CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE - A FAREWELL TO DARREN ANDERTON

(by Lee Dumont)

 

And so the Tottenham Hotspur career of Darren Anderton came to a silent end as the club decided to release the midfielder in May. It was hard to argue with the reasons behind his departure, he simply did not fit the bill as a modern Premiership midfielder. Neither does Jamie Redknapp (still at the club) and nor did Gus Poyet (received a fine send-off). However, it is rather sad that Anderton was allowed to slip away quietly clutching his box of possessions and a carriage clock whilst Gus and co enjoyed a farewell party at Rudolfs. True, Darren did decline his invite, but take a second to consider why this may be.

 

If you speak to anyone who knows a thing or two about football and ask them about Anderton, I am sure their reply will consist of the words “injury-prone” and “sicknote”. Nobody argues that Anderton endured far more than his fair share of bad injuries but how about looking at his achievements for a change?

 

In the modern game how often will you come across a talented player who has spent twelve years at a club that has boasted a mediocre side for near on all of this duration? Matt Le Tissier is one that immediately springs to mind, he helped keep Southampton in the top flight and won only a handful of England caps. To compare Anderton to Le Tissier, Darren’s contribution during the 1993/94 season was critical to keeping Spurs in the Premier League. He won 30 England caps, scoring 7 goals including playing important roles in both Euro 96 and France 98. He won only one trophy at Spurs (compared to Le Tissier’s zilch) and played in numerous heart-breaking FA Cup semi-finals to add to the one he lost whilst at Portsmouth. In all Anderton played over 300 times (more appearances than the celebrated Roy Keane), scoring nearly 50 goals and no doubt assisting around double that amount, in his twelve year Spurs career. In fact he is the Premiership’s leading player for assists. Is this not worthy of respect and recognition?

 

In his early years Anderton was a breath of fresh air alongside crap like Jason Dozzell. He possessed excellent ball control, brilliant crossing ability, good vision and passing range and a useful shot. Remember this rather than the depressed figure that attempted but more often than not failed to dominate a game during his final season or two. Even so, at least he was willing to take responsible for our possession rather than allow the midfield to be totally bypassed. Take a moment to recall fine moments such as his first Spurs league goal in the four goals in four minutes romp at the Lane versus Southampton, his goal of the month winner away at QPR which rounded off an excellent team goal, his near miss from the halfway line in a home match against Sheffield Wednesday, his blistering strike up at Newcastle at the tail end of 94/95, and his long range goal in an FA Cup replay win over Leeds.

 

As his time at Spurs came to an end, it appeared that Anderton was a bitter man, looking back at what could have been (a move to Man Utd anyone?), and feeling unappreciated by his employers and supporters of a dozen years. Yes, things could have been so much better but I think Darren Anderton can look back and be proud of representing our great club for so long (and his country no less) and offering some fine contributions through a poor period in our history. Thanks and good luck up at Brum, although not at Tottenham’s expense of course.