Saints Greatest XI - Nominations For Best LB.

[St Landrew]

Put you suggestions here. Nominees need not be specialist LBs, just the best performers in that position.

Note: The position of goalkeeper is not a problem, but outfield players have to suit a formation. Modern day formations can be almost anything they want to be, and some of the older formations like 2-3-5 just wouldn't be recognised by the majority of today's fans. So let's just stick with 4-4-2, which is the formation Saints adopted as early as 1967 for Away matches.

[Roman]

Wayne Bridge - let me be the first to be unoriginal.

[Arizona]

Younger generation, I'm going for Bridgey aswell. Either him or Olivier Bernard.

[St Landrew]

Saints haven't been blessed with many outstanding LBs, over the years. Wayne Bridge is an obvious good suggestion, and Mark Dennis is another. But I think I'll go for David Peach.

[GeckoSaint]

Bridgey or Bale for me. I can only go back as far as Derek Statham!

[St Landrew]

Younger generation, I'm going for Bridgey aswell. Either him or Olivier Bernard.

Sorry Arizona, but that made me LOL. :D

[The Fat Controller]

well youve got Mark Dennis, Gareth Bale, Wayne Bridge, Derek Statham. My Vote out of loyalty even though not the best is for Franny Benali

[NickG]

Mick Mills
Reuban Agboola

[fish fingers]

Patrick Colleter, solid

[DarrenLeTiss]

Left back is a hard one, seeming we had Benali for so long and despite his enthusiasm he was quite pants.

Think I will go for Bale.

[Panda]

Tommy Traynor?

[fanimal]

Like Bridgey.

Who scored most goals, got in crosses, made tackles and blocks ie defended and attacked with real effect - I bet David Peach would come out on top just ahead of Denis Hollywood.

[Papa Shango]

In my time following Saints, has to be Bridge.

[Chez]

Bridge is the best crosser of the ball I have ever seen. Totally one footed though and doesn't look like he has improved much since he joined Chelsea. I'd liked to have seen Bale in ther top flight for us, as its impossible to compare his performances with Bridgers due to the difference in quality of the opposition. He looks a more gofted player to me, but looks rather nieve when I have seen him for Spurs and Wales. Mark Dennis was good but not as good IMO. Statham had a terrific season for us but I'd describe him as solid rather than special.

[derry]

Tommy Traynor?

Ahead of his time, lovely left foot, great sliding tackle would do for me.

He won't win it as he won't be known to the latecomers after the sixties.

Mick Mills would take some beating, even though he played both sides and probably one of the most influential players ever.

[krissyboy31]

Mark Dennis for me. Great player in Saints' best ever team. Bridge, Peach, Statham and Bale all deserve a mention (although Bale didn't play enough games for us to really be included).

Just a question!! Why the left back before the right back? Or am I the only one that still thinks of the RB wearing No.2 and LB wearing No.3?

[slickmick]

Denise Rolfe... only kidding. Mark Dennis for me, he scared the sxxt out of wingers.

[derry]

Put you suggestions here. Nominees need not be specialist LBs, just the best performers in that position.

Note: The position of goalkeeper is not a problem, but outfield players have to suit a formation. Modern day formations can be almost anything they want to be, and some of the older formations like 2-3-5 just wouldn't be recognised by the majority of today's fans. So let's just stick with 4-4-2, which is the formation Saints adopted as early as 1967 for Away matches.

They played under Ted Bates from 1954, - Nos 2, 5, 3 at the back with a defensive 6, - 4 and 10 in midfield, 7 and 11 wide with an attacking inside right 8 supporting the centre forward 9.

My God! isn't that what they are playing this season? 4 4 1/1 and isn't that 4 4 2? (or if the bloke in the hole got his finger out and got up in support of the front man, as he is supposed to, it would be).

[Fowllyd]

Saints haven't been blessed with many outstanding LBs, over the years. Wayne Bridge is an obvious good suggestion, and Mark Dennis is another. But I think I'll go for David Peach.

Good call, and I'd add Nick Holmes to the list. Not his favoured position admittedly, but he was pretty good there. And I'd just want him to be in a best-ever Saints team!

[Oz]

tommy traynor - 400+ league games

[Teddy Nutkins]

Steve Mills, great player, career cut short by injury, life cut short by illness.

