Guest Bilo Posted 25 June 2011 Posted 25 June 2011 The match against Reading will mark the start of our 10th season at the Walkers Stadium, during which time we'll have played one Premiership season, eight Championship seasons and one League One season. It's been an eventful time, and many a player has come and gone since then. So I got to thinking, whatever came of some of the players who pulled on the blue shirt in some of the most memorable games at the Walkers Stadium? The first ever game there seems as good a start as any, a 2-0 win over Watford with Brian Deane notching both in the second half. Leicester 2 Watford 0 (Saturday 10th August 2002, Attendance: 31,022) Ian Walker - Played for City for three more years before a fruitless move to Bolton, followed by retirement in 2008. Current manager of Bishop's Stortford. Frank Sinclair - Occasionally a master of the own goal, more usually a very solid defender for us, Sinclair now plays for Wrexham after spells at Burnley, Huddersfield, Lincoln and Wycombe. His penalty miss for Lincoln in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at the Walkers Stadium in 2008 sealed Leicester's progression. Alan Rogers - Three years at Leicester was followed by an unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest. Underwhelming times at Bradford and Accrington followed and he has not been contracted to a professional club since leaving Accrington in 2008. Gerry Taggart - A successful time here under O'Neill especially lasted until 2004 where he transferred to Stoke. There he famously throttled Dennis Wise, then of Millwall, before winding down his playing career at Tamworth. He soon returned to Leicester's coaching staff for three years before leaving to become Paul Dickov's assistant at Oldham. Muzzy Izzet - One of Leicester's most successful players under O'Neill, he was largely expected to leave almost immediately after our relegation to Division One but stayed for two more years as we were promoted back to the Premiership, scoring an all-time classic at Grimsby in the process. Left the club after our relegation in 2004 and had an injury ravaged spell at Birmingham before retiring at the young age of just 32. Now runs a football academy with Steve Walsh and is a patron of Wishes 4 Kids for whom he ran the London Marathon in 2011. Lee Marshall - Left the club very shortly after this game for West Bromwich Albion as the money worries necessitated his sale. However he found it difficult to hold down a place in the side and went on loan to Hull City, where a broken leg forced his retirement in 2005. James Scowcroft - A mediocre scoring record belied something of a talent, though his time here was marred by his involvement in the La Manga affair despite all charges being dropped by the false accusers. A brief spell at Coventry was followed by a longer spell at Crystal Palace. He now plays for Bury Town in the Ryman Premier League. Nicky Summerbee - 'Summerbee played for free' was how the song went, and play for free he did as he searched for a contract here or anywhere. Incidentally, this made him the first amateur in the Football League for 30 years. After a season here his career saw him take in Bradford, Swindon and Tranmere before finally hanging up his boots. Paul Dickov - His goals for Leicester in the 2002-2003 ultimately helped us win promotion and this, along with his passionate willingness to chase any lost cause, made him a real fan's favourite. A decent enough season in the relegation campaign that followed didn't persuade him to stay as he moved to Blackburn to stay in the Premiership. While his first season was successful, injuries curtailed his performances thereafter and he returned to Manchester City in 2006. Bit-part performances followed and he was sent on loan to Blackpool, where he scored against Leicester in 2008. He did however make a return to Leicester for the League One season but in spite of the goodwill, failed to live up to his past heights. Was loaned to Derby and had brief spells at Leeds and Oldham before retiring to become manager of the latter with Gerry Taggart as his assistant. Brian Deane - Remembered by most of English football for scoring the first ever Premier League goal for Sheffield United in 1992, he will be remembered by Leicester fans for scoring the first ever competitive goals at the Walkers Stadium. Played for several clubs after leaving Leicester at the end of the promotion season before ending his career where he began, at Sheffield United in 2006. Is now a Sports Consultant for a firm of solicitors in Leeds alongside fellow ex-Leicester player Robbie Savage and former Aston