Gigs retirement - who are the other true greats?

[Goldstone Rapper]

For me (and it's all just opinion and conjecture obviously) Shilton was a great keeper but was found out at the highest level and I'll never forgive him for his awful performance in the 1990 shoot out.

Same could be said of Seaman (Ronaldinho /etc) perhaps but I still rate him as better overall.

Shilton's inability to walk backwards also explained why Paul Parker's deflection led to the Germans opening the scoring. And he went to sleep against the Italians, leading to their first goal in the play-off match...

 

[AZ Gull]

Rio Ferdinand. Last day of 95/96 and every season since. 18 seasons.

Is that matched by Frank Lampard?

 

[hans kraay fan club]

Is that matched by Frank Lampard?

Good call. Made his debut in the same match.

 

[KZNSeagull]

While an absolute gent, I don't think Stanley Mattthews was really that good - at least not from the footage that exists. The Hungarians soon worked out he only had about two tricks.

So did Giggs, but only one of them was on the pitch.

 

[SouthCoastOwl]

Glenn Hoddle
Chris Waddle
Trevor Francis

Cue Binfest

 

[jonsey]

George Best
Bobby Moore
Bobby Charlton
Kevin Keegan
Gordon Banks
Kenny Dalglish
Gareth Bale
John Charles
Gary Lineker
Pat Jennings
Denis Law
Jimmy Johnstone

Would Ryan Gigs really get above any of these?

No im not sure that he would.........can i throw in John Crumplin and Peter Smith

 

[Gullflyinghigh]

I'm not sure why Paul Scholes was dismissed quite so readily.

All right, he couldn't tackle but he's probably the best English midfielder of the PL era and has been singled out by players like Zidane & Ronaldo (christ Zidane was good) as the best player in football. Hardly opinions to just shrug off.

 

[Questions]

Shilton's inability to walk backwards also explained why Paul Parker's deflection led to the Germans opening the scoring. And he went to sleep against the Italians, leading to their first goal in the play-off match...

He was certainly past his best in 1990 but reigned supreme during the late 70's and 80's. When you remember that there was a policy of alternating him with Clemence for some time it is incredible to think how many caps he might have won although of course he didn't do that bad with 125.

 

[Gullflyinghigh]

For me (and it's all just opinion and conjecture obviously) Shilton was a great keeper but was found out at the highest level and I'll never forgive him for his awful performance in the 1990 shoot out.

Same could be said of Seaman (Ronaldinho /etc) perhaps but I still rate him as better overall.

I always feel bad for keepers when this sort of debate starts as their mistakes tend to be far more memorable than any outfield players would be.

Having a bad game or making a high profile mistake shouldn't take someone out of the running for being considered a great (I know you've already said Shilton was, I'm just talking in general), assuming it was an exception rather than the rule.

 

[Prince Monolulu]

Carlton Palmer

 

[Billy the Fish]

In what context is Ryan Giggs a true gent? Such a true gent that he f**ked his brother's missus!

On that basis I'd like to nominate the following:

John terry
Titus Bramble
Marlon King
Ched Evans

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

For goalkeepers, Gordon Banks.

And before my time, even though I am fairly old, but Johnny Haynes?

And how anyone can dismiss Stanley Matthews as "not that good" is beyond me.

 

[Gullflyinghigh]

And how anyone can dismiss Stanley Matthews as "not that good" is beyond me.

With you on that. I knew the story of Stanley Matthews before I was a teenager and I'm only 26 now.

That he, and his achievements, are still well known amongst people my age (and younger) is probably a good indication that he belongs in the 'all-time great' category.

 

[Biscuit]

I'd place pretty much anyone who hasn't been shagging their brothers wife ahead of him.

 

[Goldstone Rapper]

In what context is Ryan Giggs a true gent? Such a true gent that he f**ked his brother's missus!

On that basis I'd like to nominate the following:

John terry
Titus Bramble
Marlon King
Ched Evans

Not sure anyone here has classed Ryan Giggs as a true gent. Stanley Matthews, yes, but not Giggs.

 

[Billy the Fish]

Not sure anyone here has classed Ryan Giggs as a true gent. Stanley Matthews, yes, but not Giggs.

Whoops!! I thought that's what the title said, either too early in the morning or I need glasses

 

[Goldstone Rapper]

Whoops!! I thought that's what the title said, either too early in the morning or I need glasses

That's all right. I'd have spat out my coffee if I had thought I'd read a claim that Giggs was a gent as well.

 

[crabface]

Always wondered what Duncan Edwards would have achieved if he hadnt unfortunatly passed away at such a young age.

 

[Questions]

In what context is Ryan Giggs a true gent? Such a true gent that he f**ked his brother's missus!

It's different in Wales. It's expected.

 

[Goldstone Rapper]

Still too soon for Bale?