Category: Interviews

Johnny Phillips

Johnny was the SSN reporter at Vicarage Road for one of the most iconic moments in the club’s recent history, when Troy Deeney scored THAT goal. The video of his report went viral.

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Mark Yeates

Mark played two seasons for the club, one under Sean Dyche and the other under Gianfranco Zola.

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Piero Mingoia

Attacking midfielder Piero came through the youth system and scored on his first team debut in the FA Cup against Hartlepool at the start of 2011.

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Andrew Taylor

Left-back Andrew was a popular loan signing in season 2010-11, playing 19 games and scoring a memorable goal against Portsmouth.

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Rene Gilmartin

Irish goalkeeper Rene signed initially for Watford in 2010 from Walsall, mainly playing understudy to Scott Loach. He joined Plymouth Argyle in 2012, but returned to Watford two years later as back-up to Heurelho Gomes and Jonathan Bond, and stayed until the summer of 2017.

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Marvin Sordell

Academy graduate Marvin established himself in 2010-11, partnering Danny Graham in a young Watford team under Malky Mackay. His form persuaded Bolton Wanderers to pay £3m for his services on transfer deadline day in January 2012.

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Danny Graham

Danny finished top scorer in both of his two seasons at the club, the second of which he was also voted Watford’s Player of the Season.

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Ross Jenkins

Locally born midfielder Ross was at Watford from the age of nine, breaking into the first team while still a scholar. He became a regular in the side under Brendan Rodgers but after the Pozzo takeover he found opportunities harder to come by.

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Scott Loach

England u21 goalkeeper Scott joined Watford as a youngster from Lincoln City and conceded the “ghost goal” against Reading on his league debut in 2008.

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Jon Harley

Left-sided Jon joined Watford on a free transfer from Burnley and spent two seasons at the club between 2008 and 2010.

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Leigh Bromby

Yorkshireman Leigh was a deadline day signing from Sheffield United in 2008 as Aidy Boothroyd looked to bolster a team looking for promotion.

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Nathan Ellington

Striker Nathan signed in a then club record deal worth £3.25 million from WBA as manager Aidy Boothroyd looked to return to the Premier League at the first attempt. However it turned into a struggle for both player and team.

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Jordan Parkes

Former youth trainee Jordan had a long association with the club from the age of eight, representing England at youth level and making his first-team debut while still a trainee. He made a single league appearance before joining Barnet in 2010.

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Theo Robinson

Striker Theo made his debut for Watford as a 17 year old in 2006 but found subsequent appearances hard to come by in the following three years at the club.

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Matthew Spring

Midfielder Matt joined the club in 2005 having previously played for a certain team up the road and scoring against Watford in a League Cup tie.

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Malky Mackay

Malky was part of the 2006 squad promoted to the Premier League. He went on to join the coaching staff, and became Watford’s manager in 2009.

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Darius Henderson

Striker Darius signed in the summer of 2005 and was part of the promotion winning squad in 2006, scoring the final goal in the play-off final against Leeds.

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Jordan Stewart

Aidy Boothroyd’s first signing, Jordan joined from Leicester City in 2005 and was part of the promotion winning squad in 2006.

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Clarke Carlisle

Central defender Clarke signed for Watford in the summer of 2005 from Leeds United. He was part of the promotion winning squad in 2006, but missed out on the play-off final.

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Aidy Boothroyd

Aidy was the surprise choice of Watford manager, replacing Ray Lewington in 2005. However he guided the Hornets to promotion to the Premier League the following season.

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Jay DeMerit

American defender Jay DeMerit spent six seasons at Watford from 2004 to 2010 after impressing in a preseason friendly with Northwood. He became club captain and played for the USA at the 2010 World Cup.

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James Chambers

James joined the club initially on loan and then permanently in 2004. He was part of the play-off winning team in 2006.

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Brynjar Gunnarsson

Icelandic international midfielder Brynjar spent one season with the club in 2004-5 before joining Reading in the summer of 2005.