Villa striker John Hendrie. Matt Elliott - The only starting Leicester player that day who went on to end his career at the club, Elliott had a knack of scoring with his head at opportune times including against Aston Villa and Tranmere in the business end of the League Cup. Taken off injured that day in the first half, injuries would unfortunately affect Matt's remaining time at the club. A brief loan to Ipswich would be the last time he'd wear another club's shirt as he retired in 2005. A series of assistant manager roles at non-league clubs followed before he took over the reins of Stafford Rangers in January 2011, replacing his former Leicester team-mate Tim Flowers. ------------------------------------- Billy McKinlay - Didn't start the game but was also one of the 'play for free' club alongside Summerbee. Elliott's replacement after an early injury, McKinlay stayed at the club for two years with his one goal coming against Coventry City. Left for Fulham where he found first team outings limited before retiring after a year. Now part of the coaching staff at Craven Cottage. Tim Flowers - Found a place in the starting line-up increasingly difficult after Ian Walker's transfer to the club and retired at the end of the season after 500 professional career appearances. Was denied the chance to end his career with a goal from a penalty by Micky Adams despite Leicester's ascension already being secured and the fans calling for it, with Trevor Benjamin scoring at Molineux. Joined the coaching staff before becoming Iain Dowie's assistant at Coventry, following him to QPR and Hull. A brief spell as manager at Stafford Rangers saw him being replaced by Matt Elliott in January 2011. Jon Stevenson - An initially promising looking striker, Stevenson struggled for places at Filbert Street and the Walkers Stadium before being released at the end of the season. A brief spell at Swindon followed before a succession of non-league appearances. Last seen playing for Zamaretto League side Halesowen Town at the end of the 2010-2011 season. Jordan Stewart - Had the distinction of scoring the first non-competitive goal at the Walkers in the friendly against Athletic Bilbao and was a regular in the squad throughout the promotion season. Transferred to Watford in 2005 where he was a real regular under Aidy Boothroyd, including in the club's brief Premiership stay as he was linked to Rangers after their relegation. Spells at Derby and Sheffield United before a transfer to Greek side Xanthi, where he still plays. Trevor Benjamin - Intended as a cut-price replacement for Emile Heskey after his £11m transfer to Liverpool, Benjamin was always a hard worker but seldom got the goals to back up his enthusiasm. After his release from the Walkers in 2005, he has become a record breaker for the most league clubs played for in a career, 16 in total and never capturing the form that attracted Peter Taylor to him at Cambridge. 27 clubs later, he has finally settled as a player-manager for Evo-Stik League side Morpeth Town.
Turtles Head Posted 25 June 2011 Posted 25 June 2011 I found that to be a really interesting read. I don't have the patience to do one myself so i'll just say fair play to ya mate Do another one...
accessory Posted 25 June 2011 Posted 25 June 2011 Prefer the Fanzone version of that match... Remember watching this on the night in the Local Hero after getting back from the game. The pub just erupted..
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 25 June 2011 Posted 25 June 2011 Matt Elliott was fucking class. I got to meet him once when he was still playing for us and although he intially thought it was a wind up that a 17 year old Aussie would come all the way to Leicester just to see a struggling side play. Then he couldn't do enough for me, top man and top player.
Tuna Posted 25 June 2011 Posted 25 June 2011 Morpeth Town play in the Northern League, not the evo stick league. Jon Stevenson was playing last season for Hinckley FC (not Hinckley United).
Itsthejoeker Posted 25 June 2011 Posted 25 June 2011 When I can be arsed mate. Might do this one next. Taught Nalis' son to swim for one session while he was at swindon
ajthefox Posted 26 June 2011 Posted 26 June 2011 Prefer the Fanzone version of that match... Remember watching this on the night in the Local Hero after getting back from the game. The pub just erupted.. "Look at the back of his shirt!!!!" Always remember that. Back to the point in hand and I must say that was a good read, cheers Bilo. Oh and on the subject of Elliot, did anyone go to the legends match at Quorn last summer? He played then and he is now an absolute UNIT.
