bill william bill september september scottish manager best known time manager liverpool came small scottish mining community brothers played football professionally played ball winning right half capped times scotland including seven wartime spent season united spending rest career preston north end won cup playing career interrupted service royal_air_force second world war manager retired playing returning united later managed town town moving liverpool manager december took charge liverpool second division rebuilt team major force english european football led liverpool second division championship gain promotion flight division going win division championships cups charity shields cup announced surprise retirement football weeks liverpool won cup final having managed club years succeeded long time assistant bob led liverpool team time charity shield died seven years later age early life bill born small coal mining village called population year birth people born find work larger coal mines result largely derelict time ghost writer john roberts visited houses left including cottage owned sister elizabeth roberts described children parents john barbara lived cottages children boys girls ninth child youngest boy known bill football career family pronounced father tailor suits despite football pedigree family play brothers played professional football claimed peaks beaten brothers world brothers known sandy family played united clyde jimmy played clubs including sheffield united united john played portsmouth town bob played athletic bob successful manager guiding victory scottish championship semi finals european cup following year maternal robert william professional players club directors portsmouth united respectively wrote autobiography times hard upbringing hunger prevailing condition especially winter months admitted friends steal vegetables nearby farms bread fruit suppliers wagons bags coal pits admitted act wrong claimed root cause constant hunger insists friends learned mistakes better people later years school age fourteen discipline home school strict said character building favourite subject geography played football possible especially school playground organised school team left school worked local alongside brother bob years pit closed faced unemployment autobiography described life length mentioned problems sheer hard work rats difficulties eating drinking coal face clean unbelievable survived going home wash biggest thing time bath employed played football possible went glasgow watch celtic rangers sharing allegiance ignoring divides glasgow developed skills point unemployed months united signed wrote football future worked mind working pit killing time believed matter time professional player explained football terms belief destiny basis enthusiasm sport village team called probably derived 11th cherry said club near extinction trial actually played aged played season miles cycle ground district league season acknowledged debt scottish junior football learnt lot mainly listening older players especially brothers playing career united single season united relatively new football league playing division north reserve playing north eastern league recommended scout called peter seen playing invited month trial said time left scotland signed trial match reserves reserves reserves lost match local newspaper report said played develop useful left fact developed class right half senior debut december draw appearances team end season reserves won north eastern league cup defeating newcastle united reserves final autobiography stated got medal stage career assessed hard running gritty right half displays brought praise credit key young player capable taking greater things paid pounds shillings week considered good wage rate time pounds happy close home settled guarantee team football opportunity came convinced wanted leave preston north end soon season ended received telegram united asking return soon possible club wanted sign arriving discovered interested club preston north end offered transfer fee terms personally fee plus signing fee wages pounds week initial reaction deal nearly fell brother pointed preston second division bigger club potential regain division status convinced bill opportunity important paid immediately going later counts took brother advice signed preston contract railway carriage began preston career reserves played central league higher standard north eastern league team debut december months 20th birthday hull city created early goal help preston win earning praise national newspaper clever passing attitude commitment team quickly established team regular crowd favourite preston fulfilled potential gained promotion division runners town successful debut season stayed preston retired wage increased pounds week pounds summer summary season preston correspondent walter wrote season discoveries bill played rare good ideas good football possessed unlimited energy far autobiography wrote preston held season club relegated end season left developed tough half football league outstanding northern_ireland international peter recalled footsteps match kept great team north end great team completely preston defeated manchester city preston reached cup final beaten stadium preston recovered reach cup final defeated town penalty scored george final minute extra time winning cup preston finished league season marked pinnacle playing career reached 26th birthday second world war began war claimed peak years playing career joined royal_air_force raf managed play numerous wartime league cup exhibition matches city arsenal town depending stationed played single game liverpool win keen boxing fought raf winning trophy stationed manchester confirmed autobiography weight raf boxer pounds pounds heavier met wife raf stationed camp married resumption league football season returned preston held registration coming end playing days preston club captain lost place team struggling despite having tom qualified decided wanted coach united asked manager march year retired player accepted job departure preston resented club refused benefit match felt entitled described preston attitude biggest let life football enormous admiration tom pages autobiography prowess 1970s asked current star compared replied good tommy tommy nearly preston player admired scottish international teammate andy later work management succeeded preston team tommy told number shirt let run round knows scotland played scotland times seven wartime spoke unbelievable pride playing scotland england confronted enemy scottish players william wallace robert bruce ninety minutes pulling blue jersey certainly spirit playing scotland confirmed alex james real scotland player fight drops international debut april england scotland winning match late goal tommy walker scotland appearances england northern_ireland wales hungary scotland captain wartime match england park attended people scotland lost game memorable international wartime game april scotland won scored scotland goal post match report said scotland success inspired victory service future management rival matt combined help scotland cause according liverpool website goal probably national goal took speculative shot yards ball bounced england head net january subject life goal shown commented count won style technique declared autobiography specialised called art art claimed sent booked referee view art timing sole object win ball wrote opponent injured tackle foul timed right won philosophy play hard fair cheating playing career said argue realised taking advice brothers waste time referee wrote wins end noted dedication football playing days training summer months liverpool website records summer returned completing season professional decided develop throw skills early long throw according site practiced throwing balls row houses small boys village helped management career wrote autobiography long prepared career football manager pointed absorbed coaching systems useful qualifications confidence ability leader hard work simply question waiting opportunity present summed essential criteria success football management said speak common sense game spot player terms criterion applied basic formula foremost player ability courage attributes physical fitness willingness work especially struggle odds united began managerial career club professional playing career started season struggling half division north finding difficult attract southern based players town geographic far north england work ethic transformed team finished 15th charge matches improved ninth gaining promotion players promising young centre half later transferred liverpool retired playing chief scout liverpool working finding talented players psychology players example telling opposition journey fit play match urged local population support team use public address system matches tell crowd team changes strategy improving team recalled park dilapidated writing main stand falling pieces derelict burned kit team travelling lincoln city saw shop stopped coach buy set kit team played lincoln season ticket sales reached time high challenged strongly promotion achieving draw arsenal cup ended badly accused club board bonus promise players team finish resigned took offer town overall record league football wins defeats matches town failed interview liverpool moved manage town june said autobiography greater potential main problems relegated twice recent seasons dropping division good players transferred arrived believed good players work able buy additional players transfer market low fees strong challenge promotion finished second points lincoln city team promoted division north division south insisted autobiography team pound pound class class best football team seen england war league played football play measured planned perfected wish entertaining football stephen kelly quotes pound pound analysis slight meant kelly went kind talk boost morale club great use football training playing lives stake games hour time worked set pieces throw ins tried method counter attacking corners conceded team bright start straight wins eventually slipped finished fifth place disillusioned board money buy new players reluctant promote promising reserves loyalty older players fault liverpool years later finally resigned january citing board lack ambition main reason autobiography said wife feeling opportunity came manage attracted challenge partly closer scotland record league football wins defeats matches team close division north saw challenge attacked job enthusiasm showed rose 18th end season apply election team finished 8th saw rise operated administration work including answering telephone dealing mail old answer letters addition risky job going bank week collect payroll main problems sharing ground local rugby league club concerned damage playing surface rugby players situation led numerous arguments club board kelly records stacked rugby league men interest football took second place rugby resigned november post assistant manager town working old friend andy record league football wins defeats matches town initial role reserve team coach found charge promising soon graduated team town relegated second division end season resigned season november succeeded manager christmas eve gave team debut year old prospect law prospect team left ray wilson went capped player joining gain promotion team finishing 12th 9th 14th players team taylor england test cricketer les captain bill december lost athletic played match men leading minutes remaining described amazing games seen occasion beat liverpool men recalled liverpool directors leaving ground single file like funeral procession disillusioned board wanted sell best players offering money buy replacements felt lack ambition delighted november receive approach services liverpool recalled liverpool chairman tom williams asked like manage best club