michael michael paul born english professional plays league club united started career played regularly club reserve team age joined conference national town work experience stages season return signed new year contract club sent town loan august played regularly recalled january told surplus requirements club subsequently signed diamonds month contract played games falling favour park released end campaign joined united august ahead season playing regularly campaign helping win trophy stadium rejected contract offer signed days trophy success regular fixture club defence season winning trophy second season club successful scoring goals competitions helping earn promotion football league time club history following season played instrumental earning promotions following sixth place finish subsequent league play victory years signed united july club career early career began career regular club team playing times reserve team stages season joined conference national town work experience counted work experience opposed loan age subsequently appear team football league eligible play team non league club debut week joining club coming minute substitute victory forest green came minute following game avenue playing minutes burton setting tony scully minute subsequently started game april playing match win town scoring second week later scored goals club draw halifax town quick succession goal lead played total games month work experience scoring times return parent club signed year contract shortly start season loaned town second spell club played club games season scoring twice away win late august town extended loan deal end season able recall january transfer window deemed necessary played total times half season scoring twice recalled january returned failed team appearances late january allowed leave club free transfer sign diamonds month contract managed graham previously written credentials weekly column non league paper work debut club away win league leaders came bench following match city sent time career draw town receiving red card offences played matches fell favour club march fired result play released club end season start season signed united initial month contract view contract extension month period signed add depth squad provide cover areas debut day signing club starting match central defence victory park employers scored goal club draw exeter city september turning long corner lead month later sent club away win picking yellow cards returned team november assisting long goal club win rangers shortly match signed new contract keeping club end season january goal victory athletic road scored days later win time minute scored fourth league goal season way march scoring close range defeat came bench hour mark celtic assist goals victory saying changed game assist club home fixture win instrumental club trophy campaign season playing seven club trophy games scoring draw town semi final second leg played match final ran winners united stadium appearances competitions season scoring times offered new deal ahead season rejected offer instead opted join year deal playing management graham debut club opening game season defeat ground centre defence centre half season playing club defeat town september provided assist lee second minute goal forest green victory month later scored goal club scoring minute town lead scored second goal season february long pass sliding ball past secure away win scored away win town scoring strike outside area finished final play spot subsequently played conference premier play games cambridge united april club lost aggregate played seven club successful trophy campaign playing match win york city final stadium trophy win meant won competition consecutive years total appearances season scoring times started game season draw provided assist goal home fixture united goal season came club home win diamonds scoring edge area lead provided assist club away fixture town field mill came goals win match week later scored volley away chester city chester city expelled league goal subsequently win removed records continued form scoring yards worked corner injury time win scored similar goal november fifth season goal came march scoring opener yards town won scored goal weeks later heading andy corner came win athletic played club win april game secured place football league time club history played club trophy fixtures season scoring game dover athletic january played final stadium unable record victory lost extra time total played matches competitions scoring times end season contract announced expected leave saying difficult hold june signed new year deal despite attracting interest league clubs ahead season scored pre season friendly town league appearance club draw town playing game scored goal season club football league victory win county scoring shot yards double lead interval november provided assists goals club win away local rivals scored second goal season cup win newcastle united january picked loose pass rifled shot went post yards goal lead month later scored goal season win town cutting right drilling low shot face goal past 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 prior start season scored pre season victory july week later started league fixture draw exeter city days draw august scored goal campaign extra time defeat championship united scoring yard shot took game extra time league fixture draw away sent receiving yellow cards resulting match suspension signed year contract extension club august scored second goal season home win sheffield wednesday yard half volley post net goal lead half instrumental club away victory united december scoring goal assisting goal restored goal match hour mark assisted scott worked free kick routine minutes later beat goal tally previous season scored fourth goal campaign victory way january restoring half long range strike scored draw town february heading cross half deficit fought earn point goals scored goals games late march long range strikes drew level games respectively days goal goal space week scoring late brief lead eventual draw present campaign playing times scoring goals narrowly lost legs play semi final successful seasons club appearances scoring goals united july signed championship united year contract undisclosed fee chairman stated manager number transfer target summer debut club game season playing match home win united league cup scored goal club fourth appearance deficit stunning volley edge area lost home leeds united august captain ahead home game derby county october opened scoring match volley second goal season victory goal campaign came surprise victory table topping cardiff city scoring powerful yard free kick win added goal tally club important win london road january scoring courtesy free kick international career called play england team represent england non league level game italy november came 56th minute substitute game ended called represent england game belgium stadium forced withdraw injury subsequently replaced fellow called play poland withdraw injury personal life grew south east london supports west united states hero growing rio ferdinand daughter partner gave birth career statistics match played december honours united trophy trophy conference premier football league play offs individual conference premier team year


ryan ryan born december scottish professional currently plays attacking portuguese club loan sporting portugal scotland national football team began professional career united helped reach scottish cup final abilities ball earned comparisons scottish media july transferred sporting fee million mainly appeared club team represented scotland level called senior squad early life ryan born december grew pupil academy began play city boys club renamed city youths successful team alongside john spark trio developed skills coaching schools run joined united youth system age club career united scottish premier league debut minute substitute johnny russell final match season win away january signed extended contract keeping club january later season april start park marked occasion senior goal open game ended november season contract extended run days later scored twice win fir park december daily record reported manchester united scottish manager david wanted personally scout opportunity run rule potential young united players defenders john andrew following day 18th birthday contract extended time tracked english premier league pair liverpool italy spain real madrid april played scottish cup semi final united defeated hosts rangers advance final run penalty area stuart armstrong scored opening goal assisted second days later scotland young player year award eventually awarded teammate cup final replaced final minutes united lost celtic park season ended goals games competitions scored league matches sporting portugal july sporting portugal announced signing united undisclosed fee rumoured region million signed year contract million buy clause credited sporting track record developing players decision join despite club team named man squad play champions league manager training sessions debut sporting august replacing half time defeat away seventeen days later fourth match club scored time second home victory december scored second goal opening win lisbon neighbours oriental yard volley december sent triumph finished season goals games team coming february team came win debut team december game playing minutes win second start sporting team january named man match win competition having daniel won penalty converted goal days later debut replacing minutes win rio scored twice team defeat away neighbours group game january second season portuguese capital scored goal team campaign august away match minute followed september strike triumph oriental matched goal tally previous season october opened draw succeeded november fourth goal campaign assuring result july amidst interest england sheffield wednesday loaned portuguese flight team upcoming season alongside teammate international career capped times level scoring goals debut october armenia replacing matthew kennedy minutes eventual win european new douglas park hamilton scored goal fourth cap september iceland stadium yard free kick draw november called scotland squad time match georgia later month scored goals team cap september win away municipal end failed european qualification campaign september called senior scotland national football team euro group qualifying matches georgia poland play october sent foul marcus european championship qualification loss france hometown style play ability ball small slight stature led compared comparison british press united favoured creativity passing expected scottish football transfer sporting bbc sport columnist richard wilson predicted better suited style football portugal slower tempo concentration passing game spoken preference portuguese football scottish equivalent expressed relief lower media interest sporting opining comparisons exaggerated premature career statistics april


