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Forgotten Men
Written by wadey on Wednesday, 12th Dec 2012 12:55

I bought the 200 goals from 2002 to 2012 DVD, because that was when I first became a season ticket holder (2002).

I just wanted to bring back the memories of Shefki Kuqi and Darren Bent bombarding the net, Gio's runs, Danny Haynes against Nowrich, Pablo's backheel against Charlton and his 98th minute winner v Coventry.

Then I saw a fellow called Jimmy Juan scoring a couple of freekicks and the thing that crossed my mind was 'Bloody hell I forgot about this bloke, whatever happened to him?'.

So, I've compiled a list of 20 so called forgotten men. Now I know some of you would add others and some would probably know the ins and outs of their career but this is just from my point of view so enjoy.

Goalkeeper

James Pullen

At Ipswich 1999-2003

Two appearances

Always a bench warmer apart from his debut against Middlesbrough in the cup and a 2-2 draw v Grimsby.

After leaving Ipswich, he went slowly down the leagues and ended up in non-league [has been working at the club as a masseur of late - Phil H].

Defence

Pim Balkestein

2008-2010

33 appearances

Originally on trial, Super Jim forked out £180,000 for this Dutch youngster from Heerenveen. I thought he was a decent up and coming player but in 2010, was snapped up by Brentford. He is currently playing for AFC Wimbledon.

Daniel Karbassiyoon

2004

Six appearances

Signed on loan from Arsenal in November 2004 as a left back. Played a handful of matches then went back to Arsenal. He was released at the end of the season and signed for Burnley. A serious knee injury meant he had to retire and is currently working as a North American scout for Arsenal.

Matt Elliott

2004

12 appearances

Joined on loan from Leicester in early 2004 to help our promotion push, became the rock of our defence. He retired in January 2005 due to injury.

Thomas Gaardsøe

2001-2003

49 appearances, seven goals

Signed from Danish club AaB in 2001 for £1.3 million, scoring seven goals, most notably a looping header v Leicester whilst falling backwards. He was sold to West Brom and was their Player of the Year in his first season. He announced his retirement in December 2006. In 2009 he returned to AaB but has since retired again having been unable to find a new club.

Jay McEveley

2005-2006

19 appearances, one goal

An aggressive tackler, signed on loan from Blackburn. Currently plying his trade at League One side Swindon. Has since played for Derby, Preston, Charlton, Barnsley.

Matthew Bates

2006

Two appearances

So much potential, but spent most of his career on the sidelines thanks to four serious knee injuries. Signed for us on loan from Middlesbrough, but injury in his second match, forced the loan to be cancelled. Bates also joined Norwich on loan in 2008 making three appearances. Currently on a short-term contract with Bristol City until January 2013.

Mark Fish

2006

One appearance (45mins)

I know he isn't really a forgotten man. Who could forget the wonderful 45 mins against QPR.... Ha ha!! Retired after this match because of a knee injury. Although he had a wonderful club career for Lazio, Bolton and Charlton, as well as winning 62 caps for his country, it was a disaster at Ipswich.

Midfield

Vemund Brekke Skard

2005-2006

Three appearances

A teacher, keen at skiing, billed as 'the fittest player at the club' by Joe Royle. But couldn't kick a ball! Went back to Norway after his contract was terminated.

George O'Callaghan

2007-2008

13 appearances, one goal

Never really set the world alight after signing from Cork City, the same team he rejoined briefly after his spell with the Tractor Boys. Has been back and forth between the Irish leagues and the lower English leagues. Briefly emigrated to Brunei to play for DPMM FC before joining Dover Athletic in 2012.

Alan Mahon

2003

12 appearances, one goal

Great little winger on loan from Blackburn, having previously played for Tranmere and Sporting Lisbon! We really wanted to sign him permanently but there were no funds available. Joined Wigan the following February, and went on to play for Burnley, Blackpool and Tranmere again. He retired in 2011.

Simon Walton

2006-2007

19 appearances, three goals

A tough tackling centre midfielder, signed on loan from Charlton, formed a good partnership with Mark Noble. Has since played for a host of clubs including Cardiff, QPR, Hull, Plymouth, Blackpool, Crewe, Sheffield United and Hartlepool.

