But for one Birmingham player in particular it must of been even sweeter! Captain Steve Carr. SC first won this trophy back in 1999 with Spurs, After what seemed a life time with his boyhood team, Carr moved North to Newcastle for £2 million. After a few season with the Magpies and @ the age of 32 Carr decided to call time on his modest career. In the february of the following year Carr had the chance to link up with the Birmingham team on a one month contract. During this time Carr put in the kind of performances that got him noticed back in his Spurs days and was given the chance to stay @ the Blues until the end of the season. The rest is history as they say. Birmingham got promoted, Carr was given a 2 year contract and made Captain. Fast forward to yesterday and Carr @ the age of 34 got to lead out his team for a final @ Wembley.
Which the Blues went on to cause a major cup upset and beat the gooners 2-1!
This got us thinking! We stuck the kettle on and had a debate about who would make the top 5 modern day golden oldies in british football? Players that had been cast aside, past their prime according to certain managers, critics & in some cases even themselves!
5. Straight in @ number 5 is Steven Carr. One of the greatest right-backs the premier league has ever seen. long may his career continue.
4. Leading on and @ number 4 is an inclusion for Dean Windass. A local boy done well, played for more than a handful of clubs including Aberdeen, Bradford, Middlesbrough & Oxford. In 2007 & @ the age of 38 Windass returned to Hull. In the May of the following year, Windass scored his 201st Goal in English football against Bristol City during that seasons playoff final. Giving a Hull a 1-0 win and their first ever taste of top flight football, also giving Windass Legendary status amongst Hull City fans.
3. In @ number three, is 'Physco'....... Stuart Pearce. A forest legend spending over 12 years with the club. Pearce took over as Caretaker manager of Forest in the later part of 96. By March 97 Pearce was relieved of his duties, by the summer of that year Pearce moved to Newcastle and after a few seasons with the Magpies Pearce moved to West Ham, During one memorable game for the Hammers, Pearce broke his leg half way through the first half, but he still continued playing, only coming off after the medical staff would not allow him to return to the pitch for the start of the second half. In 2001 Pearce signed for Manchester City. The hard tackling no nonsense defender carried on playing at the highest level past the age of 39.
2. In @ number 2. Gary McAllister, Signed for Liverpool on a free in the summer of 2000. @ the age of 35 and with what many thought his best years long behind him, McAllisters arrival @ Anfield didn't go down well @ first with the fans. Had Houllier lost his mind? With the likes of Gerrard, Barmby & Hamann already @ the club, would McAllister even make the bench? Well that season Liverpool went on to win The F.A Cup, League Cup & UEFA Cup. McAllister was described by the fans & his manager as inspirational signing. McAllister's performances during the F.A cup & UEFA cup finals are what most fans will remember him for. Coming on during the F.A cup final, its been documented that his determination and creativity turned the tie in favor of the Merseysiders. McAllister was given a starting roll in the UEFA Cup final, and played a blinder, as well as scoring he also had a hand in 3 of the 5 goals Liverpool scored in that famous 5-4 win.
That leads us on to our number 1 golden Oldie! We could have done a top 20, as players such as Ray Wilkins, Strachan, McGrath, Mabbutt & Gary Speed all played on until they needed a zimmer frame! In fairness & in some cases some played on with the zimmer frame!
In @ number 1. Oh Teddy, Teddy, Teddy, Teddy, Teddy, Teddy Sheringham. After winning the lot @ United, and @ the age of 35 Sheringham found himself surplus to requirements with the red devils. A fans favorite @ the lane, Teddy returned to Spurs just in time for the start of the 2001 season. He was made Captain on his return, and spent the next 2 years playing for the north London team, Also appearing @ the 2002 world cup finals for England. Spurs decided against offering Teddy a contract extension and Harry signed him up for Pompey. *Sheringham holds the record as the oldest Premier League Player to score a hat-trick. After a single season with Pompey he was on the move again. This time back to London with West Ham. The Hammers found themselves in the Championship and wanted to get back to the big time sooner rather than later! Sheringham played a vital part in helping the Hammers back into the top flight. Scoring 20 goals that season and becoming the Championships player of the season. Back in the big time and @ the age of 40 Sheringham re-rote history becoming the oldest outfield player to play in the Premiership aged 40 years & 270 days. In the summer of 2007 Teddy left the Hammers & joined Colchester United for which would be the last club this footballing great would represent.
A Legend to so many!
Great article! Steven Carr turned back time yesterday. Giggs is a fantastic player, but hasn't had to deal with being without a club or a contract, the same can be said for the likes of Scholes & Beckham. Maybe David James should of been included in there. But who would you take out?
ReplyDelete