You're probably right, in fitness at least, but I still think the 74-77 Hoops were better than any I've seen since as a team. Didn't see the Marsh team, but Stan certainly disappeared for matches on end and was never a prolific scorer. But when he and Gerry Francis were on song it was a sight to behold. Adel is unfortunate in that he provides most of the creativity in our team, a big weight to carry, whereas we had it all over the place in the 70s. A key reason why I am hoping the Pirate will come good, to share the burden a bit.
Without doubt team wise the 75 team was when it all kicked in for me personally Beautiful team however time machined forward it would be a sad sight by today's fitness standards Never comparable and the old lady of 75 is preserved thankfully for us to dream about romantically. I seriously could see Adel lighting up in a Champions league game for a current giant . I also rate Faurlin and others in the team ... The very shadow that Taarabt casts unfortunately puts them in the shadow. What makes it even more beautiful is that others fans/posters can't see it hence the comments. It's wonderful So sure am I about Taarabt it makes me feel like buying everyone a lollipop ... It's beautiful to see the butterfly hatch isn't it SB? We know there is more to come !
The thing is, time tends to encourage you to think fondly of former players like Marsh, Bowles, Currie et al, and I am no exception. Bowles was my childhood hero and untouchable for all that (sentiment, you see). But greatness is also very subjective and really 'point in time stuff'. One can only really judge Taarabt on his contribution today, rather than compare him to the flair players of yore. Times change more than we really appreciate. The fans love Taarabt as they loved Bowles thirty plus years ago. Despite a number of pretenders to the throne, there hasn't really been anyone since Stan that the crowd has taken to its collective heart in quite the same way as Taarabt. Whilst awarding him 'greatness' is a matter of some argument today, I strongly suspect that when gone, he will be fondly remembered in the same way as the rest of our former heroes. You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone.
Very well put, 100% agree that since SB no one has had the same combination of outrageous skill and unpredictable behaviour until Adel. Getting the bus home at half time was the stuff of legends! Taarabt and Rangers were and are the perfect combination. Marsh was never the same player at City, hopefully when Adel moves on he will have more success.
I live in Derby numb nuts and all the in-laws are season ticket holders at pride park and i go occasionally so i think i know a bit more than you think i know
****ing hell QPR fans are the most deluded in the league by far. It's a good job you're going down next year.
