Unfullfilled potential

[Dario Terracotta]

Jimmy Coyle from the mid 1980s?

 

[Kevsleftpeg]

The raw ability Barkley had was at a different level to most of these guys being mentioned. Between not being properly coached, injuries and poor transfer decisions he ended up a meh player when at his best he was capable of dominating a game in a way few can.

He still can. He played for Luton against Arsenal last year and was the best player on the pitch. Always seemed to trouble Liverpool and City too when he was here. More natural ability than Bellingham for me but just something missing.

 

[caughtbythefuzz]

John-Paul Kissock was really highly rated. Never quite happened for one reason or another.

 

[Neiler]

We made a couple of high fees for young keepers that tanked.

Richard Wright and Steve Simonsen.

 

[Lanolin]

Unfortunately like many of our young lads I don’t think he was particularly well managed , we often ended up throwing out young players on late on when we were losing . The lads getting little opportunity and plenty of pressure before we often slipped to a defeat . All of which is hardly conducive to career development.

I think branch was just pure pace and nothing else. Technically he was miles off it at the top level, I have a vivid recollection of him just making the same run (diagonally towards the corner flag) over and over again. He was maybe a bit unlucky that he came through at a time when the PL landscape was shifting massively towards top quality foreign players, he might have looked alright 5 years earlier.

 

[heatmeiser]

If you've got a spare 90 minutes, this was the Derby he was named as MotM.

I always wonder what could have happened if Mike Walker hadn't been manager at the time.

With someone competent supporting him who knows

 

[Neiler]

Juliano Rodrigo the Brazilian attacking midfielder signed in Moyes first full season on loan, remember being buzzing, with reports at the time saying he’s was behind Rivaldo and Denilson in the Brazilian pecking order.

Managed an appearance or two before suffering a really bad knee injury that kept him out for the season, he then returned to Brazil.

 

[Harryflashman]

I think branch was just pure pace and nothing else. Technically he was miles off it at the top level, I have a vivid recollection of him just making the same run (diagonally towards the corner flag) over and over again. He was maybe a bit unlucky that he came through at a time when the PL landscape was shifting massively towards top quality foreign players, he might have looked alright 5 years earlier.

I’m not suggesting he could have been banging 30 in a season. However slowly blending a young player into the squad, bringing him on when a side is 2-0 up and the opposition are pushing on and taking chances rather than 3-0 down with 5mins feels left feels like it would be hugely impactful.

In fairness Some of that is management of youngsters and some is where we were as a side in those years as well .

 

[matty1878]

…..not sure if Michael Branch has been mentioned, he looked to be going to the very top. His Dad signed for RS at the same time as me and he was a classy defender so I was chuffed when his lad came through at Everton. Unfortunately young Michael has had a few dark periods in his life post-football.

you signed for the RS?

 

[ArtetaMagic]

Rooney 100%

 

[Rita_Poon]

It's a shame Joe Parkinson got injured as bad as he did. Was quite the little Tasmanian devil of a swine to fight against in the middle. Liked a battle. Never shirked.

 

[Neiler]

Lookman and Robinson another two who never fulfilled their potential here, did elsewhere.

Gavin McCann also had a decent PL career with Sunderland and Villa, won England caps as well if my memory is right.

 

[Lanolin]

I’m not suggesting he could have been banging 30 in a season. However slowly blending a young player into the squad, bringing him on when a side is 2-0 up and the opposition are pushing on and taking chances rather than 3-0 down with 5mins feels left feels like it would be hugely impactful.

In fairness Some of that is management of youngsters and some is where we were as a side in those years as well .

Yeah sorry, didn’t mean to disagree as such was just my recollection of branch as a player.

 

[blueboy72]

Smith was fuming with Ball and Dunne after getting knocked out of a cup game. They've both had decent careers I reckon so not too bad.

Still guts me how it all went wrong for Billy.

I remember around 2000 I think it was and ball had to play CB because of injuries he was probably about 19 and we played arsenal and we won the following week we played Chelsea and we won that and he was marking hasselbaink who got so frustrated with ball he got sent off by butting him

 

[catblue]

Who was the Icelandic young lad about 14 years ago? Vidarssonn??