born december french professional descent plays spanish club real madrid france national team described immensely talented strong powerful potent finisher inside box born city began football career local club joined biggest club city subsequently came club youth academy professional debut season appeared sporadically seasons won titles span season starter breakthrough year scoring goals won seventh straight league title performances named national union professional player year named organization team year league scorer given award italian magazine season july moved real madrid transfer fee worth million million signed year contract struggling establish debut season club ensuing seasons reached prominence scoring goals route helping real madrid win del edition named french player year performances french youth international represented nation level onwards prior playing senior team played team won european championship senior international debut march friendly match austria scoring win earned caps represented france major international tournaments editions european football championship world cup twice intentionally left major tournament squads world cup scandals club career early career began football career hometown club age club nicknamed friends scoring goals match youth academy began attracting attention biggest club city according santa president 1990s officials visited directly attempt sign santa refused talking father club allowed player undergo trial following trial officially joined inserted club academy quickly ascended youth categories academy served senior team matches performed school described student respectful level scored goals national des domestic league youth players france ahead season promoted club reserve team playing france amateur fourth division french football despite playing team autumn campaign scored team high goals reserve team finished second group called senior team time manager paul break leading second half season customary new players arriving young stand speak new teammates time included likes michael speaking subjected jokes laughter prompted declare laugh place subsequently professional debut january appearing substitute won match provided assist second goal scored subsequently sign professional contract agreeing year deal making appearances substitute april professional start win lens finished campaign appearances won fourth straight league title began season new manager struggled meaningful minutes presence newly signed brazilian fred season debut october league win appearing substitute december champions league debut final group stage match norwegian club competition debut scored professional goal win month later scored professional double win france march scored professional league goal win began earning playing time season competitive season debut des champions paris saint french converted penalty drew match later won league curtain penalties opened league campaign quick note scoring team match season weeks later august appeared substitute scored goals away win nice converted goals champions league group stage romanian outfit ukrainian club appearing regularly autumn campaign november suffered severe thigh injury injury resulted missing months action returning february failed score goal final league match season recorded sixth consecutive league title season season likes john departing club switched number shirt inserted lead role forming special relationship new manager responded goals games topped league goals scored goals champions league totaled goals france matches helping win double dazzling performances season included hat trick september goal minute free kick derby rivals saint goal lens nominated goal season fans champions league scored important double rangers stadium match day group stage victory assured progression knockout rounds knockout rounds faced manchester united continued score time outside penalty box leg match ended draw united eventually won tie aggregate manchester united manager alex players praised performance president jean later accused tapping march extended contract year extension option signing new contract highest paid france efforts season named player year selected team year awarded league scorer french magazine france football award eventually won season got good start season scoring twice opening league match following weeks scored goals rivals saint scored goal nice converting penalty dying seconds won matches result early goals president jean transfer rumors surrounding placing million price tag nominated alongside featured french cover video game scored seventh goal league october scoring win scored following weekend win champions league group stage scoring goals double goals matches goal eventual group winners munich final match day following winter break endured rough patch going scoreless games recording 11th goal season nice victory weeks later scored 12th goal nancy victory matches form losing matches drawing winning scoring goals stretch victory bad form resulted losing grip place position eventually falling title race ending streak seven consecutive titles title runs despite losing title got track scoring 15th 16th goals season away victory rivals goal penalty scored 17th goal following weekend victory moving place real madrid season july announced reached agreement spanish club real madrid transfer transfer fee priced million fee rising million based incentives july successfully passed medical signed contract year deal later afternoon presented officially real madrid player later night stadium similarly previous real madrid debut july club opening pre season friendly irish club dublin appearing half time substitute scored lone goal club win scoring minute august goals real madrid victory norwegian club annual friendly tournament organized trophy goals brought total tally pre season real madrid making joint scorer alongside fellow league debut madrid august started match substituted second half madrid won month later scored goal club victory newly promoted missing mid week match weekend scored double madrid home victory champions league debut club september group stage tie match assisted goal failing score goal month october team match november italian club milan champions league scored opener madrid lead goal later cancelled penalty november madrid assisted madrid second goal scored madrid won match late november began appearing mainly substitute manager preferred lead role coincide criticized spanish media performance difficulties settling country begun learning spanish language declared new spanish newspaper blogger referring real madrid tumultuous year club sold defended admitted months criticized talented player talented players madrid win december appeared substitute van der scored goal day match responded criticism stating totally integrated happy real madrid yes improved adaptation new home learning spanish understand better teammates nearly month coming bench started alongside away december responded assisting goals week later returned bench 22nd birthday scored home win real following injury early january inserted starting lineup failing score starts absence january scored double important away win following return relegated substitute role finished campaign making consecutive appearances bench included appearances final goal season athletic win season ahead season switched number shirt real madrid new incoming manager immediately drew declared reporters pre season media session understand extremely talented stating madrid need sentiments later echoed incoming france national team coach acknowledged working stated needed shed weight order fulfill potential preferring forwards began campaign substitute coming bench team opening league match season following september international break start win september substitute appearance scored goal season home win failed score domestic goal nearly months assist goals weeks league milan champions league november scored second goal campaign real edition del late november inserted starting following severe injury team lack senior match inserted starting lineup permanently scored champions league goal season group stage fixture dutch club madrid final group stage tie french outfit scored hat trick club win goal scored real madrid goal champions league era weeks later converted hat trick time del team fixture calendar year assisted game winning goal scored win late january time real madrid career scored goals matches january scored goal win home days later repeated efforts scoring goal win leg team del semi final tie real madrid later advanced 37th del final club history beating second leg following arrival loan went unused consecutive league matches february returned starting lineup february embarked run scored goals matches included goals doubles straight matches racing goal leg madrid round tie club strike hometown club 100th goal professional career goal real madrid years despite honours associated goal celebrate respect club march scored opener real madrid went win match despite form appeared highly anticipated matches rivals barcelona clubs met league del final champions league knockout stage clashes april scored goal assisted win april scored goal team loss real match campaign real madrid loss scored close campaign scored double win finished campaign second team goals real madrid captured del giving honour club performances campaign particularly second half praised club officials national team manager season prior start season taking advice ventured italy attend high performance clinic underwent treatment reduce weight spell clinic ultimately success arrived pre season kilograms lighter clinic underwent physical training build muscle mass impressive pre season scoring goals seven matches performances pre season resulted naming starting lead new campaign later credited transformation denied responsibility instead gave credit competitive debut madrid leg barcelona match started assisted opening goal match scored second leg madrid trailing aggregate late match scored goal tie minutes later strike gave barcelona league debut madrid team away win real team league match weeks later scored double victory going scoreless consecutive league matches scored league goal campaign win team ensuing match champions league scored madrid goal home win assisted opener scored club champions league match scored opener turned provider second consecutive match assisting goal madrid won match november scored goals league europe league converted goals wins scored champions league goals group stage win croatian club december scored opener madrid defeat barcelona goal scored seconds match fastest goal scored match rivals days record breaking goal performances calendar year named france football french player year beating barcelona defender hugo second french player based spain win award second real madrid player capture achieve honorable mentions expressed gratitude winning award stating pleasure win individual trophy previous winners henry major players makes proud join list team match winning award assisted goals triumph opened portion campaign positive form scored goals scored club del leg round aggregate win advanced real madrid quarter finals club faced barcelona failing score leg ended favor second leg january scored goal season madrid failed win tie losing aggregate february scored league goal month week later scored double shutout racing march scored goals league win real goals french scorer history surpassing days later scored double leg away win club champions league quarter finals april masterpiece performance scoring goals assisting win double seventh season allowed madrid close division title years los captured 32nd league title following week cruising win athletic appeared second half substitute match season champions league scored manchester city win october scored bicycle kick goal cross win amsterdam december day 25th birthday fine form saw earn award best french second year running march opened scoring barcelona league game real went win game second time beat barcelona week april scored goal assisted season started new season scoring win real scored week later away assisted matches scoring real