Massive mentions here to Lawler and Neal as many previous posts have alluded to, but they were before my time and it me be wrong to go on about and choose someone on that basis.
The stand outs that come to mind for me since I've started watching start with Stevie Nicol, what a player imo was a hard Scottish defender who could definitely play a bit and so versatile. Didn't he score a hat trick v Newcastle at one time? Remember being at Hillsborough when he scored an absolute peach of a goal from outside the box.
Then there was Rob Jones, what a talent. Could play either side even though he was more natural on the right, Evans moving him over to the left to accommodate McAteer when we starting using wing backs. It was a big shame that such a talent was cut short by injury as he really was a joy to watch for someone such as myself, who likes to view a full back firstly as a defender and secondly what he offers going forward. Would have loved him to get that illusive goal we all craved!
My selection is going to be from the above 2 but special mentions have to go to Marcus Babbel, who was excellent in the treble winning side and could well have been chosen had he been able to play for longer period. Stevie Finnan who was Mr consistant he was like Ronseal (did exactly what it said on the tin). Alvaro Arbeloa who again along the lines of Babbel if he'd stayed longer could well have forced my hand, he was consistently good in a very good team.
I also we believe we've a good un at right back in Nathaniel Clyne, I know people question what he does in the attacking third but in my opinion he'll be a solid regular for years to come.
Some list there over the last 30 years, but planning ahead and thinking who I'm playing at left back (as imo the choice is not as good) I'm giving Rob Jones the number 2 shirt. I will say though if I weren't putting Stevie Nicol in at left back (spoiler alert!!!
) he'd have just nicked it.
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