You can be the best player in the world, but it still won’t win you cult status at a British club.
Yes the greats of the Premier League era have earned our respect and admiration, but there are some players that have won our hearts…some very obscure players at that.
Yes your Shearers and your Ronaldos will be remembered in the record books, but your cult heroes like the Di Canios and the Mabbutts of this world will live on forever on the terraces.
We chose 5 unheralded players that have won cult status at their clubs – but then we turned to the wisdom of JOE readers… and you didn’t disappoint.
Shola Ameobi was one of our 5 legendary picks…and many readers agreed. While he’s not blessed with the talents of Owen, the killer instinct of Shearer or the touch of Beardsley, he has brought some special moments to Tyneside.
Another Newcastle ‘ace’ got the nod from you lot…but not for his time at St James’ Park. Obafemi Martins earned legendary status at St Andrews for one piece of magic…
He only made four appearances for Birmingham, but he won’t score an easier or more significant goal than this to win the League Cup…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB_oYv98fP8
Zamora may not have hit the heights for England, but you know you’ve earned true cult status when they’re coming up with songs like this about you…
@JOE_co_uk When the ball hits the net like a f**kin rocket, its Zamora. When the ball hits the goal its not Shearer or Cole, its Zamora! BHA
— Anthony Sharpe (@Seagull25) November 11, 2015
Remember all the crazy-good Dutch players that have graced the Premier League through the years? The likes of Bergkamp, Van Nistelrooy, Van Der Sar, Zenden? How do you pick between this lot? The dance moves have it, obviously…
@JOE_co_uk Zenden at #SAFC mainly for his Dad dancing with Gyan 😂
— תאומא (@Tom_With_A_Tee) November 11, 2015
They were bloody good to be fair…
Dancing can win over even the coldest of hearts, but a memorable goal or two will endear you to the fans even more. Especially when they’re against your rivals. That’s certainly the case north of the border…
@JOE_co_uk Alim Ozturk, firstly for scoring this against Hibs and then scoring an identical goal the following week https://t.co/xQfP6hC6ki
— Paddy Baxter (@sirpaddybaxter) November 11, 2015
With so many cult heroes in the Premier League down the years, it can be pretty hard to decide. How the hell can you pick between the talismanic Paolo Di Canio in his West Ham days or the obscure figures of Eric Meijer and Igor Biscan at Liverpool?
There was only one name on Simon Grass’ list. Pure, unadulterated cult classic…
There are some real picks you could have had for Cult King of the Kop, but we think Stephen Simms put it best with this…
The years haven’t been kind to Leeds of late, but at least they still have the memories. And some bloody good memories too. Think of classic goals in the 90s and you will undoubtedly conjure up one of Tony Yeboah’s textbook thunderb*stards…
But there was another Elland Road name that was in the mix. South African defender Lucas Radebe is firmly in Leeds folklore during his 11 years.
We saved the best response until last. A Turkish maestro bringing Rolls Royce football to one of England’s most historic but unfashionable clubs – Blackburn Rovers.
Rumour was he smoked 50 a day, but still ran the show in Rovers’ midfield at a canter.
And yes, James Bishop did just compare Tugay to Paul Scholes…
He could really hit a ball…