[VectisSaint]

I know there is always disagreement because of the age of subscribers, but for those of us a little longer in the tooth, Dave Peach has to be the greatest LB for Saints. Can you forget the pen against Palace that got us to Wembley? Highest scoring full back in League history (at the time) 34 goals in 224 apps. Played in 2 cup finals for Saints (how many others can claim that? Nick Holmes is the answer by the way). Scored the opener in the League Cup Final against Forest. On top of all of that, was one of the best blokes I ever met at Saints. At the time was more of a cult hero than even Franny became. I know we don't need 2 expert pen takers in a team, and assume Tiss will make the greatest ever XI, but it is actually debatable which one was the best at this skill. Oh what we would give for either of them to take pens for us now.

[new_zealand_saint]

i'd go for Benali personally

bridge was good, but didn't have the legendary status that benali had

and as for bale...well, he couldn't defend to save is life!! for me, best £10m we ever made

[eurosaint]

Would anyone like to consider Jermaine Wright who played a few games in that position ??
Perhaps not, eh !!
:)

[mynameisthehulk]

Micky Adams?

[bridge too far]

It's gotta be my boy :)

[Channon's Sideburns]

Peachie with no doubts!

Saw him in Lymington the other day, used to play with his son Dan in my younger years...we were 11, he was 8 and used to run rings round everyone.

As far as I'm concerned, the others are nowhere close - can you find another LB these days who....

a) Scores Perfect Penalties;
b) Bombs down the wing like a man possessed.

[Thedelldays]

bridge

[badgerx16]

David Peach, closely followed by Frannie Benali. Bale and Bridge weren't here long enough and still hadn't matured by the time they left; and neither had half the commitment and willingness to die for the cause that always made up for FB's lack of ability.

[Hatch]

Note to all above.

the answer is Mark Dennis

[bjk]

Mark Dennis without a doubt.Hard as nails and he could put in a great cross.My mind goes back to a Friday night at the Dell in 1984 when we played Liverpool in a live televised game in which he put in a brilliant cross after darting down the left wing,Mark Wright nodded it back and Danny Wallace scored the goal of the season with an overhead kick.Those were the days.

[Arizona]

Would anyone like to consider Jermaine Wright who played a few games in that position ??
Perhaps not, eh !!
:)

Outclassed by Steven O'Halloran IMO. (He was playing for Swansea reserves the other night and still looked distinctly average.)

[adriansfc]

Bridge every time. He's a useful part of one of the best squads in the world now, and will win a lot of England caps. He has no doubt improved since us, but he was more consistent than anyone and set up a lot of goals from full back. Much better than Bale.

His only problem with Chelsea and England is the number of games. If he played every game he'd be on far better form. If I were any other Prem manager I'd want him signed at any cost.

[Appy]

Bridge in my lifetime.

[John B]

LB

Mark Dennis

Wayne Bridge

David Peach

Dennis Hollywood

RB

Stuart Williams

Ivan Golac

Mick Mills

Peter Rodriques

[saint1977]

Saints haven't been blessed with many outstanding LBs, over the years. Wayne Bridge is an obvious good suggestion, and Mark Dennis is another. But I think I'll go for David Peach.

I normally agree with you St L on most things, particularly real ale, but not on this. LB has been a rich area for Saints, compare it to other clubs in the same period. David Peach, Mark Dennis, Derek Statham (would have been a England regular but for injury at WBA and Saints), Wayne Bridge (is an England regular), Gareth Bale (might be PL star for a long,long time) and we could be seeing Joseph Mills in the PL in years to come but it is unlikely to be with Saints!

I vote for Wayne Bridge just about over Mark Dennis, Dennis was a better player than Bridge and should have had 50 England caps but his disciplinary record was shocking!

[saint1977]

Actually Micky Adams pre-knee injury was a very decent left-back, he was still a crowd favourite with a good dig on him afterwards but had lost a bit of pace and bite.

[Hunty]

Mark Dennis. Only his temperament stopped him being an England regular!

[Saint Mary]

All good JohnB but those of us who can go back to the 50's would probably put Tommy Traynor above them.

[John B]

All good JohnB but those of us who can go back to the 50's would probably put Tommy Traynor above them.


No I thought of Traynor as I saw him play lots of times but I felt as he played in Div 2 and 3 he did not have the Quality to be the greatest LB

[John B]

Mark Dennis. Only his temperament stopped him being an England regular!

