A class above the rest
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A class above the rest
I remember a few players in my time that I felt were on another level to the rest of our team.
Last year Maatsens performance against Huddersfield immediately made me think he's far too good to ever sign for us permanently.
Before that of course there was Defour.
But in my earlier years I remember Steve Davis bring something else but also Ian Wright and even David May. You could tell these were just naturally gifted players.
The one that I oddly seem to remember the most was when we signed David Johnson on loan from Forest. He looked an amazing player and one I'd never had imagined would ever play for us at the time.
Of course there's more obvious ones that set their mark as legends like Blake, Little etc but do you guys remember getting that 'oh yeah' moment about other, less obvious players?
Last year Maatsens performance against Huddersfield immediately made me think he's far too good to ever sign for us permanently.
Before that of course there was Defour.
But in my earlier years I remember Steve Davis bring something else but also Ian Wright and even David May. You could tell these were just naturally gifted players.
The one that I oddly seem to remember the most was when we signed David Johnson on loan from Forest. He looked an amazing player and one I'd never had imagined would ever play for us at the time.
Of course there's more obvious ones that set their mark as legends like Blake, Little etc but do you guys remember getting that 'oh yeah' moment about other, less obvious players?
Re: A class above the rest
Joey Barton v Middlesbrough in 1-1 draw at turf, can't remember year but Michael Keane equalised in last minute
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Re: A class above the rest
I know you mentioned him, but Defour is the one who immediately springs to mind as a player who just looked like he was playing on another level. Rare to see players like that in claret and blue at the time and it was pretty special to watch.
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Re: A class above the rest
Trevor Steven. Running our MF at 16yo. I said to a mate at the time, “He’s a gift from god”.
Given away for only £300k.
Given away for only £300k.
Re: A class above the rest
Defour is the obvious one from recent seasons. Bit of a joke he played for us, and wouldn't have done if it wasn't for injuries. Best player I've seen play for us and by some distance I reckon.
Two who weren't playing for us but against us - Aaron Lennon for Leeds and Darren Bent for Ipswich.
Two who weren't playing for us but against us - Aaron Lennon for Leeds and Darren Bent for Ipswich.
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Re: A class above the rest
I remember when Adrian Heath first stepped on the pitch for us.
It was a revelation at the time - somebody who could actually pass the ball.
Hadn't seen his like since the 60's/early 70's.
It was a revelation at the time - somebody who could actually pass the ball.
Hadn't seen his like since the 60's/early 70's.
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Re: A class above the rest
Defour was class...it was a pleasure to watch him play for us unfortunately it wasn't for long enough...but he was certainly a class act.
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Re: A class above the rest
Based on West Yorkshire Clarets conversation with Roger Eli the other day, Adrian Heath and Marlon Beresford coming into the 1992/93 side
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Re: A class above the rest
Marlon with his shot stopping including saving penalties.
But not so good with crosses
But not so good with crosses
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Re: A class above the rest
Defour and Barton are two recent ones that spring to mind. You could tell the difference immediately.
After a while you could see Tripps was destined for better things too.
I know someone has mentioned Cahill and he was obviously class but McGreal also stood out as someone who had played at a higher level.
After a while you could see Tripps was destined for better things too.
I know someone has mentioned Cahill and he was obviously class but McGreal also stood out as someone who had played at a higher level.
Re: A class above the rest
I remember watching Ian Wright's Garstang touch and movement on his debut, it was sensational. Tommy Hutchinson was another who stood out, that said it wasn't difficult in that era.
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Re: A class above the rest
McGreal, and Sinclair too, were key players for us in the early Cotterill days and I reckon both Cahill and Duff would consider them key players in their careers from whom they learned so much.
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Re: A class above the rest
In the lower leagues, we had plenty of talent that were way better than the league we were playing in.
But a classy player for me has more time and gets in the right position regularly.
Heath, Mitchell Thomas, John McGreal, Steve Davis all spring to mind.
But a classy player for me has more time and gets in the right position regularly.
Heath, Mitchell Thomas, John McGreal, Steve Davis all spring to mind.
Re: A class above the rest
Djemba Djemba at the time for us was class, the way he was just able to take the ball first time and find a man with the ball was a cut above what we had.
Re: A class above the rest
Predictive text, correct edit
I remember watching Ian Wright's first touch and movement on his debut, it was sensational. Tommy Hutchinson was another who stood out, that said it wasn't difficult in that era.
Re: A class above the rest
Yeah you're right about Sinclair, was he captain for a while too while we were struggling?ClaretTony wrote: ↑Sat Jan 27, 2024 11:47 amMcGreal, and Sinclair too, were key players for us in the early Cotterill days and I reckon both Cahill and Duff would consider them key players in their careers from whom they learned so much.
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Re: A class above the rest
Just a little mention for Mitchell Thomas.
We got him at the knacker-end of his career but at 3rd tier level he was the best left back in the division despite barely being able to run.
Sadly his lack of pace was exposed when after he helped promote us to a higher level but the likes of Les Thompson, Chris Vinnicombe, etc but it was his class that shone through in the 3rd tier.
We got him at the knacker-end of his career but at 3rd tier level he was the best left back in the division despite barely being able to run.
Sadly his lack of pace was exposed when after he helped promote us to a higher level but the likes of Les Thompson, Chris Vinnicombe, etc but it was his class that shone through in the 3rd tier.
