than 5 players in the past I would put above him at present. Hopefully he will get his chance next season in top flight
All great players and, as PL players, could be said to be better than Lambert. But in League 1 and Championship, I think Rickie is more feared than any of them...more like a lower league Rooney.
I liked Crouch. He is a better footballer than many think and I was sorry to see him go, but rather have Ricky.
To put him as the best striker for 10 years is probably too much IMO.......certainly our best in the last 3/4. He will need to maintain his current standard and form in the premier for me to say he is the best striker in the last 10 year mark! Non the less he is pretty good and useful player.
The best buy since we got relegated, not sure about the last 10 years as most of that time was in the Prem
Not sure about being the best. I would say it was Beattie as he scored a lot of goals in the Prem, which got him an England call up. I would however say he is the most important in the last 10 years as his goals have got us promotion once and all going well a second time this year. If we get to the prem and he chips in with 10 - 15 goals in the season then I would say he is the best.
From 2002 onwards he only made about 20 appearances, with 3 goals. Great player when he first signed but by 2002 he'd peaked and was hampered by countless injuries. Love him, but he's no comparison. James Beattie has good end of season totals but only scored in streaks, on more than one occasion he went 10 games with nowt and then regained form. I think many remember him for his one purple season where he hit 25-odd and got the England cap. To be honest, I'm not sure I really believe this, but I was at work thinking about some of the dross we've had upfront in recent history. Patterson, Saganowski, Stern John, Ormerod (God rest his soul). There's a lot of chunder and not a lot of memorable talents.
Saganowski was good when he first come and helped us into the P/Os, and Stern John fired goals to safetey so I don't think their dross personally
Think he will have to do a bit more to be in the top five all-time. Ron Davies, George O'Brien, Wayman, Channon, Keegan, Reeves, and there's more. I know you said 5-10 years and felt a prat after posting. :>(
Another way to look at it, how many Saints PL strikers would be in the best PL team, whereas anyone would put Ricky in the best Championship side now.
