"The Diary of a full back" Issue 4

Remember this guy?

‘Forgotten Full Back’ has returned and our subject today is Graeme Le Saux. The left back had a whirlwind career winning a Premier League medal, England caps, but had to deal with homophobic taunts throughout his career.

Funny how the fight
was with a guy named
Batty

It all started in Jersey, a small island that lies in the English Channel separating England and France, where Graeme was born. The Jersey boy played for St Paul’s before moving to West London after being spotted playing in a local tournament. After making 90 appearances in the four years, he made the biggest move of his career. Le Saux signed for Jack Walker’s Blackburn Rovers managed by Liverpool legend, Kenny Dalglish. His move north brought success, winning a Premier League medal and his first England cap. Rovers were like the Manchester City of that era, buying big players for big money. Like his career, there were some moments he won’t look back on so fondly. David Batty, a hard tackling and all round horrible midfielder ended up confronting and actually fighting Le Saux during a Premier League game. Television cameras caught every second and yet again the left back was in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Great Times

After a four year spell in the north of England, the left back moved back to the capital, re-signing with Chelsea, breaking the British transfer record for a defender. Chelsea was an up and coming rival to the dominate Manchester United, while Blackburn was on the decline. He added to his trophy cabinet with a League Cup winner’s medal and a UEFA Cup Winners Cup medal. The European competition was scrapped by Europe’s governing body because any competition that is shown on Channel 5 in the UK, cannot be a good competition. Jersey is an island that is owned by the British and enabled Graeme to represent the Three Lions. I believe he was a good left back and the teams he played for proves my point. He was mainly picked for England to solve England's long standing Achilles heel that has hindered England for years, left wing. To put it mildly, he like so many did not solve the issue and just became a squad player, picking up a cap here and there. Le Saux eventually left Chelsea in 2003 and finished his career with Southampton before retiring in 2005. He racked up 403 league appearances, scoring 20 goals, and earning 36 England caps.

“Come and give me one
up the a***”. Robbie Fowler

Being a Premier League winner and England international are things that players are remembered for, not Le Saux. The question of his sexuality, despite being married will unfortunately be the part of his legacy that fans remember. He states in his book 'Left Field' it was his non footballing ways that brought on all the abuse. The left back said that dressing well, not liking beer, and not being a man's man makes you a homosexual in football circles. David Beckham went through the same kind of things, due to him being different.  The ex Manchester United and Real Madrid star has been called every name under the sun, especially after he was caught wearing a sarong, but when you have that much talent you are almost excused. Le Saux was a solid Premier League player but lacked a wand and world class ability. If you have a wand and technique to die for, you can wear and pretty much do whatever you like. Robbie Fowler wouldn't dream of publicly humiliating Sir David in the manner he embarrassed Le Saux . The Chelsea left back, who was in his second spell at the Bridge, was about to take a free kick, only to look up and see the Liverpool striker bent over with his backside facing him. Fowler was quoted saying while bent over “Come and give me one up the a***”. Fans across the globe saw this ‘joke’ and all it did was fuel the fire for more abuse in the future.

Tash was too much
to resist 

Media was the next step for Graeme, who worked for the BBC in a number of roles after hanging up his boots. He worked on the highlight show Match of the Day 2, became a radio analyst, and was the co-commentator for England games alongside John Motson. Before the World Cup in Germany, the BBC chose to replace Le Saux with ex Liverpool and Preston North End defender, Martin Lawrenson. The Jersey born defender was understandably furious and consequently resigned which brought about more negative headlines. Being booted off the TV show “Dancing on Ice” in the first week, was the last time we saw him on British TV. Last I heard he resides in Switzerland and is writing a book about healthy eating. Can you really blame him after all he went through?

Whether you think he was homosexual (which there is nothing wrong with that, just to add), or he annoyed you in the commentary box, the man won a Premier League medal playing alongside one of the greats, Alan Shearer. Unfortunately, David Batty has one too, but Robbie Fowler doesn't! We do not want your input on his sexuality, or even if you thought David Batty was a good player. All we want is to remind the world of the controversial full back they call……..Graeme Le Saux.