madrid france returned goal scoring form twice away win champions league january scored 100th goal madrid victory real march scored goals fierce rivals barcelona crosses taking goal tally goals barcelona won match real madrid starting del final april stadium assisted opening goal hit winner madrid victory week later scored goal game win leg champions league semi final munich club went win final real madrid attacking trio dubbed bbc finished season goals season august real madrid announced signed new year deal club august played minutes real madrid win cardiff claim super cup september scored real madrid goal european competition goal victory match champions league group stage scored winning goal real madrid away victory champions league coming second half substitute weekend scored victory athletic chosen player month october manager winning equivalent award scored real madrid goals month won matches conceded goal season scored december december scored victory regular starter team won champions league international career youth france youth international having earned caps levels eligible excluding team member group commonly known france youth class produced current ben alongside youth international debut coach officially joined team ahead european football championship played home soil competition appeared matches tournament debut scored opening goal win northern_ireland lone appearance competition group stage win spain france went win tournament defeated team final regular starter team level debut team local tournament czech_republic scored goal level competition poland team final group stage match final hosts scored opening goal win france declared champions competition september france away win norway team match russia scored double victory france winning european title team allowed participation edition cup called team competition played matches scoring tournament high goals france crowned champions tournament opened tournament scoring goals victory going scoreless team match sierra responded scoring goal shutout victory nigeria double win egypt team final match season slovakia scored goals victory finished campaign appearances team high goals subsequently praised following campaign declared efficient ben returned international play duty joined objective winning european football championship team opened campaign friendly matches norway course matches scored goal came match win round qualification sanctioned tournament scored goal final group match austria france won match resulted team progressing elite round ensuing round france placed relatively easy group alongside scotland bulgaria opening group game bulgaria scored double converting penalty scoring play france won goals scored minute surprisingly drawing france faced scotland final group stage match opened scoring 11th minute goal cancelled second half match ultimately finished despite finishing round undefeated france eliminated beaten points scots debut les coach team match following european football championship belgium started match replaced half time featured qualification matches european football championship appeared starter substitute leg second leg respectively team surprising defeat israel qualifying playoffs despite eligible represent team appearance second leg defeat israel team finished career appearances goals prior representing france senior international level courted football federation sought player represent algeria senior international level december approached federation president national team coach jean turned invite citing desire continue international career france later told french radio station radio algeria parents country heart football wise play french national team senior euro called time senior national team november team friendly match greece played november described reward stating pleased course family senior national team national team highest honor days match forced withdraw team thigh injury suffered playing domestically failing squad team february match argentina returned team march euro qualifying match lithuania friendly austria failing appear international debut march austria appeared half time substitute scored goal match free kick october scored double win islands appearing regularly team rest season named man squad participate euro debut competition june team opening match romania started match substituted second half frustrating performance match finished subsequently criticized french media performance newspaper point declaring france attack newspaper cited lack international experience subdued performance team group game netherlands played defeat returned team final group game italy given place starting lineup france lost eliminated competition november young players team accused team campaign european championship accusation came international teammate william inserted charge autobiography accusations directed competition reported newspaper national team players described arrogant following team loss netherlands world cup despite reports euro remained regular team ahead qualification world cup switched number shirt previously wearing number team match following elimination euro scored goal friendly win sweden months later scored goal victory tunisia france june converted goal match penalty shot win turkey home stadium scored world cup qualification goals victories islands austria october cap austria era failed france preliminary man squad world cup cited struggle form new club real madrid alleged involvement sex scandal reason leaving prior list unveiled informed radio selected disappointed killed support france team matter euro following world cup returned national team reign new coach admirer sought build attack going year representing france return team defeat norway oslo alongside led team scoring qualifying euro scored goals wins bosnia albania november scored opening goal france win england stadium team match brazil february scored goal france win appearing regularly qualifying euro named squad participate competition june team final warm friendly ahead european championship scored goals shutout win estonia euro started team opening match england ended draw team ensuing group stage match ukraine assisted team goals win world cup october scored goal france national team june friendly australia ending scoring drought national team lasted minutes match played des princes stadium paris france won scored france sixth final goal 50th minute turning home left wing cross second leg world cup qualification play ukraine held november france scored france second goal 34th minute level aggregate score scored goal home huge scramble ukrainian penalty box shown television metre ball took final touch chest minutes earlier denied legitimate goal flag raised turned low cross net metre ukrainian goal line ukraine won leg play days earlier france eventually win second leg advance world cup finals brazil aggregate june named france squad world cup making debut tournament team match win honduras june scored goal half penalty kick assisted team second goal shot rebounded post goal line goal world cup goal given goal line technology named man match performance second group fixture scored penalty saved defeat switzerland les secured qualification knockout stage france later knocked germany quarter final stage tournament euro april french football federation announced picked euro tournament home soil responded june interview entitled folded pressure france racist element style play quick prolific forward good air described immensely talented strong powerful potent finisher inside box feet despite naturally right number usually deployed centre forward capable playing offensive positions wing main addition known willingness ability drop deeper wider positions link play number use strength technical ability hold ball provide assists teammates courtesy vision creativity passing eye final ball praised work rate tactical intelligence ball attacking movement forward draws opposition defenders position turn creates spaces attacking runs centre area left wing career statistics club france des champions del super cup club world cup international october honours club france des champions real madrid champions league super cup club world cup del international france european football championship individual award player year team year french player year fastest goal december seconds personal life born city france french nationals descent practicing muslim observes islamic holy month grandfather lived village located northern town algeria migrating eventually settled 1950s father born mother born raised family originated youngest family grew siblings eastern suburb younger brothers currently trade amateur level division sixth division french football plays youth academy club family hometown establishing international involved numerous promotional campaigns regularly appeared cover french version annual video game sponsored german company subsequently appeared television advertisements brand february longtime girlfriend gave birth daughter legal issues april reported french television channel members french national team investigated roles clients prostitute ring operated inside paris nightclub women possibly players eventually revealed ben alleged sexual rendezvous prostitute years age act denied lawyer july questioned paris police indicted charge minor prostitute november prosecutors asked cases dropped saying players aware escort identified years old case gone trial hearing held june november arrested french police alleged fellow france international player investigation blackmail plot french prime minister stated great athlete place france team kids suburbs relate great athletes wear blue jersey colours france important moments


ray jones born barry ray jones august august english professional played known best young players english football outside premier league jones spent professional career queens park rangers making debut football league championship april good form start following season led international match england netherlands bids clubs sign totalled goals professional matches jones died days 19th birthday drove head bus london club retired shirt number accident ruled jones survived faced charges death dangerous driving deaths passengers career born east london jones rejected youth team player united coaches queens park rangers professional debut april coming final seven minutes substitute steve home loss promotion chasing days later appearance season coming bailey minute defeat score away crowned winners football league championship reading jones professional start august win united road assisted nick ward goal 41st minute gave win new season brian sunday_times opined jones fellow combined forward line playing years days later second round football league cup home town jones came minute minutes later headed marcus cross career goal winning match september jones international appearance replacing barnes friendly draw england netherlands stadium eighteen days later scored league goal opening home win hull city match john gregory tenure jones followed following weekend came win southampton scoring decisive goal rounding davis november substitute jones scored goal away win high flying cardiff city connecting ward cross minutes left match premier league clubs showed interest jones solid performances gregory point stated resigned leaving scoring goal january pledged future club week later signed new half year deal total jones played games substitute competitions scoring goals offer jones june rejected bid following day turned west london derby rivals bid derby county offered million teammate lee cook missed start season month life foot injury style play writing jones obituary guardian fan remembered club wayne talent burgeoning potential attributed essential qualities forward including strength speed intelligence confidence perceived supporters new era manager gregory prospective new owner things real peers acted games consoles spite confidence talent jones humble took london underground home games alongside supporters death jones died car crash east early hours august vehicle driving collided bus licensed driver days earlier passengers car killed received letter later day inviting academy jones death compared prince youth player fatally stabbed previous year age breaking fight wrote tributes particularly beautifully getting good mark respect postponed upcoming game team turn replaced open training session proceeds going charity choice decided retire number shirt memory jones wore shirt career league game southampton september players carried jones shirts mark respect days later england friendly meadow lane nottingham minute applause held match april found jones sped pedestrian crossing wrong road leading head collision death recorded accident confirmed survived facing charges death dangerous driving career statistics