country replied matt packing decided think offer realised great potential liverpool second division time rumours began liverpool visit leeds road november won game accepted liverpool offer resigned position manager board meeting december league record wins defeats matches liverpool arrived monday december liverpool second division years defeated non league worcester city cup disrepair means pitch insisted club spend described training ground liverpool squad inherited consisted largely average players promising reserves spite difficulties felt immediately home new club believed shared immediate bond supporters liverpool history site saying kind people quickly established working relationships coaching staff bob joe bennett shared views loyalty club influence liverpool crucial kelly puts great force liverpool aspect quartet legacy football conversion old storage room known boot room tactical discussion whilst cleaning repairing boots believed excellent coaching staff playing staff impressive said match knew team good mind needed strengthening middle centre half stop goals somebody create goals score deal saw average playing squad players placed transfer list left club year old wooden cricket pavilion pitches looked bombs dropped asked germans war instituted development program site facilities meantime arranged players meet change going bus according biographer stephen kelly liverpool eventual success based hard work training system bennett introduced long distance running roads insisted apart warm exercises special exercises needed overcome injuries players trained grass ball systematically players rotating exercise routines groups purpose achieving set targets games earlier clubs heart system insisted competitive league matches particular routine designed develop stamina ball skills sweat box described boards like walls house players playing ball wall ball played boards controlled turned took got idea routine seen tom use preston skills routine set players limit minutes session system geared simple philosophy pass formed basis liverpool strategy insisted suitable cooling periods training called warming players took bath meal team changed boots suit playing conditions summarised entire strategy attention detail left chance liverpool recovery depended new players acquired autobiography recalled struggles board realise club potential need spend money good players said times felt like walking found valuable ally pools organisation joined board long appointment shared vision liverpool best club england board meeting insisted club offers players scotland board initial response afford stepped said afford buy scottish players centre half ron centre forward john united respectively help signed spring challenged liverpool board sack play press conference came liverpool emphasised huge size inviting journalists walk round tommy lawrence came club junior teams strength middle team building continued transfer wing half gordon preston players developed jimmy court future england roger hunt said hunt time saw christ play liverpool finished clubs promoted new team gained promotion season winning second division championship hunt scoring goals liverpool consolidated finishing eighth flight season command significant wing half rangers left peter thompson preston described thompson deal daylight robbery liverpool youth system produced future england like tommy smith chris hard work paid liverpool won sixth league championship title ending season defeat arsenal according roger hunt secret liverpool success team country jimmy transferred buying arsenal utility player strong liverpool significant transfer activity greatest ambitions joined liverpool win cup signed john told club directors players win cup john scored winning goal liverpool win cup time club history extra time victory leeds united autobiography recounted achievements winning cup greatest day liverpool european debut competing european cup reaching semi finals second round club drawn formidable immediately match decided experiment liverpool kit liverpool played red shirts white shorts white red john idea red kit impression players taller liverpool played red european matches quickly adopted colour permanently days winning cup liverpool defeated european champions semi final leg performance inter coach second leg san according war liverpool lost knocked competition aggregate years later maintained inter goals illegal today liverpool website describes match saying liverpool denied semi final stage referee milan according kelly video evidence shows disputed goals actually legitimate said defeat milan inter fans going mad pleased beaten liverpool insisted proved high standard team raised football league championship liverpool dropped seventh thirteen fewer points previous season according liverpool site lengthy participation european cups liverpool regained league championship title reached final european cup winner cup park team lost extra time summary final played wet night didn play gave away silly goals learned great deal european football liverpool eventually turn trophies key strategy leg ties away attack home applied principle preliminary round tie liverpool away leg despite taking lead minutes ordered players ensure deficit goal liverpool switched attack second leg won liverpool began season beating neighbours charity shield match team contention major honours season finishing fifth league recognised potential teenager hughes future england captain signed february liverpool performance european cup poor struggling overcome round beaten inspired year old won aggregate defeating liverpool amsterdam years later autobiography complained match amsterdam started fog liverpool lost thought win tie claimed defeat acknowledged examining team planning ahead liverpool site argues mistaken decision time postpone team rebuilding liverpool improved league performances years finishing second mediocre time late 1960s prepared 1970s controversial period turn hoped signed tony club record felt obliged transfer city year later claimed bad luck injuries disrupted progress prospects gordon wallace compared tom september paid teenage evans football teenager evans started produced outstanding performances years club eventually sell villa recalled evans glass nightclub incident opinion detrimental impact career long term success transfer market late 1960s signing hughes went captain liverpool victory european cup significantly change team season liverpool finished fifth league championship long way winners local rivals defiant got better liverpool liked respected connected talk liverpool expense typical view city great football teams liverpool liverpool reserves cup quarter final liverpool played struggling second division road lost poor performance liverpool site records defeat signalled end john hunt lawrence included ray larry lloyd john brian hall steve apart hall graduated reserves signed clubs lower divisions case non league football adding new players tommy smith chris hughes formed nucleus second great team went dominate english european football 1970s new players came liverpool new scouting system created placed control new chief scout played spent seasons liverpool retiring shortly appointment according stephen kelly hiring chief scout finest signing liverpool found new players retired gave sterling service bob joe finding players like rush kept things simple told look prospect basic qualities abilities pass ball position receive pass wanted check player personality ensure right attitude professional said wanted know heart play liverpool paid large transfer fees brief getting young mould wanted new team began retaining fifth place league reaching semi finals inter cities cup lost experienced leeds united highlight liverpool european campaign season aggregate victory quarter final munich time winning competition liverpool reached cup final cup experience key factor young team beaten league champions arsenal despite having taken lead extra time steve goal watching new player recently signed united recommendation kevin important addition new liverpool team devoted entire chapter autobiography entitled boy called summarised inspiration new team season liverpool missed winning league championship single point title going brian derby county maintained liverpool denied definite penalty crucial away match derby good goal end final match arsenal decisions cost team vital point claim place took encouragement team overall form especially strong finish season confident success noted use psychology encourage players raise doubt minds opponents lasting innovations plaque secured wall players tunnel coupled crowd designed match erected liverpool defeated newcastle united despite attempt joke sign try boost confidence players announcing key opponent unfit kevin play bobby moore time told moore night club hung having produced outstanding performance equally outstanding moore told moore brilliant day play better liverpool won club eighth league title massive bonus club winning cup club european success legged final faced rated best team europe leg played twice abandonment heavy rain flooded pitch left john team having studied defence recalled rematch following night height heading ability great effect created goals liverpool won second leg different story took early lead admitted thought final lost liverpool held win final aggregate score time english club won league title european trophy season liverpool beaten red star belgrade second round european cup lost leeds league championship finishing second round cup liverpool score late draw home recovered win replay way final proved competitive game charge liverpool produced superb second half performance defeat newcastle relationship fans autobiography wrote right start manager tried fans people matter got know treat particularly true liverpool said liverpool people matter ones come added manager got identify people football life return said support liverpool fans team incredible april team showing league championship trophy fans saw policeman aside liverpool thrown direction retrieved wore said policeman don precious saw offer mark respect deserved respect return emphasised importance communication supporters speak public address system matches putting lines match programme preferred speak explain team changes views previous match answer supporters letters person old said preferred phone business people little possible writing dealing readily obtain match tickets fans considered cases wrote autobiography people reason formed special bond liverpool supporters end season liverpool won second division championship told liverpool echo sincerity greatest crowd supporters game tommy smith view completely tune city liverpool loved supporters loved mainly knew understood retirement liverpool years old liverpool won cup said autobiography returning dressing room end match felt tired years mind knew going retire wife asked retire year earlier decided right time tommy smith said feelings undoubtedly major reason decision decided leave liverpool pride job regret win european cup proposed resign previous years liverpool secretary peter robinson initially realised time tried change mind granddaughter karen gill said observer think football taken toll retirement officially surprisingly announced press conference called liverpool july chairman john smith said opening address great regret chairman liverpool football club inform wishes retire active participation league football board extreme reluctance accepted decision like stage place record board great appreciation magnificent achievements period soon regretted decision tried continue involvement club mainly turning team training said wanted involvement club life soon stopped going felt resentment people asking felt unwanted resented club left stupid person wrote paper attended matches sat stand away directors staff especially annoyed liverpool invite attend away