Best Blues Players Part 3
Jul 28th, 2009 | By Aylesburyblue | Category: Aylesburyblue Articles, Blues NewsWell so far our team has Gill Merrick in goal, Jeff Hall at right back and Martin Grainger at left back. Now we need some central defenders. You can select two from the list below.
Steve Bruce
1996-98, 84 appearances, 3 goals
A legend with Manchester United he finished his playing days at St Andrew’s as one of Trevor Francis’s best signings. A commanding presence at the back he also went on to be the manager who finally took us to the Premier League.
Kenny Cunningham
2002-06, 144 total appearances, 0 goals
An assured defender who read the game extremely well, the Ireland international was among a clutch of inspired signings by Steve Bruce who helped keep Birmingham stay in the Premier League for four years after promotion in 2002. He formed a great partnership with Matthew Upson which led to Blues having one of the stingiest defences in our early years of the Premiership. He left under a cloud but was still “King Kenny” to me.
Matthew Upson
2003-07, 128 total appearances, 5 goals
Signed in the January transfer window he proved a tower of strength in the centre of defence, with his impeccable positioning and ability in the air. Played a number of games for England while in a Blues shirt.
Joe Gallager
1972-81, 335 total appearances, 23 goals
Good old-fashioned centre half, strong in the air and brave in the tackle. He was made the team’s captain at the age of 19. Went on to make over 300 appearances for the club and, after leading Birmingham back into the top flight in 1981, was awarded a testimonial for a decade of service.
Trevor Smith
1953-64, 430 total appearances, 3 goals
A tall and powerful locally born central defender who emerged during their greatest era, reaching the first division in 1955 and the FA Cup Final 12 months later. When Billy Wright retired from international football, Smith, at just 23, was selected in his place, though two England caps barely reflected his ability.
Colin Todd
1979-82, 93 total appearances, 0 goals
A classy defender who joined Blues from Everton for £275,000. While he was towards the end of his career with us his experience really helped in Jim Smith’s
This one is too difficult. Whilst I think Todd just had the edge over Cunningham for stylish quality, the traditional Centre Half is between Bruce, Upson and Gallagher. Bruce was outstanding and achieved so much in the game and I find it very difficult not to pick him as a player but Upson just edges it for me. I’d have Noel Blake though every time. As I’ve just discovered this site I am amazed that GAry Rowett didn’t get a mention and personally I’ve not seen a better left back than Mark Dennis. His quality was without question and he was head and shoulders above the England left back, Kenny Sansom at the time. Grainger was exceptional as a player and servant to Blues and as fans, Blues like this type of player. However, off field problems aside, Mark Dennis was without peer.
It’s no contest for anyone who saw all these players. Trevor Smith is clearly the best player and the only one to play in a side that won anything. The heady days of playing Barcelona and Inter Milan at St Andrews and winning the League Cup at Villa Park.
terry i saw all of them as well and you are spot on trevor smith was the best followed by upson
Joe Joe Gallagher, Joe Joe Gallagher!! Anyone remember his comeback after his broken leg v Bristol City I think. He scored. Great night.
I agree it is a toughie. I don’t remember Smith.
I think we should be voting for 2 CBs personally.
Kev
In my ‘eighties’ Seen em all since the war ! also played against Trev. Smith in the junior leagues….He’s got to be the best Brum have ever had! and with ‘Brucie’, No-one would ever get passed those two!!!.
Can we add Kenny Burns to the list? He is one I vote for.
I’ve added Noel Blake but Kenny Burns played half his time as a striker so he doesn’t make the cut.
Remember you can vote for two players.
It says I am only allowed one choice?
Fixed now. Must have reset when I added Noel Blake.
No it wasn’t working before – hence my comment above about voting for 2 players.
I am confused about the logic on not including Kenny Burns. If he is not included in this poll on the basis he spent half his time as a striker does that mean when it comes to voting for strikers he won’t make the cut because he played half his time as a CB?
So we don’t get to choose whether one of our best ever players should be in our best ever team?