John Matrix Posted 26 June 2011 Posted 26 June 2011 When I can be arsed mate. Might do this one next. classic...mexican wave and shit
MPH Posted 26 June 2011 Posted 26 June 2011 That was an excellent read, Bil. if you wrote it that's top stuff. Thanks so much for sharing it. I would just comment though and say Jordan Stewart no longer plays for Xanthi and it looking for a new club.
Guest Bilo Posted 26 June 2011 Posted 26 June 2011 Some of the info on some players is a bit patchy I must admit. Can find little of what Rogers, Marshall and Summerbee are up to these days. Though I did make a bit of a cock-up with Morpeth. Quite right about Jon Stevenson as well, he's moved on to Hinckley FC. I can't believe he's still only 28. Incidentally, he plays alongside Julian Joachim.
Guest Col city fan Posted 26 June 2011 Posted 26 June 2011 Some of the info on some players is a bit patchy I must admit. Can find little of what Rogers, Marshall and Summerbee are up to these days. Though I did make a bit of a cock-up with Morpeth. Quite right about Jon Stevenson as well, he's moved on to Hinckley FC. I can't believe he's still only 28. Incidentally, he plays alongside Julian Joachim. Bumped into Marshall iin a pub in Leicester couple of months ago.. In the toilet to be precise As we all stood there, my mate said 'we should be honoured, Col, to be having a piss in the same trough as a Leicester legend'...as Marshall looked over, mi mate then went on to say... 'oh sorry mate I thought you were steve walsh' Fortunately Marshall saw the funny side and pissed himself (not literally) ... True story, cant for the life of me remember which pub though..
millzi Posted 26 June 2011 Posted 26 June 2011 The match against Reading will mark the start of our 10th season at the Walkers Stadium, during which time we'll have played one Premiership season, eight Championship seasons and one League One season. It's been an eventful time, and many a player has come and gone since then. So I got to thinking, whatever came of some of the players who pulled on the blue shirt in some of the most memorable games at the Walkers Stadium? The first ever game there seems as good a start as any, a 2-0 win over Watford with Brian Deane notching both in the second half. Leicester 2 Watford 0 (Saturday 10th August 2002, Attendance: 31,022) Ian Walker - Played for City for three more years before a fruitless move to Bolton, followed by retirement in 2008. Current manager of Bishop's Stortford. Frank Sinclair - Occasionally a master of the own goal, more usually a very solid defender for us, Sinclair now plays for Wrexham after spells at Burnley, Huddersfield, Lincoln and Wycombe. His penalty miss for Lincoln in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at the Walkers Stadium in 2008 sealed Leicester's progression. Alan Rogers - Three years at Leicester was followed by an unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest. Underwhelming times at Bradford and Accrington followed and he has not been contracted to a professional club since leaving Accrington in 2008. Gerry Taggart - A successful time here under O'Neill especially lasted until 2004 where he transferred to Stoke. There he famously throttled Dennis Wise, then of Millwall, before winding down his playing career at Tamworth. He soon returned to Leicester's coaching staff for three years before leaving to become Paul Dickov's assistant at Oldham. Muzzy Izzet - One of Leicester's most successful players under O'Neill, he was largely expected to leave almost immediately after our relegation to Division One but stayed for two more years as we were promoted back to the Premiership, scoring an all-time classic at Grimsby in the process. Left the club after our relegation in 2004 and had an injury ravaged spell at Birmingham before retiring at the young age of just 32. Now runs a football academy with Steve Walsh and is a patron of Wishes 4 Kids for whom he ran the London Marathon in 2011. Lee Marshall - Left the club very shortly after this game for West Bromwich Albion as the money worries necessitated his sale. However he found it difficult to hold down a place in the side and went on loan to Hull City, where a broken leg forced his retirement in 2005. James Scowcroft - A mediocre scoring record belied something of a talent, though his time here was marred by his involvement in the La Manga affair despite all charges being dropped by the false accusers. A brief spell at Coventry was followed by a longer spell at Crystal Palace. He now plays for Bury Town in the Ryman Premier League. Nicky Summerbee - 'Summerbee played for free' was how the song went, and play for free he did as he searched for a contract here or