Players who went on to forge better careers than expected

[Swannyblade]

Just watching Swans v Spurs and noticed Kyle Bartley playing at CB.
Whilst I thought he was decent for us, I wouldn’t have predicted a Premier League career for him. However, I seem to recall him playing along side bomb-scare Nosworthy, so maybe not the best context to judge his abilities.

However it got me thinking, which players have gone on to forge better careers after looking average at best in a Blades shirt?

 

[Roygbiv]

Simon Francis stands out

 

[Harry's Game]

Tri Dellas.

 

[8lade]

and from the other side of the pitch and purchased around the same time Chris Armstrong

 

[TONY_TONY_AGANA]

Tri Dellas has to be up there

 

[ljk]

Although he doesn't play much anymore, Nathan Dyer had a few good years in the premiership at Swansea.

 

[raimond]

Cahill.

 

[SwissBlade]

Just watching Swans v Spurs and noticed Kyle Bartley playing at CB.
Whilst I thought he was decent for us, I wouldn’t have predicted a Premier League career for him. However, I seem to recall him playing along side bomb-scare Nosworthy, so maybe not the best context to judge his abilities.

However it got me thinking, which players have gone on to forge better careers after looking average at best in a Blades shirt?

He was quality as a youngster, but needed time to develop.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Kyle Walker. I think we all knew he'd be PRem class and England class but we might not have had him as the country's most expensive player, worlds most expensive defender and premier league champion.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Sam Cokes has done pretty well with his career too. Might also argue that Maguire has exceeded expectations

 

[Swannyblade]

Cahill.

I always thought Cahill was a class above whilst on loan with us...and he brought out the best in Kilgallon, who had looked decidedly average before this period

 

[Swannyblade]

Sam Cokes has done pretty well with his career too. Might also argue that Maguire has exceeded expectations

Maguire’s a good shout - always had the talent but didn’t think he’d have enough pace for the Prem, nevermind making it to a World Cup with England

 

[raimond]

I always thought Cahill was a class above whilst on loan with us...and he brought out the best in Kilgallon, who had looked decidedly average before this period

He was mate- but he was a Villa reserve, didn't see him becoming England captain

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

I also thought Naughton would be the highest achievers of the Kyles.

 

[JohnDenver]

Just watching Swans v Spurs and noticed Kyle Bartley playing at CB.
Whilst I thought he was decent for us, I wouldn’t have predicted a Premier League career for him.

The poster formerly known as lenners insisted Bartley would not have a career in the top two leagues. Rumour has it he's back under a different alias - you might have flushed him out.....

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Sam Cokes has done pretty well with his career too. Might also argue that Maguire has exceeded expectations

Vokes even....

 

[Fanny magnet]

He was mate- but he was a Villa reserve, didn't see him becoming England captain

Villa fans were irate when oneil loaned him out
Lowton is the one for me who has far exceeded expectation.
Not one blade I talked to thought he was good enough (at defending at least)for league one

 

[Tynemouth Blade]

Michael Carrick

 

[Rustyblade]

Never really rated Cahill even though he was okay for us at the time. Still don't. Most times he's up against experienced forwards with a bit of pace, he's a rabbit in the headlights.

 

[pommpey]

Simon Francis stands out

He's playing in the PL, yup. He is, however pretty bloody average in his output and his play is error ridden. He's a Champ player at best.

Remember seeing him on the touchline at a pre-season under Warnock at Weymouth. He looked really pissed off to be left out of the side.

We moved him on to Southend or summat soon after.

pommpey

 

[Speedracer]

Maguire has surprised me of the recent ones, I didn't doubt his ability, just his mobility and lack of pace, mind he looks quite a bit slimmer now compared to when he was here. Nice to see him doing so well.

 

[CarlMcBlade]

Kyle Walker. I think we all knew he'd be PRem class and England class but we might not have had him as the country's most expensive player, worlds most expensive defender and premier league champion.

To be honest, I preferred Naughton out of the 2

 

[Plymouthblade]

James Milner still going strong and a great workhorse played for the big clubs and still going strong even though he came from the dirties

 

[allypallyblade]

Roger Nilsen playing for Spurs.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

The poster formerly known as lenners insisted Bartley would not have a career in the top two leagues. Rumour has it he's back under a different alias - you might have flushed him out.....

I am not he and he is not me.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

To be honest, I preferred Naughton out of the 2

I think a few did as he was more established that season but Walker showed that incredible athleticism from the moment he stepped onto the first team field. That was always going to take him far but he's probably exceeded the level that people expected.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

Chris Marsden.

Saw his first few games for us, thought he'd struggle at any level. Got that one wrong.

 

[The Crab]

Vokes even....

I think Sam Cokes soon lost his fizz

 

[I should coco]

Leon Britton.

Looked completely out of place in a Blackwell team, as the ball soared over his head. I didn't think he was even Championship average.

 

[snootyfenooty]

Curtis Woodhouse. Although in a completely different sport!