Thetownend.com

I was very bored.  So I wrote this.

The top 10 Town players I have seen.


1.   Glenn Hoddle

The man who gave us premier league football.  Not our best manager, but simply the best player in a town shirt this side of the Don.  He made impossible passes possible every week.  Beautifully elegant, Hoddle always seemed to have five seconds more than anybody else.  It was a privilege to watch the most talented English player of his generation strolling around the County Ground pitch, picking out White, Mitchell and Maskell at will and demonstrating how football should be played.  He made it look simple – it wasn’t.

2.   Micky Hazard

Hazard proved that massive stature and a full set of toes are not prerequisites to a wonderful football career.  The only player I’ve ever seen who could beat a man simply by turning around in a circle.  He seemed to glide across the pitch, and was, strictly metaphorically, head and shoulders above anybody else.  Seeing him sat on the bench in the playoff final tells you how strong that team was.  A colourful and engaging character and a fine footballer.

3.   Mark Walters

Much of the football world lauds Cristiano Ronaldo as the king of the step over.  County Ground regulars in the mid-90s know different.  Walters had the step over trademarked while Cristiano was still hammering footballs through his Dad’s greenhouse.  Blink and you would miss it – and full backs regularly did.  Perfect delivery and a haul of brilliant goals – I’ll never forget the chip against Bolton – make Wally one of my favourite all time players.

4.   John Moncur

The third part of the Hoddle – Hazard – Moncur holy trinity.  Dynamic yet elegant, “Moncs” was the driving force of the playoff team.  His verve and skill thrilled fans and his attitude delighted in equal measure.  While many will remember him as the guy Eric Cantona stamped on, I will remember his goals in the play-off semi-finals and his performances in the premier league, where at times he drove the team on his own.  A special player.

5.   Fraser Digby

 “Everything’s fine – Fraser’s in goal”.  A phrase I uttered countless times over a number of years.  Swindon’s Mr Reliable, Fraser made you feel safe.  More importantly, he made defences feel safe.  The times he lost his place to those of a flappy-handed nature – Hammond, Talia – were worrying.  While those two could make brilliant saves, they were prone to disastrous errors – Peterborough away anyone?  Fraser was safe.  I loved him.

6.   Jan Aage Fjortoft

Mercurial.  Wonderful.  Mind-blowing.  Arrogant.  Occassionally infuriating.  Simply brilliant.  Once he found his form, there was nothing Jan couldn’t do with a football.  He played the game effortlessly – like a more dynamic, and frankly better, Dimitar Berbatov.  Pure class.  I was in tears when he left.   

7.   Sam Parkin

Sam Parkin made me remember that strikers – proper strikers – score goals.  They score beautiful goals, and they score scrappy goals.  Sam scored all sorts.  From his debut hat trick, he didn’t put a foot wrong (glossing over Cheltenham away) in his whole time here.  My particular favourite was a curling shot from the edge of the box at Wycombe’s Adams Park.  But there were so many you could make it the subject of its own list.  Since Sam, we’ve had a good number of goalscorers at the club – Austin, Cox, Paynter, Fallon – but Sam was the best.  His career never went as far as it should have, and to many football fans his is an inauspicious name – to me, he’s a club legend.

8.   Simon Cox

Brilliant.  Simon Cox was brilliant.  Bursting with talent and enthusiasm, he could score from anywhere.  His first touch and link up play were intelligent.  His ability to score goals was first class.  He scored a lot – a lot – of goals in a mediocre Swindon line up.  Great to watch.

9.   Paul Bodin

Goalscoring full backs.  I can only name two.  Stuart Pearce is one.  Bodin is the other.  His goals in crucial games in 1992/93 secured us a playoff spot.  His penalty took us up.  But Bodin was about far more than a few goals.  A great defender who made cracking runs forwards, he had a calmness about him and terrific delivery.  When the team was going forward he operated almost as a winger – as did Summerbee on the other side – allowing the narrow, flexible midfield that Glenn favoured.  A true club legend.

10.   Colin Calderwood and Shaun Taylor

Technically two players – but how do you separate them?  The best centre half pairing I’ve ever seen.  They seemed tied to each other and completely in tune with each other.  Colin was all pace, finesse and reading the game.  Shaun was pure strength and power, heading and tackling.  The blend between these two first class defenders was beautiful and natural.  Two greats leaders too.


