| Best left back 22:56 - Apr 10 with 5847 views | Myke |
Was Ian Gillard our best ever left back? Or was it Wilson, or Samson or Brevett or the nutty Argentinian or the guy who tackles with his head or... |  | | |  |
| Best left back on 10:36 - Apr 11 with 1638 views | johann28 |
Wish I had Clive's gift for words to describe Ian Gillard
Very tough tackling - his trademark tackle was to show his opponent the outside and then slide in to consistently win the tackle with his left foot. He was over 6 feet tall and was both a threat at set pieces and a very useful addition at the near-post as defensive cover for corners. Wasn’t to be found constantly rampaging forward (this was the age of the full-back, not the wing-back) but he was totally comfortable on the ball and able to fit easily into Dave Sexton’s policy of total football. Suddenly dropping his shoulder and turning inside he could release a perfect ball time after time down the wing for Thomas, or lay it off to the midfield. Beautiful. |  | | |
| Best left back on 10:44 - Apr 11 with 1629 views | oldmisery |
I think I've seen them all over the past 59 years and for me 'Euclid' Wilson (what sort of father does that) just shades it over Ian Gillard.
What a travesty that Gilly only got 3 caps and that Willo didn't get any at all. Unbelievable when you consider some of the shite that have been selected for England over the last 50 years! | | | |
| Best left back on 10:47 - Apr 11 with 1622 views | THEBUSH |
| Best left back on 10:25 - Apr 11 by terryb |
For defending it would be Gillard.
For attacking it would be Wilson.
Let us not forget to mention Gentleman Jim Langley in this thread though. |
Agree with this, was going to say something similar.
Wilson was much more a skillful player than Ian Gillard, but both had their value.
Jim Langley was such a Big character and he was both of the above, skillful and a good tackler.
I also saw Tony Ingham play and he was a great player for us, all in all, I can´t choose who was the best. |  | | |
| Best left back on 10:48 - Apr 11 with 1617 views | Metallica_Hoop |
The best I've seen was Wilson. |  |
| Beer and Beef has made us what we are - The Prince Regent |
| |
| Best left back on 10:56 - Apr 11 with 1589 views | quickpassrotter |
I have already posted here re. ''Left Back'' - and as stated, it is Ian Gillard for me.
Just want to add a few other comments - some of it reflecting what others who have commented.
1. Very physical. Took no prisoners but had a good disciplinary record - so was smart with his tackling.
2. Excellent positional sense. Very vocal.
3. Quicker than people realised. Can't remember too many beating him in a foot race.
4. Good distributor of the ball, good crosser of the ball.
5. A threat when coming up for dead ball kicks - great in the air, and although did not actually score that many was always a distraction in the opposition box.
Fitted in very nicely into a decent side that we had at the time I think ( haha, big understatement !) |  | | |
| Best left back on 11:06 - Apr 11 with 1572 views | CamberleyR |
It was a shame with Clive Wilson that he was nearly 30 before his best position was found for him as he'd spent the best part of the first 10-11 years of his career being an okay but nothing special midfielder, massive kudos must go to Gerry Francis for spotting the ability to play left back.
Always felt that Willo was just as big a loss as Les in the relegation season. Also, IMO only Helguson matches him as our most nerveless penalty taker. That penalty in the last minute of the 5th round FA Cup game against Millwall took some bottle. |  |
| |
| Best left back on 11:43 - Apr 11 with 1532 views | Esox_Lucius |
| Best left back on 11:06 - Apr 11 by CamberleyR |
It was a shame with Clive Wilson that he was nearly 30 before his best position was found for him as he'd spent the best part of the first 10-11 years of his career being an okay but nothing special midfielder, massive kudos must go to Gerry Francis for spotting the ability to play left back.
Always felt that Willo was just as big a loss as Les in the relegation season. Also, IMO only Helguson matches him as our most nerveless penalty taker. That penalty in the last minute of the 5th round FA Cup game against Millwall took some bottle. |
Only Jim Langley fits the description of nerveless penalty taker. Never missed a one for QPR. In those days a penalty to us was a nailed on goal, no question. |  |
| The grass is always greener. |
| |
| Best left back on 13:28 - Apr 11 with 1485 views | johncharles |
Masny was the only on who turned him and Masny could be compared favourably with Sir Stanley Bowles. |  |
| Strong and stable my arse. |
| |
Login to get fewer ads
| Best left back on 13:53 - Apr 11 with 1464 views | Dorse |
Wilson for me. I was gutted when he left.
I liked Sansom, was too young to really appreciate Gillard. My favourite of recent times has to be Gino. |  |
| 'What do we want? We don't know! When do we want it? Now!' |
| |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