anywhere. Incidentally, this made him the first amateur in the Football League for 30 years. After a season here his career saw him take in Bradford, Swindon and Tranmere before finally hanging up his boots. Paul Dickov - His goals for Leicester in the 2002-2003 ultimately helped us win promotion and this, along with his passionate willingness to chase any lost cause, made him a real fan's favourite. A decent enough season in the relegation campaign that followed didn't persuade him to stay as he moved to Blackburn to stay in the Premiership. While his first season was successful, injuries curtailed his performances thereafter and he returned to Manchester City in 2006. Bit-part performances followed and he was sent on loan to Blackpool, where he scored against Leicester in 2008. He did however make a return to Leicester for the League One season but in spite of the goodwill, failed to live up to his past heights. Was loaned to Derby and had brief spells at Leeds and Oldham before retiring to become manager of the latter with Gerry Taggart as his assistant. Brian Deane - Remembered by most of English football for scoring the first ever Premier League goal for Sheffield United in 1992, he will be remembered by Leicester fans for scoring the first ever competitive goals at the Walkers Stadium. Played for several clubs after leaving Leicester at the end of the promotion season before ending his career where he began, at Sheffield United in 2006. Is now a Sports Consultant for a firm of solicitors in Leeds alongside fellow ex-Leicester player Robbie Savage and former Aston Villa striker John Hendrie. Matt Elliott - The only starting Leicester player that day who went on to end his career at the club, Elliott had a knack of scoring with his head at opportune times including against Aston Villa and Tranmere in the business end of the League Cup. Taken off injured that day in the first half, injuries would unfortunately affect Matt's remaining time at the club. A brief loan to Ipswich would be the last time he'd wear another club's shirt as he retired in 2005. A series of assistant manager roles at non-league clubs followed before he took over the reins of Stafford Rangers in January 2011, replacing his former Leicester team-mate Tim Flowers. ------------------------------------- Billy McKinlay - Didn't start the game but was also one of the 'play for free' club alongside Summerbee. Elliott's replacement after an early injury, McKinlay stayed at the club for two years with his one goal coming against Coventry City. Left for Fulham where he found first team outings limited before retiring after a year. Now part of the coaching staff at Craven Cottage. Tim Flowers - Found a place in the starting line-up increasingly difficult after Ian Walker's transfer to the club and retired at the end of the season after 500 professional career appearances. Was denied the chance to end his career with a goal from a penalty by Micky Adams despite Leicester's ascension already being secured and the fans calling for it, with Trevor Benjamin scoring at Molineux. Joined the coaching staff before becoming Iain Dowie's assistant at Coventry, following him to QPR and Hull. A brief spell as manager at Stafford Rangers saw him being replaced by Matt Elliott in January 2011. Jon Stevenson - An initially promising looking striker, Stevenson struggled for places at Filbert Street and the Walkers Stadium before being released at the end of the season. A brief spell at Swindon followed before a succession of non-league appearances. Last seen playing for Zamaretto League side Halesowen Town at the end of the 2010-2011 season. Jordan Stewart - Had the distinction of scoring the first non-competitive goal at the Walkers in the friendly against Athletic Bilbao and was a regular in the squad throughout the promotion season. Transferred to Watford in 2005 where he was a real regular under Aidy Boothroyd, including in the club's brief Premiership stay as he was linked to Rangers after their relegation. Spells at Derby and Sheffield United before a transfer to Greek side Xanthi, where he still plays. Trevor Benjamin - Intended as a cut-price replacement for Emile Heskey after his £11m transfer to Liverpool, Benjamin was always a hard worker but seldom got the goals to back up his enthusiasm. After his release from the Walkers in 2005, he has become a record breaker for the most league clubs played for in a career, 16 in total and never capturing the form that attracted Peter Taylor to him at Cambridge. 27 clubs later, he has finally settled as a player-manager for Evo-Stik League side Morpeth Town. Bravo Sir When I can be arsed mate. Might do this one next. Such a naughty naughty goal Lilian!!