keith keith born july english professional football manager forward scored goals league cup games started professional career united february failing win contract coached billy strong centre forward natural strength power retain possession attacking positions financial difficulties forced club sell orient march failing impress years london moved york city march played seven games club fourth division title winning season transferring united march settle club summer fortunate win tiers division city prolific player sky blues scored spectacular headed goal cup final earned match day goal season award featured charity shield faded team picture road march joined scottish premier division fee returned england august sold port falling manager john returned free transfer june appointed player manager april endured tough time victoria park left club november later coached academy entered property market playing career early years keith born worked social clubs grew minutes park grew brothers jimmy dennis patrick joined guards sister attended mary college youth promising athlete gifted travelled london trial crystal palace john terry told lightweight time unsuccessful trial villa apprentice united offered professional contract manager arthur cox left club making senior appearance soon spotted playing amateur football united manager billy joined monkey non contract terms turning professional february signing year contract week arrived victoria park struggling fourth division club debut home draw grateful opportunity training lamented mad rush bank cash rest bounce scored senior goal march scored goals newport county end campaign goals games played regular team football scored goals games club scorer went score goals games club finished 19th points election zone record attracted attention bigger clubs club chairman told reading available able afford exploits continued following season club rejected bids plymouth cardiff city scored goals appearances club scorer promotion hunt late spell bad form sent table ninth hit goals games club scorer fourth consecutive season having scored goals league appearances wanted bigger club higher division regularly handed transfer requests ignored club orient united dire financial straits march debt inland revenue crisis club allowed orient manager brisbane road bargain price signed year contract week signing fee scored goal appearances finished place relegated second division missed start campaign injury managed hit goals games end season goals included sheffield united day season win kept orient division scored goals games highly rated new boss frank clark said clark shout rave wasn particularly brilliant handed transfer request accepted york city march york city manager smith signed fee later saying anybody score goals playing signed year contract week scored debut recreation ground despite missing penalty replaced steve senior second half broken leg went win fourth division championship point margin featuring substitute final seven games john keith forming effective striking partnership played attacking hit hat trick crescent converted penalty won knock arsenal cup fourth round scored total goals appearances club scorer injuries helped limit goals games decided accept fourth division united sold united march signing contract week receiving car payment later said time gave wasn right club wasn going said going money rejected moves preston north end division bury quickly regretted despite getting manager frank found club supporters old city days iron moved city fee reserve team game clubs management team george curtis john offered week appearance signing fee chance play division football struggled injuries start campaign recovered ensure went club history exploits cup goals cup winning run winning goal away old alex manchester united scored sheffield wednesday quarter finals leeds united semi finals games held final famous goal run came cup final spectators stadium win missed match catching food poisoning trout caught reserve jake goal came dave bennett cross stretch diving impossible ray save score minutes goal extra time won game cup winning medal earned bbc match day goal season award season effort involved partly incredible run deep meet crossed ball generally considered famous goals scored certainly best headed goal took eyes ball ran looking shoulder watching ball turn running running came went couldn honestly consciously thinking ball comes dive head instinct think football instinct way end ball throw finishes perfect timing perfect ball perfect run lot ways perfect timing like dance comes remember actually heading knew getting knew going good head think split second don head wide don head don miss head headed right past right corner past perfect ironically manager john spent money cup run david replace goal play charity shield ended defeat season poor club player illness injury competition restricted goals appearances august selected graham taylor represent football league game united celebrate opening park scored victory scored twice sixteen appearances goals winner rivals villa boxing day victory road featured substitute infamous defeat conference club united green lane result remarkable considering went finish seventh league players day won cup years previously march took transfer scottish premier division banking signing fee come close signing queens park rangers willing london following experience orient scored debut defeat edinburgh rivals hearts goal gave goals games end campaign hit goals games club scorer including wins rangers easter road europe hungarian exited cup second round following defeat belgian club telling manager alex miller run supporters following defeat stark park following confrontation singled abuse easter road appearance club scottish cup game sent kicking tommy turner later said liked scotland enjoy scottish football particularly critical standard unwilling punish defenders quick cards attackers reacted poorly kicked port august returned england port new arrivals peter swan took martin scored september tore later month finished goals games went help win tnt tournament summer club finished second division introduction premier league meant demoted division immediately branded second division scored goals league games feature league trophy final play final fell manager john stopped speaking later admitted knocked door said stupid return left park free transfer june turned cyprus outfit return club united injury meant play man signed instead second debut club john went score goals games relegated tier football league finishing massive points point zone quickly sacked replaced david blamed fact club unable pay player wages reason poor results field coach club quickly fell temporary advisory coach sandy clark scored hat trick bury later sent match allegedly swearing referee kevin lynch time incident receiving treatment knee damage action weeks resigned april chairman appointed replacement 23rd manager club years appointed boss billy youth team coach employed brian honour game charge home win united defeat preston north end final day victory town ensured 18th place finish player club scorer goals appearances voted player year club supporters season season manager scored goals games leading pools 20th place finish budget year team beaten arsenal legs league cup beaten football league trophy sold town spent joe proved disappointment sent october final career goal came win bury new year day released brian described fat proved unpopular lot nasty people support support club fat professional players people care united replacement signed stephen liverpool young defenders davies chris mcdonald teenage david exeter city mark cooper chris beech started campaign wins united playing career came end fifth game season athletic retired persistent knee injury continued referring decisions consistently turn led continued use foul language officials team poor run results foot table left club mutual consent november assistant led club 20th place finish organised benefit match raised walk away nonsense didn deserve club treated like hours tried tried going thought stand ground singing standing dug thinking don need felt let supporters united football club lot shit people following club type brains size wouldn players wanted players good bad professionals majority supporters nasty people shadow doubt style play big centre forward strength power early career broke ribs backbone learned tricks trade arms opposition players prevent jumping billy compared stated quality missing game aggression coaching team george smith taught protect highly physical centre halves dominated division learned hold ball bring players attack personal life post retirement married wife july couple children ross born april live north yorkshire retiring player spent time coaching schools academy collecting football statistics press association renting properties supporter margaret appeared players selected new stadium walk fame prior venue cup final page biography career entitled box written strange published reading book admitted comments united came bit harsh career statistics source managerial statistics honours york city football league fourth division champion city cup winner charity shield runner port tnt tournament winner individual match day goal season award united player year


born october british pakistani professional plays called malaysia super league defender british asian start premier league match played divisions professional football england plays pakistan national football team pakistani international play professional football england thailand hong_kong malaysia pakistani international play cup started career total appearances having loan spells brighton city transfer queens park rangers followed went appearances club years went loan brighton city moving permanently free transfer june having previously represented england levels debut pakistan outside playing career known ambassador kick racism red card campaign efforts help british asian players early life born october birmingham father child birmingham played local sunday league team brought area city played football streets addition representing school district county football club career years old spotted scout moved family london joined academy progressed junior youth reserve teams led sign professional contract centre trade holding right career season professional debut september defeat away athletic second round football league cup coming substitute minutes days later sent loan brighton second division initially month november scored debut club september concluding away win diamonds october opened win town stadium finishing corner knight bob booker match charge loan extended months ending january league appearances scoring goals premier league debut draw liverpool april replacing bobby final minute match garnered media attention british asian groups british asian player play division english football june signed new contract september league cup second round scored goal opening extra time win lincoln city cottage heading cross january signed championship club city loan rest season defensive cover club starts having appearances competitions starting line substitute consider options regular football years remaining contract wanted play regular team football result decided spend seasons getting experience possible queens park rangers released august prior start season signed championship club queens park rangers year contract undisclosed fee season appearances