The Greatest Steelmen
The Greatest Steelmen
...............of my time!!!!
After reading all the guff in the Press about he Greatest Ranger of all time being John Grieg, I decided I would have a go at doing my own version for Motherwell. My memory of players really only stretches back to 1970, therefore all the players I have picked have played since then. I have done this on previous occasions and every time I do it I come with a slightly different selection!!
- Keith MacRae- narrowly beats people like Rennie, Dykstra and Maxwell but Keith for me was a better all round goalkeeper than any of these guys. He was a brilliant shot stopper and a brilliant taker of crosses. Also known to play at Centre forward or right back!! He may one day be replaced by Andy Goram, who knows.
- Luc Nijholt - just in front of Whiteford and Watson, but Luc could tackle, come forward and occasionally take a penalty! His crosses were a joy to behold, probably our first real wing back
- Joe Wark - No Contest!! Only one choice for Left Back!!
- Bobby Watson - Signed from Rangers as McCloy went there in his place, good reader of the game and one of our most motivational captains in my time - although he did return with a disastrous spell as manager!
- Willie McCallum - Traditional strong Centre half who was dominant in the air, I would prefer him in from of Paterson, McAdam etec
- Stuart McLaren - the ultimate hard man in midfield, certainly knew how to mark Kenny Dalglish before King Kenny moved to Liverpool. Slightly edges out people like O'Neill and Dolan
- Billy Campbell - tricky N. Ireland internationalist who played as an out and out right winger. Brilliant dribbler who could pass players on either side PLUS he used to stay just up the road from me!!
- Willie Pettigrew - similar to Joe Wark, only one choice for the No. 8 jersey, prolific scorer who would use his pace to get away from defenders, never got the International recognition his scoring rate deserved.
- Dixie Deans - a classic centre forward - full of hustle and bustle and sometimes controlled aggression. Certainly knew the way to the back of the net, only blemish was the fact that he was sent off too often!! Narrowly pips Dougie Arnott, Boby Graham and Jim O'Rourke for the no 9 jersey!
- Vic Davidson - very talented "inside forward", who could float past players and find the deadly pass, complemented McLaren to the full.
- Davie Cooper - a true legend of the Scottish game, as can be seen by the number of memorials that have sprung up for him. Only with us three years but surely one of the true greats of all time for us, inspiring us to a magnificent spell of League form and of course a Cup win.
MY SUBS: Graham, McCart, Boyd, Dykstra, Coyne
MANAGER: Tommy McLean.
This is my opinion, if yours is different mail us at the address on the inside front cover and we'll feature them at the start of next season!!
Graham Barnstaple
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