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Lenny Pidgeley

Goalkeeper Lenny came to Watford on loan from Chelsea and made his debut after Alec Chamberlain was sent off at Crewe in 2003.

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Paul Devlin

Winger Paul joined the club early in the 2003-4 season from his hometown club, Birmingham City. His transfer fee and wages were paid for by Elton John.

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Ashley Young

Ashley came through the youth academy and scored on his first-team debut. He went on to be sold for a fee of over £9 million and to play for Manchester United and England.

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Jack Smith

Younger brother of Tommy, defender Jack came through the youth system at Watford and made his debut towards the end of the 2002-3 season.

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Scott Fitzgerald

Striker Scott signed for Watford from non-league Northwood in early 2003 and went on to finish as the club’s top scorer in 2004-5.

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Richard Lee

Goalkeeper Richard came through the academy and made his debut for the Hornets in March 2003. He was in and around the first team for seven years.

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Neal Ardley

Neal joined the club from Wimbledon in the summer of 2002 and played for nearly three seasons, making over 100 appearances.

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Ray Lewington

Ray joined Watford as Reserve Team Manager in 2001, taking over as manager after Luca Vialli’s departure. He was manager through a difficult period for the club.

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Danny Webber

Striker Danny joined the Hornets originally with two loan spells from Manchester United in 2002. He then made a permanent move in 2003, and spent nearly two seasons at the club.

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Gavin Mahon

Gavin joined from Brentford as one of Luca Vialli’s final signings. He went on to captain the club to promotion to the Premier League in 2006.

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Wayne Brown

Defender Wayne joined Watford initially on loan under Luca Vialli in 2002. He joined the club permanently the following season.

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Jamie Hand

Tough tackling midfielder Jamie came through the youth ranks to make his debut under Gianluca Vialli in 2002 and made more than 50 appearances for the club.

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Stephen Glass

Midfielder Stephen joined from Newcastle United on a free transfer in 2001. He went on to score a memorable goal in the FA Cup quarter-final win over Burnley in 2003.

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Filippo Galli

Former AC Milan central defender Filippo signed for Watford in the summer of 2001 as the club prepared for life under Gianluca Vialli. He was appointed club captain.

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Marcus Gayle

Signed as a striker by Luca Vialli in the summer of 2001, Marcus was successfully employed as a centre-back under Ray Lewington and won the Player of the Season award in 2003.

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Paolo Vernazza

Talented midfielder Paolo joined Watford from Arsenal in 2000, and made nearly 100 appearances over a three and a half year spell at the club.

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Allan Nielsen

Allan became Watford’s record signing in 2000, joining from Tottenham Hotspur for £2.5 million. He went on to play under three different managers in this three seasons at the club.

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Espen Baardsen

Norwegian international goalkeeper Espen joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur in 2000 for £1.25 million, shortly after the club had been relegated from the Premiership.

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Heidar Helguson

Iceland international striker Heidar enjoyed two spells with the club, initially signed for Watford for a club record £1.5 million in 2000. In season 2004-5 he won the Player, Goal and Display of the Season awards.

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Neil Cox

Neil joined Watford in their debut season in the Premier League and became Club Captain during a rocky financial period for the club.

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Nick Wright

Nick joined Watford from Carlisle United in the summer of 1998 in a deal which also brought Allan Smart to the club. He scored a memorable overhead kick in the 1999 play-off final at Wembley.

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Michel Ngonge

Striker Michel was signed in the summer of 1998 and scored some crucial goals including the goal against Birmingham City in the 1999 play-off semi-final.

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Allan Smart

Allan joined Watford in the summer of 1998 in a deal which also brought Nick Wright to the club, and was part of the play-off winning side, scoring the second goal at Wembley.

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Tommy Smith

Tommy had two spells at the club, originally progressing through the youth ranks at Watford, making his first team debut late in 1997 and twice winning the Player of the Season award.

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Chris Day

Goalkeeper Chris joined the Hornets in 1997 in the deal which took fellow goalkeeper Kevin Miller to Crystal Palace. He played just 11 games over four seasons at the club.

