Will never be beaten. That tingle of excitement hen he picked up the ball. Watching his movement when he didn’t. An absolute genius. The only player I can think of that was anything like him in terms of that buzz of anticipation you got just from him receiving the ball was prime time David Currie.
Was just a joke. It’s the best goal I’ve ever seen live other than Trevor Sinclair’s but there are others that mean as much or more to me.
Glavin at Leeds, he won the ball from a Leeds corner, beat a couple of Leeds players in our penalty area, played a 1-2 with David Johnson (yes THAT David Johnson on loan from Liverpool) in the centre circle before coolly slotting home. Barnard vs Hudds, stupendous volley. Hammill at Wembley, I was sat in line with it and knew it was headed for the top corner for what seemed like ages. Craig Davies winner in a 4-3 win at Peterborough, smashed it in from 20 yards. Bruce Dyer at St Andrews playoff, just powered through 2 defenders like they weren't there.
Define goal though ... best way it crosses the line, or what it meant? For me, nothing can beat Mr Barnard vs Huddersfield, but also Vas Ta against palace in the opening 10 seconds. Whilst not a special goal in itself, I have to say Redferarn vs Spurs at home. It could be argued to be the poorest of our three on the night, but the fact it started with a goal line clearance, Martin Bullock running and running and running, and having two attempts himself before Redfearn scored was special.
There is one that has so far, not surprisingly, not been mentioned. Does anyone remember Joe Hayes scoring a spectacular long range effort against Rochdale in a mid week game during the otherwise forgettable 1965/6 season?
In terms of free kick power goals, what about Neil Thompson or the German player ( LB I think ) who could certainly hit a ball ?
There are just too many to choose from but my favourite from recent times is Ashley Fletcher’s opener when we beat Millwall in the play off final. I was stood right behind it and there was a massive sense of relief that we were on our way.
Nardiello away at Huddersfield in the Playoffs Nardiello away at Elland Road (either of the two) Barnard Jacob Brown away at Walsall John Hendrie at Old Trafford Howard at Anfield Special mentions to Hammill x 5, the Carl Dickinson free kick, Schmidt’s header at Millwall, and loads of others already called out. I’ve only gone for ones where I was at the game, otherwise Oduor would be in there for sure.
Actually, that was particularly good as I was clearly seen celebrating in the background on the replay - which I didn't find out about for weeks afterwards.
And those of us that saw it do go on about it a lot and probably irritate people as much as we got irritated with people talking about Tommy Taylor, Danny Blanchflower and Cecil McCormack. I don’t know if it was an age thing (the age we were when watching) or what but there were some fantastic games in that era and some never to be bettered memories.
Hammill at Wembley is my number one by a distance. That’s from someone who’s watched us regularly from 96 onwards. Quality of the goal, importance of the game & it been at Wembley means it trumps anything else in that time for me. Barnard’s volley is technically a better goal but it’s a regular game & we were already cruising to victory so it doesn’t have the same importance in my opinion.
Can't put them in order, but the 5 that come to mind Eaden at home vs Sheff Utd 97 Marcelle at home vs Bradford 97 Howard away vs Liverpool 08 Odejayi at home vs Chelsea 08 Hammill at Wembley vs Millwall Honourable mention for Conor Chaplin's goal for Coventry in a 5-4 win over Sunderland, which effectively put us in the driving seat for automatic promotion in 18/19. Oh and Jacob Brown at Walsall in 19. I've omitted it from the list as I only watched the game on TV.
Derek Bell v Grimsby Adam Hammill v Millwall Brian Howard v Liverpool ( Cardiff one was close tool) Trevor Aylott v Man City Darren Barnard v Huddersfield ( My all time fave!)