Best Blues Players Part 5
Aug 21st, 2009 | By Aylesburyblue | Category: Blues News, PollsThis selection has been provided by Tarantini Dust one of our forum members. In our last poll Stan Lazaridis was a clear winner with Gordon Taylor narrowly taking the other spot ahead of Alex Govan.
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So here we are at the start of a new season and our problem position is…..? Central midfield. Plus Ca Change. Of all the positions we are choosing for our all time Blues team in my opinion central midfield offers the least to grace any Hall of Fame. Players we have had there have either not fulfilled their promise (Ian Handysides, the new Trevor Francis springs to mind as well as Darren Carter and Bryan Hughes).
However here is my list for voting. Please pick 2 from the list below.
Howard Kendall 1974-77
134 appearances, 18 goals.
At one time the youngest player to appear in a FA cup final in the 20th century Kendall was transferred from Everton as part of the deal that took Bob Latchford to Everton. Although slightly past his best when he came to Blues he was a steady influence in the centre and rarely misplaced a pass. Went on to have a very successful managerial career.
Kevin Dillon 1977-83
212 appearances, 19 goals.
A cultured and skillful player who could make the game look easy when at the top of his game. A great striker of the ball he had a Hoddle like ability to hit an accurate long pass. Never properly realised his potential and a solitary U21 England appearance was a poor reward for his talent. Recently left his post as coach to Reading.
Trevor Hockey 1965-71
232 appearances, 13 goals.
A hugely popular player with the fans he always gave his all and his attitude and style of play was typified by his instructions on joining Sheff Utd where he was exhorted to “battle, to win the ball and to give it to Currie” His 9 Welsh caps showed he had ability too. Was frequently invited back to St Andrews for testimonials where the cry “Hockey, Hockey, Hockey. Oy, Oy, Oy” was always rolled out in welcome. Tragically died in 1987 aged 43.
Archie Gemmill 1979-82
115 appearances, 14 goals
Another player arguably past his best when he joined us however he still managed to win 10 caps whilst with the Blues and this was at a time when Scotland had untold riches in that position. Brian Clough was also heard to announce that the biggest mistake he ever made was letting Gemmill leave Forest too soon. A combative and attacking midfielder, who will always be remembered for “that” goal against Holland) Gemmill was a consummate professional who had some scathing words to say about the drinking culture at Blues in his autobiography
Alan Campbell 1970-76
211 appearances, 14 goals
Another popular player with the fans who mixed work rate with skill. Played in some of the most exciting teams of the 1970′s and didn’t look out of place in any of them. Made one appearance for Scotland U23 but was unlucky to be playing at a time when Scotland had several good players available. Would certainly be in the Scotland team of today.
Llewellyn Charles “Alan”Curbishley 1979-83
155 appearances, 15 goals.
Signed from West Ham for £225,000 Curbs was a typical product of the West Ham academy. Fast and skillful he was nicknamed “whizz” by his team mates. Very difficult to shake off the ball, he joined Birmingham in his prime but never quite managed to break into the England set up. Went on to be a successful Manager and often gets mentioned in connection with the Blues post.
Johnny Vincent 1964-70
194 appearances, 44 goals
Vincent joined Blues as a schoolboy making his first-team debut in March 1964, shortly after his 17th birthday. His style of play was elegant and he was consistent in his ability to launch an attack, whether by good passing of the ball or by purposeful running. He became a first team regular creating chances for Barry Bridge, Geoff Vowden and Fred Pickering, later he supplied Jimmy Greenhoff, Bob Latchford and Bob Hatton. He had a powerful shot himself as proven by an impressive 44 goals.
Robbie Savage 2002-25
88 appearances, 12 goals.
Last but not least, at least in his own mind, is the incomparable Mr. Savage. A energetic and combative athlete, his work rate was second to none however he was talented enough to earn 39 Welsh caps. Always a target for opposition fans Savage seemed to revel in his role as pantomime villain and was not shy in asserting his own ability as evidenced by his claim to be the best Blues player since Trevor Francis. Whilst his departure was marred by bitterness it is difficult to argue that his absence went some way to Blues being relegated that season.









