Premier League Legends

Centre-back, captain, warrior – Tony Adams was the heart and soul of Arsenal for two decades. He never shied away from any battle on the pitch, but off the pitch he came perilously close to defeat with his alcohol addiction. The former centre-back reflects on his success and struggles with astonishing openness, with contributions from Lee Dixon, Ian Wright, Ray Parlour and Emmanuel Petit.

Considered by many the best English defender of his generation Sol Campbell came through the ranks at Tottenham. But his decision to move to fierce north London rivals Arsenal in 2001 ensured his contribution there would be forgotten by many, replaced by vicious abuse from some furious Tottenham fans for the rest of his career. Campbell would win the Premier League twice with the Gunners, vindication he made the right choice despite the vilification. Ossie Ardiles, John Scales and Gilberto Silva add their insights.

The epitome of ‘local lad done good’ Robbie Fowler was also one of the most naturally-gifted goal scorers to grace the Premier League. No wonder the Reds’ fans nicknamed him “God”! Although he never won the English title during his two spells at Anfield his contribution of more than 180 goals for Liverpool ensure he will never be forgotten. As well as Fowler’s insight, John Barnes and Jason McAteer add their thoughts on Robbie’s Liverpool days, while Danny Mills recalls his impact at Leeds.

By his own admission Gary Neville knew from an early age that amongst his peers in the Manchester United youth ranks there were youngsters with far greater natural ability. But when it came to hard work, and a laser-like focus for self-improvement, the man later dubbed “Red Nev” would not be beaten! A one-club pro loved by United’s fans because he remained, so obviously, a fan himself, Neville dissects the remarkable success he sampled at Old Trafford. Paul Ince, Mike Phelan and David May also add their thoughts on what made Gary Neville so valued.

To this day Michael Owen retains the boyish looks that only added to his appeal when he burst onto the scene in 1997 as Liverpool’s most exciting goal scoring machine since Robbie Fowler. But even then, beneath the youthful exuberance, lay a core of steel and determination to score and to win. Owen talks about life at Liverpool and also his later decision to join the team’s arch-rivals, Manchester United – a predictably unpopular decision amongst fans at Anfield. Jamie Carragher, Did Hamman and Emile Heskey also contribute.

When Robert Pires arrived at Arsenal in 2000 he faced the unenviable task of replacing Marc Overmars. By the time he left the north Londoners in 2006 he had written his name in both the club’s and English football’s history books. The dashing and incisive attacking French midfielder talks about his key role in both Arsenal’s “Invincible” and Double-winning teams of 2002 and 2004, respectively. Former Arsenal chairman David Dein and French journalist Julien Laurens reflect on his influence.

Unquestionably one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of English club football, the “Great Dane” combined intimidating physical presence and impressive acrobatic agility. A key component of Manchester United’s dominance of the Premier League during its first decade, Schmeichel talks about his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson, and how he came perilously close to being thrown out of Old Trafford after disrespecting the Scot. Sir Alex Ferguson adds a wonderful contribution in the assessment of Schmeichel.

Possibly the greatest striker of his generation and still to this day the top scorer in Premier League history, Alan Shearer knew where the goal was. After coming through Southampton’s academy, he moved to Blackburn Rovers and became part of their historic title win in 1995. After turning down the chance of a trophy-laden career at Manchester United, he signed for his boyhood club Newcastle, breaking the World transfer record. A star for club and country, idolised by his clubs fans, contributions come from Colin Hendry, Tim Flowers, Les Ferdinand, Rob Lee, Ruud Gullit, Steve Clarke and John Beresford.

Still playing Sunday league football until his early twenties, Ian Wright’s path to Premier League winner and England International is quite extraordinary. After signing for Crystal Palace in 1985, he became hot property after forming a deadly partnership with Mark Bright. A move to Arsenal followed where he went on to become the clubs record goal scorer before Thierry Henry broke that record in 2005. Ian Wright was a prolific goal scorer, fans favourite and fittingly lifted the league title in his last game for Arsenal. Mark Bright, Paul Merson and David Seaman give fascinating insights in what was an unconventional route to the top.

A magician, a genius, Gianfranco Zola is a real favourite not only among the Chelsea faithful but with all football fans. The small Italian signed from Parma in 1996 and would go on to be voted Chelsea’s greatest ever player by the club’s fans. Zola looks back at his time with Napoli, playing alongside the great Diego Maradona to coming to West London and winning Chelsea’s first major trophy in 25 years, the start of a successful period in the clubs history. Contributions come from Chelsea legends Ray Wilkins, Frank Lampard, Dennis Wise and Steve Clarke.