Exactly

It was not only his temperament on the field , I understood from a friend who lived in Birmingham that he caused all sorts of problems off the field

[ottery st mary]

Grew up watching Tommy Traynor and then Dennis Hollywood.
Very much like Wayne Bridge for my greatest saints side with David Peach a close second.


Wayne BRIDGE for LB.

[rpb]

Grew up watching Tommy Traynor and then Dennis Hollywood.
Very much like Wayne Bridge for my greatest saints side with David Peach a close second.


Wayne BRIDGE for LB.

I could have written that... my views and experience exactly.

I also played against Dennis Hollywood in the local leagues after he retired and had put on many pounds - he still knew how to tackle!

[ottery st mary]

I could have written that... my views and experience exactly.

I also played against Dennis Hollywood in the local leagues after he retired and had put on many pounds - he still knew how to tackle!

Apart from Gabriel/McGrath, Dennis Hollywood probably one of the hardest on the field but a nice guy away from football...we could do with some of these players now to stiffen up the back line.

[Window Cleaner]

Steve Mills was probably the best left back I ever saw at SFC,
Mick Mills after that.

[s0108787]

Wayne Bridge

[St Landrew]

Mark Dennis for me. Great player in Saints' best ever team. Bridge, Peach, Statham and Bale all deserve a mention (although Bale didn't play enough games for us to really be included).

Just a question!! Why the left back before the right back? Or am I the only one that still thinks of the RB wearing No.2 and LB wearing No.3?

You're not alone KB. Although I started this particular thread off, the topic itself is not mine, it being Darren LeTiss's. He asked for the LB position to be nominated for first, so who am I to argue..?

Normally I would have asked for RB nominations first. Perhaps we'll correct the faux pas once we get to the midfield. How about that..?

EDIT: Just looked up through the thread, and there appears to be some misunderstanding. We're looking for the BEST LB as a footballer, not the most popular, or one with the greatest legendary status. It might be a good idea to remember that. ;)

[Marlborough Saint]

David Peach was the best, closely followed by Nick Holmes.

[explorer saint]

Steve Mills of course!

[Window Cleaner]

David Peach was the best, closely followed by Nick Holmes.

Nick Holmes at left back?? don't remember going to that game then.

[John B]

In the early eighties when Armstrong joined us Nick Holmes played LB until Mark Dennis arrived

[Thorpe-le-Saint]

Bridge or Bale in my opinion

However, my heart is SCREAMING Benali!

[Window Cleaner]

In the early eighties when Armstrong joined us Nick Holmes played LB until Mark Dennis arrived

What instead of Mick Mills ?

I mean he might well have played a few games at left back, I don't particularly remember him playing there though;If you look at Nick's wiki it says he played left back in the FA Cup final in 1976, strange, I'm sure that I saw David Peach there with the number 3 shirt that day, must have been p!ssed I suppose.;););)

[St Landrew]

Bridge or Bale in my opinion

However, my heart is SCREAMING Benali!

So when I come to count up the nominations and build the thread for Saints Greatest [footballing] LB, do you honestly think I should include Francis Benali..? ;)

[Gemmel]

Mark Dennis for me

Peach and Mills were right up there as well

[John B]

What instead of Mick Mills ?

I mean he might well have played a few games at left back, I don't particularly remember him playing there though;If you look at Nick's wiki it says he played left back in the FA Cup final in 1976, strange, I'm sure that I saw David Peach there with the number 3 shirt that day, must have been p!ssed I suppose.;););)

Yes Peach was fullback in Cup Final 1976 Holmes was number 4 I think that day

Holmes was LB with Golac RB in 1981/82

Mills replaced Golac and Dennis replaced Holmes

[Big Ron fan]

i'd go for Benali personally

bridge was good, but didn't have the legendary status that benali had

and as for bale...well, he couldn't defend to save is life!! for me, best £10m we ever made

That's a really stupid comment.

I can just about remember Dennis Hollywood. For me, Dennis, Bridge and Bale have all been outstanding for us.

As the latter didn't play for us in the top flight, I'd choose one of the other two. Don't know who yet - I'll make up my mind at voting time!

[ALWAYS_SFC]

David Peach for me.

[Window Cleaner]

Yes Peach was fullback in Cup Final 1976 Holmes was number 4 I think that day

Holmes was LB with Golac RB in 1981/82

Mills replaced Golac and Dennis replaced Holmes


And Reuben ? where did he fit into all that then.