william born december english semi professional plays league premier division club metropolitan police started career youth system joining portsmouth appearances season portsmouth having played season half moved loan joined permanently left year later following scottish premier league following period signed conference national club half season joined united played victory trophy final stadium left seasons sign york city played conference premier play final released york short spell conference south returned united conference south signed divisional rivals town released season career portsmouth born london started career youth system club england schools international joined division team portsmouth june free transfer team debut victory county august goal portsmouth came september robert cross game finished victory offered new contract portsmouth october team finished season appearances goals despite playing games portsmouth march taken hospital suspected broken knee suffered reserve team game bristol city september ray later confirmed break tests carried expected team weeks recover injury having fallen favour portsmouth trial county december manager bill commented reasonable prospect finished season appearances portsmouth told manager harry surplus requirements week trial august having told leave portsmouth having appearances portsmouth point season joined scottish premier league team loan end season january debut came days later victory united derby match reasonable contribution cautioned bone challenge charlie miller scored goals scottish league cup shot set went lose finished loan period appearances goals deal ankle injury joined permanently july signing year contract having contract portsmouth cancelled scored goal season december 57th minute goal set earned team victory finished season appearances goals relegated scottish division released club trial major_league soccer team new_york new_jersey claimed offered year contract claim denied organisation spokesman started trial league club oxford united august game substituted minutes sustaining head injury resumed playing signing september contract january option extended years following successful trial debut days later defeat hearts conceded penalty kick appearances coming december conference national team exeter city handed week trial september training weeks offered contract january eventually signed conference national club january recommended club teammate tom debut victory january goal missed games injury finished season seven appearances manager frank gray wanted return club pre season training united signed conference premier rivals united free transfer june replacement mark debut victory victoria august sustained ankle injury second game season meant expected unable play weeks surprise return weeks draw burton scored goal shot yards goal victory athletic went score goals consecutive games strikes victories burton played trophy final stadium team won united finished season appearances goals signed new year contract played defeat borough semi final leg trophy march sustained broken jaw scoring goal ruled remainder season finished season appearances scoring seven goals york city signed fellow conference premier team york city free transfer june debut defeat oxford august scoring goal club opener draw town october shot corner scored opening goal defeat premier league team city cup round january alex free kick picked injury march missing match making return victory town later month played legs york play semi final victory finished aggregate signed new year contract york started conference premier play final substituted minutes york losing oxford finished season appearances goals york appearance season second game starting draw town august scored goal season effort yards score final goal victory diamonds november finished season appearances goals released june told find club following release york went trial played half friendly pre season victory away town subsequently went trial league premier division played friendly club came september signed conference south non contract terms making debut following day starting draw home united released october making seven appearances club return united returned conference premier united non contract terms november contacting manager possibility signing second debut club came following day away win newport county scored goal season came win march appearances score goal finished 14th conference premier signing new year contract club july missed matches season making appearances scoring goal team relegated conference south ranking 23rd conference premier table later career signed conference south team town july debut came win away concord rangers august scoring goal club home win august appearances scored goals season finished 14th place conference south table released club joined league premier division club season debut minute substitute away defeat united december appearances achieved 11th place finish league premier division table signed divisional rivals metropolitan police september debut home draw athletic september style play plays central provides plenty drive described box having bit right place right time described afraid sticking foot manager commented bring physical presence capable getting score sheet club pivotal personal life wife married surrey works flight attendant virgin atlantic son called george combined playing commercial manager career statistics match played march honours united trophy


sam samuel sam born october known big sam english football manager professional player manager english national team league cup appearances year career spent football league brief spells north american soccer league league ireland strong central defender good awareness heading skills anticipation signed town spent years helping club win second division title spent 1980s player spending time tampa bay city town second spell preston north end west working assistant manager time helped preston win promotion fourth division moving management took charge irish club leading club league ireland division title returned england coach preston north end serving briefly manager took permanent management role england july sacked years having narrowly failed achieve promotion spent january october charge county taking division title returned manager leading club promotion division play offs league cup final cup qualification following spell newcastle united january managed year spell december appointed west united manager june leading club promotion championship play offs leaving west criticism fans playing style appointed manager october saved club appointed manager english national team july labelled long ball manager analysts disputed perception totally utterly wrong takes modern technology statistics centred approach tactics coaching praised man management skills married june children september son implicated bbc documentary taking bribes strongly denied allegations charged offences early life samuel born october council house old park farm estate son robert mary father police sergeant parents originated scotland older sister mary born scotland older brother robert junior born educated green primary school later hill school failing plus exam discovered later life suffers child supported dreamed day play manage club club career spent youth semi professional town making debut age quickly learned play centre half highly physical west regional league trained local football league clubs west unsuccessful trial villa spotted leaving school age signed club supplement income officially starting worked factory producing record decks successful winning lancashire youth cup reaching quarter finals youth cup quickly rose team team signed professional contract 17th birthday receiving signing fee wages week manager jimmy gave debut november defeat league cup park second division debut days later defeat county failed establish team got run games new manager played games season sold don impressed short run winning club young player year award lost newcastle united cup fifth round season went miss promotion league single point suffered similar disappointment campaign reaching semi finals league cup finished point outside promotion places promotion finally achieved season returned division champions second division consolidated flight status 17th place finish season proved difficult manager sacked club went seven months league victory whilst replacement stan anderson unable steer club away place finish decided leave end season felt anderson offered contract city manager john bond offer derby county verbally agreed year contract derby signing contract received late offer play week contract signing fee wage appointed club captain soon long distance travel home transfer request chairman tom refused help finance purchase home sacked late season leaving manager charge steer club division zone new manager left team start campaign leaving departure park inevitable offered chance return manager george able offer wages instead surprise division able match wages pay signing fee loyalty bonus player manager peter anderson seen successor long serving central defender barry anderson property developer allowed live rent free bedroom mansion lions ended season mid table anderson sacked november chairman offered vacant management position rejected offer felt aged far young enter management instead george graham took management position graham immediately team training insisted report teammates broke graham rules came close joining athletic free transfer march boss lawrence complete end transfer deadline graham agreed pay cancel contract acting assumption struggle find club willing offer week later career wrote club divisions inform available free transfer privately lamented choosing past clubs financial reasons summer played games north american soccer league tampa bay club shared facilities nfl tampa bay subsequently applied managerial career modern practices american football regards training player management tactics found playing difficult heat attacking nature teammates led frequently exposed found club managed cure long standing tissue problem returning joined bobby division city year week contract captain enjoyed good half season badly second half season finished place points zone beating city final day season midway campaign promised new year contract following poor end season instead opted release july signed second division town reunited paul jones centre half partner finished 13th place season end campaign accepted offer offered year contract managed charlie wright spell club wright sacked december successor played centre half relegated bench despite reached football league trophy final stadium ended defeat bristol city unused substitute offered chance join instead joined preston north end persuaded manager john promised backbone team preston won promotion fourth division second place named team year consolidated division status 16th place finish time began considering retirement player applied management positions york city county unsuccessful interview style play fans gave nickname super sam man tough approach way quickly got heavy collisions whilst opposition player left flat ground veteran manager dave friend remarked called ball playing defender wasn playing ball playing balls uncomfortable possession played simple balls nearest teammates found ball whilst teammates reluctant pass possess good awareness heading skills anticipation lack pace managerial career early career hired player coach brian west february spent rest season managing playing reserve team promoted team coach summer saw team coach stuart pearson demoted reserve team coaching sacked january following defeat league cup later worked time coach bury manager mike afford staff season took role player manager guided team promotion flight league ireland finishing division achieved promotion despite tremendous financial pressures coaching playing team whilst club board signed players knowledge irish football scene season ireland returned england start season coach preston north end les games season sacked appointed manager despite promising spell charge job permanent basis december preston appointed john manager worked youth team coach months later said extreme long ball tactics enforced club july west lancashire derby rivals preston north end appointed new manager following departure billy