Russ Budden
Football is often about remembering those players who left a lasting impression, not necessarily for their skill, but for their unique personalities and moments that defined their careers. This is exactly the essence of the “Barclays Men” concept—a nostalgic reflection on players who epitomized the Premier League era between 2001 and 2016. It’s not about the best players but the most memorable ones, those who left their mark on both the pitch and the fans.
Inspired by this trend, I decided to put together my own West Ham ‘Barclays Men XI’. These are the players who, in their own way, became unforgettable for the Hammers faithful. Let’s dive into this trip down memory lane, position by position.
Goalkeeper: Rob Green
Starting between the sticks, one name stands out—Rob Green. He epitomizes that Premier League era for West Ham, making over 240 appearances from 2006 onwards. Green wasn’t just any goalkeeper; he was England’s No. 6, a quirky figure with a wonky finger, often spotted reading The Financial Times while others played cards. He played a crucial role in West Ham’s Great Escape, becoming a cult hero not for flashy saves but for his consistent reliability and unique personality.
Left-Back: Paul Konchesky
At left-back, I’ve gone with Paul Konchesky, who played during one of West Ham’s most memorable FA Cup runs. Yes, Aaron Cresswell has served longer, but Konchesky’s thunderbolt in the 2006 FA Cup Final is etched into the memories of every West Ham fan. Although he only played two seasons at Upton Park, he made his mark with that one goal and was part of a side that embodied the drama of the Barclays era.
Centre-Back: Christian Dailly
The first center-back in my XI is the cult hero Christian Dailly. The man who inspired chants like “I’d let him shag my wife” was rugged, dependable, and a true fan favorite. He played nearly 200 games for the Hammers, most notably during their stints in both the Premier League and the Championship. Dailly may not have been the most technically gifted defender, but his passion and heart won him the admiration of the fans. His Braveheart-like leadership was legendary, and his presence during key moments—like the playoff final against Preston North End—solidified his place in West Ham folklore.
Centre-Back: James Collins
I could have gone with Winston Reid or Danny Gabbidon, but for me, it had to be James Collins—Ginge as we call him. A modern-day cult hero and an absolute legend at West Ham. We first brought him in from Cardiff City back in 2005, sold him in 2009, and yet, he returned in 2012 as an even better version of himself.
With 192 starts, 22 sub appearances, and 9 goals, Collins was the epitome of a Barclays Man. You’ll remember his performances 30 or 40 years from now. He might not have been the fanciest player, but he embodied the West Ham spirit. That iconic center-back partnership between him and Christian Dailly still sticks in the mind.
Right-Back: Lucas Neill
Right back has always been a tricky position for West Ham. We’ve had stop-gaps, and players filling in, but Lucas Neill, in my view, deserves the Barclays Man tag. He joined from Blackburn on a decent wage, but he was the captain, the leader, and part of the “Great Escape” team. He played an old-school captain role, galvanizing the side during some tough times.
I was tempted to go with other options—Tomkins played there briefly, and Zabaleta also gave us some good moments. But for me, Neill was the man who held the right-back spot in this XI.
Left Midfield: Luis Boa Morte
This might be a controversial choice, but on the left side of midfield, I’m putting Luis Boa Morte. He wasn’t the most loved player by fans, but in my mind, he fits the definition of a Barclays Man. He made over 100 appearances for West Ham, scored just two goals, but his dedication and determination were undeniable.
He played in that iconic XL Holidays shirt, and despite the criticism he faced, he kept on playing. Some players just embody an era, and for me, Boa Morte did that.
Central Midfield: Kevin Nolan
If there’s one man who makes every Barclays Man XI, it’s Kevin Bloody Nolan. Whether it was his time at Bolton, Newcastle, or West Ham, he had that Barclays Man grit. He was with us for four seasons, played 157 games, and scored 31 goals, including 13 in the Championship.
His leadership, his infamous chicken dance celebration, and his knack for scoring important goals made him a vital player. Nolan might not have been the most technically gifted, but he had that little bit of magic in his locker when it counted.
Central Midfield: Scott Parker
Now, I could have gone with Mark Noble, but that felt a bit too obvious. Instead, I’m going with Scott Parker, who epitomized the mid-2000s West Ham side. His performances during our relegation season earned him the Football Writers’ Player of the Year award—a rare accolade for a player on a relegated team.
He had that unforgettable Parker Spin move and was a leader on the pitch. Three Hammer of the Year awards in a row speak for themselves. Scott Parker might get overshadowed by Noble in some conversations, but during his time, he was the ultimate Barclays Man.
Right Midfield: Yossi Benayoun
An absolute baller and another player who returned to the club after leaving. Yossi Benayoun signed for us in 2006, left for Liverpool after two years, then came back to play a handful of games five years later.
Players who’ve shared the pitch with him talk about how tough and tricky he was. He had the technical ability and was one of the toughest players out there. For me, Yossi fits the bill perfectly for a Barclays Man—he wasn’t just a cult hero, he had the quality to back it up.
Up Front – Andy Carroll
Let’s be honest—Andy Carroll had to make the team. He was with West Ham for seven years, scored 34 goals in 142 appearances, and although he was often plagued by injuries, when he was fit, he was a force to be reckoned with.
His goal against Crystal Palace alone puts him in Barclays Man folklore. Yes, he never scored more than 10 goals in a season for us, but his moments of brilliance, especially in the air, were unforgettable.
Up Front – Marlon Harewood
For me, Marlon Harewood was an easy pick. The man had his own corner at Upton Park—the one between the South Bank and Dr. Martens Stand, where he always ran into to perform a trick or take on a defender. Who could forget his semi-final goal in the 2006 FA Cup?
He might not have been the flashiest striker, but he had his moments. Harewood was a true Barclays Man—a player who gave everything and had those flashes of brilliance that stay with you.
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