Heroes of Their Time

James Milner looks to become the latest in a long line of above-average footballers to make himself a Hollywood earner. What price would some heroes that the media has long-forgotten command in 2010?

Blackpool - Ernie Taylor was a skillful passer of the ball, only small in stature but full of heart and played at the club for 7 years long before Alan Ball appeared on the scene. He was a hero at Blackpool as he formed a partnership with Stanley Matthews that also appeared at England level.

Wolves - Peter Knowles was one of the most popular and enigmatic players to have played for Wolves. A young footballer who played with a 'swagger' he struck up a partnership with Derek Dougan that was very successful. His career came to a dramatic end when,without warning, he became a Jehovas Witness. His brother Cyril had a successful career with Spurs.

Stoke City - George Eastham joined Stoke from Arsenal nearing the end of his career but stayed for 8 years solidifying Stoke at the top level during one of their most successful periods. He went on to manage the club for a brief period and was known for engineering a major change in British transfer policy.

West Brom - Tony Brown turned down overtures from both Manchester clubs before West Brom signed this teenage starlet who went on to break every goal scoring and appearance record over the next 20 years, If he has played for a more popular club his star would have shone more brightly at every level.