end season sent loan club brighton month gained team football experience debut march draw town ended loan stint playing minutes earning yellow card process final game league season draw town claiming assist opening goal featured games loan spell returning start new season chances limited victory leicester city new years day 50th game competitions leaving finished season starting line championship new champions west loan joined month loan deal july teammate daniel joined club permanent basis defender moved exchange debut second half substitute wright defeat league club town round cup august emergency injuries club league debut following saturday draw city coming early second half replace defender months loan spell early october said play glad away london like good club ambitious young manager hopefully months convince simon worthy long term contract december returned having league appearances substitute city loan january signed loan deal league club city end season turned chance town team previously assistant manager said prepared drop league joined city said prepared drop leagues play club spoke manager know want belong involved battles past nice joining club pushing promotion good pressure debut following day defeat bury lane british asian play divisions professional football england home debut january playing right home win town valley parade march turned chance play pakistan asian football confederation challenge cup order help push promotion city released signed year deal city june saying gut feeling told sign absolutely regrets day felt home fortunate played divisions step journey manager stuart revealed taken large pay cut joining club adding certainly signing money wants success great board scored goal club draw september captained club season went play games won player community awards march football league awards start following season new manager peter taylor kept club captain professional individual superb ambassador football club struggling playing time making appearances interview bbc radio said pleased sit substitute bench past matches added team experience help team perform making comments stripped transfer list united signed year deal thai premier league united december debut january king trophy sharks stadium new lost appearance pakistan international play thailand debut commented honestly loved experience passion fans crowd day remember stint club managed english total thirty league appearances thai club signed deal hong_kong division league january debut win sun january scored goal new club cup vietnam won piece hong_kong career playing leading role league cup win rivals stadium april helped retain hong_kong division league title victory rangers league game clinch title second trophy club pole position complete domestic hong_kong finished season impressive fashion overcoming penalties win hong_kong cup final hong_kong stadium victory historic moment club crowned domestic winners feat matched hong_kong club hong_kong division league team season annual awards dinner achieved feat pakistani player play cup august played game pre season friendly premier league giants arsenal crowd hong_kong champions drew gunners hong_kong stadium won hong_kong cup victory year finalist sun helped beat final play ensure teams passage cup played league games club season followed appearances season december signed club year contract club president commented contributed hugely success years truly missed new club manager said delighted chosen come ahead teams justified reason joining club destiny season club won trophies malaysia super league malaysia cup malaysia cup winning qualification cup cup played times scoring goal helped finish second malaysia super league highest finish club decade highest defender league times scored goals competitions season created history reaching cup quarter final time history played majority season displaying versatility team performing holding role played games competitions best career stats season date year achieved personal playing career games nations games asia completing years playing competitive football asia region handed captain badge beginning season 28th june announce social media accounts agreed terminate successful year spell club said love future return coaching role offered start season right moment visit sons birth place best fans malaysia far best played leaving excellent terms hierarchy fantastic memories formed friendships good luck staff team rest season thank equally pleased contribution club ceo vice president quoted saying served excellent player years successful trophy winning team example leadership young local players outstanding door future return open love coaching role day international career originally represented england played levels english born pakistani don england senior football shirt far away lack team opportunities pakistani possessed dual pakistani british qualified represent pakistan eventually opted play considered realistic option lot british asian groups wanted fight england place set standard english asian youth unrealistic mind father approached young football manager international debut pakistan win sri_lanka south asian football federation championship december peoples football stadium described international debut best memories football adding reception received moment till unforgettable felt loved appreciated respected wanted interest football grew immensely pakistan ultimately reached semi finals losing bangladesh named pakistan squad world cup qualifying matches iraq october played match help contain asian champions iraq winning second leg october captained pakistan draw withdraw squad championship came food poisoning nearly years returned pakistan team challenge cup september represented pakistan championship held played games pakistan narrowly missed semi final spot despite beating bangladesh group game commanding displays tournament earned place team tournament october captained pakistan games peace cup held philippines scored winning goal opener chinese controversy caused controversy interview british weekly newspaper eastern eye said players asian descent consider sticking roots dreaming playing england pointed michael cardiff city overlooked play england despite scorer championship david fellow championship club preston north end picked claimed wasn picked ahead dave goal scorer championship england set needs maybe look decision play india instead hanging dream playing england going happen end discussion personal life said sole purpose trying success professional inspire asian players follow lead achieve goals ambassador asian football network community led initiative designed support facilitate development asian football worked professional association try increase number british taking career professional football attended meetings order achieve goal involved racism red card campaign taken search asian star campaign july took islam expo event exhibition centre west london day event primary purpose build bridges britain muslim communities rest society took panel giving feedback experiences positive use sport april appeared united_states based satellite television network bangladesh based islamic discussing muslim possible pursue career football sticking islamic roots april guest bbc asian network radio station breakdown revealing favourite music tunes awarded community commitment award april took radio documentary bbc radio british football followed journey playground premier league launched foundation valley parade encourage children backgrounds participate football sport better named world cup bid ambassadors world cup bid entered racism red card hall_of_fame invited management committee gordon taylor september launched iphone application aimed helping players overseas language barrier said thought developing application stint united difficulty communicating teammates named special south east asia contributor espn south east asia section writing columns football rapidly growing football region asia wrote second blog espn south east asia section days recorded victory malaysia cup quarter finals career statistics club statistics match played february international september


james meredith james gregory meredith born april australian professional plays defender league club city meredith started career derby county youth system signing professional contract loaned cambridge united moving ireland returned england town making appearances joined united loan season played semi finals conference league cup trophy conference north play final meredith joined york city end season played conference premier play final stadium years later won trophy final conference premier play final york seeing club promoted league signed city winning promotion league season victory league play final club career early career born new_south_wales meredith spotted playing football melbourne age derby county scout offered trial club joined youth system year contract progressed youth team signed year professional contract derby july joined conference national team cambridge united month loan october debut defeat oxford united finished loan appearances trial conference national team york city january playing reserve team game united joined league team month loan february making appearance left defeat march following loan opted extending meredith joined league ireland premier division contract end season july debut defeat united august finished time club appearances town meredith signed league team town half year contract january training club included clause making appearances contract debut february home defeat united finishing season appearances final game coming day season told figure new manager paul simpson immediate plans july left club travelled spain pre season training camp meredith joined conference north team united month loan october saying don step step meredith signed month extension november scored goal victory loan extended month december keeping club early january looking extend loan remainder season contractual held eventually extended loan january meredith played legs semi final defeat york city trophy handed red card semi final conference league cup march meant miss final match suspension substituted breaking nose victory april played conference north play final lost meaning team missed promotion conference premier finished season appearances goal york city offered new contract end season opted join conference premier team york city debut defeat oxford united august meredith sent receiving yellow cards draw oxford october resulted handed match suspension york game town signed new contract york march club summer played legs york play semi final victory finished aggregate started conference premier play final stadium york lost oxford finished season appearances york meredith operation knee summer appearance season opening game starting defeat august goal york came victory league leaders february beating trap beat brown finished season appearances goal rejecting new contract offers york eventually signed new year contract club meredith won trophy final york beat newport county days later played victory conference premier play final seeing club return football league year absence promotion league season finished appearances goals york named conference premier team year alongside york teammate blair city meredith signed league city year contract june debut came starting opening game season victory away league county league cup round meredith scored goal home win town october achieved promotion league season playing victory town league play final finished season appearances goal international career march meredith expressed desire play australia national team australia coach said time open selecting number new players national including meredith meredith called australia world cup jordan october unused substitute australia lost meredith debuted australia november selected starting line world cup team won home learned starting morning match family flew canberra melbourne watch style play meredith primarily plays left described versatile able play centre signing york manager martin described attack minded left pace play ball personal life meredith father player ranked highly world playing england previously dated glamour model maria meeting social networking website myspace broke career statistics club match played international match played november honours york city conference premier play offs trophy city league play offs individual conference premier team year