agreeing salary year signed defender spent club record andy morrison described horrible face centre complete changed club staff hiring bobby assistant promoting player brown coaching role appointing mark taylor follow newcastle finished season 12th place falling promotion race win final games spent andy brought young defender jason steve banks campaign finished missing automatic promotion day season beaten play semi finals city won away valley parade lose return leg road chairman owen prison cell sacked shortly play defeat brief spell coaching staff peter working director academy missed promotion division point months leading end season hardly saw owen assured matter job safe turned meeting having told discuss new terms instead told sacked cold calculated pre planned walked job desperately worried reputation damaged forever county january return football manager struggling division club county arrived late save autobiography described players respond coaching methods went games win pressure mounted held job led club promotion champions division end season built man defence mid season run consecutive wins county broke club national records winning title point margin post war win promotion march despite success chairman refused spend money transfers result fell eventually allowed spend kevin helped club steer clear end campaign summer signed utility player remained charge meadow lane october resigned post county return promotion division appointed manager following departure resigned protest sale club attempted raise funds new stadium inherited talented squad included mark fish dean michael forced sell andy son broke assistant manager brown jaw team bonding session despite half table took reached division play offs losing town run league cup cup semi finals missing cup final penalty shoot defeat villa blamed referee barry knight play defeat accused biased rewarded turning club year contract terms contract entitled year compensation pay sacked summer sold million focused spending money improve club facilities staff believing money spent areas allow compete clubs bigger budgets paid bigger wages afford playing spent michael million bring signed utility player marshall city teenager kevin promoted youth team whilst year old defender arrived loan reached play final millennium stadium beat preston north end achieve promotion premier league year absence premier league survival building premier league campaign signed france international defender loan deal eventual permanent established key team player brought remained loyal players won promotion previous campaign recorded win leicester city opening day beat liverpool secure points games games win recorded shock victory manchester united october form dropped january transfer window brought danish german loan world cup winning attacker scored goals win athletic march scored hat trick win town april victory proved essential ended season 16th place points ahead relegated points manage sign big free transfer season bringing year old nigeria captain jay jay years previously purchased paris saint million brought spanish central defender loan real madrid sold scorer michael million bringing loan replacement struggled season managed avoid final day win looking avoid battle number preparation season significant brazilian defender greece international target man kevin davies finished eighth league reached league cup final major domestic final appearance player manager lost final blamed referee mike riley giving late penalty alleged venture europe established premier league club signed veteran speed aged respectively speed went tunisia international played centre arriving free transfer played alongside new arrival israel defender ben recommended son brought season long loan liverpool eventually sign permanently million good start season offered newcastle united job turned instead signed new year contract felt squad talented went finish sixth place win qualification cup time club history reached round cup beating bulgaria round successfully negotiating group stage beating saint_petersburg russia drawing spain turkey portugal losing france knock stages success resulted putting short list people succeed england manager world cup alongside steve martin interviewed position told chief executive brian final choice eventually decided job offered newcastle job time keen newcastle chairman broke contract negotiations appoint manager time basis team unaffected speculation future european exploits ended season eighth position keen strengthen european push season signed france international club record million signed ivory coast defender unusual sequence events profit changed mind joining signed manchester city day signing pre contract agreement manchester city agreed pay compensation relationship chairman increasingly strained refused greater transfer spending finance push champions league qualification april resigned club fifth place games season left play following day assistant lee announced replacement newcastle united offered manchester city job offer withdrawn purchase offer club accepted newcastle united announced signed year contract succeed manager ironically newcastle change owners mike completed takeover club sales scott parker raised million allowing sign australia international mark free transfer utility man smith million controversial million left million right million defender newcastle enjoyed good start season beating club opening day run wins draws opening league games series disappointing results run christmas gaining point possible table derby parted company newcastle united january gone meeting chairman chris expecting told newcastle signed new player expecting decided instead sign kevin return manager december appointed manager year contract succeeding paul left club 19th place wins games game charge victory city park days later game game unbeaten run strengthened team spending million brought defender loan finished season charge draw west final league position 15th forced sell santa manchester city defender stephen villa combined million balance books permitted bring defensive croatia international forward split million million season reached league cup semi final villa lost legs remained mid table duration season finished tenth final day victory away villa club sale summer offered job managing secure permission leave paying compensation club remained charge park ironically sacked new owners december placed 13th league replaced coaches steve agent anderson highly influential figure family west united appointed manager recently relegated west united june signing year contract vowed play attractive football getting west premier league according traditions club rejected claims played dull long ball football previous clubs signed kevin brien matt taylor brien played club taylor player joined left club john west fifth signing season free transfer followed defender george season long loan sam free transfer concluded summer transfer window deadline day bringing david arsenal season long loans utility man guy hamburg undisclosed fee morrison followed winter transfer window course season total players left club signed march despite standing place championship style football questioned fans called passing ball football played pitch air west promoted premier league season championship beating play final described promotion best achievement busy transfer window summer saw bring players including defender international wales international centre james collins defensive matt england andy loan liverpool israel international west finished season tenth place renewed contract west signing new year deal main signing summer andy million fee liverpool whilst spent undisclosed fee stewart downing liverpool provide crosses convert goals signed free transfer real plans disrupted picked long term injury left transfer especially chosen instead signing city bony went score league goals campaign awarded premier league manager month february following run wins draw premier league games april away game west section west fans expressed style football played displaying banner read fat sam killing following month supporters hung banner bearing legend fat sam outside mansion owned club chairman david sullivan essex despite protests club announced staying manager supported new attacking coach season ensure team provides entertainment improve club goal tally summer signed powerful left aaron attacker right loan arsenal defensive alex song loan barcelona morgan forward october like bbc savage commenting team attractive attacking playing style statistics progress west months awarded premier league manager month october wins west games played month left west final day season contract renewed stated didn want stay suppose mutual didn want stay west finished 12th season place higher season october named new manager replacing dick appointed sat 19th premier league table points games season signing year contract manager managed newcastle united october second game manager guided win rivals club newcastle united run defeats row december headed second half season zone points games january transfer window signed centre backs jan attacking february scored late goals draw liverpool having trailed minutes remaining later week adam johnson sacked club pleading guilty count sexual activity child charge remained zone remainder season boosted survival chances beating city road april closing gap 17th place point successfully led safety beating result ensured rivals clubs newcastle united earned praise management particularly organized approach emphasis strong defence england july signed year contract manager england national team managerial style keen proponent sports science technology innovative techniques coaching teams martin hardy independent described pioneers sports science english football players cited preparation main strength allows teams better organisation defensive stability player kevin davies highlighted man management skills strength reputation long ball tactics said reputation perception totally utterly wrong newcastle player lee clark stated heard stuff gets thrown sam long ball merchant thing working hear talk long balls massive set plays massive organisation team right football happens criticism perceived long ball tactics intense managed west united premier league including discontent west supporters january following draw bridge manager criticised west football football 19th century october claimed reputation playing long ball football founded fact excuse opposing managers david following defeats sides managed wrote autobiography hit yard ball cultural pass hopeful personal life met future wife youth team player pair married june son june daughter april given honorary doctorate university july addition football career run number businesses including motor firm fast food restaurant social club pub piano bar pub restaurant published autobiography big sam october corruption allegations september son implicated bbc documentary undercover football dirty secrets alleged taken bribes agents signing certain players agents peter harrison secretly filmed separately claiming paid son denies taking asking implicated wrongdoing harry kevin bond frank result allegation refused speak bbc stated going sue broadcaster clear failed issue libel proceedings advised damage reputation costly time consuming process final report stevens inquiry published june expressed concerns involvement number transactions stating inquiry remains concerned conflict interest believes existed father sam manager club stated inquiry public relations exercise conclusion conflict interest facts january received substantial undisclosed damages manager steve recorded bar hong_kong falsely alleging sacked post february daniel taylor chief football writer guardian observer wrote west player england prospect morrison felt come considerable pressure sign football agent mark curtis represents number west players including kevin james jack matt andy agent curtis charged eventually cleared football association investigation town illegal transfer dealings curtis responded allegations saying nonsense talked morrison complaining groin injury club medical staff find problem reference player disciplinary issues past morrison eventually loaned championship queens park rangers remainder season statistics player sourced english national football archive manager match played honours player football league second division preston north end football league fourth division promotion individual football league fourth division team year manager league ireland division county football league division football league division play offs west united football league championship play offs individual football league division manager month january premier league manager month august november january december february october