I was in and out of the UK in 81/82,but I distinctly remember Reuben Agboola at left back in that period.Could be wrong, the old nodder could be playing tricks on me I suppose.

[ottery st mary]

Agboola more right back? or even sweeper?

[John B]

And Reuben ? where did he fit into all that then.

I was in and out of the UK in 81/82,but I distinctly remember Reuben Agboola at left back in that period.Could be wrong, the old nodder could be playing tricks on me I suppose.

Agboola was sweeper or CB

TEAM v LIVERPOOL 1984

SHILTON

MILLS AGBOOLA WRIGHT DENNIS

D WALLACE WILLIAMS HOLMES ARMSTRONG

MORAN WORTHINGTON

not a bad team with five home grown players and Puckett the sub

We won 2 0 attendance 19698 with one of the best goals I ever saw at the Dell

[ottery st mary]

David Peach for me.

Good old David Peach..full of heart..When he did his London Marathon for charity in the late 80s about 88/89, stayed with my family in North London.
My son and I, got him to start at Greenwich on Blackheath and ran down to Cutty Sark in order to cheer him on.We then ran through to Isle Dogs in the foot tunnel and cheered him on coming on the Island and running off to go to Catherine Dock to Tower of London..At this stage he had done about 20 miles and looked all in..We were able to remind him of all his charity sponsors
and that all Saints fans thought he was a legend...Good old Peachey not only kept going but made it to the finish. We had caught him up by getting tube from tower hill to Westminster.We had the easy job but on that day he showed what a true Saint and lots and lots of guts...I kept telling everyone he was a Saint, a legend,cup final and all that...A great player for Saints...Yes I know many others have achieved this but this was Peachey..great man..great memories. I'm not sure he did another one after that.

[AndyNorthernSaints]

Mark Dennis

[saint lard]

Mark Dennis for me,closely followed by Bridge,although, Bridgey was playing with Chris marsden ahead of him on the left and this contributed alot to him playing to his full potential,IMO.
they really had an understanding which aided both players.

Shouldn't really forget Franny,a ledgend in his own inimitable way.

[badgerx16]

So when I come to count up the nominations and build the thread for Saints Greatest [footballing] LB, do you honestly think I should include Francis Benali..? ;)
Abso-bl00dy-lutely :cool:

[Greenridge]

In my time it would be any one from Peach, Statham, Dennis or Bridge. All for different reasons.

[John B]

Abso-bl00dy-lutely :cool:


Is Benali not the John Sergeant of LBs?

[Badger]

Mark Dennis;a great player and a cult hero as well.

Dennis though only shades it ahead of David Peach.Dennis played his peak with Saints in the top flight whereas Peach,although a top class performer, was at his best for us in the od second division.

How tragic that Steve Mills might have eclipsed both but for his accident.

[John B]

Mark Dennis;a great player and a cult hero as well.

Dennis though only shades it ahead of David Peach.Dennis played his peak with Saints in the top flight whereas Peach,although a top class performer, was at his best for us in the od second division.

How tragic that Steve Mills might have eclipsed both but for his accident.

Having read the thread with posters comments I agree with the above and will go for Dennis

Time for the RB ?

[mcjwills]

Mark Dennis without a doubt

[saintwarwick]

Peach for me followed closely by Bridge and Benali.

[NickG]

And Reuben ? where did he fit into all that then.

I was in and out of the UK in 81/82,but I distinctly remember Reuben Agboola at left back in that period.Could be wrong, the old nodder could be playing tricks on me I suppose.

remember his as sweeper and lb

[St Marco]

The animal that is Benali :)

Saints through and through and would only leave if you made him! He must hold the record for most times sent off for us too?

[TijuanaTim]

Unbelievable Left Backs

Peachy - Bridger and Bale, but no one, I repeat no one comes close to Psycho.

Mark Dennis was the final piece of a great Saints jigsaw that witnessed us coming agonisingly close to a double. He was the harder, fittess and most skillful defender i've ever seen in red and white. As a bonus, he made the need for a left winger/midfielder/half back almost redundant with his superb sortes up field.

If he wasn't...well...er...a 'Psycho' he would have undoubtedly been England's #3 for a generation.

Worth the admission alone!!

