All roads lead to Gorgie Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 (edited) In my opinion the best ball winning midfielder we have had, in my generation at least, is Neil Berry. Brellier probably a close second but Neil was second to none in winning 50/50s and he always gave his all for the maroon shirt, a true Jambo. If only we had some more players of his ilk we would be right up there in the higher reaches of the league. I hope everyone agrees. Edited May 29, 2020 by All roads lead to Gorgie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazzas right boot Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Gary Mackay was a good all rounder. Berry would header a brick for the cause but he was very limited imo. Loved the guy tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mundaydog Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Berry was a big hero of mine as a kid. Limited footballer but sometimes i wish we had a player like that in the team now. John Millar was another I liked in the unsung hero role Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queensferryjambo Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Salvatori was fantastic at ball winning. Berry was a great player and very underrated for just what a good player he was. John Millar was also excellent at breaking up player and regaining possession. It's not a very glamorous position to play in football but a much needed one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All roads lead to Gorgie Posted May 29, 2020 Author Share Posted May 29, 2020 6 minutes ago, Smith's right boot said: Gary Mackay was a good all rounder. Berry would header a brick for the cause but he was very limited imo. Loved the guy tho. He wasn't the most silky but he could still play a pass when needed and was a bit more consistent than GM although Gary had better skills I'll give you that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Buck Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Brellier is the best I’ve seen at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All roads lead to Gorgie Posted May 29, 2020 Author Share Posted May 29, 2020 7 minutes ago, Uncle Buck said: Brellier is the best I’ve seen at it. He was great at what he did and the bonus was he could out muscle and get under the skin of the Scott browns of the game. Sometimes it was seat of the pants stuff with Brellier though especially when he was on an early yellow. He knew what he was about though and he could tread the thin line of a second booking and just avoid it. I so miss the team he played a huge part in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madjambo21 Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Shout for Adao. Was only with us for a short time but he was great at tackling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Tommi Grondlund was decent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 And Morowiecz (sp?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhoenixHearts Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 3 minutes ago, Boris said: And Morowiecz (sp?) My old neighbour 😆 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamhammer Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Another vote for John Millar. Dave McCreery IIRC didn’t miss many crunchers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenNaismith Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Shout out for Karipidis, very underrated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
been here before Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 26 minutes ago, Jamhammer said: Another vote for John Millar. Dave McCreery IIRC didn’t miss many crunchers McCreery was who I was going to mention. Berry though, nae nonsense got the job donr. Cant ask for more really. And one of a select few of fine moustachiod Hearts players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
underwaterwoodwelder Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Colin Cameron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brunoatemyhamster Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Brellier 4 out of 10 Vlad just didn't seem to get what he did for a team. Loved him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie1874 Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 25 minutes ago, StevenNaismith said: Shout out for Karipidis, very underrated. Quality player once he got moved from central defence to centre mid 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norrie1952 Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Le juge .That was some player.He could sort broony no problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fort Vallance Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Yes Berry could win the ball but quite often gave it away again. No doubting his heart but not a great player. I liked the type of players that didn't crunch in to tackles but nicked it and kept possession. Not the best by a mile but Pallardo was good at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midloth_Iain Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Palazuelos had a few fine games, technically decent, just a bit slow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamboAl Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 2 hours ago, All roads lead to Gorgie said: In my opinion the best ball winning midfielder we have had, in my generation at least, is Neil Berry. Brellier probably a close second but Neil was second to none in winning 50/50s and he always gave his all for the maroon shirt, a true Jambo. If only we had some more players of his ilk we would be right up there in the higher reaches of the league. I hope everyone agrees. Yep! Berry for me. Even when he didn't actually win the ball he made the opposition offload sooner than they wanted thus stifling their attacking ability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimKongUno Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 3 hours ago, underwaterwoodwelder said: Colin Cameron This guy knows his onions. Exactly who I was going to say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smoked-Glass Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Neil macfarlane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamhammer Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 4 hours ago, been here before said: McCreery was who I was going to mention. Berry though, nae nonsense got the job donr. Cant ask for more really. And one of a select few of fine moustachiod Hearts players. I’ve mentioned on here being at Ibrox and, I think McCoist was skipping down the wing and Chuck was zoning in on him fro distance. The Hearts supporters were going “Woooooooooahhhhh” as he approached and then “Yassss” When he cleanly won the ball but smashed McCoist off the park. Got booked and walked away smiling and adjusting his gum shield. Proper footballer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Worthing Jambo Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 What about Iain Jardine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martoon Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Loved Brellier but Chuck was the best I've seen. 1985-88 he was magnificent at what he did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All roads lead to Gorgie Posted May 29, 2020 Author Share Posted May 29, 2020 I still remember his sclaffed winner at Rugby Park in the cup and the celebrations in the away stand. Probably one of Neil's few goals for the club but a great memorable moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debut 4 Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 4 hours ago, underwaterwoodwelder said: Colin Cameron Ditto. Some players have a particular trait and Neil Berry is always seen as a ball winner and it’s taken as him being the strongest at it. Cameron for me can be put in that bracket but you then go onto talk about a far more complete player. Berry was a player I admired too. Always in the team and you expected him to always be there. He was a reliable player but did a specific job very strongly and that’s why he was picked. Cameron rolled everything into one but will more likely(and has been) be remembered more for goals, effort, passing and creativity. It clouds the fact he was a bloody pest too! Nicking balls off feet, hassling you into a mistake and not jumping out a 50/50. He could tackle alright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cisco1914 Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Ally Mauchlen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martoon Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 4 minutes ago, All roads lead to Gorgie said: I still remember his sclaffed winner at Rugby Park in the cup and the celebrations in the away stand. Probably one of Neil's few goals for the club but a great memorable moment. Great day. Also recall a winner v. Celtic in a midweek game and a late equalizer v. Hibs to preserve the run that became 22. