Best Ever Player Signed For The Albion

[Seagull over Canaryland]

I'm a wardy fan but Lawrenson was absolute class, he made so many forwards look mugs. Master of the well timed tackle, sliding tackles and even tackles from behind without fouling. He would normally snuff out opposition attacks then turn and inspire the next attacking move for us.

Could have got even more out of him but for that broken arm. Unlike Ward he went on to have a great career at the top.

Very shrewd business by Mullers. If Lawro played today he would be worth a fortune and probably in Bracelona's defence. Could have been a legend for England.

 

[Fingers]

Colin Hawkins by a country mile!!!! hehe

 

[macky]

Lawrenson should never have chosen Ireland over England, would have been one of the greatest centre backs the international team ever produced.

werent it nobby stiles who told him to take the chance and play for ireland because he would never be good enough for england

 

[Sussex Nomad]

werent it nobby stiles who told him to take the chance and play for ireland because he would never be good enough for england

No it was someone else apparently, read the Wiki if that is in any way correct... someone recommended him to the then Irish manager Johnny Giles and he made his debut at 19 whilst still at Preston, Bobby Charlton was PNE manager at the time.

 

[bobby smith]

I didnt think he had already played for EIRE whilst at Preston

 

[cjd]

Colin Hawkins by a country mile!!!! hehe

Good shout...but I still think Lawrenson just shades it.

 

[macky]

I didnt think he had already played for EIRE whilst at Preston

think he did in fact im sure he did
just checked played for hem in the april signed for us un aug

 

[brighton fc]

Mackail smith

 

[Box of Frogs]

Agreed Lawrenson was fantastic and a class above Wardy who did not really make it at the next level. But do not forget Bobby Smith. He played as centre forward for England then three months later played for Brighton. How did that happen?

Two words - gambling debts. Allegedly!

 

[Rogero]

Agree bout Lawro, but when we signed Bobby Smith from the Yiddos He was Englands current centre forward, and we were Div 4, would be like Rooney signing for a Div 2 team now

How did we do it?

 

[Stevegull]

I think Jimmy Case is worth a shout

 

[macky]

gary stevns and steve foster werent bad signings either

 

[Fingers]

Dont know if this counts, but what about paul dickov. I know he was on lone but from what i can remember he was a class act!

 

[Phat Baz 68]

Lawro or Zamora hmmmm ?

 

[frostie_BHAFC]

bas savage? Lol

 

[severnside gull]

Lawro for me too. Might be a bit of a tit now, but was different gravy for us back then.

spot on in every respect

 

[kevtherev]

What would £900k + Jimmy Case be worth today, bearing in mind Liverpool were top dogs.....Id say £20million + Carrick.

 

[Green Cross Code Man]

Agreed Lawrenson was fantastic and a class above Wardy who did not really make it at the next level.

It may have been a different story if Wardy had gone on to be managed by a less capricious manager than Brian Clough. At Burwash a couple of weeks ago, Wardy himself mentioned Clough a couple of times and plainly said Cloughie was not in full possession of his marbles. Incidentally Lawro said a few years ago, when asked who was the most skilful player he'd played with, responded instantly with Wardy. With better management who knows how Wardy's career may have ended?

 

[bobby smith]

How did we do it?

Rumour had it that he owed a Bookie in Tottenham £10k, a helluva lot of dosh in those days, and was on His way to being an Alcholic

 

[Sussex Nomad]

Rumour had it that he owed a Bookie in Tottenham £10k, a helluva lot of dosh in those days, and was on His way to being an Alcholic

Him and Jimmy Greaves must have roomed together!