Interestingly, this might make a pretty tasty starting eleven, although it wasn’t planned that way.  Fraser in goal.  Shaun and Colin keeping things solid at the back, with Glenn sweeping and stepping forward to join in when we have the ball.  Bodin down the left, Walters down the right.  Micky and Moncs spraying the ball about, and a dream strikeforce of Fjortoft, Parkin and Cox.  That’s a team that’s worth watching…

Some who nearly made it… Ian Woan, Martin Ling, Sammy Igoe, Brian Howard, Ian Culverhouse, Charlie Austin, Danny Invincibile, Wayne Allison, Nicky Summerbee, Jimmy Davis, Kevin Horlock, Stefani Miglioranzi, Scott Leitch.

Great idea for a thread...but could a mod move it to the 'Players' section?

And telling (but not surprising, really) that 7 of your 11 were a part of Hoddle's promotion winning squad from 1992-93.

I started watching in 1990-91.  In that time I've only seen 1 brilliant team!  As you say, it is rather telling.

As did I.  Very good timing it was too!

Of all those 11 players, there is only 1 who I've seen properly.

go me!

My 10 usually consists of players who would've played during the 92/93 season.

1. Don Rogers
2. John Trollope
3. Alan Mayes
4. Colin Calderwood
5. Micky Hazard
6. Simon Cox
7. Dave Bamber
8. Fraser Digby.
9. Shaun Taylor
10. Duncan Shearer
11. Jimmy Quinn

Honorable mentions. John Gittens, Jimmy Allan, Peter Eastoe. Chris Ramsey, Chris Kamara, Ray Mchale, Glen Hoddle, Trevor Anderson, Dave Moss, Steve Foley, Tom Jones, Steve White, Charlie Austin, Paul Bodin, Bobby Barnes, Dave Hockaday, David Kerslake, Nicky Summerbee.

Is it really feasible for any of us (old enough) to have a list that did not include Glenn Hoddle, though?  Five of your list were before my time (Rogers, Trollope, Mayes, Bamber, Quinn)...but of the rest, I'd say Glenn was at least equal to and perhaps better than most of them.  He'll always own the #4 shirt for me.

Yeah but he only played the one season and had it easy, mine for different reasons all contributed more in my eyes at more difficult times

Don Rogers
Rod Thomas
Peter Downsborough
Peter Noble
Arthur Horsfield
Paul Bodin
Alan McLoughlin
Alan Mayes
Stan Harland
Dave Bamber
Wes Fotheringham

Cant really count Hoddle, Ardiles to my mind

I don't feel I could do a full list justice right now, but have a feeling that my list would end up looking similar to Baggins' at the top of this thread.  I know it's difficult to compare players from different periods who were playing at different levels, but I might just find a way to sneak Simon Ferry in there as well.  Of the current crop, I think he's the most likely 'Di Canio era' candidate that we'll all be recalling in 20 years from now (accepting that he also had a good season under Wilson and will hopefully have a few more under MacDonald.)

I can only really go back to 2002ish as that's when I started following properly and I can't name 10.

Austin
Cox
Ritchie
Parkin
Miglioranzi
Greer

Similarly to SY, the only ones from my 'era' who would be fit to even be considered for such a list would be Parkin, Cox, maybe Austin and Maybe Ritchie.

If things go well though, and contracts get signed etc, could easily see Ferry and Foderingham making such a list in five years time.

Digby
Kerslake
Calderwood
Taylor
Hoddle
Moncur
Shearer
White
Alan Mcloughlin
Ling
Fjortoft

Others : Austin, Cox, Bodin, King, Ardilles, Macari, Bamber, Kamara, Foley, Quinn, Hazard, Thorne, Parkin, Finney.

Parkin and Cox were better players than Austin but he had a bigger impact in his short time; fairytale stuff and all that.

Ritchie will always be looked back at fondly because of the way he'll forever be perceived as having been forced out. Only non-striker I could think of that has driven us to a promotion.

Migs was a classy player and a top bloke. Injuries problems were exaggerated.

In no particular order, except Kenny Stroud who's my all time favourite Town player, I just loved all these:

Kenny Stroud
Colin Calderwood
David Kerslake
Glenn Hoddle
Ian Miller
Alan Mayes
Brian Williams
Paul Rideout
Micky Hazard
Nicky Summerbee

Alan Mcloughlin ??

