What constitutes a Football Legend?

starbelgrade

A point I brought up in the Champions League Draw thread got me thinking about this... I pondered if Beckham would get the ovation he clearly deserves from the United fans when he returns to Old Trafford with AC Milan, as he's clearly a United legend.

I would have though that Michael Owen would have got a similar reaction when he played at Anfield this season, but that wasn't the case.

So that lead me to think.. what does constitute a legend for your club and what would they have to do to change your opinion of them?

mink_man

long, loyal servant to a club...
doing great things on a consistent basis for years...
doing important things in single matches, like scoring the winner int he man city derby!

DSB

Its impossible to say to be honest, considering a legend can become an enemy in a second, ala Henry and to some Michael Owen. Obviously tact and respect are the 2 major attributes, usually accompanied by either exceptional football skills or workrate.

Iron Hide

Eric Cantona.. 'nuff said

mikemac

Don't sign for the local rival
Sol Campbell was a legend at Spurs, one seaon later he took incredible abuse from his once loyal supporters.

OPENROAD

mink_man wrote: »

long, loyal servant to a club...

+1

Perry Groves wasn't the best of payers, but is hugely loved by Arsenal fans.

CHD

Loyal servant who plays like he would die for the club.

Iron Hide

mikemac wrote: »

Don't sign for the local rival
Sol Campbell was a legend at Spurs, one seaon later he took incredible abuse from his once loyal supporters.

Peter Schmeichel managed to do just that and wasn't vilified...

mink_man

its like that cult hero thing that they do on sky sports..

maybe not the best player but the most loved

starbelgrade

mink_man wrote: »

long, loyal servant to a club...
doing great things on a consistent basis for years...
doing important things in single matches, like scoring the winner int he man city derby!

Good points. I was thinking about Ranaldo & if he'd qualify as a Utd legend, and personally I wouldn't rate him as one. There's no doubt that he's an exceptional footballer with some amazing skills, helped Utd to win several trophies & scored mant important match winners, but was he ever loyal to the club? Possibly for a season or two, but in the last few, his only loyalties seemed to be to himself.

mikemac

Red Storm wrote: »

Peter Schmeichel managed to do just that and wasn't vilified...

That's true though with tens of thousands of professional footballers you can find an example for anything realy

mink_man wrote: »

maybe not the best player but the most loved

This sums it up for me. You don't have to be the most skilful or talented player but if you give your all and do anything for your club, people will recognize this

Iron Hide

On the subject of Arsenal players, Tony Adams is most definately a legend.. And i'm a die-hard United fan, the man is just a cut above..

starbelgrade

Red Storm wrote: »

Peter Schmeichel managed to do just that and wasn't vilified...

Schmeichel was such an undisputed legend for Utd, that in order to be villified, he'd have to have murdered Alex Ferguson for that to happen!!

Also, he did go to City via 2 other clubs, so there was a bit of space between the move to the local rivals. The same applies to Owen - I don't remember him getting booed by Pool fans when he played for Newcastle, so maybe the move was one step too far. Either way, I still think the boo-ing was pathetic. He deserved more respect than that. You can understand the likes of Tevez being booed by Utd fans, but he was just a money hungry blow-in.

eagle eye

Red Storm wrote: »

On the subject of Arsenal players, Tony Adams is most definately a legend.. And i'm a die-hard United fan, the man is just a cut above..

Along with Lee Dixon, Martin Keown, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn.

starbelgrade

eagle eye wrote: »

Nigel Winerburn.

Who?

Seaneh

Paolo Maldini!

starbelgrade

Seaneh wrote: »

Paolo Maldini!

25 years of loyal & excellent service at AC, cannot be disputed in any way, shape or form!

eagle eye

starbelgrade wrote: »

Who?

You is quick.

starbelgrade

eagle eye wrote: »

You is quick.

And you're not as eagle-eyed as your name would suggest.

mink_man

get a room :pac:

Frisbee

DSB wrote: »

Its impossible to say to be honest, considering a legend can become an enemy in a second, ala Henry and to some Michael Owen.

?

Can't think of any Arsenal fans that view Henry as an enemy...

starbelgrade

Frisbee wrote: »

?