[AndyNorthernSaints]

Amazed no one has mentioned Lee Todd and Oliver Bernard?

[Windmill Arm 2]

MARK 'PSYCHO' DENNIS :smt027

[saintstr1]

Definately Dave Peach for me , His penalty taking would swing it from Bridgey.

[John B]

Definately Dave Peach for me , His penalty taking would swing it from Bridgey.

I dont think Peach will be taking penalties in the final team.

[Nutwood2]

Steve Mills, great player, career cut short by injury, life cut short by illness.

Totally agree. Stevie would surely have gone on to captain England. I think Lawrie would agree with that.

[Badger]

I repeat no one comes close to Psycho.

Mark Dennis was the final piece of a great Saints jigsaw that witnessed us coming agonisingly close to a double. He was the harder, fittess and most skillful defender i've ever seen in red and white. As a bonus, he made the need for a left winger/midfielder/half back almost redundant with his superb sortes up field.

If he wasn't...well...er...a 'Psycho' he would have undoubtedly been England's #3 for a generation.

Worth the admission alone!!

I've already given my vote for Dennis,but should just also add my agreement to your comment about his international pedigree.

Its been a long held view of mine - and frequently argued after a few beers - that if it had not been for Mark Dennis' off field problems,he'd have been England's first choice left back,and Stuart Pearce would not have got near the national team.

[krissyboy31]

I've already given my vote for Dennis,but should just also add my agreement to your comment about his international pedigree.

Its been a long held view of mine - and frequently argued after a few beers - that if it had not been for Mark Dennis' off field problems,he'd have been England's first choice left back,and Stuart Pearce would not have got near the national team.

Stuart Pearce came slightly later. Kenny Sansom was England LB at the time. But I agree Dennis should have played for England because he was the best in the country.

[benjii]

Did Bridge ever get booked for us?

Didn't he also play something mental like every minute of 105 consecutive matches or something?

Can't believe no one's nominated Duncan Spedding.

For the avoidance of doubt, I am not nominating Duncan Spedding.

Although I may nominate him and Graham Potter for left wing.

[John Cool]

It has to be Benali for me, albeit for sentimental reasons (he and MLT were my heroes when I was a young 'un)

[Oz]

i'd go for Benali personally

bridge was good, but didn't have the legendary status that benali had

and as for bale...well, he couldn't defend to save is life!! for me, best £10m we ever made


that's why the spuds play him in midfield!

[corsacar saint]

Mark Dennis, terrific footballer, only his temperment stopped him from winning a bucket
load of England caps.

[um pahars]

My old mate,

ANDY COOK

[chrisobee]

Has to be Mark Dennis for me though contrary to a few posts I think it's a very hard choice with the likes of Peach, Bridge, Bale and Hollywood to consider.

[TopGun]

Nick did play left back for a while after Dennis.

But Dennis for me. Thoroughly uncompromising in defence and a great attacker. Would have had plenty of caps had it not been for his reputation and the amount of red cards he collected before Lawrie sorted him out.

[exit2]

Legendary Status for me you have to have the following in the poll

Benali
Dennis
Golac
Bridge

[rpb]

Legendary Status for me you have to have the following in the poll

Benali
Dennis
Golac
Bridge

I suspect that Golac will win the best ever right back section - C B Fry might get the odd vote, though...

[La BoIS Saint]

I know there is always disagreement because of the age of subscribers, but for those of us a little longer in the tooth, Dave Peach has to be the greatest LB for Saints. Can you forget the pen against Palace that got us to Wembley? Highest scoring full back in League history (at the time) 34 goals in 224 apps. Played in 2 cup finals for Saints (how many others can claim that? Nick Holmes is the answer by the way). Scored the opener in the League Cup Final against Forest. On top of all of that, was one of the best blokes I ever met at Saints. At the time was more of a cult hero than even Franny became. I know we don't need 2 expert pen takers in a team, and assume Tiss will make the greatest ever XI, but it is actually debatable which one was the best at this skill. Oh what we would give for either of them to take pens for us now.

On a point of pedantry according to http://www.sportingchronicle.com/FACUP/1900.html and http://www.sportingchronicle.com/FACUP/1902.html Jack Robinson, Sam Meston, Arthur Turner and Harry Wood also played in two finals (or arguably three!)

[St Paul]

Mark Dennis for me.......