matches club guest finally invited travel away leg cup final accommodated separate hotel said found insulting contrasted liverpool attitude encountered clubs including liverpool great rivals manchester united received warmly recalled manchester united manager tommy reply liverpool director bill welcome greatest rivals wrote received warmly liverpool scandal write words club helped build liverpool point view situation retired club understand turning training effectively bob succeeded manager point actually taking training tommy smith recalled manager ran training speak bennett needed visitor began intervene initial pleasure seeing soon turned embarrassment eventually point didn work team things wanted team believed wanted seat liverpool board following precedent matt joined manchester united board retired manager understand relations board resignation threats statement football club holy trinity players manager supporters directors don come sign club officials like secretary peter robinson wanted tommy smith summarised board view right got rid remembered figure certainly position board seat driver board aware matt time manchester united director disastrous team having relegated whilst liverpool treatment acting best interests club new manager pursuing relentless winning ethic event perceived unprecedented haul league championship titles european cups won decade bob joe later years awarded november months retired liverpool manager went buckingham palace according kelly rare day continued live semi detached house west derby near training ground bought moved liverpool death lived died august tried busy retirement stay touch football worked radio city liverpool station presented chat interviewing prime minister wilson football coverage briefly took advisory roles helping liverpool captain ron november press speculated return management successor dave derby county position went murphy instead john recalled great help went management city despite kept fit took football available join teams death legacy morning september bill admitted hospital following heart attack condition appeared stable suggestion life danger following monday morning condition suddenly deteriorated transferred intensive care september suffered cardiac arrest certified dead aged cremated october ashes scattered pitch end day death training cancelled labour_party conference stood minute silence man socialist sir matt manchester united manager upset refused telephone calls people asking reaction tributes poured world football especially players clubs liverpool chairman john smith summed simple fitting opinion outstanding dynamic manager century liverpool erected foot high cast iron gates road stand inscribed walk opened low key ceremony august seven foot tall bronze statue unveiled outside stadium hotel museum opened liverpool august dedicated life career bill mid-1990s preston north end commenced complete rebuilding convert modern stadium end replaced new stand named bill designed different coloured seats providing image head shoulders inaugural english football hall_of_fame recognition impact english game manager david peace biographical novel red dead published account career liverpool manager personality stephen kelly biography calls ultimate obsessive liverpool football general coaching players arguing journalists fans wanted talk football involved football result interests outside game family wife told kelly spend time garden rely clean liverpool lost family holidays limited week stayed hotel non football activity enjoy playing cards john said loved taking long coach trips away matches noted personality wit result quoted famous quotation probably kelly points said half jokingly far concerned degree truth said fully realised importance football die hard fans included important john agreed behaviour bizarre purpose knew saying autobiography gave insights character world view socialist explaining socialism believed politics working enjoying share rewards basis approach football team game works shares rewards admitted robert burns birthplace miles inspired burns philosophical quotations man man time prejudice especially arising differences religion compared cities glasgow liverpool saying fortunately like rangers celtic situation liverpool supporters liverpool mixed bunch religion football public persona tough guy favourite film star james privately different joe described heart gold likened border drives sheep hurt liverpool perceived late 1960s attributed reluctance drop long serving players past best bob said failing heart asked interviewer like remembered replied basically honest man game short honesty working honestly people liverpool try entertainment honours player preston north end cup manager liverpool football league division football league second division cup charity shield cup individual manager year award officer order british_empire merit award inaugural english football hall_of_fame inaugural scottish football hall_of_fame april honoured royal mail united_kingdom people selected subjects great commemorative postage stamp issue managerial statistics


michael michael born october english professional plays started career playing attack future england international wayne moved city failed break injury ravaged seasons moved town following short loan spell spent seasons joined stanley july loan period previous season successful campaign terms goals resulted summer newly promoted years moved orient burton initially temporary deal released played matches career born great east moved liverpool young child attended junior school moving holy high school started career heroes reached final youth cup playing wayne scored goals games youth level including goals games reserves injuries season half restricted progress team march joined loan rest season making debut substitute nottingham forest march played games loan spell starting city scored senior goal win city manager decided offer contract instead spent period trial city included pre season friendly win celtic signed league july fellow lived spell debut defeat united opening day season days later missed late penalty secured victory united game booked dropped team signed allowed special sign roberts tried loan transfer deal blocked football league following month scored goals came bench half time score twice victory sheffield wednesday october goals scored season games following season started loaned town months july suffered ankle injury keeping september played meaning action limited minutes new year day instead joined county loan deal january appearance draw united january returned played games scoring draw april season ended early pulled draw later admitted happened city confidence shattered manager town start season kept started season loan town town debut late substitute opening game season draw town scored second appearance came substitute defeated boston united started game league cup birmingham city lost permanent end august transfer window started games seasons scored second career victory united football league trophy round competition eventually reached southern section semi final stage january contract extended lasting summer scored goals season given red card career game town missed promotion lost bristol play final stadium regular start season making starts substitute appearances scored goals january rejoined town defender loan end season despite exit manager said pair return end season played game defeat january scored goal drew january goal games dropped defeat february came substitute 44th minute returned week later new manager keith alexander match county denied victory late goal richard butcher loan manager left club replaced paul simpson promised players loan monitor progress build opinion involved fight stay victory penultimate weekend season ensured league following season played games substitute scored goal stay returned started pre season training ahead season having told simpson given chance player impress personally force way manager team plans simpson signed new summer including grant cost club record spent start season team scoring goals consecutive reserve games earned game team came bench score late earn draw county august starting football league trophy victory exeter city sidelined picked knee injury returned action mid october came substitute late port score goal victory november sent loan time league month simpson said big squad felt opportunity michael month loan world good debut november lost stanley returned end month loan spell failed score appearances immediately recalled squad came second half substitute defeat league leaders following weekend injury problems played games moved loan time stanley league debut day following transfer helping victory home exeter city scored headed goal victory town proved goal recorded seven games returned town end season seven players released simpson lost play final stanley result loan spell manager john day start pre season training july scored goal new season late goal league cup defeat queens park rangers scoring league goal later week team town defeat improved run form goal haul victory teams helped new half league table scored goals cup football league trophy helping round competition northern zone semi finals leeds united goals helped land december league player month offer contract extension fend reported interest clubs january transfer window announced sign new contract transfer window increasing chance leave free transfer summer ruling transfer weeks later announced rejected bids fellow league town bid included barry moving opposite direction second bid reported figure sum continued rich vein form 14th goal season making productive season date scoring premier league cup fourth round victory given stanley fifth round place time history eventually lost crowd club following game preston north end new manager latest despite interest bids reported bobby grant january transfer window closed finished season goals best return career point coming league contract having expired turned contract offer instead rejoined june ahead season league players signed day permanent months football league lifted club transfer injured pre season second debut opening day season athletic half time substitute lost game played men half hour defender sent bad tackle substitute league cup match start following weekend defeated united week later grabbed goal penalty win soon suffered shoulder injury required specialist treatment kept nearly month form pushing league admitted prove manager eddie howe suffered number injuries bringing early brought half time substitute united helped lead victory scoring second goal instantly won place starting team followed goal scoring performance twice exeter city second table soon spent weeks shoulder injury returning november injury problems continued winter struggled gain run games team meaning score february point scored successive matches final day january transfer deadline window rejoined manager john joining loan rest season debut february replacing minute loss united park goals came march win neighbours athletic hat trick concluding penalty won james weeks later scored goal match loan spell minute penalty draw having earlier missed open goal set jean louis players released new manager paul orient burton june completed free transfer fellow league club orient year deal released august debut round league cup away athletic replacing david minute draw valley converting attempt subsequent penalty shootout team won days later league debut replaced kevin minutes remaining scored penalty loss december scored goal penalty confirm win town second round football league trophy seven minutes replacing loaned league burton january end season debut days later away placed draw 36th minute scored goals appearances team play offs eliminated employers july signed permanent deal burton came minute substitute howe league cup second round game championship team stadium august nearly scored winning goal game finished minutes headed brewers lead finished went penalties scored attempt team lost nonetheless released manager returning played matches late substitute conference april debut coming 3rd replaced richard final minutes loss days later came point loss score bristol career statistics updated january


