Best player from our doldrums years (1980 to roughly 2009)

[Golden Silva]

It is weird, when the question is phrased like that; where most of my adult life spreads through this period... Age 17 to 47. Makes me appreciate the past 15yrs even more.
In answer to that question (in no particular order)...
Benarbia
SWP
Kinkladze
Paul Lake
Uve

 

[feedmpenzaandhewillscore]

Ricky Holden was a very average winger.

Average is being kind to him, he looked like he had won a raffle to play.

 

[eastmanc]

Average is being kind to him, he looked like he had won a raffle to play.

I was being kind, you're right.

 

[Nellies left peg]

Wasn't with us long, but I thought Paul Bosvelt was brilliant.

Obviously not our best from that period, but a different name.

I’m surprised nobody has given Gareth Barry a shout, was a stalwart for us and went unnoticed but held the midfield together, but my vote goes to SWP every time he got the ball the expectation went up especially against the rags and his goal in the 4-1 running down the right and smashing it in off the bar will stay with me always . Might be slightly late for Barry though as he joined in about 2009 I think

 

[ONTHERUNWITHTHAKSIN]

Some really special players even during the dark days

Benarbia
Rosler
Flitcroft
Lake
SWP
Goat
Morrison

Also that front 3 of Beagrie Rosler and Walsh was special

But for me Kinkladze

He took our breath away when he played for us from the very first moment

 

[feedmpenzaandhewillscore]

I was being kind, you're right.

He looked good at Oldham but went to shit when he came here. To think we swapped Steve Redmond and Neil Pointon for him.

 

[Whether or not]

Neil McNab. Probably not the best player, but for me the best attitude. In a series of struggling teams, he never hid, always wanted the ball and never ducked a tackle. Really underrated player.

 

[Colin Bells Boots]

In truth i consider myself lucky to have witnessed so many great players who went under the radar, when the acclaim was always given to other " bigger " clubs.

Despite being " little ciddy " from the arrogant cuntish rag and dipper fans, some of our players could truly have held their own in " more successful " set ups.

Sorry for derailing as the thread asks about " best player..................

 

[stockportblue]

Best player probably Paul Lake.Most important the Goat-without his goals City wouldnt be where they are now.

 

[Streetsweeper]

Anelka for me, with Benabia, McNab, SWP, White and Paul Power just behind. Tony Coton was probably the one that contributed most though. Kinkadze was capable of mind-boggling skill but also of completely disappearing for games at a time. Francis was a Rolls Royce of a player but also soft as shit.