paul paul born november scottish professional manager league played forward starting career arsenal won cup winners cup struggled hold place team spent time loan town brighton moving manchester city division seasons club experienced promotions playing different divisions left join leicester city stayed seasons signed team qualified cup contract rejoined manchester city later went play crystal palace leicester city derby county leeds united joined athletic player manager later retired playing game concentrate managerial position held position resigned february manager debut scotland san total represented country times scoring goal club career arsenal born west paul started playing football age years playing local team united paul continued play united year played caught eye arsenal scout joined youth ranks arsenal promoted team george graham chances limited struggled break arsenal team rich talent players wright helped club win cup winners cup member arsenal squad season premier league whilst spent loan spells town brighton left arsenal having appearances competitions scoring seven goals manchester city joined manchester city august transfer valued million final signing ball manchester city management debut substitute city august defeat ball final match manchester city start match win athletic joined club period turmoil season manchester city played different managers time appointments regular starter steve played frequently frank clark finished season goals league starts start season feature team restored starting line following injuries lee finished season city scorer goals club relegated tier english football time history finishing 22nd place wearing number shirt played supporting role striking partnership season scoring goals competitions including hat trick lincoln city scored important athletic play semi final leg goal scored springfield park sixteenth goal particularly crucial yard corner injury time final promotion playoffs minute goal took game extra time manchester team ultimately won earn promotion division goal scored past best man wedding voted city greatest goal poll conducted manchester city retained place team start season started league games despite suffering facial injury september lost tooth run starting appearances came end october damaged knee match town subsequent absence manchester city signed robert taylor appearances second half season substitute substitute appearances final match season win scored manchester city goal city clinched promotion premier league manchester city returned premier league season appeared chances playing limited city signed world player year george rican international earned place team performances attracting attention scotland manager brown called scotland squad time city relegated division season kevin replaced joe manager found team opportunities club limited especially team having fallen favour february moved leicester city leicester city leicester debut came defeat derby county goals leicester came sixth appearance scored leicester goals victory club win months scored goals season leicester finished relegated scored career high goals season leicester immediate return flight finishing runners division portsmouth managed score goals season leicester subsequently relegated division moved declining offer improved contract leicester exercising contractual clause allowed join premier league club nominal fee debuted half time substitute west august scored goal club following match defeat southampton involved majority matches season knee injury caused miss weeks season finished season league goals found hard retain regular place manager mark hughes having signed forwards summer red card west united caused miss month season run team games autumn starting appearances fewer season progressed left club summer following contract return manchester city joined manchester city signing year contract came substitute city game season defeat started matches including win club arsenal suffered injuries course season including problem knee injury toe injury months starts seven substitute appearances failed score single goal announced interest pursuing coaching role transfer listed manchester city august joined crystal palace month loan august played game eagles friendly crystal palace baltimore crystal palace american counterparts friday september playing minutes january joined managed simon loan days later scored debut proved winning goal victory leicester city clubs road come minute substitute scored winning goal minute goal january went score goals appearances club march named professional association fans championship player month february end loan scored goals appearances returned manchester city loan released end season return leicester city initial bid club leicester city rejected week earlier offers toronto decided rejoin leicester august signing year contract debut home win august scoring goal league cup defeat august total league games scoring goals leicester finished season league champions august joined derby county loan january cover injury crisis found playing regularly derby style won support derby fans scored goal derby queens park rangers october loan spell derby ended returned leicester january released contract leicester february find new club leeds united march signed leeds united end season initially thought toronto beaten leeds signature united eventually won race leeds receive special sign fact played clubs season maximum permitted named leeds bench debut leeds came late substitute impact leeds player getting booked immediately scrapping ryan ball come play start leeds defeat replacing injured starting line end season leeds finished second earning promotion championship contract wasn renewed promotion international career played scotland run world championship scored final went miss penalty shoot scotland lost saudi_arabia senior international debut october coming substitute world cup san substitute appearances year croatia australia limited team opportunities club level meant selected international duty years good form leicester earned recall september international start islands playing position wing substituted half time scotland team drew nation places lower world rankings return fixture year later scored international goal win cap came defeat norway october total earned scotland caps scored goal management career athletic june agreed year rolling contract athletic player manager following departure previous manager dave attempt managing expected club player competitive game manager ended victory rivals scoring goals praised travelling army fans september debut coming second half substitute bristol opted build youthful controversial decisions start season player year club captain sean scorer team players team went new year ninth position games hand teams unbeaten home league results second half season consistent team finished season half table announced second appearance season team final match season end playing career concentrate management came minute substitute following day finished season 16th position league place higher previous season january lead shock victory premier league liverpool cup fourth round resigned february primarily team poor league form appointed manager promoted championship having won league title season relegated league season following final day defeat leicester city september sacked manager poor performances style play better known goal scoring exploits interview independent sunday provided summary playing style ability battle main parts game know limits sort gets ball going beat players stick corner god knows playing thing cent defenders basically giving pain rio ferdinand mentioning biggest deal pitch approach resulted manchester city manager joe naming wasp time leicester known pest personal life married couple children max sam family live later describing period career march team mates keith frank falsely accused sexual assault training camp manga spain leicester city subsequently cleared forensic tests showed allegations false according media source bulgaria owes family bulgarian grandfather career statistics player international international goals scores results list scotland goal tally manager september honours arsenal cup winners cup manchester city football league second division play offs football league division promotion leicester city football league division runners promoted football league leeds united football league runners promoted


simon simon james born december english head coach league club bridges junior played final youth cup cup appearances lower divisions football league diamonds majority playing career spent non league football south east england capped seven times national game team represents england semi professional level retirement player joined coaching staff league club team manager january end season spent months manager returning bridges academy head team coach playing career early career born west sussex played team local club bridges beginning football career brighton joined junior age youngest players appear reserve team played final youth cup manchester united youth team scoring opening goal leg won time second leg went losing penalty shootout substituted stephen closest came team football years club cup competition fielded extremely weak sides including lost cologne released end season joined second division club free transfer marking debut football league missing best chance match fell favour following trial brighton reserves given month contract manager brian described player uses ball gets forward aggressive injury prevented playing team period month start season displeasure rejected offer month preferring drop conference dover athletic dover athletic scored twice conference games season dover performance earned international selection chosen england national game time march maintained standard following season dover best player rivals diamonds eventually damaged opponents booked sidelined month injuries sustained match returned play minutes substitute joining fee later week bbc sport football conference preview said dover miss view later echoed assistant manager walker described season year players like simon joe dave clarke team honesty weren far away having good win division needed players compete sadly ended selling halfway season diamonds helped runners spot conference retained place england semi professional season appearances december dover unsuccessful attempt buy played conference title consequent promotion football league games club division manager brian sold jean conference club borough figure sum borough helped reach final