I'm still torn between this goal and the Stoke one being the best. He really has no right to score from here hitting it first time .........
I remember saying to a mate on the way out of that game that Charlton were one of the best sides I'd seen that season...thats how good we were that day
That particular clip doesn't show how good the passing and movement was for the second goal. Redders pinged it out to Thompson on the left with the outside of his boot, came back across in positive triangles of passing, and then it's Thompson who's smashing it in at the near post with his right foot. Proper 'ole' football that goal. It's a shame Clint's goal was a tap-in as it ruined* the other three's brilliance. * Obviously didn't ruin it at all
Great stream Ben. The bit about Shez at the end made me chuckle. What a character. Vastly underrated as a player ,he was an integral part of what every successful team needs.
Good stuff again - thoroughly enjoyed listening to Neil, even if he is associated with Wednesday now Shez gets honourable mentions yet again. I was there during this period, but I can't really remember how good he was. Maybe he was just one of those 100% effort players who keeps things ticking over and you don't really notice him. For such a little fellow he certainly made his mark though, on both his team mates and the opposition! "I'm not Happy". "Which one are you then?" Priceless
It's interesting hearing the players take on Shez cos Iknow I used to get frustrated with him and think he had something on Danny to keep picking him!! Have you asked him for an interview Ben?
Enjoyable as ever. Thompson was some player even at that age. There must be a thousand stories about Shez. Here’s mine. He was one of the legends we brought back for the 130th anniversary three years ago now. In the arranging of that, I’d been given his number by Adi Moses and so I gave him a call one afternoon. After introducing myself and explaining the concept, he says: “Hang on a sec mate....” And proceeds to shout to someone else in his vicinity; “I’ll be out in a minute fücking hell, I’m just having a shïte...” “Hiya mate, sorry about that, I’m still at work and I’ve had to use the bog for some quiet.” Unbelievable little player he was, like David Perkins but much better.
His overall contribution was deceptive. He was one footed and appeared to be one paced, but as we have heard, was in equal measure valued by our coaches and his teammates alike. I can't remember where I saw it, but I once read a quote from a former colleague who claimed that Darren was a better player than his brother John, who at one time, most notably, played for Manchester City, Leeds United, Notts Forest and Sheffield Wednesday. I personally found that hard to believe, but there's no doubt that a bit like Nobby Styles before him, Shez was an unsung talent as far as those in the know felt and was a vital part in the midfield of the team that took to the park during those very memorable times at our football club. Darren always gave 100% and you could tell by the pre-match banter he shared with his fellow players he was an extremely popular member of the Club during his time at Oakwell.
I think it's fair to say he was a much loved player mostly for his passion. The fact so many of his contemporaries speak about his skill levels speaks volumes though.
Yes, each one adds a different bit of perspective. Fascinating stuff & has kept me going TBH with the lack of actual football.