Life as a Professional

I was generally a left back, although sometimes played on the left of midfield. Although I started at Man City, it wasn't the best of times. I had a few problems with the management, this was best summed up by the manner I found out they were releasing methey left a note on my dressing room peg!!

At least this got me a free transfer and a fresh chance to establish myself at Barnsley. I played one hundred games for the Tykes and did well enough for Portsmouth to come in with a bid of £300,000.

I enjoyed my first stint on the South coast, probably the most eventful moment was the FA Cup semi final v Liverpool in 1992. Yes, we all know who missed the penalty! The cup run raised the profile of the team, and probably brought me to the attention of Kevin Keegan.

I signed for Newcastle in time for the 1992/93 season and what a move it was! Playing for Keegan was something special, it was an incredible feeling to be part of the promotion team and experience the reawakening of a footballing sleeping giant. Coming so close to Championship of 1995/96 was both exhilarating but ultimately painful - I still can't believe we lost that lead. With Kenny Dalglish taking over, we had high hopes, however both the fortunes the team and myself took a dive. Sandro Pistone was brought in after Robbie Elliott left for Bolton. I lost my place and lost patience with the situation and another adventure on the South coast began.

I signed for Glen Hoddle and Southampton for £1.5 million in February of 1998. I finished off that season and was quite happy with my form and life in general. However, just seven minutes into season 98/99 I damaged my cruciate knee ligaments against Liverpool and was never able to fully recover.I still play occasionally, and last season played for a Sheffield Sunday league side, however the knee just can't stand up to the training and matches at the top level.

I'm now a football pundit working for both Tyne Tees Televison and ESPN. I cover the North East teams for a Sunday afternoon show, whilst on the Saturday I cover games for ESPN which go out world wide. I'm also working with www.PlayerBoss.com and Ballmax®, so I keep busy!!

Next Part: Hanging up the boots