trophy lost time professional club town club won seventh international cap maintained reputation good ball willing shoot seasons club contributed shots team mates second seasons assists began time status season end season submitted transfer request struggling balance work football commitments manager graham rejected request april contract cancelled mutual consent citing player injury record difficulties adjusting demands time football town home town club town manager francis hoped sign describing good round player play middle wide right passes ball useful set pieces good tackle capable strengthening strong unable match offer believed week conference south club dubbed conference paid time professional squad despite playing sixth tier english football injury restricted appearances played weeks november owner business collapsed players pay stopped squad left returned home join reduced wages failed medical examination club initially offered short term deal proved fitness end season agreed year contract turned offers time football preferring stay near home combine playing role running club new youth coaching scheme local schools succession managerial changes following club takeover resulted acting manager matches november role positive start period agreed new contract offer later withdrawn given permission speak clubs unwilling leave sussex area decided stay club players wages contracts allowing leave free transfers chose join conference south club season number different positions usually played central felt continuity helped performance scored winning goal united qualifying round cup assist goal involved second fourth qualifying round club round proper second year running contributed goals club winning conference south title injured ankle meant missed weeks season following departure manager steve king vast majority title winning left club despite new manager kevin view player season simon reflected club offering better terms borough team mate jean joined local rivals june borough debuts opening day defeat club diamonds making fifth club following played alongside season club scored goals appearances competitions contract cancelled mutual consent leave winners medal earned unused substitute sussex senior cup final beat brighton reserve team promptly signed year deal linked steve king manager sixth time career jean briefly released days later helped win southern league title playing games competitions league contract mutual consent end season rejoined days later staying december joined sussex county league bridges preferring family reasons play club nearer home according bridges manager club absolutely pieces magnificent player playing tore knee april retired competitive football end season coaching career returned join steve king management team role team manager support coaching involvement team king suspended club january asked assist team management duties following week king departure appointed manager end season registered player debut bench team lost home island league premier division april verge play offs appointment permanent club directors said impressed everybody combination new regime training value money transformed team second season narrowly avoided board view involved battle extremely disappointing experience particularly difficult context club hard work ing platform start building dismissed end season devastated decision believing good foundation future despite injuries working described huge reduction budget took manager league division south club june led team table wins draw matches performance earned south manager month award august fallen sixth early november resigned post described personal family reasons february returned football head youth academy employers fellow south club bridges end season appointed head team coach work manager paul honours youth cup finalist diamonds football conference football conference runners borough trophy finalist conference south borough sussex senior cup southern league premier division


dennis dennis maria dutch pronunciation born dutch professional assistant manager frank boer originally wide moved main second remained playing career described jan mulder having finest technique dutch international dream teammate henry son born amsterdam played amateur lower leagues spotted age professional debut good form led international year later attracting attention european clubs signed italian club disappointing seasons joining arsenal career helping club win premier league titles cup trophies reach champions league final marked appearance player netherlands national team surpassed record country time record later eclipsed patrick robin van jan widely regarded greatest players generation finished twice world player year award selected greatest living players inducted english football hall_of_fame far dutch player receive honour fear flying nicknamed non flying arsenal supporters early life born amsterdam sons brought working class suburb family aspiring reach middle class status father amateur lower leagues named honour scottish law comply dutch given customs extra inserted father accepted raised catholic family regularly attended church childhood later years said visits church appeal maintains faith club career brought youth system joining club age manager gave professional debut december game ended victory scored senior goal club february match won went appearances season including european debut european cup winners cup earning praise won competition beating leipzig appearance substitute later seasons established team player culminated period success club won title season time years scored goals games following season joint league sharing won cup final beating away goals ruling defeated final cup scorer voted dutch year total scored goals games hometown club attracted attention european clubs result performances advised join real madrid teams said interested playing italy considered biggest league time preferred february agreed million club deal included teammate signing said inter met demands important thing stadium people club style play debut august san victory scored goal club september difficult time highly organised italian defences scoring seven goals league partly manager inability find stable forward partnership preferring italian inter poor league form culminated february replacement member italy world cup winning squad club finished 13th point away enjoyed success cup beating austria final legs competition joint goals scored hat trick rapid round second season inter club changed managers appointing endured disappointing campaign troubled stress injuries fatigue world cup managed score goals appearances field relationship italian press fans uncomfortable shy persona home matches interpreted poor performance pitch italian publication renamed award given worst performance week week inter ended league season sixth position failed retain cup club eliminated second round february club purchased italian businessman fan promised invest heavily squad future team uncertain following signing month takeover arsenal prepared wholesale changes club left inter signed arsenal june transfer fee estimated million manager bruce signing arsenal broke club transfer fee record set million arrival club significant established international looked best years ahead major contributor arsenal return success decline mid-1990s opening day league season debut struggled adapt english game failed score club league matches prompting ridicule national press september scored second goals arsenal southampton ended season appearances goal tally helping arsenal finish fifth earn place cup scoring winner final day season appointment arsenal manager september marked turning point career moderate success coaching france japan recognised talent wanted use team forward play advocates continental style attacking football decision impose strict fitness health regime pleased despite making fewer appearances season influential team creating assists november set minute winner captain tony adams volley left foot scored injury time controlling high ball left foot marker stephen tight area set shot received red card january high tackle paul 26th minute arsenal went lose match run wins final matches gave club place finish missing spot champions league goal difference instrumental following season helping arsenal complete domestic league cup double club scorer goals recorded strike rate arsenal achievement astonishing given team written december ground reigning premier league champions manchester united early season away leicester city street august scored hat trick club goal regarded favourite arsenal required touch control ball penalty box flick past marker matt feet shooting past match leicester manager martin admit best hat trick seen cup quarter final replay west united march sent steve missed matches suspension played arsenal season derby county april missing cup final players player year award non british player recognised fellow professionals outstanding performer english football effective world cup campaign national team productive season arsenal failed retain premier league losing title final day season manchester united club second scorer goals team defeated cup semi final replay manchester united april score heading injury time arsenal awarded penalty ray brought inside yard box took penalty shot saved peter second half extra time ryan scored winner goal regarded greatest competition history miss penalty remainder career season proved frustrating arsenal club finished second league points manchester united lost cup final turkish opponents penalties departure french close season led speculation future ultimately agreed terms contract extension december despite array new season arsenal runners league year succession emergence henry main saw team opportunities limited result late substitute liverpool win arsenal cup final success finally came season arsenal regained league beating manchester united old penultimate game season complete club second double arsenal defeated win cup days prior played league matches setting goals second group stage champions league holding markers twisted turned feeding ball penalty box score headed winner liverpool cup fourth round tie january shown red card defender sent throwing coin crowd subsequently banned matches league cup round appealed ban unsuccessful return newcastle united march early match arsenal robert played low pass left flank edge opponent area goal pressure marker controlled ball flick went placing ball precisely right hand corner score described goal unbelievable adding magnificent goal important enjoyed lot featured league games forming productive partnership reached personal landmark season scoring 100th goal arsenal oxford united cup round tie january league arsenal failed retain championship despite having led points march win cup second successive year beating southampton cup final july signed year extension club season ended high point arsenal reclaimed league title english team century entire domestic league season unbeaten leicester city final league match campaign score tied set winner pass captain patrick rounded scored team dubbed achieve similar dominance europe arsenal beaten quarter finals champions league legs committed arsenal end season signing extension contract started league matches season arsenal title defence ended unsuccessfully team finished second points home august acted captain injured match arsenal came win equal nottingham forest record league matches undefeated sheffield united cup february shown straight red card referee barry defender appeal decision rejected football association meaning missed club domestic games arsenal final home match season man match game scoring assisting