french pronunciation born march professional plays canadian major_league soccer club montreal impact time scorer captain ivory coast national team best known career scored goals foreign player currently club fourth highest goal scorer time named african year twice winning playing youth teams professional debut aged club signed professional contract aged finishing season goals appearances moved finished highest scorer season goals helped club reach cup final summer moved premier league club club record million fee making expensive player history debut season helped club win league title years year later won premier league title march african player score premier league goals player history score separate cup finals year scored win liverpool final played champions league final scored minute winning penalty deciding shoot munich spending months shanghai china half seasons turkish club scored winning goal final turkish super cup returned july career record scoring goals finals winning trophies club level referred ultimate big game player ivory coast international captained national team retirement ivory coast team nation time goals appearances led ivory coast world cup appearance tournament scored goal later captained ivory coast world cups ivory coast teams reached final africa cup nations beaten penalties occasions august announced retirement international football early life born ivory coast age sent france parents live uncle professional soon returned years mother nicknamed president yugoslavia admired greatly played football day car park city return ivory coast short lived parents lost jobs returned live uncle parents travelled france setting paris suburbs point year old returned live siblings began playing team football frequently joining local youth joined semi professional club gaining reputation prolific scorer youth team coach professional attitude performances earned place senior squad despite scoring debut year old failed impression team coach club career finished school moved city study university change clubs apprentice club years marred injuries physically struggling cope training match schedule coach later remarked took years capable training day playing week furthermore complicated family life meant attended football academy began daily football training fully grown adult age realised establish player soon little chance professional team debut soon signed professional contract year wife child grew new responsibilities later stating birth turning point life straightened season scored seven goals thirty games future following season live expectations lost place daniel cousin injury return failed score remainder season returned form following season scoring goals appearances halfway season club consolidated months interest transfer offer left fee second half season saw appearances score goals contributions helped club avoid coaching staff remained new young season rewarded coaches patience scoring goals appearances helping finish seventh record league finish credited teammates impressive season highlighting contributions long time friend key factor season strong goal scoring record attracted interest larger clubs end season moved fee million switch coaches retained position team scoring goals winning national union professional player year award scored goals season champions league cup end season bought club record signing million shirt season framed notre dame garde presented church cup final signing july million scored game club crystal palace season interrupted pulled stomach muscle liverpool kept action months won premier league second english flight championship years league cup later scored extra time final win liverpool millennium stadium reaching semi finals champions league scored somewhat disappointing goals total games season premier league champions league league cup final started season scoring goals community shield win arsenal reputation marred amidst accusations cheating win manchester city showed hand control ball scoring second goals occurred week similar incident goal went retain league title games play second club win english titles premier league era finished goals season premier league community shield champions league cup departure newcastle united switched number shirt worn number shirt vacated season personal success hit goals competitions tally previous seasons combined including premier league win golden boot player reach goals season scoring premier league champions league cup league cup highlights scoring game winners outside penalty area liverpool barcelona minute barcelona camp goals league cup final win arsenal completed hat tricks champions league hat trick european competition cup winners cup competitive game season scored winning goal manchester united cup final new stadium meant joined norman manchester united mark hughes manchester united players scored goals english domestic finals year player end winning team scoring finals january named player year ahead march named african year time ahead samuel teammate michael performances season saw named premier league team year runner player year awards faced problems pitch end season transfer july came scrutiny stevens inquiry june expressed concerns lack operation agents barry season began badly expressed doubts departure manager reportedly tears told leaving club said departure destroys certain familiarity club play foremost manager need forget feelings find source motivation following claims told france football magazine want leave broken damage big dressing room despite having signed year contract club reportedly pointed favoured clubs interview identifying barcelona real madrid milan possible future destinations later admitted regretted committed fans scoring victory october champions league days later goals manchester city december voted fourth world player year continued scoring goals suffered injury training ground decided operation knee unable play weeks missed key games arsenal liverpool returned injury play cup round match queens park rangers wore captain minutes pitch performance international duty africa cup nations return scored goal league cup final making time leading scorer league cup finals goals help prevent fall defeat hands player score league cup finals score consecutive english domestic cup finals scored goals key victory arsenal march bringing equal points leaders manchester united april faced controversy clash manchester united defender serbian centre lip losing tooth clash discussion intention rival debate called question earlier incident november manchester united manager sir alex expressed concerns premier league despite media speculation yellow card clash deemed adequate punishment football association controversy player champions league semi final second leg clash liverpool accused diving liverpool manager claimed compiled year diving antics hit interview april scored goals second leg semi final liverpool won bridge time beaten liverpool semi finals champions league having lost previous meetings liverpool led reaching champions league final scorer european competition goals scored total surpassing peter record sent minute champions league final defender second player sent european cup final violent conduct went lose penalties draw extra time assistant boss revealed decisive fifth spot kick shootout team captain john terry took place missed slipping whilst taking penalty suffered string injuries early season struggled regain fitness missing games august november knee problems scored goal season mid november little reason celebrate incurred disciplinary action match ban throwing coin stands suffered league cup defeat scored second goal season victory champions league premier league goal season came win west late december having missed games injury suspension lost team place manager favoured playing lone pairing resolved regain position squad temporary appointment early february following enjoyed sorts returning goal scoring form goals games new manager took revival form saw net twice times champions league matches leg sixteen quarter final competition liverpool respectively goals ensuring passage semi finals days champions league games scored late goal cup semi final match arsenal frank pass found carefully rounded arsenal passing ball net caused controversy champions league semi final defeat hands barcelona feeling decisions gone substituted confronted referee tom final whistle received yellow card process recorded shouting fucking disgrace live television camera june subsequently handed game european ban final games suspended ban reduced match appeal cup final scored goal went win sixth goal major cup final england previously expressed desire switch clubs decided remain blues new coach signed new contract began season fine form penalty shoot community shield manchester united scoring twice victory hull city earned assist penalty box penalty frank converted victory game season west london rivals scored goal season scored fourth goal season city ended winning game late strike added fifth home london rivals september scored 100th goal defeat athletic important win title rivals liverpool october assisted goals setting scored october bringing tally goals appearances scoring goal games continued fine form scoring win league cup went score goal week win premier league missing champions league matches ban started fourth game spanish madrid scored goals minutes match ended november scored goal london rivals arsenal stadium second free kick outside box brought tally season goals games december continued performance goals draw january africa cup nations duty came february hull city scored 40th minute tie game march scored 30th goal season away game portsmouth helped win premier league scoring hat trick win athletic collected league winner medal won golden boot season second time topping chart league goals beating wayne title remained goals players number goals start respective matches game appeared clearly angry team mate regular penalty frank refused let penalty lead chance winning golden boot scored penalty celebrate team mates later game cole box time allowed penalty scored goals clear following week scored goal cup final portsmouth free kick keeping record having scored english cup finals cup league cup played came substitute manchester united community shield help prevent loss started premier league season fine form continuing left day previous campaign scored hat trick west victory game athletic stadium assists win played game home city played minutes scored fourth premier league goal season kicked home penalty brought thomas inside box november missed half defeat liverpool later revealed suffering malaria month complained feeling october international break illness diagnosed november having diagnosed problem insisted recovery days playing city august suffered concussion collision john missing games return squad september city went scoring goal season win received red card october queens park rangers ended losing november rejected new deal set sign highest december scored goal villa putting level peter roy terms club time leading penalty scored game ended loss scored premier league goal february win scored 100th premier league goal march win city african player reach landmark scored seventh goal london rivals april blasting ball past teammate winners secured place cup final liverpool days later scored vital goal beat barcelona bridge leg champions league semi final clash player score different cup finals winner triumph liverpool champions league final scored juan corner minute taking extra time penalties scored