[Dicko]

Surely, the top 4 would have to be Peach, Dennis, Bridge & Bale

[saint1977]

Definately Dave Peach for me , His penalty taking would swing it from Bridgey.

Indeed my old man put £5 on David scoring the first goal in 1979 at the League Cup Final at surprisingly generous odds (may have been 16-1 I think). Made him a nice win back then although he'd have swapped it for Saints beating Forest!

[SW11_Saint]

What instead of Mick Mills ?

I mean he might well have played a few games at left back, I don't particularly remember him playing there though;If you look at Nick's wiki it says he played left back in the FA Cup final in 1976, strange, I'm sure that I saw David Peach there with the number 3 shirt that day, must have been p!ssed I suppose.;););)
Nick H played there quite a bit towards the end of his career. Also got quite a lot of stick as I remember - outrageous for such a great servant to the club. From Franny, Peach, Holmes, Mills, Dennis, Statham, Bale, Bridge I'd have to go for Mark Dennis. Had everything you need in a fullback - tigerish tackling, speed, bravery, perceptive thinking. And of course he was a psycho, which made him a legend!

[Fowllyd]

Indeed my old man put £5 on David scoring the first goal in 1979 at the League Cup Final at surprisingly generous odds (may have been 16-1 I think). Made him a nice win back then although he'd have swapped it for Saints beating Forest!

Interesting you should mention that - I remember talking to a mate back at that time who'd done exactly the same thing (he'd also backed us to win 2-1, so he didn't win that one!). His thinking was that Steve Williams would run into the box and get fouled, and Peach would score the resulting penalty. As it was of course, Peach's goal came from open play...

[sandwichsaint]

Had to chuckle at the earlier comment that 'we were short of LB's'; LB must be one of our strongest positions historically?

Damn it, we could field a whole team of them:

.......... Bale ....... Statham ............

Bridge ... Pycho .... S Mills ...... Holmes

Peach ... Hollywood.. Benali ..... M Mills

...................... Vignal ....................

Not the most balanced team you ever saw but they would probably beat the current lot, hands down.

I've seen all of these play; it's Steve Mills for me, but I'd take almost any of the others in his stead.

[hughieslastminutegoal]

They played under Ted Bates from 1954, - Nos 2, 5, 3 at the back with a defensive 6, - 4 and 10 in midfield, 7 and 11 wide with an attacking inside right 8 supporting the centre forward 9.

My God! isn't that what they are playing this season? 4 4 1/1 and isn't that 4 4 2? (or if the bloke in the hole got his finger out and got up in support of the front man, as he is supposed to, it would be).

Ah ha, someone who has spotted that all this fancy formation stuff just ain't as new as they think it is!

AND the wingers actually used to help out their fullbacks (though don't expect much of a tackle)!

George O'Brien in the hole?

[hughieslastminutegoal]

I know there is always disagreement because of the age of subscribers, but for those of us a little longer in the tooth, Dave Peach has to be the greatest LB for Saints. Can you forget the pen against Palace that got us to Wembley? Highest scoring full back in League history (at the time) 34 goals in 224 apps. Played in 2 cup finals for Saints (how many others can claim that? Nick Holmes is the answer by the way). Scored the opener in the League Cup Final against Forest. On top of all of that, was one of the best blokes I ever met at Saints. At the time was more of a cult hero than even Franny became. I know we don't need 2 expert pen takers in a team, and assume Tiss will make the greatest ever XI, but it is actually debatable which one was the best at this skill. Oh what we would give for either of them to take pens for us now.

Yes, David Peach for me as well.

[hughieslastminutegoal]

Is Benali not the John Sergeant of LBs?

Benali was often denigrated by outside observers (and was voted worst fullback in the top division once) but there is absolutely no arguing the fact that a succession of managers tried to leave him out, but always brought him back in the heat of relegation dog-fights.

The man is was all heart and determination, and should be celebrated as such. Le Tiss's goals kept us up, but Franny played his part too in those (seemingly never-ending) battles.

[Chap in the Chapel]

Wayne Bridge is comfortably the best left-back I've seen playing for Saints. Niemi, Bridge, Lundekvam, Svensson, Telfer - now that was a back five...

[badgerx16]

Had to chuckle at the earlier comment that 'we were short of LB's'; LB must be one of our strongest positions historically?

Damn it, we could field a whole team of them:

.......... Bale ....... Statham ............