Before my time...

Then you missed out on a legend

He cost fuck all and scored 111 goals.  His name is Steve White.

My top 10 starts here.

Kevin Horlock weren't too shabby. Just checked his record at Man City-  39 goals in 206 appearances, impressive.

Hmmm, this could be tough.

Hoddle
Fjortoft
Moncur
Kerslake
Calderwood
Shearer
Cox
McLoughlin
Digby
Bodin, just ahead of Taylor, I think, I'm not sure.

We were spoilt for abou 8 years or so, very few since the year started with a 2.

Interestingly you find yourself thinking, "he didn't play long enough to count".  On that, I'd have  Danny Ward head and shoulders over Ritchie in a more recent top 10 if I had to name one.  Of our current tean, Ferry could make it, but I don't think he has kicked on as much as he should have by now, and Wes may end up matching or beating Diggers if he sticks around.

My favourite ten, starting from the mid-90s:

Paul Bodin
Shaun Taylor
George Ndah
Fraser Digby
Kevin Horlock
Mark Walters
Sam Parkin
Stefani Miglioranzi
Simon Cox
Charlie Austin

Foderingham will probably be in this if he sticks around much longer. Possibly Ferry.

Peter Downsborough
Rod Thomas
Paul Bodin
Ray McHale
Colin Calderwood
Frank Burrows
Bobby Woodruffe
Mike Summerbee
Ernie Hunt
Jan Fjortoft
Don Rogers

Cant disagree with any of those, in fact its impossible to limit the good players to 10 IMO, the only one of those I did not see play was Don Rogers whos career ended just as I started watching Swindon.

If it came down to just 10 though I would pick...

Fraser Digby
David Kerslake
Colin Calderwood
Shaun Taylor
Paul Bodin
Chris Kamara
Glenn Hoddle
Nicky Summerbee
Bobby Barnes
Jan Age Fjortoft
Duncan Shearer

with Charlie Austin on the bench.

Of the players I have actually seen live.

Too many players to mention for a top 10 for me.  I agree with a good majority of players in the lists so far and disagree with a few.  I think Brewster has come closest for me, with maybe a few ommisions.

Digby
Hoddle
Kerslake
Calderwood
Taylor
Hoddle
White
Summerbee  ( Nicky)
Shearer
Foderingham

mention to Andy Rowland, who was my first "favourite" player

I can't remember much about Bobby Barnes apart from getting sent off in error for the 2 finger salute and the fact that he wore Quaser Boots.

Was he good then ?

I used to love Ray McHale and Kammy crunching into the tackles, good players too.

Typical flair player, brilliant sometimes, crap now and again, but always kept the oppo defence on edge. Just we hadnt really had one like him before in my time anyway.

Really hard because as others have said there have actually been a lot, particularly years back - but then questions of who were actually 'best' has to reflect the level they were playing at.  Sir Don would be on all the oldies list, including me, but he wasn't a huge success when he went to the 1st Div.

So I would go with Downsborough, Foderingham (for potential), Rod Thomas, Burrows, Calderwood, Bodin, Moncur, Hoddle, Walters (and Simpson nearly gets in there), Fjortoft, White, Rogers....oh dear thats 12.....

Anyone think Nathan Thompson could become a bit of a Town legend? Clearly he is young and raw but is slowly turning into a composed, hard tackling Right Back.

That's if we don't sell him on the cheap in summer.

He also got sent playing for Aldershot against Town when one of the players (can't remember who it was though) kicked the ball in his face and he went berserk.

I seem to recall there was a bit of animosity between him and Steve White but I may be mistaken.

Exciting player to watch though.

Absolutely.  Hugely impressed with him at such a young age Id put his as one of the best full backs Iveseen in this league and hes only going to get better.  If we get 5 years out of him Ill be very surprised as I could see him being poached and progressing very quickly.

The great ones are the players you watch and think they're too good for us whilst constantly worrying that some bastard will buy them. I used to love watching Alan Mac go about his business. Absolute class. When I read in the paper that Saints had bought him I was absolutely gutted. And Hoddle was a pleasure to watch. To a lesser extent players like Cuervo and Lorenzo were so sweet on the ball.

Amongst all the plodders and hackers and hoofers I've watched with pride at Swindon it's those sort of flare players that help sustain the romance between us and our club.