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Ronny Rosenthal

Striker Ronny signed on a free transfer from Tottenham Hotspur early in the 1997-8 season and played an important role in winning the Division Two championship including winning the Goal of the Season accolade.

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Peter Kennedy

Northern Ireland international Peter joined Watford in the summer of 1997. Despite playing in a wing-back role, he finished top scorer in 1997-8 as the club gained promotion to Division One.

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Micah Hyde

Midfielder Micah was signed by Graham Taylor in the summer of 1997. He went on to enjoy two successive promotions as the club reached the Premier League for the first time.

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Jason Lee

Striker Jason joined Watford from Nottingham Forest in 1997 and spent just over one season with the club, scoring 11 goals including the goal which clinched the Division Two title.

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Richard Flash

Former Manchester United trainee Richard spent two seasons at the club but made only one appearance, his senior football debut in an away match at Burnley.

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Keith Scott

Striker Keith enjoyed a brief loan spell with Watford in 1997, making six appearances and scoring twice.

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Craig Armstrong

Craig joined the club on a loan deal from Nottingham Forest in 1997, making his debut against Luton Town. He went on to make fifteen appearances for the club.

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Paul Robinson

Local lad Paul came through the youth system at Watford and made his debut in a local derby with Luton Town. He went on to win two promotions with the club.

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Gifton Noel-Williams

Striker Gifton became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer when he scored against Blackpool in November 1996. He was a regular as Watford were promoted in 1998 and 1999 but suffered an injury which nearly finished his career.

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Alec Chamberlain

Goalkeeper Alec signed in the summer of 1996 for just £40,000 from Sunderland. He went on to enjoy more than 20 years at the club as a player and then coach.

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Darren Ward

Central defender Darren made his debut as a 17 year old in a derby game against Luton Town. Despite a serious injury in 1997, he regained fitness to become a regular in the 1999 Premiership team and in Division One the following season.

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Wayne Andrews

Striker Wayne progressed through the youth system at Watford and made regular appearances in 1996-7 scoring five goals in 29 appearances, but struggled to regain his place after breaking his ankle the following season. 

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Devon White

Centre-forward Devon was one of Glenn Roeder’s final signings in 1996, joining from Notts County. He went on to play 38 games for the club, scoring six goals.

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Steve Palmer

Defender or defensive midfielder Steve joined the club in 1995 and went on to make well over 200 appearances for the club over six years, including winning Player of the Season as Watford were promoted to the Premier League.

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Steve Cherry

Goalkeeper Steve signed for Watford from Notts County as cover for Kevin Miller in 1995. He played only four games for the club before rejoining his former club, Plymouth Argyle and helped them gain promotion.

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Neil Shipperley

Striker Neil Shipperley had a brief loan spell at Watford at the end of 1994. He scored one goal in his six appearances for the club.

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Kevin Miller

Goalkeeper Kevin signed from Birmingham City in the summer of 1994. He went on to play for three seasons at the club, winning the Player of the Season award twice.

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Derek Payne

Midfielder Derek signed for Watford from Southend United. He spent two seasons at the club, scoring one memorable goal against Sheffield United.

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Keith Millen

Defender Keith signed for the Hornets in 1994 and helped the club avoid relegation to the third tier. He went on to spend five years at the club and was involved in two promotion winning teams.

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Dennis Bailey

Striker Dennis was in Watford’s youth team in the early 80s but was released. He returned to the club in 1994 on loan, making just eight appearances but scoring some vital goals as the club avoided relegation to the third tier.

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Tommy Mooney

Tommy signed for Watford after a successful loan period in 1994. He was twice winner of the Player of the Season award, and was the fourth player inducted into the Watford Hall of Fame.

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Craig Ramage

Craig signed from his home town club, Derby County in February 1994. Over a three year period, he played just over a hundred games for the club, scoring 27 goals. 

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Robert Page

Robert progressed through the youth system and went on to captain the side to two successive promotions and into the Premier League in 1999, when he also won the Player of the Season award.

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James Meara

Midfielder James was part of the FA Youth Cup winning squad in 1989. He signed professional with the club, but made only two first-team appearances.

