More Players who were Adored But Often Ignored

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. At barely 10 stones and at only 5 foot 4 inches he was a 'titch' among giants on the football field. Wearing only size 4 boots, Taylor though had the skill and the eye for a telling pass that made him one of the most productive schemers in the country. He was a hero at Blackpool as he formed a partnership with Stanley Matthews at club and England level.
Matthews said of him "Ernie was a cheeky, confident player who on his day verged on the brilliant. Despite his slight build, he could ride even the most brusque of tackles with aplomb and he could crack open even the most challenging and organised of defences."

Wolves - Peter Knowles was one of the most popular and enigmatic players to have played for Wolves. A young footballer who was ahead of his time, he played with an arrogance and confidence born out of his natural ability and he struck up a partnership with Derek Dougan that was very successful. He played football for fun, beating a man again and again, before sitting on the ball. His career came to a dramatic end when,without warning, he became a Jehovas Witness. It was a loss to the game as Wolves fans of the time will say he was one of the best in their long history.
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.

Blessed with a creative left foot, Eastham was the master of the through ball and creativity was his greatest asset.

He is perhaps best remembered by Stoke fans for scoring the winning goal in their League Cup triumph of 1972, a 2-1 victory over Chelsea
He went on to manage the club for a brief period but off the pitch his biggest triumph was engineering a major change in British transfer policy bringing about the end of the so-called "slavery contract".

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 as he scored 279 goals in 720 appearances for the Baggies over the two decades.
Undoubtedly if he had played for a more popular club his star would have shone more brightly at every level as he undeservedly only won the one cap for England.
In 2014 West Brom announced the unveiling of a statue to honour his service at the club.

Wigan - When Paul Jewell was drafted in to replace Steve Bruce the team needed rebuilding, that much was clear, and special players were required to do a job… but one in particular stood out.
Netting 18 league goals in just 34 games, Andy Liddell became an icon for the 2001-02 Second Division campaign
Andy Liddell was at the club for the best part of six years and his goals were instrumental in helping Wigan move up through the leagues to the brink of promotion to the Premier League. During this time he was voted Player of the Year, was called up to the Scotland squad and was leading club scorer when he finally left the club.

Bolton - 'Super' John McGinlay is arguably Bolton's best ever player and the the fans favourite, always ready to bust a (ample) gut for a victory. Never the most skilfull of players, uncompromising 'Super John' was always a favourite of the fans by scoring important goals and celebrating them like a 'crazed loon'. He twice helped them win promotion to the Premier League, starred in thrilling cup runs, with a Cup Final against Liverpool.
He also formed a deadly striking partnership with future Bolton manager Owen Coyle.
John McGinlay will always be a legend at Bolton Wanderers… he even got a testimonial even though he didn’t play for them for the usual 10 years qualification.

Sunderland - After twice breaking his leg at the start of his Sunderland career, Bobby Kerr captained Sunderland in 1973 to their last success when they beat strong favourites Leeds Utd in one of the best FA Cup finals seen at Wembley, making him “one of the immortals” on Wearside. One of their greatest ever servants, missing very few games, Although small in stature, Bobby was a 'terrier' of a player, and a skilful winger.
By the time he left Sunderland in 1979 Bobby had made 413 starts and 14 substitute appearances for the Club. His uncompromising style in his midfield role earned him the nickname of “Little general”.
Trivia - Bobby Kerr is that he is the smallest person to have captained an FA Cup winning side and to have lifted the cup on his team's behalf.

Birmingham - Bob Hatton was a then record £82,500 signing when he joined the club and spent almost 5 years at St. Andrews. His goals helped Birmingham win promotion to the old First Division in 1972 and also reach then FA Cup semi-final in both 1972 and 1975.
Although not as well known as Trevor Francis or Bob Latchford, the trio were what is generally considered to be the 'Blues' best ever forward line. Indeed being strong, unselfish,good in the air and a brilliant finisher some fans would say that Trevor Francis and Bob Latchford both had the benefit of playing alongside him.
Hatton would claim ' Give me three chances and I'll score from one'.