EVENTS
Sportsman of the Year
Heisman Trophy
Swimsuit 2001
CENTERS
Fantasy Central
Inside Game
Video Plus
Statitudes
Your Turn
Message Boards
Email Newsletters
Golf Guide
Cities
CNNSI.com GROUP
Sports Illustrated
Life of Reilly
SI Women
SI for Kids
Press Room
TBS/TNT Sports
CNN Languages
COMMERCE
SI Customer Service
SI Media Kits
Get into College
Sports Memorabilia
TeamStore
| |
| David Batty |
Leeds
Born: 12/02/68
Hometown: Leeds |
| David O'Leary's first signing in December 1999, for £4.4million from Newcastle, saw David Batty 'return home', much to the delight of the Elland Road faithful, with O'Leary saying: "He should never have been allowed to leave here in the first place."Batty signed as an apprentice from local side Tingley Athletic in July 1985, but his debut was delayed by a fractured ankle.At the age of 18 Batty made the first team and went from strength to strength, impressing with his hard tackling and speed to establish himself as one of the top midfielders in the country. He made more than 250 appearances in his first spell at Leeds, helping them to promotion and subsequently the Football League title in 1991/92, before he was controversially sold to Blackburn Rovers for £2.75million in a deal that angered Leeds supporters.He went on to make 50 appearances for Rovers, before being transferred to Newcastle United for £3.75million. He became a regular fixture in the England side, displaying his true Yorkshire character in giving his all for his country.He will be remembered by many for his penalty shoot-out miss in the World Cup finals in France 98 against Argentina.Unfortunately, in his first game back at Leeds against Coventry, Batty suffered a rib injury that affected his heart muscles.That led to the combative midfielder having to take steroids, which in turn led to additional problems elsewhere in the body.Although thankfully recovered from the initial condition, an Achilles injury sustained afterwards has taken longer to recover than would be normally expected. And after being ruled out of the 1999/2000 season since December, the following season was also a write-off. |
|
| BOOKINGS |
| Date | Reason | Time | Color | 02/03/01 vs. Ipswich
03/17/01 vs. Charlton
04/21/01 vs. West Ham
| foul
foul
violent conduct
| 43
38
49
| Y
Y
R
|
|
Last updated: Thu Nov 01 01:00:38 EST 2001
|
Copyright © 2001
CNN/Sports Illustrated
An AOL Time Warner Company.
All Rights Reserved.
|
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines.
|
|