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Re: A class above the rest
How hasn’t Robbie Blake had a proper mention ?
Magican
Magican
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Re: A class above the rest
Yes, Defour, Barton, Ian Wright, Gary Cahill. Mitchell Thomas lots of good shouts on here...
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Re: A class above the rest
There will never be another Phil Malley
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Re: A class above the rest
Andy Cole had a lovely touch too. Never really appreciated how good he was with the ball before he joined us. Always a great goalscorer but i was impressed by his all round play
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Re: A class above the rest
Duff mentions McGreal taught him loads at Burnley in the From the Beehole End podcast yesterdayClaretTony wrote: ↑Sat Jan 27, 2024 11:47 amMcGreal, and Sinclair too, were key players for us in the early Cotterill days and I reckon both Cahill and Duff would consider them key players in their careers from whom they learned so much.
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Re: A class above the rest
Thank the Lord
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Re: A class above the rest
I’ve not listened to it yet but I’m not surprised he said it.Chester Perry wrote: ↑Sat Jan 27, 2024 12:41 pmDuff mentions McGreal taught him loads at Burnley in the From the Beehole End podcast yesterday
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Re: A class above the rest
Tony Hancock, now he was special.
Re: A class above the rest
Dobbo
Kindon
Trevor Steven
Steve Davis
Glen Little
Robbie Blake
Defour
Ian Wright
Andy Cole
Loads of others
Kindon
Trevor Steven
Steve Davis
Glen Little
Robbie Blake
Defour
Ian Wright
Andy Cole
Loads of others
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Re: A class above the rest
A 36?? Year old Andy Cole’s movement and hold up play was unreal.
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Re: A class above the rest
Yes! Every so often people mention his name and laugh but I always tell them he was class when he played for Burnley. Really stood out.
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Re: A class above the rest
Now someone has mentioned Dobbo which I would disagree with. Yes he became a wonderful player and certainly was class but anyone remembering his debut will think differently about first impressions.
He arrived on a free from Bolton I believe and was seen as a CF. He played in a home match against Leeds and we won 3-0 I think but he was far from impressive in a CF role. It wasn't until we tried him as an attacking midfielder that he blossomed and went onto become the great player he was. So I never had that wow moment with him.
He arrived on a free from Bolton I believe and was seen as a CF. He played in a home match against Leeds and we won 3-0 I think but he was far from impressive in a CF role. It wasn't until we tried him as an attacking midfielder that he blossomed and went onto become the great player he was. So I never had that wow moment with him.
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Re: A class above the rest
Some very special names there......Not so much class, but in terms of pure, raw excitement Steve Kindon would be high on any list. Midfield players Dobson, Steven, Blake and Defour were exceptional but all of them were a distance behind the incomparable JImmy McIlroy.
As for defenders I always found Keith Newton a joy to watch. It's hard to imagine a more classy full-back pairing than John Angus and Keith Newton......Unfortunately as John retired in 1972, Keith was arriving from Everton at pretty much the same time.
Re: A class above the rest
Somebody mentioned Djemba-Djemba above. I remember it was a bit of an underwhelming signing as he'd become a bit ot a joke figure at United, but he was a cut above anyone else in our midfield.
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Re: A class above the rest
How about a shout for Nathan Dyer?!
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Re: A class above the rest
Everton have done extremely well out of us down the years - Steven was a gem and they had the best of my all time favourite claret DobsonTricky Trevor wrote: ↑Sat Jan 27, 2024 11:02 amTrevor Steven. Running our MF at 16yo. I said to a mate at the time, “He’s a gift from god”.
Given away for only £300k.
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Re: A class above the rest
Yes and not forgetting Geoff Nulty and going back Dave Thomas.Chester Perry wrote: ↑Sat Jan 27, 2024 1:36 pmEverton have done extremely well out of us down the years - Steven was a gem and they had the best of my all time favourite claret Dobson
Re: A class above the rest
I remember when we signed Davis back from Luton. We were dire at the time and heading back to div 4. You wouldn't think a centre half could make such a big difference to a team.
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Re: A class above the rest
One that hasn't been mentioned was 'Rooster'.
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Re: A class above the rest
Perhaps it is my age but the first one I remember as being talked about as being too good to stay at Burnley for long is Phil Cavanagh
Re: A class above the rest
Good shout for McGreal, solid as a rock.
Kevin Reeves was really good until his injury.
The goalie Nicky Walker was good, he didn't stay to long but he was class.
Kevin Reeves was really good until his injury.
The goalie Nicky Walker was good, he didn't stay to long but he was class.
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Re: A class above the rest
If you asked this question last season I would have answered Josh Cullen.
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Re: A class above the rest
Defour , though his injury ravaged “in and out” tenure generally only worked at “ cameo “ level .
Oddly I thought Barton , not just his quality play but the way he lifted the place and you just knew he was 100% winner .
Oddly I thought Barton , not just his quality play but the way he lifted the place and you just knew he was 100% winner .
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Re: A class above the rest
Yeah and who was that game against where he chased someone down the tunnel? was it Forest?dandeclaret wrote: ↑Sat Jan 27, 2024 12:54 pmA 36?? Year old Andy Cole’s movement and hold up play was unreal.
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Re: A class above the rest
Billy Hamilton