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Bruce Dyer

Bruce had two spells at the club, making his debut as a 17 year old and becoming the most expensive teenager when sold to Crystal Palace in 1994.

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Richard Johnson

Australian midfielder Richard made his debut in 1991, and was a regular in the promoted sides between 1997 and 1999, gaining a reputation for scoring long range goals.

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Lee Nogan

Striker Lee joined the club from Oxford United in December 1991 and played over 100 games for the club. 

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Steve Perryman

Steve took over as manager in late 1990 with the Hornets struggling. He managed to turn things round and avoided relegation with a game to spare.

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Keith Dublin

Defender Keith was signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in 1990. He made over 150 appearances for the club.

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Darren Bazeley

Darren came through the youth system at Watford, making his debut in 1990 as a winger. He also played as a striker and full-back in ten years at the club.

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Gary Penrice

Gary had two spells at the club, signing initially for £500k from Bristol Rovers in 1989. He returned to the club in 1995. 

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Glenn Roeder

Glenn first joined the club as a player in 1989 and was club captain over a three year period. He then rejoined the club as manager in 1993 replacing Steve Perryman.

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Paul Wilkinson

Striker Paul joined Watford in 1988 and was top scorer in each of his three seasons at the club He also made four appearances in a brief loan spell in 1995.

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Rod Thomas

Rod came through the youth system at Watford and was highly rated youngster. He made his debut aged 17 at Arsenal in the old First Division.

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Rick Holden

Winger Rick was signed in 1988 when Watford were in the old First Division. He stayed for a year and a half before joining Oldham Athletic in 1989.

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David Holdsworth

Central Defender David came through the youth ranks at Watford, playing in the 1985 FA Youth Cup final. He made his debut in 1988 and played more than 250 games for the club.

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Glyn Hodges

Welsh international Glyn joined Watford in 1987 and spent two and a half years at the club winning the 1988-9 Player of the Season award.

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Trevor Senior

Striker Trevor was signed by Dave Bassett having been the record goalscorer for Reading but struggled to recreate the form in a Watford shirt.

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Gary Plumley

Goalkeeper Gary played just the one game for Watford, the 1987 FA Cup Semi-Final against Tottenham Hotspur, covering for the injured Tony Coton and Steve Sherwood.

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Iwan Roberts

Striker Iwan came through the youth system and made his debut aged just 17. His first ever goal was the winner against Manchester United.

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Malcolm Allen

Welshman Malcolm progressed through the youth ranks, captaining the team in the 1985 FA Youth Cup Final and making his first team debut later that year.

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Colin West

Colin was a deadline day signing in 1985 from Sunderland and went on to be top scorer for the Hornets the following season.

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John McClelland

Northern Ireland international defender John signed for Watford in 1984 and won the Player of the Season award twice, and was also the third player inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

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Tony Coton

Goalkeeper Tony spent six years at the club, winning the Player of the Season award a record three times. He was the second player inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

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Gary Porter

Sunderland born midfielder Gary came through the youth ranks and made his Watford debut in December 1983. He stayed with the club until 1997.

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Nigel Gibbs

Nigel made his playing debut in 1984 in the UEFA Cup and spent his entire playing career at Watford winning Player of the Season award in 1992. He also spent a period on the coaching staff of the club.

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Worrell Sterling

Winger Worrell progressed through the youth ranks and made his debut in at Old Trafford in 1983. He remained at the club until 1989.

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Richard Jobson

Richard gave up his university degree course to join Watford in 1982, signing from non-league Burton Albion. He left for Hull City in 1985, and went on to have a twenty year career in the game and briefly returned to Watford in 2000.

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Neil Price

Defender Neil played less than twenty games for Watford yet they included some of the biggest games in the club’s history. He later returned to set up the Former Players Association.

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John Barnes

Arguably the finest player ever to play for Watford, John joined Watford at the age of 17 after being spotted playing for non-league Sudbury Court. He went on to make nearly 300 appearances for the club over six seasons, before joining Liverpool in 1987.

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