goals win moved arsenal supporters chanting year describing special obviously feel year left great shows said following arsenal penalty shootout victory manchester united cup final signed year contract extension team finished fourth league final season arsenal scored injury time winner champions league having come substitute minute campaigning arsenal supporters club designated themes organised commemorate stadium final season home arsenal dennis day took place april saw arsenal west celebrated player contribution arsenal fans given commemorative orange shirts colour national team initials squad number came second half substitute set winning goal moments minute goal proved arsenal competitive football unused substitute final match arsenal barcelona champions league final barcelona scored twice minutes arsenal early lead win competition focus match arsenal new ground stadium july played honour new stadium arsenal played old club kicked match father son children acted match half played members arsenal current squads second played famous players sides including wright david arsenal van blind frank boer arsenal won match goals henry jan earlier opened scoring making stadium international career international debut netherlands national team italy september substitute frank boer scored goal team greece november selected euro national team defending champions impressed scoring goals tournament team lost penalties eventual champions denmark qualification world cup scored goals selected finals staged united_states featured game national team getting goals morocco group stages republic ireland round scored second goal netherlands brazil team lost exiting quarter finals euro scored switzerland set patrick goal england advanced quarter finals wales world cup qualification november scored hat trick national team netherlands finished group qualified world cup held france scored times competition including memorable winning goal final minute argentina took touch control long yard aerial pass frank boer brought ball argentine defender legs finally finished firing volley outside right foot past keeper tight angle right goal cited favourite career 36th national team overtaking record semi finals netherlands lost brazil penalties drawing normal time star team tournament alongside frank boer october scored final goal netherlands brazil netherlands hosts euro team automatically qualified tournament considered favourites semi finals netherlands lost penalties italy following defeat announced retirement international football choosing focus club career final goal tally goals appearances overtaken patrick june coaching career retiring insisted coaching turned offer scout arsenal instead concentrated travelling spending time family april began fast track coaching diploma dutch international undertook role having completed coach course appointed assistant newly formed netherlands team october season returned formal coaching position responsibility youth team following promotion frank boer manager december appointed assistant manager fred grim dealing flagship youth team august boer assistant personal life married june couple children dennis nephew currently plays having previously played brighton nickname non flying fear flying stemmed incident netherlands national team world cup engine plane cut flight prompting journalist joke having bomb bag following incident decided fly consider seeking psychiatric help got problem live psychological thing explain flown plane years dutch sympathetic arsenal far considering psychiatric help fly freeze starts day sleep condition severely limited ability play away matches european competitions travel national team cases travel overland car train logistics matches travel build arsenal champions league match february spoke concerns travelling train car involved style play total football playing style philosophy relied versatility primarily potential players tried outfield position finding suited best age group played style formation team allow individuals slot effort moving pyramid played position apart believed benefited experience playing defender helped know think beat debut substitute positioned right wing remained years time inter milan switched position main failed cooperate offensive partner later called selfish furthermore character accused lacking consistency leadership skills italian press struggled replicate previous form time inter joined arsenal enjoyed successful strike partnership wright later seasons henry playing preferred position creative second arrival season enhanced play getting ball august october scored seven goals seven league matches similar developed season known ability score goals team forward capable playing lone essentially functioned number role attacking deep lying forward ball skills creative ability enabled drop deep lines link play quick elegant intelligent technically gifted player excellent touch quick feet ability change pace enabled beat defenders situations attacking movement physique balance close control allowed hold ball create space team mates vision passing range feet subsequently allowed provide assists running stated preferred playing deeper role derived pleasure assisting goals scoring playing career accused diving referred cheat dirty player players previously challenged manager denied interview times said inter milan realised importance mentally tough order survive lot people try hurt physically mentally coming culture holland adopt tougher approach case hard defenders stop says aggression stems frustration honours individual received accolades playing career twice finished place world player year award named list compiled greatest living club career won successive dutch year awards scorer winner consecutive seasons named year players player year april team year season achieved unique feat voted second match day goal month competition august april inducted english football hall_of_fame viewers bbc football focus year later voted second arsenal fans henry list gunners greatest players february arsenal unveiled statue outside stadium honour time club statue dennis erected outside headquarters chosen best dutch international soccer player period statue join century erected statues frank van summary individual achievements follows chronological order netherlands time scorer dutch football talent year dutch year european football championship scorer european football championship teams tournament world goal scorer year place runner world player year bronze award cup scorer world cup star team career statistics club includes cup competitions cup football league cup cup super cups community shield included international international goals scores results list netherlands goal tally media features sports video game series cover international edition named ultimate team legends


mary born june american retired soccer player coach time olympic gold medalist women world cup champion time winner soccer athlete year award regular women national soccer team earning cap forward currently stands highest time goal scorer national team holds world record international goals female male soccer players goals awarded world player year american woman win award years included time list influential people world played college soccer florida women soccer team attending university florida helped team win ncaa division women soccer championship played professional level washington freedom western new_york flash competed women world cup tournaments united_states china germany canada champion edition olympics tournaments athens london winning gold medal played matches scored goals international tournaments known scoring goals diving technique began youth hometown rochester new_york notable goals occurred minute women world cup match brazil scored time helping americans eventually progress championship final japan defeating brazil penalty kicks minute goal set new record latest goal scored match awarded espn award best play year following performance world cup awarded tournament bronze boot silver ball soccer player gender named athlete year associated_press announced retirement october game played december new_orleans united_states played match game victory tour following win women world cup early life born rochester new_york raised rochester suburb youngest seven siblings sisters brothers born pete began playing soccer age sister decided wanted try sport mother checked book library explaining play game soccer family tradition think bred said interview growing youngest seven like team environment learn kinds things learned compete brothers sisters played level let win better deserved big family makes humble certain skill talent better recalls elder brothers firing hockey target practice playing youth soccer league age transferred girls team boys scoring goals games pre teen began defenders heading ball running attended lady mercy high school rochester soccer basketball high school career scored goals including mercy soccer coach recalled stay practice practice diving skill later signature international player following senior season named parade magazine high school america team voted national high school player year national soccer coaches association america named regional player year state new_york player year circle champions new_york player year cited usa_today nation recruits year captain rochester spirit club team named greater rochester player year member olympic development program national team national player pool trained played women national soccer team competing soccer festival minnesota traveled beijing china member american youth soccer team compete university florida considered college recruit intensely sought numerous colleges including soccer programs university north_carolina ucla university portland university virginia sticking commitment parents visit schools accepted athletic scholarship attend university florida play coach florida women soccer team florida program existence years challenge joining established team team like north_carolina long history championship titles appealed freshman helped lead ncaa national championship time champion north_carolina tar heels team won consecutive southeastern conference sec championships individually sec freshman year freshman american team sec selection straight seasons time sec player year twice received sec tournament valuable player honors named team american sophomore junior senior seasons addition leading final ncaa division women soccer tournament senior set school career records goals assists points game winning goals hat tricks years later remains florida time leading scorer ninety goals inducted university florida athletic hall_of_fame great club career washington freedom years selected second round draft washington freedom second season women united soccer association tying courage place previous season freedom hoped turn things half season knee surgery recovery freedom found sixth place return team finished remainder season finishing berth playoffs team turnaround noted early season difficult page started playing chinese players hadn come factors went playing people returned able grasp exactly easier results semifinals freedom upset philadelphia charge final courage freedom lost spectators stadium atlanta assisted minute goal team second goal courage scored goal 31st minute goals leading year players league scoring named rookie year washington leading scorer goals assists finished tied fourth scoring season tied freedom teammate league scoring lead points contributions washington helped propel freedom victory founders cup iii named mvp seventh minute regulation time scored second fastest goal founders cup history headed ball lower left net past beat national