graham graham born march english professional recently manager united started managerial career age managing months spending year charge manager town guiding football conference left following season manager took club game promotion football league left club contract expired brief successful spell diamonds acting manager town took year game rejoining guided club trophy success securing promotion football league time club history april finishing season league champions guided club promotions season football league manager following successful league play campaign start left join preston north end sacked club february month later rejoined spell club playing career born london started career apprentice queens park rangers time represented england level joined march league appearances club joining appearances scored goal football conference season making debut club draw town moss rose joined stages fee making scoring debut away victory united scored games team regular manager peter left club january played new manager jim left soon sign played times scoring goals competitions club campaign later played number non league clubs including town town united borough united later manage time suffered ankle broken leg places subsequently cut playing career short fully recovering injury playing career said felt sorry leading team managerial career early management recovering broken leg age appointed manager december approaching club vacant managerial post games charge club ended draws borough respectively saying time raw exciting team sent evidently missing victory charge club win town league cup securing league win following game win away united drew clear recalling victory champions town park memorable victory despite securing safety club sacked months replaced managed games recording wins losses draws september appointed manager club previously played form league premier division outfit appointed graham assistant previously played managed outlined ambition ensuring club returned tier non league despite host financial difficulties club stated ambition table pressure shouldn big jobs like game manager home defeat city despite securing seventh placed finish club left club months charge managed club total games winning losing drawing win percentage town bought controlling interest town appointed manager managed club 12th place finish season charge enjoyed success cup winning competition following season guided club success winning league premier division securing victories possible total points overhauled squad shortly club promotion football conference states huge regret point tried arrange merger citing club football league rated ground reasoning proposed idea happened fans resistance season club consolidated position tier non league football guiding club 7th place finish league following season memorable campaign reaching round cup victory faced football league competition form guided win club rewarded fourth round tie home arsenal tie moved tie stood gate receipts playing playing road generated club estimated left club sell home tie lost shortly resignation manager football conference rivals january signing year contract confirmed leaving existing shareholders withdrawing financial backing club moving said enjoyed time feel need need concentrate football management ambitions lie went state long term potential key factor took club sitting 21st football conference points safety unlike position previous club appointed team manager board involvement set ensuring club highest tier non league football signing seven players previous club assistant graham coach graham game charge club draw home having wait games win club victory away local rivals thanks victory sparked game unbeaten run recording victories bounce ensure club safe guided club 21st table respectable 12th place finish end season season witnessed consistent season management club unable play offs finished campaign 8th place despite positive start season case previous seasons wholesale changes end season releasing players originally signed replacing mixture players football league experience form brian matt players lower divisions jon nurse gave team opportunities players progressed club youth system notably george squad originally struggled perform losing games games club league campaign victories wide margins opposition form victoria respectively propelled club mid table position followed heavy defeats hands york city island home defeat time opposition game hundreds fans calling sacked confronted fans east terrace saying turn responded straight wins stayed touching distance play offs months important double united march crucial wins town town meant went final day season needing beat relegated rely hold currently occupying final play spot beat held draw ultimately meaning reached play offs final day season engineered solid displays ensure overcame second placed united aggregate lost united stadium final season marked season charge manager club club consistent way season struggled form away home winning games road season poor away form ultimately preventing club mounting title challenge campaign lose game began away games burton respectively trailed half time fallen anthony eventually sold town january increasingly frequent question marks surrounding discipline squad control received fourteen red cards campaign club league distance defeat away threatened forest green final day season meant failed reach play offs finishing 6th table failing reach play offs confirmed leave club contract expired june ending half year tenure club diamonds appointed manager diamonds december club sitting 22nd table points safety game charge victory away cambridge united set ensuring safety secured signatures players previously managed signing likes cook david brought likes michael chris younger players previously written weekly column non league paper work newly assembled team secured straight wins league including wins away teams league time oxford united despite managing form club surprisingly sacked draw town february taken club 22nd league 12th space half months club seven match unbeaten run time managed games winning seven drawing losing reason unknown replaced days later hill town shortly leaving appointed manager conference north outfit town rest season april date joined unable bring new players bolster squad games remaining end season game charge draw away celtic shortly followed loss town road ensure finished season second place managed play offs beaten penalties celtic semi final aggregate legs left shortly short term contract expired managing club total games return year work football returned manager years originally left return stated come finish job started referring trying guide club football league time history said moment right come football good times appointment met fair bit fans promised deliver winning team playing attractive football started completely squad summer transfer window brought fewer players attempt mount conference premier title challenge brought mills david bridges managed short stint signed michael mark signed diamonds secured signatures andy eddie respectively players previously started season poorly losing games conceding goals process including loss day season club secured victory late august win away winning games bounce september half club campaign suffering common spell manager losing games november home defeat defeat way league months brought player team coach club coupled important campaign chris day mark roberts jon meant witnessed turn form half way campaign game unbeaten run stretching december april winning crucial games stages season ultimately meant men conference premier play offs finishing play place despite taking lead second leg lost overall aggregate cambridge united enjoy success trophy led stadium beat york city final win taste success manager game announced stay manager year majority squad performed second half club campaign retained little transfer activity comparison previous seasons steve club past seasons moved fee john martin released late mills departure close season rejecting contract instead opting join fellow conference premier rivals town players joined club close season charlie griffin signing season joining salisbury city free transfer chris signed club shortly commanding transfer fee previously managed diamonds town signing pre season long joined club free transfer united players departed club season tim addition signing undisclosed fee united january league campaign got typically start recording win games season following defeat oxford united august team went game unbeaten run stretched months august december club unlike previous seasons club performing strongly away home secured victories likes town town victory cambridge united new year day ultimately meant hit spot time season defeats road space week february meant rivals oxford united point lead going march team responded winning games bounce including important victory oxford united late march subsequently replacing oxford table borough brushed aside late challenge town securing promotion football league games spare following win team won games league campaign conceding single goal recorded points possible league fixtures finished season having amassed total points games winning league points winning way secured promotion despite considerably resources lot teams division promotion means led football league time history managing football league team time managerial career guided club trophy final time losing extra time stadium end season signed new year contract keeping contracted club signing new deal said grateful support given past years delighted opportunity manage launch club football league seasons club charge games winning total games recording win percentage similarly club successful campaign season complete contrast tenure club season saw players joining club roughly players left club close season club started season stating season massive learning curve players following defeats games december january found 18th position points zone period february march won games club league table play positions included winning games sequence matched bury draw bury final day season meant finished season sixth place faced fifth place stanley league play semi finals winning legs aggregate beat united final old victory meant guided club promotions playing league time club history securing promotion said fantastic feeling players work hard deserve season guided club fourth round cup lost reading previous round beat premier league newcastle united way match said game told players win match established win win game start season signed year contract extension kept contracted club acquired players free transfers releasing existing squad started league campaign beating league play semi finalists dean court secure victory season august exceeding expectations tier english football sitting outside play places securing notable victory sheffield wednesday way september club inflicted athletic league defeat season win league leaders victory spark game unbeaten run away victory united boxing day meant club sat sixth place final play position managing half years left january joining fellow league preston north end final game manager away victory reading cup round preston north end january preston north end asked permission speak view employing new manager club described approach permission granted personal terms compensation package agreed announced preston new manager january game charge club home defeat orient january game revealed told players starting line game courtesy text message day match picked win preston manager fourth game charge securing home victory united february following preston televised defeat sheffield wednesday march stated sheffield wednesday player informed preston players leaked preston team tactics opposition players ahead match stated doesn surprise got people camp