Guest Bilo Posted 26 June 2011 Posted 26 June 2011 Leicester 4 Leeds 0 (Monday 15th September 2003, Attendance: 30,460) Ian Walker - See LCFC v Watford. Frank Sinclair - See LCFC v Watford. Ben Thatcher - A solid defender for Leicester who was an ever-present in the Premiership before moving to Manchester City where his combative style landed him in hot water. A vicious elbow on Pedro Mendes of Portsmouth hospitalised his opponent, led to a lengthy suspension and landed him with a thuggish reputation he hasn't really been able to shake off despite his otherwise excellent abilities. Within six months of the incident, Thatcher moved to Charlton for whom he played 22 times before a move to Ipswich, from where he was released by Roy Keane in early 2010. He has been without a club ever since. Gerry Taggart - See LCFC v Watford. John Curtis - His spell at City was a short and unhappy one, ultimately moving to Portsmouth before the end of the season. After little under a year at Fratton Park, with few appearances under his belt, he moved to League One side Nottingham Forest where he became a regular for two seasons. However, after Forest's failed play-off attempt of 2006-2007 he was released and went on to play for numerous clubs before moving to Australia to play for Gold Coast United. However as June 2011, he is no longer listed on the team's player roster. Lilian Nalis - His iconic screamer against Leeds was the only goal he scored for City in the Premiership, and he left at the end of the 2004-2005 season for Sheffield United. His brief stay at Bramall Lane was followed by a transfer to Plymouth, where he was much more comfortable, winning their Player of the Year award in the 2006-2007 season. Released at the end of the 2007-2008 season, he played the following season at Swindon before moving back to his native France to play for Bastia, retiring a year later. Craig Hignett - Appearances were rare for City as he played only 13 times in our Premiership season, going out on loan to Crewe. An unsuccessful switch to Leeds followed before stints at Darlington, Spennymoor and bizarrely Cypriot side Limassol before retiring at Hartlepool. Now a commentator on Five Live. Muzzy Izzet - See LCFC v Watford. James Scowcroft - See LCFC v Watford. Scored a header to make it 4-0. Paul Dickov - See LCFC v Watford. Scored a brace. Marcus Bent - On loan from Ipswich throughout the season, Bent's scoring record of 9 in 33 belied a genuine talent who had been the star of a poor Ipswich side the previous season. His performances earned him a permanent move to Everton at the end of the season but his time there was patchy, with David Moyes selling him to Charlton in 2006. Since then, Bent has played for seven clubs and was released by Birmingham at the end of last season. Jordan Stewart - See LCFC v Watford. Andy Impey - Spent six years at City, playing in the 2000 Worthington Cup final and ultimately making over 150 appearances for the club before leaving at the end of the season. Moved onto Nottingham Forest where he was part of the side that was relegated from the Championship in 2005, before a brief spell at Coventry where he wound down his playing career. Brian Deane - See LCFC v Watford. Danny Coyne - Very much the second choice to Ian Walker, he played just four times before leaving at the end of the season. Has since had successful spells at Burnley and Tranmere and now plays for Middlesbrough, where he has become first choice goalkeeper. Steve Howey - A long and successful time at Newcastle was what he was best known for, as well as his time at Manchester City, but Howey never hit the heights at the Walkers and transferred to Bolton at the end of the season. Three brief spells at Bolton, Hartlepool and a stint at MLS side New England Revolution before he retired. Still popular in Newcastle thanks to his eleven years at St. James' Park, he now presents a sports show on BBC Newcastle radio and is Head Coach at East Durham FE College's Football Development Centre.