Can't think of any Arsenal fans that view Henry as an enemy...

Or any real football fans of any club.

Iron Hide

eagle eye wrote: »

Along with Lee Dixon, Martin Keown, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn.

I'd put Dave Seaman and Ian Wright onto that list aswell...

Panthro

a nice floppy hairdo

Bandit12

Robbie Fowler was the player i admired the most at liverpool over the last 15 years. Complete legend and loved the club unlike that ***boy Owen.

starbelgrade

For United, Premiership era, I'd list...

- Giggs
- Scholes
- Keane
- Beckham
- Schmeichel
- Solksjaer
- Gary Neville
- Irwin
- Cantona
- Bruce

I'm sure there's a few I've left out.

Iron Hide

starbelgrade wrote: »

For United, Premiership era, I'd list...

- Giggs
- Scholes
- Keane
- Beckham
- Schmeichel
- Solksjaer
- Gary Neville
- Irwin
- Cantona
- Bruce

I'm sure there's a few I've left out.

stick Mark Hughes in there and its perfect

edit: and Bryan Robson

starbelgrade

Bandit12 wrote: »

Robbie Fowler was the player http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=63577452i admired the most at liverpool over the last 15 years. Complete legend and loved the club unlike that ***boy Owen.

Owen signed for Liverpool at 16, played for them for 9 years, turned in 297 appearances & scored 158 goals & you still call him a ***boy?!?!?????

If his record doesn't make him a Liverpool legend, I don't know what does.

DSB

starbelgrade wrote: »

Or any real football fans of any club.

You being an Irish Man Utd fan, I'm going to take your opinion on what a real football fan is with a pinch of salt.

DSB

starbelgrade wrote: »

Owen signed for Liverpool at 16, played for them for 9 years, turned in 297 appearances & scored 158 goals & you still call him a ***boy?!?!?????

If his record doesn't make him a Liverpool legend, I don't know what does.

Understanding the culture of the club would be a start.

starbelgrade

DSB wrote: »

You being an Irish Man Utd fan, I'm going to take your opinion on what a real football fan is with a pinch of salt.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

starbelgrade

DSB wrote: »

Understanding the culture of the club would be a start.

Please explain.

eddiehead

starbelgrade wrote: »

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Just read the sign

Bandit12

starbelgrade wrote: »

Owen signed for Liverpool at 16, played for them for 9 years, turned in 297 appearances & scored 158 goals & you still call him a ***boy?!?!?????

If his record doesn't make him a Liverpool legend, I don't know what does.

Greatness is created on and off the field of play. Ask a selection of real Liverpool supporters what they think of Owen,or Mancs what they think of Ince,or Spurs fans of Campbell,Barca fans of Figo etc...

eagle eye

Red Storm wrote: »

I'd put Dave Seaman and Ian Wright onto that list aswell...

I'd completely agree, I'm not an Arsenal fan personally. I just pointed out the other regular members of that Arsenal defense which by itself is a legendary outfit with the George Graham 'Thou shalt not pass' motto.

CorkMan

Zidane for France: one them their first ever world cup, then guided them to Euro 2000. Then guided them to the final of WC 2006 and got sent off.

Thats how I say it runs in France anyways.

starbelgrade

Would anyone consider Robbie Keane an Ireland legend. I know his record is exceptional, but he annoys the hell out me - I still can't forgive him for those goal celebrations he used to do.

eagle eye

starbelgrade wrote: »

Owen signed for Liverpool at 16, played for them for 9 years, turned in 297 appearances & scored 158 goals & you still call him a ***boy?!?!?????

If his record doesn't make him a Liverpool legend, I don't know what does.

Owen left them when he was 25 years of age and in his prime, he wanted out and he got out. I wouldn't consider him a Liverpool legend. Stats don't make you a legend.

DSB

starbelgrade wrote: »

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

To be fair, you know exactly what, so lets not open a massive debate on an unrelated thread.

starbelgrade wrote: »

Please explain.

If you play for Liverpool, and want to be remembered in a positive manner, you don't join Man United, thats really as simple as it gets. If you play for Celtic, you don't join Rangers. If you play for Barcelona, you don't join Real and so on. This is the culture of a football club. To some it may seem silly, but those involved it makes perfect sense.

