At the end of this season, amongst a host of retirements, perhaps the most forgotten one by everyone outside Tyneside behind Sir Alex Ferguson, Paul Scholes, and Michael Owen, was the deeply emotional departure of Steve Harper from Newcastle. In tribute to his 20 years of service, we’ve put together a list of our top 5 most memorable back-up goalkeepers.
The role of the substitute goalkeeper, so often sporting the number 13, is a curious one. He spends months, sometimes years, waiting for his run in the team, nobly warming up every week before spending 90 minutes trying not to hope that the current incumbent succumbs to injury or wrath of the referee…
5. David Marshall
The former Celtic stopper now plies his trade in Cardiff, and next season will likely be showcasing his talents in the Premier League. Marshall wasn’t even really a reserve goalkeeper when he was given his first start. At the age of just 19, with Rab Douglas suspended, Marshall strolled out to make his full debut. In the Champions League. Against Barcelona. At the Nou Camp. No pressure then. The Glasgow-born gloveman was outstanding, keeping a clean sheet to help Celtic secure a famous victory. However, he shipped 9 goals in 2 games at the beginning of the 2005-6 season, and returned to the bench behind Artur Boruc. However, if he starts putting in performances like his night in Spain in the Premier League, expect to see plenty of archive footage of him.
4. Hilario
Despite his amusing name, the goalkeeper injury crisis at Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea was no laughing matter. Petr Cech had had a life-threatening collision with Steven Hunt’s knee, and in the same game, Carlo Cudicini was knocked unconscious in injury-time. This left the unblooded Hilario, whom Mourinho later touted as a useful striker, as the only fit goalkeeper in the first team squad. His automatic selection was probably most notable for headline writers at the time, although the Portuguese failed to provide as many hilarious blunders as The Sun’s subeditors might have hoped. (And if we’re doing 13s with funny names, then Liverpool’s Pegguy Arphexad has to get a mention…)
3. Les Sealey
You’ve probably never heard of him. In fact, if you’re under 40 or not a United fan you’ve never heard of him. Ask Jim Leighton, and he’ll be able to tell you exactly who he is. Manchester United, newly resurgent under their bright young manager, one Alex Ferguson, had reached the 1990 FA Cup final, which they drew 3-3 with Crystal Palace, and Leighton, whom Ferguson had brought with him from Aberdeen, was expected to play in goal in the replay. Ferguson however, ever the romantic, dropped him for his poor performance in the first final, preferring 33-year-old former Luton Town keeper and resident Cockney cheeky chappy Les Sealey instead. Sealey made a string of saves in United’s 1-0 victory, and vindicated Ferguson’s faith. However, a true gentleman, did he celebrate lavishly his new found fame? No. These were the days when only those playing the final received medals, but Les, who had never won a trophy in his life, gave his medal to Leighton, not realising that the Scotsman would receive one anyway having played in the first final. Sealey tragically died of a heart attack at the age of 43, but Leighton never forgot his gesture of kindness.
2. Tim Flowers
Flowers was pretty successful goalkeeper in English football in the 1990s, winning the league with Blackburn in 1995, but when it came to international representation, he was the most perennial of bridesmaids. His England career coincided almost perfectly with that of David Seaman. Not only did Flowers struggle to grow such a fine moustache, his form was never quite good enough to oust the ponytailed wonder. He travelled to several major tournaments with England, and was always the second name on the squad list. In 2003 he retired with just 11 caps to his name spanning a period of 6 years.
1. Steve Harper
2 years ago he became Newcastle’s longest serving player, and on Sunday he retired with tears in his eyes. Despite numerous chances to move on, Harper always remained loyal to the cause, albeit with the odd loan spell, but he was never long away from the North East. He made the second choice goalkeeper spot his own, providing able cover most notably for Shay Given. When Newcastle went on holiday, to the Championship, Harper did not follow the host of players abandoning ship, but took the opportunity to make the number 1 shirt his own, before losing it again to Tim Krul. While his tears against Arsenal were memorable, his clean sheet in the Champions League against Juventus, the Italian champions at the time, was certainly his personal moment in the sun.
Did I miss your favourite number 13? Follow me on Twitter and let me know.
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.