Bridge ... Pycho .... S Mills ...... Holmes

Peach ... Hollywood.. Benali ..... M Mills

...................... Vignal ....................

Not the most balanced team you ever saw but they would probably beat the current lot, hands down.

I've seen all of these play; it's Steve Mills for me, but I'd take almost any of the others in his stead.

No Graeme le Saux ? :D

[Dellman]

Mark Dennis? You folk can not be serious, he was a psycho case not a proper player...Mick Mills from the glory days for me, a class above the others he once lined up alongside four other England captains in the side: Keegan, Ball, Channon and Watson, hard to believe now

[SNSUN]

Back in the day, I remember Benali and Charlton vying for the slot, with Jeff Kenna filling in when needed. Since then, aside from the successes of Bridge and Bale, we've had some crud.

Best LB in my memory was Bridge, though if this was a poll for my fave it would be Benali.

[yorkie]

I would for senimetal reason say Steve Mills - but he genuinely had everything so there's no need for sentiment.

[Badger]

Mark Dennis? You folk can not be serious, he was a psycho case not a proper player...Mick Mills from the glory days for me, a class above the others he once lined up alongside four other England captains in the side: Keegan, Ball, Channon and Watson, hard to believe now

Its not hard to believe it,just an impossibility to have happened.

Mills joined after certainly Channon and Keegan had left the club,and probably Watson as well.He was in the Saints team with Shilton,and Ball after he returned.

I respect your vote for Mills,but I think your judgement of Mark Dennis is as flawed as your memory.His disciplinary issues might have detracted from the claim to greatness, but on his day he was a commited and class defender.In my book only David Peach as lb can hold a candle to him.Young pretenders such as Bridge and Bale are a fraction of the player Dennis was.Steve Mills,we will never know.

[teamsaint]

tough one.
Bridge probably the most talented , also very consistent, which puts him above mark Dennis, who had immense talent but had his "moments". Anyone remember the job he did on Craig johnson in the League cup semi at the Dell?

Peach a real favourite, and gave us 3 great moments (Luton away and The cup semi from the spot and the goal against Forest at wembley.)

Some other good ones, but for a best ever Saints team Nick Holmes HAS to be in , and as midfield is going to be very tough competition, he gets my LB slot.be interesting to see how many games he played there, my recollection is that he had a good few seasons.

Anyway, Holmes for me.

[paulwantsapint]

Franny Benali must have done something right in training & on the pitch because every manager decided play him in 17 years of saints service in some role from left wing/ midfield, midfield enforcer, left back , center back or man marker
Also Fran gave us fans the guessing game of will the cross make its target?

[DarrenLeTiss]

Shall we start the poll St Landrew?

[Saint Stimp]

Bridgey

[rpb]

Franny Benali must have done something right in training & on the pitch because every manager decided play him in 17 years of saints service in some role from left wing/ midfield, midfield enforcer, left back , center back or man marker
Also Fran gave us fans the guessing game of will the cross make its target?

Nick Holmes told me that when he was on the coaching staff at The Dell, he told Nichols that he shouldn't pick Benali as he keeps kicking the ball into the crowd when passing forward. Nichols replied, "I know but when I don't pick him, we lose!"

[graymalkin33]

Mark Dennis.

[St Landrew]

Shall we start the poll St Landrew?

Let's leave it for the weekend, eh..? Monday for the Poll, don't you think..?

[DarrenLeTiss]

Let's leave it for the weekend, eh..? Monday for the Poll, don't you think..?

Yeah Monday sounds good. Just over eager thats all..

[Under Weststand]

Steve Mills would have been Fantastic Mark Dennis-if he could have kept his temper under control the original psycho. Bridge & bale for the younger generation are all worthy candidates. but for me It has to be David Peach he defended reliably, was good going forward, good crosser of the ball & had a great (if not the best) penalty record at the time. All round quality for the left back position.

[Son of Bob]

Mark Dennis just gets my vote over Bridge.

[adysaint]

How many games did Nick Holmes play at left back?

I think its important in stuff like this that you keep a historical perspective on things rather than saying Bridge / Bale just cos you saw them play.

I never saw Dennis Hollywood play - but looking at ITN he played more games at left back than anyone in the post-war era, so he deserves a mention.

I certainly hope we can find some room for some of Saints great Edwardians, it was after all, the most successful time in our history.