winning penalty penalty shootout led victory munich sir alex remarked far concerned won champions league headed effort marked ninth goal cup final appearances legend spoke match ability big games important matches stamp november named greatest player poll fans conducted magazine shanghai released note official website announcing leaving club contract end june june declared joining chinese super league shanghai linking teammate reported signed half year deal earn week july debut shanghai away draw coming substitute brazilian defender second half assisted minute august scored goals win scored goals august set drew january agreed half year deal team earn sign fee million plus basic wage million season million remaining match january released press release breach contract join argued paid wages club asked sport governing body contract february granted temporary license play pending outcome contract dispute february scored debut goal minutes coming bench match ended april scored twice match ended april scored goal champions league real madrid april scored twice match ended won title win derby match istanbul rivals team mate subjects racist chants opposing fans team loss fine handed supporters club august scored goal turkish super cup opponents scored second half goals away win fellow city rivals september match abandoned fans opponents return july announced official website completed return club free transfer signed year contract speaking club said easy decision couldn turn opportunity work knows special relationship club felt like home commented transfer saying coming best europe know personality know comes protected history club previously coming mentality history july announced wear number shirt wore signed club wore number season took number shirt vacated hazard august announced given number shirt previously wore club previous oscar taking number jersey vacated frank premier league return win away replacing hazard minute turf august september start second spell home draw game champions league group stage scored goal second spell bridge october converting penalty kick win champions league days later attack limited injuries diego started manchester united old making appearance club early second half headed premier league goal second spell robin van added time scored 50th goal european football announced final game season player started game captain substituted injury half hour carried teammates eventual win montreal impact july signed designated player contract major_league soccer montreal impact believed months length august debut home loss philadelphia union coming substitute second half september scored hat trick start player league history additionally considered perfect hat trick goal scored foot head september player month scoring goals games league october scored impact goals heels team came defeat toronto home derby win gave montreal home advantage knock fixture toronto cup playoffs finished regular season goals games october scored montreal goal home win toronto knock round playoffs advance eastern conference semi finals time club history eliminated columbus crew named finalists newcomer year award july included roster star game international career contributed ivory coast qualify world cup held germany february captained ivory coast second africa cup nations final scoring goal semi final match nigeria putting away deciding spot kick record tying penalty shootout quarter final win lost final egypt penalty kicks draw shot stopped egyptian world cup ivory coast drawn group death serbia montenegro netherlands argentina june scored world cup goal career country history opening game argentina team lost ivory coast eliminated world cup game defeat netherlands came win serbia montenegro final group game watching following suspension picking yellow card previous games africa cup nations ivory coast drawn group nigeria scored goals group stage opening scoring win win quarter finals score sheet win guinea goals coming final minutes semi final rematch final egypt end road ivory coast losing eventual champions february lost hosts ended run playoffs scored goals qualification games help ivory coast qualify world cup africa cup nations scored goal victory group stage ivory coast reached quarter finals lost algeria march named african year second time winning award career june injured friendly match japan received injury high challenge defender fractured right arm operation day hope making finals june cleared play ivory coast group game portugal wearing protective cast broken arm match ended draw nelson bay stadium coming minute june player african nation score brazil world cup match scoring minute ivory coast defeated june ivory coast went competition despite winning north_korea final match africa cup nations ivory coast drawn group scored goal team tournament goal group stage quarter finals scored twice win guinea score semi final ivory coast beat final missed penalty kick minutes game ended loss second time penalty shootout june named ivory coast squad world cup won 100th international cap pre tournament friendly bosnia scoring penalty kick loss june ivory coast opening match appeared second half substitute team trailing japan minutes arrival les scored twice win match august announced retirement international football record goals appearances style play given relatively late breakthrough professional football described late having signed professional contract age noted physical strength ability air ability retain possession ball richard beech daily_mirror says powerful approach lone grew admire nearly impossible opposing teams freeze game renowned performing big games record club level goals finals winning trophies aside ability capable providing assists team mates seasons managed assists premier league average pass success rate percent owing vision creativity ball provided assists team mates course entire career showing team player set pieces known free kick ability known strike ball power pace university bath described specialist especially central positions says passes ball hard adds hits ball straight appears hit ball powerful foot action like technique foot pass style beating speed depth personal life married woman met paris couple children eldest son born france grew england played academy system younger brothers born currently youth system french devout roman catholic credited playing vital role bringing peace country ivory coast qualified world cup desperate plea combatants asking lay arms plea answered cease fire years civil war later helped african cup nations rebel stronghold helped confirm peace process january appointed united_nations development programme goodwill ambassador impressed previous charity work believed high profile help raise awareness african issues september joined truth reconciliation dialogue commission representative help return peace home nation involvement peace process led named world influential people time magazine charity work continued late announced million signing fee endorsement construction hospital hometown work recently created foundation announced donate fee deal foundation project decided building hospital recent trip capital hospitals saying decided foundation project build fund hospital giving people basic healthcare chance stay alive november appeared campaign selection football players world including slogan beat campaign conjunction confederation african football health experts players holding messages raise awareness disease ways combat sporting club amateur club began career percentage transfer fees including million paid joined ensure club survival improve stadium incorporate modern sports facilities benefit local community renamed new stadium honour career statistics club updated games played june international updated games played honours club premier league football league cup cup champions league community shield individual player year team year goal year community shield man match africa cup nations team tournament ivory coast player year african year premier league golden boot premier league team year team year world trophy team year players player year bbc african year cup final man match player year time champions league final man match turkish year golden foot tribute award player month september november records november fourth time scorer goals goals scored non english player goals goals scored premier league season goals goals scored cup finals goals goals scored football league cup finals goals goals scored cup finals goals goals scored champions league goals goals scored international games player goals highest transfer fee paid player million july august ivory coast ivory coast time scorer goals goals scored champions league african player goals goals scored premier league african player goals


french pronunciation born september french international plays club france national team plays attacking known pace technical ability style play described coach saint explosive player capable quickly taking opponents game create space skills small stature nicknamed translates small bike play size fact home ground called began career professional club let club seasons subsequently joined amateur club fifth division french football joined saint national level french football good season club signed club prior season played champions league time season team won league league cup double des champions french international debut team friendly match costa_rica scored international goal match named team participate world cup result appeared matches france contested world cup november scored second career international goal england stadium personal life born southwestern department mother father spanish origin father originally city father works city_council grew nearby parents reside december traveling celebrate christmas parents involved car accident losing control driving near survived accident injuries club career early career began football career hometown club developed interest sport football paternal heritage attended matches camp barcelona school holidays youth age football career hold received legs following swimming accident injury healed returned football quickly impressed club coaches given best player award local youth tournament played camp des training center professional club paris saint recruited professional club spent years playing club team playing alongside likes rio appeared matches reserve team released club failing impress jean louis reserve team manager commonly stated let club small size club player trainer lucas explained let struggled transform game young player professional game needed faster needed avoid confrontations amateur career let ambitions professional player hold recommended play amateur club france amateur fifth division french football unlike trained numerous times week trained times week club amateur status worked sports shop salesman playing football season club impressed technical ability subsequently recruited national club saint scouted player times saint play went upgrade season club struggled meaningful minutes coach playing league matches scoring goals fired mid season replaced club ultimately finished season 13th place league season manager took immediate notice described architect team sought build team result playing time improved dramatically played league matches scored goals came victories earned rave reviews performances suffered criticism occasion wanting stated august scored goal season win weeks later scored double victory away low point season came september defeat received red card loss team season suspended matches returned team october loss november returned early season form scoring goals course matches scored goal month november win home weeks later scored win following week scored goals win result performances linked clubs notably saint december denied approaches stating desire help achieve promotion second division went scoreless winter months remained