Martin Brittain

2006-2007

One appearance

A youngster signed from Newcastle after a successful trial, we sent him out on loan to Yeovil. Released at the end of the season, he played two games for new club Carlisle an was then released and played for multiple clubs and ending up in non-league, currently playing for Bedlington Terriers.

Veliche Shumulikoski

2008-2009

43 appearances, one goal

Having played for Zenit St Petersburg in Russia and Turkish side Bursaspor and labelled as the 'Macedonian Steven Gerrard', Jim Magilton snapped him up for £600,000. He scored a cracker from the edge of the box against Blackpool on his first home start (fourth appearance). Roy Keane sold him to Preston for £400,000 the following year. Having played over 80 times for his country, he is now playing in the Chinese Super League for Tianjin Teda FC.

Tony Dinning

2004

Nine appearances

Joe Royle signed him on a short term loan from Wigan in 2004 and the only thing he will be remembered for is his huge shorts! In his career he has played for an amazing 16 clubs.

Jimmy Juan

2005-2006

36 appearances, five goals

We signed a player from Monaco, so he can't be that bad. Damn right! When he first signed, he looked lanky, clumsy. And silly with his long hair. But he had a haircut and became an instant hit. Brilliant freekick taker and very skilful. I was so gutted that we never signed him permanently and he went back to France. He came back to England five years later to play for Chesterfield and now plies his trade at Chamois Niortais in the French League Two.

Strikers

Stern John

2009-2010

Nine appearances, one goal

Past his best. Really just wasn't good enough. After he left us, dropped into non league and in the summer was playing for Solihull Moors.

Jon Macken

2006-2007

14 appearances, three goals

Another player past his best. After a great career at Preston and Manchester City, he joined Crystal Palace who so kindly loaned him to us! Has since played for Derby and Barnsley. Now at Northwich Victoria.

Adam Proudlock

2005-2006

Nine appearances, 0 goals

Joined initially on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, he played in seven matches, need really doing anything. Wednesday then terminated his contract due to a breach of discipline. Signed a short-term contract with us until the end of the season and was then released. Currently on loan at Newport Town from Market Drayton Town.

Dean McDonald

2005-2006

15 appearances, one goal

Signed after being released by Arsenal, the tiny frontman was like lightening and had great skill. The only goal he scored was against Crewe. He was out wide, beat his marker for speed and curled a great shot into the corner from outside of the box.

I remember one game where Joe Royle brought him and Jaime Peters on as subs and they terrorised the defence for pace and skill. Sadly it didn't really work out for him and he was released. He went into non-league and whilst at Farnborough he scored 45 goals in 90 games. Currently playing for Carshalton Athletic.

So there are my 20 forgotten players from the past 10 years. I could easily have added Paul Taylor and Bilel Mohsni but let's see what the future brings.

In Mick we trust!




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Arthur added 22:12 - Dec 18
Good Blog, I enjoyed that.

I saw James Pullen play for a local (to me) team, Eastleigh FC ... he did okay.

They now have Jai Reason (x U18s skipper) playing for them ... I will have to go again to see him in action.
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Facefacts added 21:33 - Dec 19
Adrian Paz was actually a class player. I think it was John Lyall who brought him in. I remember seeing him play in a great game getting a point at St James' Park with Claus Thomsen (guessed the spelling there) scoring a 90th minute equalizer after Andy Cole had put Newcastle ahead after 85 mins. Adrian Paz just didn't fit into the style of play. Great football brain and making himself available in space, etc, but no-one was on his wavelength. And we didn't have the other players to complement his skills. We have a small history of bringing in players like this - probably the best player in this category was Sergei Baltacha who was really a sweeper but we didn't have good enough players in the other positions to be able to play with a sweeper. In our league a sweeper still also has to be able to defend corners and head the ball out like a traditional centre half.
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Blue_Again added 22:03 - Dec 20
Remember westlake. Was never sure what to make of him, he looked handy.
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Andy32Cracknell added 09:29 - Dec 21
Clive Baker, Lee Durrant, , Claus Thomsen, Eddie Youds, John Kennedy, Lee Norfolk, Vlado Bozinoski, Yonas Alexdhol (bad spelling), Lee Chapman, Amir Karic, Mark Birchill. I could go on and on lol
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solarised7 added 11:01 - Dec 31
Wow - Matt Elliot. Had forgotten about him. Last time we had a decent defender lol!
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