[St Landrew]

How many games did Nick Holmes play at left back?

I think its important in stuff like this that you keep a historical perspective on things rather than saying Bridge / Bale just cos you saw them play.

I never saw Dennis Hollywood play - but looking at ITN he played more games at left back than anyone in the post-war era, so he deserves a mention.

I certainly hope we can find some room for some of Saints great Edwardians, it was after all, the most successful time in our history.

Dennis Hollywood was playing for Saints as I began my era of watching them in '66. A good solid, hard as nails LB, and pretty reliable too. You'll have to appreciate that, as a kid back then, I used to see the team as a team and didn't really think of individuals that stood out, unless they were Ron Davies, Chivers, Channon, or Paine. LBs don't tend to stand out anyway. Just a tiny bit short of David Peach, Mark Dennis, and Wayne Bridge in my book.

[adysaint]

Dennis Hollywood was playing for Saints as I began my era of watching them in '66. A good solid, hard as nails LB, and pretty reliable too. You'll have to appreciate that, as a kid back then, I used to see the team as a team and didn't really think of individuals that stood out, unless they were Ron Davies, Chivers, Channon, or Paine. LBs don't tend to stand out anyway. Just a tiny bit short of David Peach, Mark Dennis, and Wayne Bridge in my book.

Well said, and I'll take your word for it - at least you appreciate the historical angle I was coming from.

For example, Benali was far from being the most technically accomplished footballer but the fact he was one of ours, gave 100% and wore his heart on his sleeve made him a legend. You knew he could make the odd arse up (such as the horrific backpass vs Coventry and diving header o.g. vs Oldham which nearly got us relegated) but you let him get away with it.

I've still got the Sky Sports Cup Final 03 on video and when studio guest Sourness sees Benali and Dodd coming up the stairs in their suits he says something like: "Theres two boys you'd want in the trenches with you..."

[Right sider]

Psycho just ahead of Bridgey

[EFM]

Steve Mills, great player, career cut short by injury, life cut short by illness.

I'm totally with you there Teddy. I think we've had some great ones there (Peach, Bridge and Bale for a start obviously) but Stevie Mills was just utter class in everything he did.

Were it not for the tragic circumstances I have no doubts he would have been amongst the all time legends and a regular England international. I suppose he can't win because of the shortness of his career but for me he was the best left back I've ever seen in a Saints shirt.

[St Landrew]

...I certainly hope we can find some room for some of Saints great Edwardians, it was after all, the most successful time in our history.

Well, when the RB thread starts up someone could nominate CB Fry, from that famous Southern League era, and [Sir] Alf Ramsey from the 1940s. :)

[ozzmeister]

Bridge - just a pitty he's not gone somewhere where he can play week in week out to show his class and take the england number one stop from ashley cole

[Window Cleaner]

I'm totally with you there Teddy. I think we've had some great ones there (Peach, Bridge and Bale for a start obviously) but Stevie Mills was just utter class in everything he did.

Were it not for the tragic circumstances I have no doubts he would have been amongst the all time legends and a regular England international. I suppose he can't win because of the shortness of his career but for me he was the best left back I've ever seen in a Saints shirt.

Correct, so fast that he made greyhounds look like donkeys, probably harder in the tackle than Pyscho as well,but it was usually pretty clean.
A great loss, now he is consigned to the memories of very very few.

[St Landrew]

Correct, so fast that he made greyhounds look like donkeys, probably harder in the tackle than Pyscho as well,but it was usually pretty clean.
A great loss, now he is consigned to the memories of very very few.

For those people with absolutely no idea of who Steve Mills was, here's a Wiki link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Mills

[St Landrew]

So when I come to count up the nominations and build the thread for Saints Greatest [footballing] LB, do you honestly think I should include Francis Benali..? ;)


Abso-bl00dy-lutely :cool:

If you want a poll about Saints Cult Heroes then by all means start one. However, we are talking about footballing excellence here, and as much as I like Francis Benali, there are several [or substitute many] Saints LBs in front of him on the quality front. However, it looks like he'll be included merely by the amount of nominations he's received.

[dubai_phil]

Loved to watch Dennis play, but often he got us into trouble or conceded unnecessary fouls.
I'd go for Mr consistent - David Peach

[St Landrew]

Thank you for your LB nominations peeps. This thread is now closed.