fixture starting club remained contention promotion april battle final promotion spot scored double time toulon shutout victory went unbeaten final matches resulted club finishing place achieving promotion time history local clubs saint agreed merge efforts season named league player year led heightened interest professional clubs june signed professional contract agreeing transfer signed year deal club assigned number shirt manager professional debut club july team round match ukrainian club cup subsequently struggled meet demands training suffered ankle injury pre season period resulted player missing start season league debut november league match appearing substitute team victory appeared substitute majority season spent time playing club reserve team fifth division scored professional goal victory saint game winning goal allowed club maintain control second place spot champions league time season following departure german club munich ahead season inserted replacement season acquired nickname small bike play size parent club stadium started season healthy featured primarily substitute late august starter forming partnerships champions league debut september turkish club appearing substitute win team group stage match english club liverpool scored goal victory victory liverpool time french club won later month signed contract extension committing club june league appeared matches scored goals goals came club win january goal scored match voted goal year football scored metres march second straight season scored game winning goal win saint promising performances awarded contract extension april added extra year contract season regular starter appeared league matches scored goals victories loss paris saint season admirer let named replacement june declared tactical plans sought place transfer market club president members board disagreed sentiments stating future resulted player linked english clubs villa arsenal liverpool future ultimately settled following closure transfer window wasn sold result relegated bench half season tumultuous relationship reached december face face meeting resulted declaring wanted leave club january transfer window find regular football october scored goal league start season away nancy february returned starting lineup remained starter rest season important team won league league cup double scored game winning goal semi finals final scored second goal victory club title major honour winning champions league april scored goals straight matches wins nice sur saint victories helped maintain place position praised ultimately won league defeating season inserted starter start campaign despite arrivals hampered constant media inquiries happened world cup refused comment stating france team allow discuss events trying forget incident scored goal season september draw november scored opening goal team win russian club moscow champions league victory resulted qualifying knockout portion competition time days later scored goal team win january suffered left knee result tackle training session initially ruled weeks returned training ahead team champions league match english club manchester united february return team second leg old appearing second half substitute defeated away resulted club losing aggregate appearing substitute consecutive league matches returning injury start win rivals paris saint april second consecutive start final won match defeating claim second straight league cup title scored team lone goal draw finished campaign appearing team final matches finished runner league got quick start team campaign opened campaign assisting goal opening match season following week assisted goals draw august scored goal defeat away following month manufactured statistical output assisting goals win club champions league campaign failed chart team group stage matches december team final group stage match german club scored match winning goal appearing substitute minutes prior goal described shot allowed progression champions league knockout phase team final december league matches prior winter break nancy scored goal assisted match won matches finished fall season assists tally currently leads league following departure moscow honoured retiring number shirt august moscow august signed year contract moscow reported million transfer second game starter august assisted team goals victory game arsenal august assisted goals victory august defeated league play round decisive goal christopher minute return leg following free kick performed qualified time group stage european competition group stage introduced august scored goal victory september undergo emergency returned playing october league group game scored winning goal deep injury time corner delivered august returned signing year contract club rivals reported fee million international career receive ups france national youth football teams following impressive performances awarded senior team coach team matches england march picked injury forced miss years later named man preliminary list play world cup considered surprising media player despite playing parent club won league league cup double season journalists french media compared team years previously players share similarities playing style circumstances time respective ups later named man team compete competition national team debut friendly match costa_rica appearing substitute second half minutes field scored game winning goal team victory world cup debut competition team loss mexico appearing substitute june appearance competition competition players went strike protest expulsion team resulted players team suspended friendly match august missing match norway new manager imposed suspension return team defeat euro qualification subsequently appeared match excluding match bosnia september capped return national team scoring england friendly stadium november included france euro squad appearance competition new coach played team matches world cup qualification scoring georgia named france squad world cup named starting line team opening match honduras making tournament debut second group fixture scored defeat switzerland help les qualify knockout stage style play described coach saint explosive player capable quickly taking opponents game create space skills deployed wide arrival training center playing right manager preferred formation leaving primarily deployed position attacking saint clubs developed penchant attempting stated club coaches jean manager amateur clubs technical ability developed style play contributed positive work rate defensively stated worked young person technically brilliant coaching career coach described player style stating build opponent tackle surprised level defensive work aligned right hand known small size began stature advantage season earned nickname manager described player extremely mobile player quick turning career statistics club notes international june international goals honours club des champions individual team year goal year


greek pronounced born february greek professional plays north american soccer league greece national team started career crete moving team debut years later seasons club moved premier league club manchester city fee million took manager fell favour team january loaned scottish premier league team celtic moving permanent basis summer helped celtic win scottish league championships totalling goals competitive games left club end contract returned premier league west featured rarely unsuccessful loan saudi_arabia march joined north american soccer league expansion team eligible play australia father born melbourne chose represent country birth greece debut regular years earning caps scoring goals represented country euro world cup euro world cup early life born february capital city greek island crete favourite growing van keen basketball fan father let stay early hours morning watch hero michael jordan years old joined heroes crete father playing time retired months later academy chief manager position retained manager credits father highly helping start football career influence meant trained day childhood got spend lot time scenes left club club career broke team season aged scored goals appearances bench form prompted activate year extension clause contract goal season came october shock loss december scored beat den goal came days later scored secure draw scored december beat goal season came september win scored minute winner october secure points den november scored goals staged late comeback title chasing secured draw scored january performing beat den march scored conceded late goal fell defeat april scored help secure shock victory fortnight later scored came beat win moved fifth table match jan scored hat trick candidates defeated pushed finish league european spot start season reported interested replacement arsenal looking missed signing news organisations reported arsenal signed join end season player father said son wanted stay club year scored opening day season august helped victory picked minor leg injury september ruled cup tie returned action september scored beat december scored came beat cup december scored twice beat january arsenal manchester city showed interest signing tried released contract rejected bid manchester city dutch arbitration commission ruled grounds end contract scored goals appearances manchester city moved manchester city january fee million record greek player given number shirt stated excited moving manchester city saw stage development said team likes david james andy cole debut city february minute replacement cole home win newcastle united goal club came following home match athletic following month scored home win villa city quarter finals league cup fourth goal appearances scored goal season defeat goal season came september despite city lost league cup league days later scored twice manchester city beat west united city won previous games club receiving lot criticism fans december city manager stuart publicly stated wanted success premier league said round game wasn good need learn pass ball better compete effectively fans criticised signing foreign players settled english game january came half time substitute scored twice beat march daily_mirror reported reason manchester city struggling badly didn quality went million spent looked like bad business especially compared million spent mccarthy described looking like fish water struggled adapt different style play england march defender richard said felt reason city performing badly foreign players including letting working hard responded criticisms saying felt fault wasn playing manager wasn giving regular run games said felt lot criticism stemmed high transfer fee saying normal expensive players criticised don play said come tougher periods self belief shaken said desire champions league player daily_mail pointed despite criticism scored goals city player responsible highlights season took season following spending reportedly deemed surplus requirements new manager agent paul said despite interest europe client wanted stay premier league prove ability linked million end transfer window ended staying city stated unimpressed joined felt player improved adapted style play lot pre season felt comfortable keeping club widely criticised city fans times previous season said hoped happen appreciated found hard play circumstances likes order included squad time september selected league cup match city started match scored minute winner manchester city quarter final time january transfer window came decided sell try raise funds club birmingham city chased weeks million offer accepted meeting manchester city player pulled deal week transfer window remaining teams including rangers athletic expressed interest signing celtic eventually moved failed regular place team years manchester city mainly substitute scored goals appearances club celtic january signed scottish premier league