THE DJ XI
Joe Hart
Definitely one for the future. Backed by Mancini to be the world’s greatest goalkeeper, Hart began life as part of the Shrewsbury Town youth setup and went on to play 54 games for the first team. Still just 23, the Shrewsbury lad has 7 full England caps, a number which will surely increase greatly.
Stuart Pearce
Perhaps one of England’s all time greats, Psycho is thankfully still a huge presence in the current England setup. The passion he showed that won the hearts of many could well be attributed to his non-league beginnings at Wealdstone. He ascended to the heights of international football, owing his success, in part, to managers such as Bobby Gould and Brain Clough. Semi-pro players of today – you could still be the next Psycho...
Chris Smalling
When Alex Ferguson shells out £10million for a player you know they must have promise. However it was at a different United – Maidstone – at which Smalling was spotted by Fulham. Playing 11 games for the non-league Kent side whilst still studying his A-Levels, Smalling now seems to be destined for the top. A Fresh Air prediction – Smalling to be sweating in the captains armband in the Qatari summer of 2022.
Steve Bruce
Having come through the ranks at Gillingham and moving onto Norwich, Brucey went on to captain Manchester United. Consistently described as the best defender never to win an England cap. Another lower league success story, Joleon Lescott, has unfortunately won a lot and will probably win more.
Steve Finnan
Nobody has mentioned the correlation between Liverpool’s slump and Steve Finnan’s departure. Though perhaps not a headline grabber, Finnan is a two times Champions League and two times FA Cup finalist, winning each competition once. The Irishman was also a key figure in the Republic’s 2002 World Cup squad, all from his humble beginnings at Welling United.
John Barnes
Awful pundit but another who proved himself at the top level. From Sudbury Court to Watford to Anfield – and who can forget his goal at the Maracana for England. One of England's greatest wingers and rappers but unquestionably one of it's worst pundits and managers.
Definitely one for the future. Backed by Mancini to be the world’s greatest goalkeeper, Hart began life as part of the Shrewsbury Town youth setup and went on to play 54 games for the first team. Still just 23, the Shrewsbury lad has 7 full England caps, a number which will surely increase greatly.
Stuart Pearce
Perhaps one of England’s all time greats, Psycho is thankfully still a huge presence in the current England setup. The passion he showed that won the hearts of many could well be attributed to his non-league beginnings at Wealdstone. He ascended to the heights of international football, owing his success, in part, to managers such as Bobby Gould and Brain Clough. Semi-pro players of today – you could still be the next Psycho...
Chris Smalling
When Alex Ferguson shells out £10million for a player you know they must have promise. However it was at a different United – Maidstone – at which Smalling was spotted by Fulham. Playing 11 games for the non-league Kent side whilst still studying his A-Levels, Smalling now seems to be destined for the top. A Fresh Air prediction – Smalling to be sweating in the captains armband in the Qatari summer of 2022.
Steve Bruce
Having come through the ranks at Gillingham and moving onto Norwich, Brucey went on to captain Manchester United. Consistently described as the best defender never to win an England cap. Another lower league success story, Joleon Lescott, has unfortunately won a lot and will probably win more.
Steve Finnan
Nobody has mentioned the correlation between Liverpool’s slump and Steve Finnan’s departure. Though perhaps not a headline grabber, Finnan is a two times Champions League and two times FA Cup finalist, winning each competition once. The Irishman was also a key figure in the Republic’s 2002 World Cup squad, all from his humble beginnings at Welling United.
John Barnes
Awful pundit but another who proved himself at the top level. From Sudbury Court to Watford to Anfield – and who can forget his goal at the Maracana for England. One of England's greatest wingers and rappers but unquestionably one of it's worst pundits and managers.
Tim Cahill
One of those players who just seems to annoy everyone for two reasons – firstly he is a pain in the arse, and secondly he is bloody good at what he does. A tough midfielder who will always score goals, Cahill came to the Premier League from Millwall with Everton, a haven for lower league players. Other managers should take note – Lescott, Jagielka, Cahill and Beckford cost David Moyes around £10million combined.
Jimmy Bullard
Perhaps the greatest man to grace the Premier League, Jimmy Bullard rightfully earns his place in the DJ XI due to his humble beginnings at Gravesend & Northfleet. Jimmy was snapped up by West Ham after only 30 games and 7 goals in the lower leagues. Why don’t Premier League teams gamble like that these days? Perhaps they might dig up more comedy gold such as Jimmy.
Vinnie Jones
A team with both Stuart Pearce and Vinnie Jones is shaping up to show you exactly the kind of player that can fight their way into the top flight. Part of Wimbledon's infamous 'crazy-gang', the aggressive aura surrounding Vinnie and his later acting career shouldn’t take credit away from the Welsh internationals football ability. Like Pearce, Vinnie began his career at Wealdstone (apparently a hot-bed for hot-heads) and went on to FA Cup glory... and Celebrity Big Brother shame.
DJ Campbell (c)
Prince DJ. The modern example of the rise to the top. What more can we say about DJ? Don’t rule out the possibility of England caps.
Ian Wright
Though his role in footballing life now consists of being one of Shaun Wright-Phillps only fans, Ian Wright once lived his life through his own abilities. In fact he was an exceptional player, a hero of Arsenal fans and made at Crystal Palace, Wright is one of our highest climbers. Playing non-league, even perhaps jumpers-for-goalposts football at Dulwich Hamlet, Crystal Palace offered him a trail that would begin his journey to 33 England caps and a place in the DJ XI.
One of those players who just seems to annoy everyone for two reasons – firstly he is a pain in the arse, and secondly he is bloody good at what he does. A tough midfielder who will always score goals, Cahill came to the Premier League from Millwall with Everton, a haven for lower league players. Other managers should take note – Lescott, Jagielka, Cahill and Beckford cost David Moyes around £10million combined.
Jimmy Bullard
Perhaps the greatest man to grace the Premier League, Jimmy Bullard rightfully earns his place in the DJ XI due to his humble beginnings at Gravesend & Northfleet. Jimmy was snapped up by West Ham after only 30 games and 7 goals in the lower leagues. Why don’t Premier League teams gamble like that these days? Perhaps they might dig up more comedy gold such as Jimmy.
Vinnie Jones
A team with both Stuart Pearce and Vinnie Jones is shaping up to show you exactly the kind of player that can fight their way into the top flight. Part of Wimbledon's infamous 'crazy-gang', the aggressive aura surrounding Vinnie and his later acting career shouldn’t take credit away from the Welsh internationals football ability. Like Pearce, Vinnie began his career at Wealdstone (apparently a hot-bed for hot-heads) and went on to FA Cup glory... and Celebrity Big Brother shame.
DJ Campbell (c)
Prince DJ. The modern example of the rise to the top. What more can we say about DJ? Don’t rule out the possibility of England caps.
Ian Wright
Though his role in footballing life now consists of being one of Shaun Wright-Phillps only fans, Ian Wright once lived his life through his own abilities. In fact he was an exceptional player, a hero of Arsenal fans and made at Crystal Palace, Wright is one of our highest climbers. Playing non-league, even perhaps jumpers-for-goalposts football at Dulwich Hamlet, Crystal Palace offered him a trail that would begin his journey to 33 England caps and a place in the DJ XI.