DSB

starbelgrade wrote: »

Would anyone consider Robbie Keane an Ireland legend. I know his record is exceptional, but he annoys the hell out me - I still can't forgive him for those goal celebrations he used to do.

I wouldn't even put this up for debate, together with Paul McGrath, he is probably the definitive Ireland legend. The chap bleeds green.

Bandit12

starbelgrade wrote: »

Would anyone consider Robbie Keane an Ireland legend. I know his record is exceptional, but he annoys the hell out me - I still can't forgive him for those goal celebrations he used to do.

Yes he is although he can't really sign for England can he.;)

citytillidie

starbelgrade wrote: »

Owen signed for Liverpool at 16, played for them for 9 years, turned in 297 appearances & scored 158 goals & you still call him a ***boy?!?!?????

If his record doesn't make him a Liverpool legend, I don't know what does.

Would have been a legend but for 3 things.

1 Holding the club to ransom and not signing a new contract forcing the club to sell him for a knock down price

2 Turn Liverpool down a year later to go to Newcastle for a bigger pay packet

3 Signing for Man Utd

JerryHandbag

Paul McGrath....better known for his exploits with Villa and Ireland than my own club, but Jesus Christ, for a fella that basically didnt have any knees, he did a fine job of keeping Irelands goals against record down over the years.

I have long prayed for the day when we have the next McGrath playing in the green of Ireland. Alas, it aint Paul McShane

Ferris_Bueller

citytillidie wrote: »

Would have been a legend but for 3 things.

1 Holding the club to ransom and not signing a new contract forcing the club to sell him for a knock down price

2 Turn Liverpool down a year later to go to Newcastle for a bigger pay packet

3 Signing for Man Utd

Okay I'm not exactly sure how true all of the above are as I have kind of fallen out of supporting Liverpool the past few years, however if that middle one is true about him turning them down for Newcastle then fair enough I can see why some do not consider him a legend.

But otherwise, I cannot see how its even debatable. His record was nothing short of fantastic for the club, and the fact that he played and performed so well for what would have been his childhood enemy (Everton fan yes?) must be respected IMO. While he was at the club he done a great job and as far as I know he was never disrespectful towards them after he left. On top of this he scored several vital goals for the club, including that FA Cup final where he literally won the game single handedly. Personally I would consider Owen a legend, but thats my own opinion and if others dont agree then fair enough.

K-9

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

Okay I'm not exactly sure how true all of the above are as I have kind of fallen out of supporting Liverpool the past few years, however if that middle one is true about him turning them down for Newcastle then fair enough I can see why some do not consider him a legend.

But otherwise, I cannot see how its even debatable. His record was nothing short of fantastic for the club, and the fact that he played and performed so well for what would have been his childhood enemy (Everton fan yes?) must be respected IMO. While he was at the club he done a great job and as far as I know he was never disrespectful towards them after he left. On top of this he scored several vital goals for the club, including that FA Cup final where he literally won the game single handedly. Personally I would consider Owen a legend, but thats my own opinion and if others dont agree then fair enough.

Carragher and Sami beats him hands down.

kinaldo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra%C3%BAl_Gonz%C3%A1lez

sionnach

Red Storm wrote: »

I'd put Dave Seaman and Ian Wright onto that list aswell...

I can't believe Dennis Bergkamp hasn't been mentioned yet. A legend for club and country built not only on long and loyal service but also singular legendary acts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exlBHTyB1R0

Son Of A Vidic

Ryan Giggs, others have come and gone but the old Master is still at it.

tdv

Costacurta is great example. Always over-shadowed by either Maldini,Baresi or Nesta but stayed loyal to his club for over 20 years until he was 41 & never complained or moaned about a thing.

starbelgrade

DSB wrote: »

To be fair, you know exactly what, so lets not open a massive debate on an unrelated thread.

I've no idea what you mean & quite frankly, I care even less.

Spiritoftheseventies

Red Storm wrote: »

Eric Cantona.. 'nuff said

Cantona not fit to reside in King Kenny's court