working tough preston won games remainder campaign finished season 15th place end season criticised club mediocre mentality stating squad got clue takes success subsequently went squad ahead season preston announced players leaving club released end contracts seven transfer listed preston signed players summer transfer window including scott john chris players club stated desire new group players committed ideas job develop plan club upward curve plan place looking forward working group thinks lines preston started season beating championship town league cup later month preston went secure consecutive home victories beating crystal palace town respectively defeating united month later club went win leagues matches month period october february day preston away defeat town february club released statement announcing sacked preston sitting points zone revealed board felt change manager way forward time preston stated slash wage bill percent result building underway club lost confidence whilst want results short term pain necessary necessary preston fans got restless managers brave teeth face owners brave difficult times able understand issues knew answers problems wasn allowed solve problems spell month work rejoined march spell charge club appointment chairman wallace stated graham keen come met strong candidates doubt think best man job right club enjoyed great deal success left year moved forwards significantly time levels return said happy training ground fantastic club keeps moving forward facilities improving hope come positive difference game charge club secured victory united april replaced england manager united appointed manager league united september despite lifting playoff places january poor run form saw slide table sacked april home defeat united left 14th league table personal life writes weekly column non league paper sharing views experiences non league game chief executive corporation organisation provides performance management consulting gained master arts degree company direction managerial statistics april honours town league cup league premier division trophy conference premier football league play offs winners individual conference premier manager month october january january


scott scott benjamin born english professional plays united defender began football career plymouth progressing club centre excellence spent total years club books managed team appearance club loaned town playing total games club scoring times later loaned united september making appearances loan spell followed time late impressed manager peter taylor signed permanent basis start february undisclosed fee team regular club player year season season won promotion football league time history success player continued following season played integral role club campaign helping earn promotion league left contract expired joined preston north end represented scotland youth level scotland team called england april starting game belgium team club career early career began football career plymouth centre excellence hour journey plymouth home train club tuesday thursday attracted interest scottish rangers club player performances scotland victory shield continued progress youth system home park offered professional contract age manager tony february time apprentice lived hotel luke chris described experience great way grow football following season joined town southern football league initial month loan september debut club victory played following game loan extended months scored goal club defeat town april days later scored twice home win town goals space minutes goal lead week later scored opening goal game lost king played total games club league scoring times central role returned plymouth ahead season subsequently handed plymouth debut victory league cup playing match assisting plymouth second goal appear team plymouth loaned nearby conference national united month later debut victory featured victory loan extended november team appearances club played twice united month loan spell month returning parent club loaned conference national team form december debut day later win diamonds impressed manager peter taylor signed permanent basis start february undisclosed fee featured regularly left second half season scored goal victory away yard strike right hand corner net following season new management graham featured regularly playing games total scoring times total scored goal season win season victory away august second goal campaign came cup tie goal season came regular conference national fixture season defeat away town key successful trophy campaign featuring matches missed final stadium result sent defeat cambridge united conference national play semi final absence beat york city trophy final continue impress half season scored goal season victory bridge road august ground coincidentally scored goal september scored highly significant goal minute strike ensured beat local rivals town road league meeting clubs scored similar looking goal win scoring winning goal victory oxford united home second half penalty score goal game fifth goal season followed shortly converted penalty win forest green scored goal penalty spot days later win appearances promotion winning campaign player club season scoring total goals voted player year end season voted supporters association members season ticket holders club signed new year contract club voted young player year national game awards football conference annual presentation dinner named team year alongside fellow defenders henry mark roberts ahead season scored pre season friendly victory started club football league fixture home draw town september games town united respectively left opposed playing usual left position reverted left spot win lincoln city bank scored goal season penalty spot win burton october week later missed chance double goal tally season missing second half penalty draw coincidentally second goal season came reverse fixture january scored close range following john cross lead days later scored goal season effort yards goal win united initially credited scoring minute winner away win february goal eventually given team mate harrison age captained time loss united march club following match adams park sent offences held win match fourth goal campaign came draw bury opened scoring strike yards played total games season scoring goals included appearances league play offs following sixth placed finish following aggregate victory stanley earned promotion league win united old playing game played league fixture august playing match home draw exeter city crucial player club win season assisting chris minute beat dean court goal campaign came days later august scoring robin corner ensure came goals draw united scored town october scoring time finish briefly restore eventual loss impressive start season resulted number championship clubs tracking player scored winning goal victory sheffield united november converting penalty spot minutes remaining week later november scored goal game defeated united cup fifth goal campaign came december scoring fourth goal away victory united scoring close range following worked free kick home win january heading luke freeman cross ensure overcame early deficit lead left scored seventh goal campaign manager smith league game charge away victory sheffield wednesday scored goals draws sheffield united respectively taking goal tally season finished club second highest campaign missed successive promotion following play semi final defeat end season announced rejected improved contract offer leaving club free transfer contract expired appearances years club scoring goals preston north end signed league preston north end free transfer reunited manager graham previously managed preston debut club game season playing match home win town league cup scored goals club win united september twice space second half minutes goal season came away victory october heading cross restore preston lead match added goal tally month later chris home draw club match home game county november suffered broken leg following challenge campbell later revealed broken left miss remainder season recovery stated campbell weekly basis knew previously week sure hold fine accept apology scored times games season club december extended contract preston months keeping club summer international career despite born england represented scotland youth level scotland team way level played scotland games victory shield scoring twice scotland finishing joint winners tournament alongside england called paul england april subsequently started england defeat belgium following month personal life born somerset grew supported rangers boy states brian player play like supports town says best player played grandmother gives pound coin time scores goal started playing football father appointed manager super mare having previously managed southern league division south west outfit town brothers currently playing soccer university tampa united_states represented england level honours trophy conference national league play offs preston league play offs individual player year conference national team year career statistics november


billy william john billy december december scottish professional manager known strength skills compact constitution played leeds united captained time successful period club history club won division second division inter cities cup cup league cup charity shield club finished second numerous competitions league times ending runners seven cup finals including european cup named year listed team year voted leeds united greatest player time statue outside south east corner road included football league legends member english football hall_of_fame scottish football hall_of_fame spent hull city appointed player manager november spent seven years helm guiding club promotion fourth division took managers job leeds united october club promoted flight left club september returned july ending second spell charge november scotland national football team roll honour having won caps scotland captained country world cup scotland left group stages despite going unbeaten competition club career leeds united born scotland james attended high school represented scotland father forbade joining celtic want involved religion based rivalry rangers rejected arsenal enjoy stay london trial spells clubs instead convinced join bill leeds united joined friend tommy henderson return scotland making team debut manager jack taylor gave debut outside right win bridge age years days yorkshire evening post reporter brown noted showed enthusiasm intelligence accurate use ball despite poor weather conditions sunday_times headline later dubbed barbed wire tough regular outside right chris sold march allowing place permanent basis leeds went relegated division end season dropped following opening day defeat liverpool win team place later season meeting jack taylor explain frustration left team taylor resigned march player don promoted manager rejected approach despite player wanting return scotland fiancée leeds struggled campaign finishing points second division zone despite goals appearances finished club joint scorer alongside centre half jack bright spot signing bobby collins march helped form win costs attitude defined leeds rest years manager united promising campaign finishing points shy promotion limited appearances form dropped team end season run contained large number games high level occurred harsh winter moved central bought manchester united johnny create prove highly effective central partnerships years collins leeds went win promotion champions season club won friends following summer labelled football association news team football league november season featured heavily win marred violent clashes pitch game stopped short spell minutes half time referee felt spell cooling needed prevent violence despite referee giving leeds match helped cement united reputation dirty overly physical team run victories club new year lost title goal average manchester united drawing game season relegated birmingham city manchester club keen rival intensified leeds knocked cup semi finals physical encounters leeds