Twenty-three down. Two to go. Sitting behind the penultimate window on our alternative advent calendar is another West Ham United player and, as John Verrall explains, he’s a Hammer through and through… Mark Noble (West Ham United) “When West Ham lose it feels like the world’s coming down on top of me”. Mark Noble’s commitment to his club has never been in question, but when West Ham were relegated from the Premier League last season his ability was. Noble is a player who has always divided fans’ of the London club’s opinion – despite possessing an almighty passion for the…
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The 25 Best Players in the Championship - as voted for by you: Part 18 of 25
Hull City currently sit proudly in the play-off places thanks to the boost provided by local hero Nick Barmby taking control. Barmby has managed to stop the Tigers looking toothless in attack, but he will still be relying on consistent performances from his back four to maintain Hull’s promotion chances. John Verrall explains why one member of this defence will be itching to get back to Old Trafford wearing black and amber. James Chester (Hull City) Making the grade at Manchester United is arguably the hardest thing for any young professional in England to do. The standards required by England’s…
The 25 Best Players in the Championship - as voted for by you: Part 13 of 25
From Peterborough United to Nottingham Forest and back again, this former Stevenage winger was yet to prove himself at Championship level until this season. Now, John Verrall says, George Boyd is proving himself at the perfect time for the Posh. George Boyd (Peterborough United) When George Boyd, Aaron McLean and Craig Mackail-Smith arrived on the scene at Peterborough United, they came as non-league gambles - the flag-bearers of the new Darragh MacAnthony era. In the end, Keith Alexander, manager of The Posh at the time, could hardly have picked three better players. Yet, while Mackail-Smith showed unbelievable commitment and work-rate…
The 25 Best Players in the Championship - as voted for by you: Part 8 of 25
In time-honoured tradition, the Championship’s newly-promoted teams are doing just fine so far this season. Peterborough United are currently 16th in the table but, with the division as tight as ever, there is understandable positivity about the chances of a top-half finish at London Road. Central to Posh’s chances will be their talented Northern Irish midfielder Grant McCann. John Verrall is impressed. Grant McCann (Peterborough United) The defensive midfield role is one that, as suggested by the name, is generally considered to be a position for a player whose strength lies in breaking up opposition attacks. Players like Claude Makelele…
David Fellerath: Sounds awful, but why would the Nottingham Forest men's club pull the ...
Ben: They certainly impressed against Newcastle, eventually running out of ...
Lanterne Rouge: I think the principle that football fans should be treated equally is ...
Lloyd: Great piece, Tom, which comes just days after my dad lamented the chan...
Steve: I would also point out that in my seat I have little elbow and leg roo...