club celtic month loan deal club having option buy end loan spell said wanted needed playing team football greece squad euro said attracted fact regularly able play european competition celtic given number shirt debut february win scottish cup scored final goal game coming substitute february came substitute celtic defeat barcelona champions league match week later scored winner win help celtic pressure league leaders rangers scored celtic match win coming substitute goal came march came substitute rounded scoring win april scored goal game celtic beat moved league time month came substitute scored winner goal gave celtic victory kept celtic late challenge league title celtic won title day season beating united came late substitute collected winners medal match contribution second half season proved vital celtic winning title scored important goals kept alive celtic title hopes signing credited reviving previously jan successful loan spell left manchester city july signed year contract celtic fee disclosed reported million million goals season came august scored twice celtic beat september scored goals celtic beat scored twice celtic match beat scored goals celtic beat advanced league cup quarter final named player month september point scorer seven goals suffered knee injury mid october successful operation expected month meant likely miss crucial champions league ties manchester united returned earlier expected training november having missed seven games returned action november coming substitute win november started play missed chances celtic lost loss celtic place finish group goals new year came january scored twice united victory match finished start league cup final poor form come substitute celtic beat rangers won trophy scored twice april celtic beat hamilton celtic lost title day season scored goals coming scorer team mate scott mcdonald celtic manager gordon left end season replaced tony august scored injury time celtic champions league qualifying round tie moscow goal won celtic tie aggregate helped european away win years celtic drew english premier league club arsenal lost aggregate subsequently dropped league december scored celtic win fifth goal club previous matches scored celtic defeat hearts december left celtic points rivals rangers going christmas february onwards mainly played position left celtic endured dismal season culminating loss lower league ross county semi final scottish cup missed chance match score county players publicly criticised manager finished season league goals competitions began season good form scoring goal league tie chest finish sending celtic second leg lead september scored hat trick win league cup goals dried failing score produced match winning performance rangers january selected lone scored celtic goals victory goal came joe pass rounding rangers home wide angle second came won penalty converted secure victory efforts game won world player week award following game scottish cup tie rangers started failed minutes sustaining injury influential performance home victory rangers february helping set second goal causing problems opposition game march captained celtic time scottish cup win stadium days later signed new deal summer celtic drew rangers april final old firm league fixture season missing penalty kick late second half draw kept rangers point ahead celtic league club went win league point despite celtic win final league game season scoring celtic second goal game end season playing week later celtic win scottish cup final november started league match celtic park celtic won match getting assists drew noticed work rate determination match started match set goal anthony celtic went win match went score goal season win manager said got goal waiting long time play fantastic talent asking consistency shown today capable flow rest took leaf book impressive performance celtic draw italian league leaders fellow expressed interest playing left previous weeks daily record said good form returning team helped celtic season december started scored twice celtic beat august scored 50th celtic goal away victory second leg champions league qualifying round august assisted opening goal champions league play round leg away scored later match scored dramatic late winner win moscow champions league group stage player celtic history score consecutive away matches europe headed goals defeats barcelona adding goals moscow credited helping celtic qualify group stage providing assist opening goal final game winning foul penalty converted clinch win required night scored overhead kick win boxing day march substituted led celtic celtic park overhead kick completed comeback minute match course season captained celtic occasions including opening league match away leg celtic champions league tie finished season celtic clinched second successive league title defeated scottish cup final albeit unused substitute match started season goal club champions league second qualifying round goals matches scored return leg victory celtic won tie aggregate celtic knocked round playing final qualifying round trailing leg away rallied return match scored early second half adding goal half time level tie aggregate minute goal james clinched aggregate win saw club progress group stages played group games scored away barcelona defeat continued feature regularly domestic games celtic substitute scored hat trick september away win scored league goals including goal penalty kick final appearance club win home united day confirmed celtic offer new deal current contract expired end season leaving free agent west august completed free transfer english premier league west year contract failed secure regular place team january substitute appearances scoring february joined loan rest season option sign permanently end loan spell played crown prince cup final days later despite scoring goal new team lost goal came round kings cup march fourth goal win april greek newspaper reported unhappy life middle_east wish continue career club contract expired end season reported portuguese club sporting lisbon keen sign contract west terminated mutual consent july august reported agreed terms club fell club unhappy results medical spent time new_york injury november linked new_york actually eventually sign north american soccer league team joining expansion march april debut match replacing final minutes home draw team players sent loss soccer bowl holders goal franchise came july 9th match coming late substitute wrap win opponent miller stadium international career eligible play australian national team father born melbourne moved greece age successful football career playing crete greek national team additionally grandfather founding members south melbourne considered playing australia approached football federation australia chose play country birth debut greece week 21st birthday february friendly game scored goal game featured greece euro member unsuccessful greek squad finals making appearance second half substitute euro group game sweden fourth international goal crucial scored winning goal world cup israel hometown crowd scored fifth international goal overhead kick world cup october victory played ukraine world cup qualifying play setting goal tie passing home greece win place world cup finals june selected man greece squad world cup rated greece second best player played group matches despite greece win nigeria failed proceed knockout stage losses south_korea argentina november scored sixth international goal friendly austria vienna greece winning match set greece second goal went score vital goal greece croatia october volley edge box left foot match finished result meant greece qualified euro played greece group games euro helping finish second group progress quarter finals played quarter final tie germany scoring early second half level match germany went win knock greece selected greece squad world cup team final group stage fixture assisted greece goal scored winning goal penalty kick minute team win ivory coast qualify greece world cup time nation history style play described having skills necessary forward play height makes difficult handle air good ball means effective target man team hit long balls score corners crosses strong adds physical presence makes harder defenders play good skill quick feet agility uses advantage goes runs beats opposition players hold ball long tackled ability quick means beat players pace use strength beat players able use creativity set goals players manchester city said retain stopped running wide said believed good ball stop believing like good player predominantly play left time manchester city expressed disappointment left publicly said manager left like play celtic open playing left daily_mail said celtic willing team player addition able play target man different roles playing natural style play drift line provide link attack use pace skill run defence creating chances opening space teammates run centre backs pace means run balls hit defence despite ability performed career runs frequently gets caught possession pass team mate available manner supporters led accusations lazy career statistics club statistics july includes league play offs spots competitions promotion play offs includes community shield currently competition scottish professional football clubs international october international goals scores results list greece goal tally honours club celtic scottish premier league scottish cup scottish league cup crown prince cup runner individual player month september celtic supporters player year world cup awards man match greece ivory coast


born september english play defender england international began career manchester united professional debut fully established united team loaned united county loan spell royal antwerp banned football life attacking belgian referee ban later substantially reduced returned football signing united moved west player year regular spent time loan city town spell cut short stabbed nightclub causing miss months season transferred sheffield wednesday january released months later club december sentenced months prison pleaded guilty counts receiving stolen goods football career manchester united born newton heath manchester attended football association school excellence teenager lifelong manchester united supporter joined club apprentice april following spell playing sunday league football signed contract july turning professional march regular manchester united junior sides making appearances club youth teams helped united win youth cup named club young player year summer represented england team world youth championship malaysia played country matches england won group games progress knockout stages lost argentina round start season regular manchester united reserve team senior debut october came minute substitute home win later season loaned twice firstly united scored goal professional football county joined royal antwerp loan following season helped reach play offs hopes promotion division ended defeat match grabbed referee throat banned football life manchester united banned year attack belgian court reduced sentence year suspension years ban reduced months remaining months ban applied belgium worldwide ban given initial ruling season saw progress manchester united seven appearances team defensive amassed league appearances qualify premier league winner medal spell united team short lived centre central juan surplus requirements final appearance united january playing minutes cup fourth round match replaced ryan seven years united played times summer contract renewed west july moved west free transfer player signed following promotion premier league manchester united manager sir alex called best summer season started team mates involved dispute bonuses club new board directors according agent player said shocked disturbed prospect reduction bonuses compared offered outgoing board