The Stacey West XI Winner – Left Back

1st: Phil Neale (177 votes, 33%)

In the end, the best left back you lot have seen isn’t reflective of the ages of the participants, but a representation of how good he was. Phil Neale wasn’t just a left back, he was an all round sportsman who excelled in cricket as well as football. We were lucky to have him ply his trade with us, Worcestershire similarly as lucky to have him lead them to the County Championship in 1988 and 1989.

Neale earned a testimonial for his work at City, Graham Taylor brought his Watford side here for an exhibition match that included Luther Blissett, John Barnes and Mo Johnston. Instead of a run down of his career, which you can find here instead, I’ll leave you with some of the quotes from people during his testimonial year in 1984.

“Lincoln City have good reason to thank Phil Neale for the contribution he has made to their club over the last ten years. I hope that both the club and it’s supporters will respond to Phil’s testimonial year with the same loyalty and commitment he has shown them.” – Graham Taylor

“I am quite sure that Phillip’s attitude, behaviour, responsibility to the task, Lincoln City and the club in general has been beyond reproach over the years, even allowing for his cricketing commitments. After all, it was not his fault he was born blessed with efficient talents at two sports of the professional vein.” – Colin Murphy

“It is probably appropriate to describe Phil as “last of a breed”, one of those versatile and professional sportsmen who have excelled in both cricket and football at the same time .. I hope and am truly confident that the year will be a success and that we his friends and fans will truly salute him.” – The Duke of Westminster

“When contemplating my hard and fortunate experiences in league football, I am full of admiration for a person who has not only reached, but also maintained professional status in Britain’s two most popular sports. Phil has achieved this feat whilst remaining a very modest and genuine person.” – Trevor Peake

“He was a bloody good defender that lad.” – My Dad

Next up: Get your thinking caps on as I’ll be taking nominations for centre backs very soon!

1 Comment

  1. This is a great series – brings back so many good memories. There won’t be any shortage of candidates for the centre-backs either! Just not sure about Hull City now being a Premier League giant!

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