team teammate scored game winning goal sixth minute overtime cross leading freedom defeat atlanta beat championship match days women world cup world cup play folded citing financial difficulties lack sponsorship return washington florida new professional league announced women united_states women professional soccer player allocation players united_states national team player pool assigned seven teams new league assigned washington freedom voted player week week april week scoring goals washington freedom victory gold pride freedom victory new league freedom game received yellow card tackle louis left damaged knee crack sidelined rest season suspended game challenge reviewed league commissioner won player week award week july week scoring goals chicago red stars sky blue week week scoring goals having assist sky blue ended season goals american player named star team returned washington freedom season winning player week award week scoring goal serving assists atlanta beat overall vote star voting making captains star game received media coaches votes received fans votes freedom relocated florida new ownership july named player coach rest season named player week seventh time august october women professional soccer league governors voted terminate franchise league suspended operations early leading flash rochester new professional women soccer league announced featured allocated players american mexican canadian national teams january allocated national women soccer league club western new_york flash hometown rochester new_york player allocation missing preseason national team commitments debut april team season opener sky blue team second regular season match washington spirit maryland struck hard face close range attempted clearance teammate brittany taylor minute match dropped ground appeared standing continued playing finish match attempted score goal head dropped ground final whistle described spirit harris assessed game concussion soccer announced days later suffered concussion acknowledged injury handled differently referee coaching staff players sat game health measure home debut flash scored match winning goal 20th minute defeat sky blue team league win lifted way tie place league named week player week scoring goals flash victory kansas_city player league win award twice scoring goal serving assist flash win sky blue week announced march sitting entire season order focus women world cup weeks later march playing rights traded amber brooks round pick college draft seattle reign exchange forwards sydney international career collegiate performance earned spot national team training camp cap united_states women national soccer team occurred september match germany cup chicago minute squad won scored international goal april friendly match finland san california welsh 75th minute won women world cup august named roster coach april world cup tournament having played international matches starts world cup led united_states squad scoring goals tournament stadium filled spectators stadium washington starting line americans match tournament sweden september defeated sweden goals scored shannon squad second tournament match nigeria philadelphia spectators scored minute bring lead ultimately defeat nigeria scored tournament goal squad group stage match north_korea penalty kick 17th minute defeated north_korea additional goals cat 48th minutes launching team knock stage scored goal norway paving way americans semifinals americans lost germany semi finals relegated place win canada finals people home depot center california summer olympics suspended operations trained national team preparation summer olympics athens greece matches athens played direct role goals team scored resulting wins greece brazil team group stage match greece august scored 30th minute elevate americans lead received yellow card tournament 49th minute followed goal minute final score faced brazil second match tournament august received second yellow card tournament 49th minute giving automatic suspension final group stage match australia scored penalty kick minute sealed win goal moving tie australia final group stage match americans faced japan august goal minute lifted americans victory defeating germany overtime semi final faced brazil second time olympic final yard minute corner kick gave victory gold medal win minute goal hailed biggest goals women national team history espn finished tournament goals assist goals set new record goals scored single player olympic tournament olympic win marked start significant changes national team final competitive international match veteran players joy played team women world cup significance win said women meant end scored international goals assists matches national team finished fourth voting women world player year athens olympics continued major contributor national team scoring goals cup number exhibition games group play cup goals helped squad set record largest goal margin cup match win denmark end scored goals international matches scoring goals fewer games player players nominated women world player year finished fourth voting award women world cup heading women world cup national team conceded game regulation time nearly years considered favorite win tournament china regular team years assumed new position leader team match tournament north_korea collided air north korean defender landed ground blood streaming head sidelined pitch minutes received head coach ryan decided replace scored goals games united_states ahead thanks goal scored 50th minute assisted squad allowed goals away minutes scored right away went started worried started run locker room said couple minutes returned pitch united_states tied match goal scored heather reilly team faced sweden match september scored goals record goals international matches scoring 34th minute penalty kick minute left half volley cross finished group play defeat nigeria women national football team september provided assist long thrown settled chest ball past nigeria win launched match england september scored goal americans 48th minute followed goals scored teammates shannon defeating england goals scored minutes half match english captain white required extensive treatment following elbow face insisted contact accidental english players media thought twentieth player women national soccer team history american soccer player overall earn international caps united_states faced brazil semi finals controversial game changing match team coach ryan decided bench starting hope solo instead started veteran started world cups olympics started matches olympics defeated brazil loss relegated final match norway won secure place standing tournament scored goals 30th 46th minutes ended tournament having scored goals matches despite head injury previous foot injury suffered friendly match finland month prior world cup summer olympics june named squad summer olympics beijing china july nationally televised exhibition match brazil broke left leg collision brazilian defender preventing playing games thirty minutes match san_diego california ran speed seemingly shot yards fiercely collided fell ground immediately signaled assistance left leg taken field taken local hospital ambulance rays confirmed later underwent surgery rod inserted expected action months match national team slated start august team leading scorer time reached goals matches shy fifth player ninth female player world history notch career international goals obviously devastating player win championship player said injury confidence team bringing home gold team won exhibition match goal scored free kick lloyd enter games undefeated year teammates unsettled injury heart sank said need big piece great team forward called replace games obviously tons emotions going right said deepest sorrow excited going olympics said conference days injury called hospital want feel bad selected type way important team going tournament feeling win end day makes stand podium despite absence took home gold defeating brazil final lloyd scored game winning goal minute assist forward amy rodriguez spectators workers stadium gold medal national team winning titles athens olympics atlanta games olympic tournament included women soccer scored 100th goal friendly match canada hometown rochester july second international match returning injury goal said year heartbreak going olympics pain worth ask play home crowd come milestone like today reached goals fewer games american players previously reached goals women world cup roster women world cup tournament germany announced including women world cup world cup tournament played playing scoring goal group stage matches north_korea colombia scored minute team final group stage match loss sweden loss finished second group went face place team group brazil july americans game brazil scored goal time minute minutes injury time score went win game penalty kicks advanced semi final goal set new record latest goal scored competition record previously set minute goal awarded espn award best play year scored tournament goal americans semi final win france final japan trademark goal half extra time fourth tournament united_states time scoring leader women world cup history goals second brazil germany time goals forced penalty shootout late japan japan won converting fourth successful penalty final tally women world cup goals assist effort earned women world cup bronze boot brazil goals assists silver boot japan goals assist golden boot goals tournament scored head efforts awarded women world cup silver ball alongside silver medal bronze boot summer olympics scored goal summer olympics london team group stage match france july minutes half headed ball net corner kick 19th minute minute mark americans tied game goal alex morgan goal alex morgan lloyd second half defeated france united_states second group round game colombia struck right eye opposing player went score second goal team victory goal sixth career olympic goal broke previous record held international goal closer record international goals scored 38th minute lady ran path pushing punched face fell ground pain play ending match swollen black eye described happened running goal position got punched said clear film olympic committee decide reviewing match footage officials later imposed match ban player united_states group stage match north_korea scored lone goal match 25th minute play consisted long ball alex morgan morgan slid pass defenders easily tapped goal tournament spectators old americans finished group win launched quarter final new_zealand game marked women soccer game old years quarter final match new_zealand scored fourth goal tournament 27th minute match sliding ball score led celebration tribute united_states team second goal scored sydney minute americans defeated new_zealand moved semi finals scored game tying goal penalty kick united_states controversial semifinal win canada scored goals olympics scored match final recognition accomplishments awarded world player year gala january women world cup prior playing fourth world cup declared canada tournament given nominal captain started game bench field substitute wearing starting captain games australia nigeria group stage colombia round lloyd acted captain games delivered entered final japan minutes remaining turn passed entered 43rd minute allowing lift world cup trophy victorious campaign scored game winning goal nigeria player statistics club international goals international career scored goals international matches currently leading time international scorer men women goals alex morgan goals combined goals year old record set goals goals goals scored duo women national team history world cup olympic appearances goals competed