debut substitute home defeat leeds united august went play premier league games following death mother february team mates wore black match club eventually relegated end campaign fell favour taking league matches half season january joined city initial month long loan time scored games initially refused extension loan citing concerns financial situation verge administration second loan deal months agreed shortly scored goals taking total seven games attributed new found form tactical instructions manager told forward contrast deeper lying role west broken toe sustained match united meant returned earlier scheduled sidelined weeks west team mates secured promotion premier league attempt division unable force way manager squad manager replaced november integral team referred intelligent sit pass ball change direction game central returned team following month present second half season scoring goal home win manchester city january club successfully avoided retaining flight status final day season beat portsmouth premier league club avoid having table christmas efforts named player year signed new contract june following season played premier league games unable prevent championship signed new year deal club august remained regular early season following appointment successor tony october played club described good professional preferred number ahead selecting team moving wide position central holding role previously occupied order continue playing team football joined loan november loan spell january west recall option days november attacked night girlfriend amy sugar lounge night club manchester approached boyfriend robert asked leave refused fish knife stab seven times hand stomach rushed hospital condition said stable injuries thought life threatening police investigating stabbing described attack random later named year old suspect appealed contact handed police station manchester arrested december december manchester jailed half years stabbing admitting wounding intent manchester crown court friend charles year old greater manchester given suspended jail sentence admitted punching attack released hospital december day west faced league game supporters displayed soon banner match returning light training late january comeback stabbing february playing minutes west reserve team game town loaned town september joining manager andy brought season debut home win town september october scored goal town match athletic finished loan extended month october given permission west play town cup round tie stanley november loan extended november december maximum loan period days permitted league rules returned west sheffield wednesday january signed sheffield wednesday free transfer end season view extension debut following day coming half time substitute steve watson defeat away cardiff city lost place team new signing adam came early substitute graham athletic february play nearly month appearance victory queens park rangers played seven games wednesday released trained club united august failed earn permanent contract player wasn strong fit levels according manager john ward returned football signing united international career summer represented england team world youth championship malaysia played country matches england won group games progress knockout stages lost argentina round career statistics club updated honours club manchester united intercontinental cup premier league individual jimmy murphy young player year west player year personal life runs clothes business designers greater manchester business hundreds pounds worth goods stolen august seen talking mobile phone driving pleaded guilty offence months later fined ordered pay costs victim given penalty points licence january charged criminal property connection offences relating stolen cars july pleaded guilty counts handling stolen cars judge simon denied defence lawyer pleas client given suspended sentence jailed months december called set professional


michael michael thomas born february referred english professional played forward prior football career promising young tennis player ranking players britain born sheffield england excelled football tennis chose adopt spotted coach tony trained years having continued train play non league finished tennis career turned professional town played years division moved divisions town scoring goals season attracted interest premier league villa stay villa short lived team action cup returned spent years decided retire worked family business returned football march united play months instead returned town brother end season scored goals season scored second season team relegated football league attracted interest number league clubs eventually decided join city brother pair released early contracts years club brothers given trials town joined stanley michael returned short term deal later similar contract derby county featured team involved running family property business personal life michael born february sheffield england sisters mary singer songwriter helen plays england younger brother years junior born family moved sheffield family property business estates briefly worked decided retire football firm went compulsory lives brother helicopter pilot licence tennis career skilled tennis player persuaded pursue career sport talent spotted coach tony age national squad played events world including india south_america far_east junior championships qualifying rounds main grand slam event career tim ranked players britain held singles world ranking july november apart august august peaked world ranking points highest doubles ranking february ranking points football career town maintained links football trained joined non league near home sheffield form attracted interest number league clubs offered trial town given contract division turned professional brought end tennis career debut league cup game nottingham forest august late substitute league game came days later town wait 12th game professional register goal scored victory town october eventually finished season goals coming 17th points united relegated football league september october season scored successive league games score goals rest campaign record tally goals goal came minutes come substitute penultimate game season united helped team fourth successive home victory final league position 13th year contract finished left playing appearances competitions substitute seasons scored goals league town having left joined division town free transfer september debut second half substitute draw county september scored goal week later away city involved league cup upset defeated cup holders liverpool extra time victory struggled league starting recalled visit crystal palace march place martin broken leg scored victory ease worries scored days later defeat followed hat trick career victory later month moved zone survival ensured end season defeated goals finished leading scorer season goals appearances year contract summer offered new contract club turned offer instead joined villa july free transfer villa return town immediately involved villa cup campaign making debut august defeat scored goal second leg villa overturned leg deficit win aggregate appearance premier league september joined sheffield united month loan view permanent loan deal extended second month ankle injury restricted opportunities sheffield united returned villa november played seven times united scoring goal league cup tie months joining villa returned town january initially month loan allow play following day month contract days later opened scoring return added goals following games unable add goals end season relegated division 24th place scored goal season opening day draw plymouth continued goals start season added mid september scored successive games october guide victories scored goals end manager paul sacked january following run poor results culminated defeat athletic leaving point places said previously stayed immediately left club moving february fee having scored total goals games second spell later said decision leave worst career times saying club leaving biggest mistake football career despite leaving club early season finished scorer tied goals united like town division mid table position game new club february defeat games signed sacked manager replaced paul hart asked play left wing position described graveyard shift played games total end season included early return resulting defeat failed score goal recorded goals new club game season defeat town august scored twice failed score november end games new year scored goals ended scoring goals games fell favour sent loan cardiff city march rest season played games championship substitute scoring returned released manager andy end season tracked city offered contract successful trial instead decided retire professional football asked play left wing manager said told going retire didn want sit bench season drop divisions retirement lasted seven months worked father company joined united march following reserve games signed rest season team appearances left club end season return town july returned league town manager peter pre season training offered contract younger brother joined time game opening day season draw town scored following game defeated end september sidelined knee injury kept month january angry dropped bench favour fellow barry martin game united won game coming score goals finished season goals games finished 17th position season started better form scored draw opening day campaign followed goals league fixtures despite goals soon table club found respite league form cup run started victory conference south brothers scored followed defeat non league team railway athletic scored twice televised game missed penalty league game remained table following draw city knocked cup premier league club fourth round live television hit game pleased performance saying sort performance league definitely battle form continued failed pick points stay finished season goals including hat trick penultimate game town end season appearances scoring goals second spell football conference contract offered new terms club league clubs tried sign july brother decided leave town turning offer reported clubs interested offering contract city goals attracted interest number clubs including league town league teams city clubs town united lincoln city brother expected sign town change heart instead moved league city year contract july joining team tour scotland players debut opening day season county second half substitute replacing fellow barry won goal city came game season open scoring victory august second table barry peter city scored goals february city maintained push play offs finished season goals admitted performance average player took pay cut club missed promotion started game second season city ended city losing county soon lost place new evans james wait seven weeks second start came town evans suspended scored goal season game city lead conceded twice game finish draw scored club following games kept weeks virus return scored 100th career goal fourth goal games late cup defeat county continued struggle maintain team place released early contract march brother mutual consent failing single start new manager peter taylor played games city nearly substitute scored goals return transfer derby county returned trial clubs town brother offered play free short term deal club started season championship named bench club opening match away queens park rangers unused substitute new lost limited reserve team football included goal nottingham forest failed appear team february given trial championship club derby county scoring reserve game trial joined derby non contract deal end season played reserves earned derby team game crystal palace unused substitute draw feature derby team retain end season train club pre season ahead season played friendly burton career statistics updated february