Has the attributes to make it, and could easily be in the Premier League in a couple of years time.
In the same mould of full back as Evra or Ashley Cole. Small, but strong, quick and likes to bomb forward.

Would be surprised if he isn't snapped up in the next 12 months.

I think this is why a lot of the top 10s have been from years ago when players stayed at clubs for more than a couple of seasons and had a chance to prove themselves.

This is no longer the case as players move so readily - even Fjortoft was with us longer than Austin.

Ian Woan,great on the ball and could pick a pass.Was maybe past his best when with us but still had that class.

Hard to pin it down to one player as best , but for total commitment i will go for ooh Shaun Taylor , obviously not the best technically but made up for that with 100% effort  . ( Hoddle probably being the best )

I understand this is probably more favorite players you have seen in the flesh rather than an all time best but it surprises me how many people pick Paul Bodin in their all time XIs when one of the clubs greatest ever legends who holds a distinct record was a left back (John Trollope). Likewise, it's pretty evident to me from old footage that Fraser Digby was not our greatest ever goalkeeper.

My Top 10 favourites I have seen (which is also very different to who I think are the best 10 players to play for the club since I have been watching)

Mark Walters
Shaun Taylor
Colin Calderwood
Jan Aage Fjortoft
Wayne Allison
Sam Parkin
Simon Cox
Lee Peacock
Iffy Onoura
Micky Hazard

Always thought Kevin Horlock was class and Ty Gooden was always a favourite of mine.

Can't look much beyond Hoddle and Shaun 'in control' Taylor.

Fraser Digby
David Kerslake
Shaun Taylor
Colin Calderwood
Paul Bodin
Mark Walters
Mickey Hazard
John Moncur
Nicky Summerbee
Duncan Shearer
Jan Age Fjortoft

Subs: Simon Cox, Charlie Austin, Ian Culverhouse, Wes Foderigham, Glenn Hoddle, Chris Kamara, Andy Rowlands

Shaun Taylor......!

rogers and hoddle streets ahead of anyone else. the rest are for debate. surprised little mention of david moss. class player.

Good at beating his man, but most of his shots cleared the bank or hit the top of the townend.

Peter Noble No 1 for me-had everything

bit harsh suttonred. moss scored and made goals throughout his time here.he was then a key player in a very good luton team. will admit, like don crap in the air.

 Harold Fleming
 Harry Morris
 Archie Bown
 George Hudson
 Sammy Burton
 Maurice Owen
 Billy Tout
 Jock Walker
 Bill Silto
 Bertie Denyer.

Players that I've seen...

Digby
Fjortoft
Taylor
Cox
Parkin
Walters
Migz
Foderingham
Austin
Ritchie

I know its not the question, but....


                     Fods,
Thomas, Culverhouse, Lorenzo, Bodin,
Walters, Moncur, Alan Mac, Rogers,
              Fjortoft, Mayes

Fuck me yeah........though Hoddle for Alan Mac for me..with Mac on the bench.

It's a tricky one. Where do you draw the line? If it's the loyal greats then I've seen Taylor, Digby, Bodin play.

If it's impact for a few years, then there's another section, Fjortoft, Thorpe, Allison, Ndah, Cox, Parkin, etc.

If it's the greatest individual performance in one match. Then it's Frank Talia when we beat top of the table Charlton, away, 1-0, late on in the 99/00 dismal relegation season. Never has a goalkeeper had so much to do and not conceded.

Frank Talia...thats him!

Other than that one game he was pretty unquestionably average / shit. And to be fair it's 90minutes which happened over half my life ago, so I might be remembering him being better than he was.

Wouldn't quibble on Hoddle relegating Alan Mac to the bench.

As Flammable says what sort of greats are we looking at?  My heart would never not pick Calderwood and Taylor

Surely you mean your head?

Since I've been a fan my top 10 would include in no particular order,

Cox
Austin
Parkin
Greer
Foderingham
Ferry
Ritchie
Caddis
Danny Ward
Miglioranzi

                          Downsborough

Rod Thomas      Steve Aizlewood          Colin Calderwood       John Trollope

                  Ray McHale      Glenn Hoddle         Don Rogers

                Peter Noble        Steve White           Jan Aage Fjortoft

like the combo of silk 'n steel

Downsborough;Thomas,Burrows,Calderwood,Trollope
Moncur,Hoddle,McLoughlin,Rogers
Fjortoft,Noble