With the international break upon us, we are reverting to familiar territory to keep your interest.
In recent times we have asked for your participation in nominating who you believe has been the best-ever in their position.
Two articles have already seen the light of the day – best-ever-between-the-posts – and – best-ever-full-back
This time around I thought I would concentrate on the heart of the defence and ask you for your views on who is the best-ever centre-back you have seen pull on a Luton Town shirt.
Just reflecting for a few minutes, I have come up with a list of players I believe could be considered, players who I have had the pleasure to witness playing live:
• Terry Branston
• Chris Nichol
• Paul Futcher
• John Faulkner
• Alan Garner
• Mick Saxby
• Mal Donaghy
• Paul Price
• Steve Foster
• Clive Goodyear
• Paul Elliott
• John Dreyer
• Matthew Jackson
• Matthew Upson
• Marvin Johnson
• Curtis Davies
And I am sure that there are others I may have, inadvertently, missed or who played before I was old enough to watch the Hatters.
So, have a think about it and then, in the comment facility beneath this article, drop the name of the centre-back you believe is the best-ever to have pulled on our revered shirt.
COYH’s
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Steve Foster all day long.
Paul Futcher. Before the accident he was brilliant.
Foster for me, but John Moore wasn’t far behind, no nonsense cb
Can’t disagree with that call😊 love that man. But with only 1 pick. Should have been in each era.
and a managerial icon
From old codger what about Syd Owen (1959) and in more modern times Must be Foster.
It’s interesting to see the variation in those suggested, everyone has an opinion, sadly I wasn’t fortunate to see Syd Owen, wasn’t even born.
Couldn’t agree more. He was probably one of the best Stopper centre half I saw. Only Jack Charlton could be said to be better. Syd didn’t go forward. Don’t know if he ever scored a goal.
Mal donaghy all day not only a great defender he could read the game what he be worth today ?
and at 5 feet 9 inches he wasn’t the tallest to play at centre back but commanded the position.
MH How about the best centre pack pairing would have to Steve Foster and Mal Donaghy
How many headers did this pair score?
Hatter 75. You are spot on. Any centre half only as good as his mate and Donaghy was everybodies mate. He was a ny centre half’s dream partner. Thats why UTD signed him at 30
Steve Foster and Paul Elliot – Foster was the best leader. As was said before each was a master of their era – Terry Branson could not do now what he did in his time, not could John Moore
Nor could foster and Elliott to be fair
You forgot Chris Coyne
I only listed those that came to me in a moments reflection
Sid Owen.
Footballer of the year 1959
before I was born 🙁
No Steve Davies? 139 Appearances and captain during one of the most difficult periods. Rarely did I see him beaten in the air.
Good shout sir
…just looked up the LEAGUE goals ratio/per game and Steve Davies comes out as #1 at 0.15 per game!
Next best CB is Matty Pearson 0.09 per game, Steve Foster 0.07 and surprised to see Trevor Peake at 0.00 per game?
Steve Davies has a better League goals per game ratio than Kevin Nicholls, Paul Telfer, Ricky Hill, Matthew Spring and the legend that is Graham French!
All this at a time we were dropping down the tables.
For me it has to be Steve Foster. He was inspirational and a great example to young players like Tim Breaker. He cajoled these players with his skill and leadership and took us to two league cup finals. They were special years for our club where we had an array of super players led by him. I am so fortunate as a fan to have been so proud to have watched a famous Luton side, captained by such a great centre half.
Surprised Chris Nicholl isn’t getting mentioned. Foster and Donaghy were great but perhaps Paul Futcher gets my vote. His class, style and calmness was reminiscent of Bobby Moore.
As always, very difficult to compare players from totally different eras. Owen was class against the top forwards in his day as was Foster years later. One thing I do know is that we had a centre back partnership today of the calibre of Foster and Donaghy I would sleep a lot better at nights !
Steve Foster I’ve got one of his shirts, Chris Nichol deserves a mention I remember the night we signed him after we played Halifax at home.
Me as well, deal was done very quick
Steve Foster for me. However I wouldn’t be offended if Mal Donaghy was voted favourite
Mal was a superb player, he just might be the one I cover in the next life story, or it could be someone else 🙂