millzi Posted 26 June 2011 Posted 26 June 2011 Leicester 4 Leeds 0 (Monday 15th September 2003, Attendance: 30,460) Ian Walker - See LCFC v Watford. Frank Sinclair - See LCFC v Watford. Ben Thatcher - A solid defender for Leicester who was an ever-present in the Premiership before moving to Manchester City where his combative style landed him in hot water. A vicious elbow on Pedro Mendes of Portsmouth hospitalised his opponent, led to a lengthy suspension and landed him with a thuggish reputation he hasn't really been able to shake off despite his otherwise excellent abilities. Within six months of the incident, Thatcher moved to Charlton for whom he played 22 times before a move to Ipswich, from where he was released by Roy Keane in early 2010. He has been without a club ever since. Gerry Taggart - See LCFC v Watford. John Curtis - His spell at City was a short and unhappy one, ultimately moving to Portsmouth before the end of the season. After little under a year at Fratton Park, with few appearances under his belt, he moved to League One side Nottingham Forest where he became a regular for two seasons. However, after Forest's failed play-off attempt of 2006-2007 he was released and went on to play for numerous clubs before moving to Australia to play for Gold Coast United. However as June 2011, he is no longer listed on the team's player roster. Lilian Nalis - His iconic screamer against Leeds was the only goal he scored for City in the Premiership, and he left at the end of the 2004-2005 season for Sheffield United. His brief stay at Bramall Lane was followed by a transfer to Plymouth, where he was much more comfortable, winning their Player of the Year award in the 2006-2007 season. Released at the end of the 2007-2008 season, he played the following season at Swindon before moving back to his native France to play for Bastia, retiring a year later. Craig Hignett - Appearances were rare for City as he played only 13 times in our Premiership season, going out on loan to Crewe. An unsuccessful switch to Leeds followed before stints at Darlington, Spennymoor and bizarrely Cypriot side Limassol before retiring at Hartlepool. Now a commentator on Five Live. Muzzy Izzet - See LCFC v Watford. James Scowcroft - See LCFC v Watford. Scored a header to make it 4-0. Paul Dickov - See LCFC v Watford. Scored a brace. Marcus Bent - On loan from Ipswich throughout the season, Bent's scoring record of 9 in 33 belied a genuine talent who had been the star of a poor Ipswich side the previous season. His performances earned him a permanent move to Everton at the end of the season but his time there was patchy, with David Moyes selling him to Charlton in 2006. Since then, Bent has played for seven clubs and was released by Birmingham at the end of last season. Jordan Stewart - See LCFC v Watford. Andy Impey - Spent six years at City, playing in the 2000 Worthington Cup final and ultimately making over 150 appearances for the club before leaving at the end of the season. Moved onto Nottingham Forest where he was part of the side that was relegated from the Championship in 2005, before a brief spell at Coventry where he wound down his playing career. Brian Deane - See LCFC v Watford. Danny Coyne - Very much the second choice to Ian Walker, he played just four times before leaving at the end of the season. Has since had successful spells at Burnley and Tranmere and now plays for Middlesbrough, where he has become first choice goalkeeper. Steve Howey - A long and successful time at Newcastle was what he was best known for, as well as his time at Manchester City, but Howey never hit the heights at the Walkers and transferred to Bolton at the end of the season. Three brief spells at Bolton, Hartlepool and a stint at MLS side New England Revolution before he retired. Still popular in Newcastle thanks to his eleven years at St. James' Park, he now presents a sports show on BBC Newcastle radio and is Head Coach at East Durham FE College's Football Development Centre. Another great read, keep up the good work
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