|
Nearly five million quid for a player that couldn't make the first
team at Chelsea - seems to be a bit of a gamble. But DOL should know a
good defender when he sees one we thought. Initially he looked solid
when given the chance - but was occasionally suspect, and a little
awkward with his distribution.
In 1999-2000, his main contribution to the team was to lead the
singing at the Euro away games, but he looked a lot better when called
on at the start of 2000-01. Unfortunately for Duberry, successive
injuries dogged his progress, and a long-term problem kept him in the
treatment room for the duration.
In 2001-02, it was the off-field action that put Duberry in the
spotlight. He testified against his "best mate" Jon Woodgate in the
trial at Hull - and the fact that they are apparently no longer on
speaking terms was put to the test when he found himself alongside
Woody at the centre of the defence. At least he was now over his
injuries and doing what he could to get back in the side - he even
made an appearance up front when Leeds were desperately short of
strikers in the Worthington Cup game with Chelsea. He was signed on a
contract extension - and you've got to admire the fact that he's
stayed to fight for his place with so many in front of him. But he's
been mentioned in connection with moves to Leicester and Southampton,
and if he wants a regular first team start that's what he'll have to
do.
With the trial over and a contract extension signed, there was still
no sign of him breaking into the side in the back end of the
2001-02 season, and the return to fitness of Lucas Radebe seems
to have pushed him further down the queue. He made it clear he'd
like to move on, but despite summer rumours connecting him with
Celtic and Bolton, he remains at Elland Road. Still more injuries
and the sale of Jon Woodgate have given Duberry another chance - and
he's been playing solidly and seems aware of his limitations and
must feel he can finally re-establish his credentials as a first
team player.
Unfortunately for Duberry, he took a boot in the face in a
pre-season game against Villa in Dublin and smashed his cheekbone, so
he'll be missing for the first couple of months while he recovers.
Mike Davies says: I would just like to wish Dubes all the best,
after the last few years. You did nothing wrong so keep your head up
and hope to see you back in the team very soon.
Chelsy says: As a Jonathon Woodgate fan I wish him all the best.
What he did was the right thing to do, it's just a shame their
friendship paid the price.
Winston Jospeh says: Its a shame that it s seems that doobs seems
to treated like he was the one who was found guilty by the jury and in
fact he just spoke the truth. a talanted player but seems to be
lacking support from fans and management being sidelined even when
leeds have no more option within in their defence. VICTIMISATION
Max Harlow says: Dubes should go - ASAP. I have nothing against
him as a person (he did the right thing by testifying against Woody in
the trial; you can't expect people to perjure themselves for you).
And I have nothing against him as a player. But his three years at
Leeds have been a nightmare - one injury after another, and no regular
first team place in between - and it's time he cut his losses and
quit. If he stays at Leeds, his career will remain in the doldrums
indefinitely. But should he go to another team (such as Bolton or
Leicester) and win himself a regular spot, who knows where that would
take him... But Good Luck to him, wherever he goes and whatever he
does.
Dom_leeds says: He's the ultimate man.
Ed - Chelsea says: As a Chelsea fan I must say I am very impressed
by the fairness of the comments above. Not at all like the press
image of your fans. Anyway, from a Chelsea point of view, I always
thought he was an honest player whio could have gone on to play for
England but for the Achilles injury he suffered prior to the transfer
to Leeds. Don't think he has ever fully recovered from that.
Dubes_For_England says: Dubes for England iss all i can say with
rio out for euro 204, the obvious choice is to have dubes in there
with either big sol or JT from chelsea
Anon says: Hi today its the 13th of march 2004 and leeds were
playing fulham and they lost two nil, however at 2pm michael dyberry
was shopping in harvey nichols in leeds. How do i know this because i
was talking to him for quite a while.when was the last time he played
for leeds?
**sarah** says: wel done dubes!!! i watched him play @ the reserves
and he did brill and who happend 2 be there?? yes eddie gray! then he
was puton the team against the foxes and i have 2 say well done!
superb goal and great defence! eddie will sure keep him on! Dubes 4
england!!
Jonny W says: I went to school with Doobs - as he was known then -
and he was a good lad - apart from the time he grassed on me to the
teachers about hitting another boy in the face - ta Michael!
Mart says: having worked as a skivvy out Hull Crown Court during
the Bowyer/Woodgate saga it is my sad duty to confirm that the said
Mr. Duberry takes a whopping 4 sugars in his coffee...... fat f***!
Di says: Michael Duberry is the best looking bloke in the universe
!!
|