faced liverpool final game went extra time draw scored half volley 100th minute cancel roger hunt opener john won game liverpool minute october leeds collins injured inter cities cup game gave initially handing remainder season keen prevented ritual coming tunnel match days strong bond trust manager gave young age leeds finished second league campaign liverpool finished points clear poor start season prevented push title leeds eventually finished fourth place cup semi finals knocked win europe beat netherlands spain italy scotland reach inter cities cup final yugoslavia won held leeds draw road leave leeds second place finish club slow start season soon picked particularly victory second successive season ended fourth spot success instead came cup competitions knocked town bury city derby county route final arsenal leeds won game defensive manner jimmy later said memorable club trophies success second soon followed despite disappointment exiting cup semi final stage defeat reached final inter cities cup beating yugoslavia scotland rangers scotland scotland beat hungary road held draw win club european trophy targeted title campaign played league game leeds finished points clear champions england time title secured draw title rivals liverpool april led players liverpool fans responded chanting champions champions champions leeds set number records points wins fewest defeats home points club record match unbeaten run extended following season season opened victory charity shield captained leeds victory manchester city new arrival clarke played alongside jones peter resist forward attack took team time wins came opening league games leeds eventually finished distant second champions chased season title home defeat southampton late campaign european cup leeds recorded club record win norwegian goals exited competition semi final stage defeats celtic aggregate score putting united ahead competition record spectators park celtic came win game tie second half goals disappointment came cup final leeds beaten extra time replay old named year season leeds like pushed mountains left dark valley league title season decided mid april match day cameras road leeds lost lead defeat west leeds players blamed referee costing title given winner despite saying fight mistake leeds overtake arsenal went win double success instead came inter cities cup leeds knocked norway dresden east germany prague czechoslovakia portugal liverpool reach final italy recovered ankle injury time face liverpool semi finals scored goal legged tie leeds won final away goals rule recording draw draw road leeds finished second league successive season campaign despite playing best football club history knocked bristol liverpool cardiff city birmingham city reach cup final arsenal won trophy time club history clarke scoring final goal days final leeds secured double winning point defeat handed title derby county february won libel damages legal costs sued sunday people newspaper publishing article september alleged tried fix football matches including game wolves title near close season saw leeds finished seven points liverpool runners medals came cup european cup winners cup scored goal semi final clash wolves leeds went lose cup final second division beaten italian milan stadium european cup winners cup final missed final suspension instructed attacking campaign result goals appearances biggest goal tally years manager focused entirely league told team aim season unbeaten lost games secured second league title point margin second place liverpool named team year finished second year voting end season given match raised chosen opponents attempt avenge defeat previous year cup final manager don took england management job july applied vacant leeds job johnny named successor instead board surprised appointing brian went disastrous day spell charge leeds start season departure tough strong bond manager leeds lost charity shield penalty shoot liverpool significantly kevin sent fighting received game time allowed play jimmy manager refuted accusation attempted undermine ridiculous teammate peter insisted criticism applying management job caused board look fear dividing dressing room choosing results improved ended season ninth place points champions derby club biggest aim success european cup final knocking switzerland hungary belgium barcelona spain final opponents des princes defending champions munich germany beat leeds united goal ruled tie ended rioting united fans built team retiring moving clubs rebuild squad play games campaign missed lengthy spell new year injury results time ultimately ended club title hopes went end campaign fifth spot hull city signed hull city fee september manager john feeling experience benefit youthful second division debut park came brian nottingham forest credited scoring winning goal game free kick gone significant despite good start results midway season tigers ended season 14th place despite suffering injury appointed captain played games missed pre season knee injury recovered appearances campaign sacked poor start season replaced leeds teammate bobby collins joined club assistant manager summer leeds applied vacant managerial role rejected turned job announced intention retire player end contract summer season disaster collins sacked replaced youth coach february results improve hull relegated place points safety international career established scotland set winning caps debut scotland draw spain park went feature qualifying games world cup defeats poland italy left scotland second group qualify played brazil portugal received black eye elbow clash high ball despite accident demonstrated failed great players day england scotland football rivalry intense playing career great media attention came rest scottish players beat world cup winners england unofficial world champions april teammates said held match moments career placed tough group qualification world cup scotland failed qualify finishing second place captained country process having taken friendly defeat denmark copenhagen scored international goal qualifying victory austria park game captain game followed victories cyprus draw west_germany defeat west_germany hamburg ended hopes making world cup second international goal came win wales british home championship game ground scotland home nation qualify world cup finishing ahead czechoslovakia denmark group nearly selected manager found drunk bar long jimmy rescued coast guard having gotten stranded rowing boat night following home match northern_ireland having selected captained scotland win highly draw world champions brazil left scotland high hopes qualifying second round draw yugoslavia sent scotland competition unbeaten brazil yugoslavia finishing level points superior goal difference cap came denmark september incident copenhagen game players ejected nightclub alleged fight led lifetime ban international football scottish football association players young joe harper pat arthur graham banned life graham harper later overturned maintained innocence stating incident blown proportion management career appointed manager struggling fourth division november oversaw win match charge results fluctuated season demonstrated defeat struggling run wins games ended season 22nd place points ahead halifax town successfully applied football league election introduced changed team kit campaign money available transfers forced turn youth team new players afford hugh john billy russell free transfers appointed leeds coach les assistant season started poorly squad following death october went run straight wins credited fourth division manager month award run win games followed blamed small squad lack training facilities mounting injury crisis caused return playing march visit game year old named bench ended season 12th place disappointing opening sequence season followed wins games september won second manager month award good results continued rest campaign promoted place signed celtic douglas challenge division football remained loyal promotion squad approaching season strong september wins seeing club rise second table won division manager month award lean spell follow november february failed win league results picked defeats games ended campaign 19th spot points zone strong competition promoted fourth division athletic sheffield united city campaign tough prospect weak defence saw unusual sequence high scoring matches early season win exeter city win reading defeat draw seven wins games season left relegated 23rd place points 20th place orient try win immediate promotion season signed veteran forward moss won promotions division andy left john experienced defender bill green young mark miller investment new director peter allowed spend players march defender john young celtic jim town defender brown promotion secured comfortable fashion finished runners runaway champions york city points fifth place building campaign signed leeds john won opening seven games unable sustain promotion push showed ability win eventual champions valley parade boxing day cup win division queens park rangers january finished season 14th place distance promotion places pay stadium upgrades necessitated aftermath city stadium fire forced sell went leeds sheffield wednesday respectively total replace bought dave spent defender dave leeds united appointed leeds united manager october having impressed work particularly negotiation skills sale leeds paid compensation club declined absence leeds dropped second division sold road council raise money club supporters picked reputation violence regular riots stands quickly reinstated don philosophy little traditions example reinstated sessions carpet friday evenings despite appointed club captain dropped captain teammate peter starting line moved young players signed manager teammate eddie gray choosing sign experienced players place key young players leave club scott terry free transfer city tommy wright andy athletic respectively money raised allowed buy central defender villa sign david brian robinson leeds struggled season managed steer away zone finish 14th place summer spent year old sheffield united keith edwards bring year old united defender jack newcastle united defender peter new arrivals russell east free transfer nottingham forest john aiming promotion push campaign leeds stuck mid table february selling sale allowed money took left bobby mcdonald oxford united adams city john pearson defender mark athletic respectively cup fifth round victory division queens park rangers raised belief players qualified play offs end campaign cup run continued semi finals knocked city close run game ran extra time overcoming play semi final opponents play final athletic home wins legs tie went replay andrew john leeds ahead extra time replay late goals peter changed game denied leeds promotion signed new year contract summer new arrivals club sheffield wednesday williams villa bobby derby county jim significant new face david key player future given debut youth team united started season straight wins december won second division manager month award inconsistent results returned leeds finished season seventh place points outside play offs enjoy good relationship club board felt poor start season sacked september successor howard given money spend board leeds went win promotion return july went manager fallen fourth division absence signed lincoln city john leeds john led club 20th place finish represented small improvement previous season greater success came football league trophy reaching area finals beaten division leaders new additions campaign united paul city defender andy holmes eddie leeds captain table turn year injuries lack form caused results fall away hopes promotion finished campaign 11th place started season badly resignation november club sitting football league personal life married dick november ghost written column shoot 1970s retiring football november took work dinner speaker beginning december rushed hospital suffering pneumonia suffered suspected heart attack home small village died days 55th birthday legacy statue sculptor celebratory pose erected outside road tribute football league centenary season celebrations included list league legends inducted english football hall_of_fame scottish football hall_of_fame voted leeds united greatest player time september voted greatest captain football league history billy britain fiery post war years essential pragmatic robust frequently wonderfully entertaining leeds united team red haired scotland international winning caps portrayed british actor stephen graham biographical drama film damned united directed tom starring michael leeds united manager brian career statistics playing statistics includes matches inter cities cup european cup european cup winners cup cup competitions includes charity shield appearances managerial statistics honours player leeds united football league second division champion football league division champion football league division runner cup winner cup runner charity shield winner charity shield runner football league cup winner inter cities cup runner inter cities cup champion inter cities cup play runner european cup winners cup runner european cup runner individual year team year division scotland national football team roll honour manager football league fourth division place promotion football league fourth division runner individual football league fourth division manager month october september football league division manager month september football league second division manager month december