women world cup tournaments united_states china germany canada played olympics tournaments athens london played matches scored goals global tournaments teammates won olympic gold medals finished twice women world cup finished second world cup won women world cup style play regarded greatest soccer players time known particular ability prolific player international competitions soccer history quickest technically gifted forward known physical effective direct style play excellent sense allowed end long balls crosses height physique allowed air renowned ability score head frequently producing goals spectacular diving primarily known energy outstanding work rate career dropping assist team mates defensively help start attacking plays enabled play line function occasion later career addition playing abilities praised determination leadership honors awards time winner soccer federation soccer athlete year award received rookie year award performance season years played washington freedom named player week record seven times awarded bronze boot silver ball women world cup awarded award best play minute goal brazil year named women sports foundation year received associated_press female athlete year individual soccer player man woman receive award july mayor rochester new_york named july day given key city august returning home winning gold summer olympics london city rochester honored hosting dedication ribbon cutting ceremony entrance stadium named way named world player year fourth woman american years earlier win award received percent votes national team coaches captains select media teammate alex morgan time winner acceptance speech thanked president family coaching medical staff teammates said winning individual award total product team play scored goal receiving pass somebody thanks fans continue inspire rest team win games finalist award following united_states win women world cup teammates women sports team honored tape parade new_york_city player received key city mayor bill october year team honored president barack_obama white_house named time list influential people world following year received icon award personal life lives portland oregon beach california buffalo new_york english bulldog named kingston october married longtime partner sarah hawaii level media attention generated marriage emphasized event political statement represent coming speak people feel like gone days need come closet felt like closet felt comfortable decisions outspoken supporter hillary_clinton attended campaign events clinton primary election new_hampshire arrested driving influence pulled portland police april pleaded guilty following incident mini pulled commercial featuring endorsements signed endorsement deals mvp healthcare starred dodge commercial national team teammates signed year endorsement deal bank america july year appeared commercials phone service espn received gold card mexican free daily life formal endorsement deal offers cards known professional athletes publicly express liking restaurant summer signed endorsement deal new_york apple association featured television radio print online ads starred commercial led lighting company philanthropy work foundation juvenile diabetes research foundation participated annual celebrity soccer challenge raises money children hospital los_angeles foundation august joined teammates alex morgan hope solo bank america charitable campaign chicago marathon donated juvenile diabetes association behalf ambassador athlete ally nonprofit organization focuses ending sports popular culture television film appeared hbo film dare dream story women soccer team appearances today late david_letterman daily jon stewart good morning america featured espn game robin roberts june biography focus hour espn documentary head year appeared espn documentary series documentary appeared focused success legacy national team squad won women world cup april joined alex morgan american idol announce season winner record official song fox coverage women world cup year likeness appeared simpsons alex morgan press magazines posed nude body issue espn magazine experience said bodies come different shapes bodies come different sizes body different females want people matter matter shape beautiful featured cover espn magazine teammates sydney alex morgan video games featured national teammates sports video game series starting time women players included game september ranked sports women player game


born august known spanish played centre born began football career youth teams local professional club earned promotion year later signed madrid nearly appearances seasons career marred controversy presidential candidates city rivals real madrid claimed deal place real sign win election established team contributing fourth place finish played increasingly rarely end time club moved england spent season premier league club west football league championship second tier club birmingham city international level capped times spain team making appearance senior national team went earn caps represented country world cup club career early life career born province son member grew greater madrid area father stationed played football occasional forward team district parents connections club age began football career club youth teams converted play central defence worked way junior teams instead moving team sent loan playing fourth tier returning owning club played season regular starter helped team reach promotion play offs success seeing work team squad pre season training coach quoted saying pick coming campaign good word debut draw away august went start matches finished season place promoted second tier matches sufficient impact attract interest clubs domestic foreign receive spanish team friendly match bulgaria january transfer window attempted arrange transfer deal need significant fee paid cash weeks later sports agent bought half rights player enabling club pay wages complete season successfully training ground injury flight debut doubt passed fit start opening day season match reporter described promising despite inadequate marking defensive partner taking blame opening goal won missed league game season finished 14th season increasingly clear player joining bigger club amid reported interest list clubs including manchester city arsenal leeds united reportedly willing pay million player loan season agreed terms club unable agree signed year contract madrid fee plus add reunited recently appointed coach madrid international fellow newcomer central defence contributed achieving best defensive record season barcelona real madrid conceded fewer goals team finished mid table 11th position score illustrated goals making best league scorer performances earned selection senior national team friendly england november reported interest major clubs given pay rise contract extension fixture club country repeated efforts previous season finished 10th place fourth best defensive record partnered world cup embroiled real madrid presidential elections chosen coach presidential candidate juan announced club bring reyes strengthen team won election deal lost election remain agent spoke defence confirming asked leave faction taking advantage contractual clause allowing leave offer received club claimed figure basis negotiation suggested joining hated rival different joining big club abroad coach clear wanted needed best centre spain player apologised fans insisting wanted stay admitting mistake accepting real offer kept place november injury sustained diagnosed bruised kidney fractured kept weeks time forced way consideration starter january marked 100th game club rare goal earn draw racing completed season league games helped club qualify cup cup retained regular spot starting finished fourth league qualified champions league mistakes madrid derby january led real goals fans hostility recruitment johnny pushed order finished season league appearances offer real rejected club insufficient despite arrival adding defensive competition said happy remaining year contract final season played rarely took early rounds del group stage champions league finished group dropped league appearance club late substitute december west despite renewed interest coach moved england signed year deal west newly returned premier league begin july contract expired debut opening day season central defence lost scored goal days later win league tier club orient league cup sporadically making premier league appearances came teammate suggested took season oneself english football especially spoke little english arrived birmingham city signed year contract championship second tier club birmingham city august end summer transfer window fee undisclosed debut club home defeat group stage league away club competition knocked unconscious clash heads joseph received lengthy treatment tenth minute resultant time chris wood scored winning goal birmingham replaced injured curtis davies starting concussion sustained gave davies time regain fitness undisputed starting place alongside central defence season ended early injury returned team games including play semi final defeat finished game season starts came league davies began season choice ankle injury sustained davies league cup match city gave early opportunity impress kept place davies returned fitness bone foot defeat expected month injuries return fitness emergence young left allowed paul robinson partner davies centre meant played twice released end contract international career matches received spanish team friendly match bulgaria november despite media assumption played match spain won regular selection months finished career caps appearances came spain eliminated sweden qualification play offs european championships senior national squad came october world cup belgium lithuania replacement dropped original selection injury centre pairing possession remained bench games international debut november friendly england madrid entered game half time substitute spain leading minutes left appeared foul smith act shooting penalty awarded spain difficulty retaining lead replaced previously regular selection squad spain match world cup home san february play match friendly china march appeared score half goal ruled days later competitive international appearance world cup away serbia montenegro playing alongside half second world cup qualification process established alongside choice spain despite goal game croatia played group games finals victories ensured qualification quarter finals rested saudi_arabia france spain took lead david villa penalty victim clumsy challenge france half took lead minutes left spain pushing scored time time played losing spain retained place remainder played frequently appearing spain euro named man provisional squad competition finals failed cut international appearance came substitute friendly win france february style play tall good air younger player noted pace teammate suggested key attributes worst thing happen forward coach said qualities needed position included anticipation intelligence things simple according rarely doesn need arsenal defensive resources world cup profile suggested ball impressions suggest look scout assessment running style ugly reportedly discouraged real madrid pursuing early interest later years experience birmingham mail suggested contrast aggressive animated tends subtle positioning likes read game head head battle personal life married cathedral december couple son daughter provincial government presented honor gold medal honour gratitude prowess natives province play senior national team recognition personal qualities example youth region career statistics club international honours promotion madrid del runner