john johnson john james johnson born september english plays defender indian club graduate youth academy debut club lack team opportunities saw loaned football league clubs town playing season loan signed johnson permanent basis given club replaced role arrival clarke season appearances club hindered injury johnson signed league india managed town teammate johnson curtis foreigners play club career born north yorkshire johnson product academy joined signed professional contract team debut appearance club october home defeat premier league coming substitute grounds 54th minute later interview johnson said debut inspirational moment life november loan league end year debut victory leeds united following week scored goal football league trophy northern area semi final united gave victory played games league loan spell town johnson joined league club town month loan september debut club loss town october scored goal professional career draw city having played games johnson said hoped help club winning ways october extended stay new year scored goal october win loan extended end season december signed johnson year contract july following successful loan spell signing club permanent basis johnson match opening game season loss united months later received straight red card simon lost appeal resulting match ban missing loss oxford united week suspension scored goal permanent player win lincoln city season permanent player appearances scored seven goals johnson appointed captain ahead season having previously captained club friendly match nottingham forest stripped post following arrival clarke johnson retained team place making appearances scoring twice consecutive games loss burton december johnson received straight red card 18th minute john match club announced appeal sending club won appeal football association overturned decision making available play contract summer johnson signed year extension keeping club signing manager said expected johnson realise potential coming season johnson suffered injury october ruled weeks return draw york city return short lived came half time january undergoing knee surgery making return january draw said johnson team tougher aggressive later season johnson regained team place club finished sixth place qualifying promotion play offs johnson described team strongest played johnson unused substitute play offs town lost aggregate city released end season july johnson signed indian league curtis foreigners team history debut league match september playing entirety draw match united scored goal india opening victory scored second goal matches october united goal game days later consecutive match 12th minute victory federation cup johnson played matches sporting united east proceed group stage defeating april club won league debut season awarded best defender league award johnson kicked season winning federation cup defeating final played club defeat club preliminary round champions league receiving yellow card minute june helping win second league title johnson rewarded new year contract keeping club till end season career statistics club match played april honours club league federation cup individual best defender league style play johnson mainly plays centre right journalist said equally comfortable defensive playing india sports website hard tackle described johnson best imports country website praised height influential defence attacking defensive set pieces recognised bbc consistent firm fans favourite brave nonsense defender


martin martin norwegian pronunciation born december norwegian professional plays attacking spanish club real madrid norway national team debut april youngest player feature youngest regular team season training foreign clubs signed real madrid january currently playing reserve team real madrid trains mainly team youngest player represent real madrid international debut united arab august youngest senior team age years days october youngest player feature qualifying match european championship club career youth spent years local sports club strong father founded football section club coach son team parents invested local club refit gravel field artificial turf cited crucial development spent countless hours field strong twice selected receive prize young player given talent award april season later strong received equivalent approximately gift sold real madrid joined youth division trained played older boys norwegian young talents local district teams played matches team january turned players team opponents years older coach noted handles things brilliantly good choices good touch smart position game trained team weekly years played left coaches felt positive experience ball touches playing physically stronger players attack given free ability solutions spaces coaches close thinking age impressed football manager nationwide tournament best year olds country gathered tournament clubs definitely time opponents spectators years younger impossible realize witnessing ordinary began training team aged team debut year mid season friendly local rivals short training visits munich manchester united age played junior team normally aged club team fifth tier norwegian senior football january agreed year old team year professional contract signed competition rules state play players professional contract eligible club included list amateur players eligible matches season unable train daytime compulsory education agreement trained evenings week semi professional division team time father coaches league debut match april aged years days youngest play signed professional contract lasting end removed restriction matches season days later scored professional goal youngest scored fourth goal home victory european debut july replacing christopher final minutes club home defeat champions league second qualifying round late july away match prompted discussion national newspapers possible norwegian national team involved goals team including goal assist penalty missed teammate john capped player norwegian national team impressed demanded called play big nations europe manager norway said match martin best year olds europe added rushed national team stated press asked play norway yes away match start august year placed right wing assists won scored goals match time career win october finished fourth league qualifying qualifying round league having scored goals league games addition assists december norwegian close season trained teams liverpool munich manchester united manchester city visited arsenal january trained real madrid real madrid january real madrid reached agreement sign fee reported spanish media million norwegian media reported fee million approximately million rise million approximately million certain conditions press conference signing real madrid announced train club team reserves real madrid play team managed time unofficial debut reserves february friendly draw beijing subsequently named team champions league squad assigned number official debut came february coming minutes substitute draw athletic february scored goal club win opening scoring seven minutes april dropped run defeats staff finding problems training team playing reserves addition language barrier team manager called fans patient new country april included real madrid squad time home fixture injury feature victory final fixture season debut real madrid coming minute substitute hat trick scorer reigning eventual home win youngest history club years days old regular starter season april praised performance home win club winning penalty kick scored result team table team won group ahead day scoring season international career youth martin featured starting line ups home matches norway national football team versus sweden september matches won norway played norway national football team tournament scotland united_states france turkey january played minutes matches resulted win versus scotland losses promoted norway national football team away match iceland february came substitute 62nd minute helped secure win country subsequently starting line away matches win iceland march loss turkey march finally loss greece march september selected norway national football team final match european championship qualification played match portugal forward unable prevent opponents winning despite named man match unused substitute senior team september croatia joined team following day european championship qualifying match england played minutes match norway lost home penalty goal james ward senior august called senior international united arab played entire draw august youngest player play norway senior level years days record previously held years days debut september called norway euro qualifying matches malta bulgaria competitive debut replacing minute home win age years days youngest player play european championship breaking record held march youngest player start european championship age years days loss croatia june man match norway friendly draw scandinavian rivals sweden oslo norway came qualification group named squad play hungary unused leg substituted half time second november norway lost night aggregate playing style article liverpool echo described attack minded modern mould quick natural balance pace surprisingly young excellent shooting power david nielsen manager likened david amidst transfer speculation december opined player develop better second season norway september international teammate dubbed talented player seen saying age unbelievable knowledge game unbelievable technical skills fantastic stated needed time improve physical aspects sport describing son said pace game makes difference adjusting different levels hours working second touch pressure worked lot bringing ball closely feet change direction quickly physically weaker doesn caught able away signed real madrid norwegian football scout praised mentality stating overcome challenge called level headed mature noted intelligence performance school saying disadvantage best tend bit needle bit fire norway international jan supportive transfer real madrid opportunity learn warned age needed time develop comparing nonsense media player difference martin comparisons taken seriously reacted attention saying carried away won far years supposed best know personal life son played assistant manager attending local lower secondary school professional debut completed compulsory education norway supporter english team liverpool described dream club looked barcelona joining rivals real madrid reported deleted praised age absent computer game football manager father gave permission use son likeness grown christian family expressed religious faith important life named time influential teenagers career statistics club international march honours individual young player year breakthrough year