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auld Reekin' Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 (edited) 15 minutes ago, Worthing Jambo said: What about Iain Jardine? An excellent but somewhat forgotten and underrated (by some) player. However, he was much more of a creative, passing, midfielder rather than a ball-winner. He wasn't limited to that though and could put in a challenge when required. A bit like Steve Fulton in that respect, in my opinion... Edited May 29, 2020 by Auld Reekin' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Worthing Jambo Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Just now, Auld Reekin' said: An excellent but somewhat forgotten and underrated (by some) player. However, he was much more of a creative, passing, midfielder rather than a ball-winner. He wasn't limited to that though and could put in a challenge when required. A bit like Steve Fulton in that respect, in my opinion... He was very underrated. And he could dig in when required to let the more talented players take the accolades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auld Reekin' Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 8 minutes ago, Cisco1914 said: Ally Mauchlen. It wasn't a "biggest nutjob ever at Hearts" thread, however. Otherwise Ally Mauchlen or Stewart MacLaren might well have been in with a shout... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auld Reekin' Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 (edited) 4 minutes ago, Worthing Jambo said: He was very underrated. And he could dig in when required to let the more talented players take the accolades. Agree largely, but I would argue strongly that he was the most talented player in the Hearts' midfield in the period when he played for us. Edited May 29, 2020 by Auld Reekin' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastjambo Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Always had a soft spot for Vincent Guérin. Top drawer player Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strummerville Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 Salvatori for sure. Brellier was class act allowing the attacking players to go and flourish. Shout out to Neil macfarlane who covered Brellier, not world beater but done his job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pasquale for King Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 (edited) Bruno was good when he played there, JJ “ we put him in there to let him get his shirt dirty for once” instead of strolling it at the back. Hartley and Cameron could do it too, and the rest obviously. It’s a position we need filling unless Haring can get back. A lot of us said it at the beginning of last season but Halkett might be worth a go in there, he’s a bit slow for CH, but he can tackle/pass/shoot and making late runs into the box he would score even more than last season, top goal scorer after all. Edited May 29, 2020 by Pasquale for King Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuck berrys hairline Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 Thomas Flogel Slide tackle from behind and reverse nutmeg players all in a oner. Some technique he had in his all round game Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamhammer Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 1 hour ago, Worthing Jambo said: What about Iain Jardine? I’ll always remember him getting injured, (possible broken leg) on halfway line and you could hear his scream from the school end. Always liked him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricardo Shillyshally Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 Berry regularly had "Scotland's best midfielder" Paul McStay in his back pocket. A better player than a lot give him credit for. He didn't score many, but possibly his last goal was in the SC at Killie. I think he scored against Celtic too in a midweek game against Celtic. I missed the game as I was off school ill. A diving header in a 1 0 win in front of nearly 30k As for Iain Jardine, I still remember his goal on 1st of January 86, when he hit that one between the sticks 😁 Dave McCreery was a great wee player for us, even if he wore dodgy cycling shorts when he played. Memories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecjambo Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 8 hours ago, weehammy said: Dave Mackay or John Cumming Just finished reading Dave MacKay’s book. By the sounds of it he was the greatest we’ve ever had at ball winning, and much more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perth to Paisley Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 I liked Ian Jardine but .. 9 hours ago, Worthing Jambo said: What about Iain Jardine? 8 hours ago, Auld Reekin' said: Agree largely, but I would argue strongly that he was the most talented player in the Hearts' midfield in the period when he played for us. I never understood why he simply blootered the ball back to Celtic at the kick off when they equalised in the Cup semi. Someone should have ensured we retained the ball and took the replay rather than giving them the ball to mount one last attack. We know what happened next! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locky Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 Morgaro Gomis was your perfect hatchet man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gashauskis9 Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 Berry was one of the best imo, absolutely idolised him. Played in an era when holding/defensive midfielders were frowned upon and largely dismissed. In the modern game, we’d be gushing over him. Imagine having Berry and Salvatori sitting in front of a back 4? You could play 4 strikers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deevers Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 10 hours ago, weehammy said: Dave Mackay or John Cumming This. Both the best at this in my time. More recently though it would have to be Salvatori. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HillmanHearts Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 Scott Severin. Eggert Johnson. Darren Barr. Most destructive was Chuck tho 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheatfield to sheffield Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 16 hours ago, Madjambo21 said: Shout for Adao. Was only with us for a short time but he was great at tackling. Yes - this thread is about best ball winning midfielder, not best defensive midfielder, and Adao was brilliant at winning the ball and so utterly committed to tracking back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cisco1914 Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 10 hours ago, Auld Reekin' said: It wasn't a "biggest nutjob ever at Hearts" thread, however. Otherwise Ally Mauchlen or Stewart MacLaren might well have been in with a shout... It was a tongue n cheek post mate🤙If I were to choose it would be Cumming and Mackay from the most successful Hearts side in our history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BelgeJambo Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 Peter Haring looks like a good shout if we can keep him fit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jambonian Posted May 30, 2020 Share Posted May 30, 2020 Always remember when we signed Neil MacFarlane and thinking...what the hell are we signing him for? Can't remember but possibly freed by his previous club (Kilmarnock? Or was he there after Hearts?) But after a fairly slow start he put in some vital challenges and broke opposition moves down throughout his time with us. Liked him in the end. Berry I occasionally drank with along with Foster was one of those players that was pretty reliable and he was around for years. Good bit of business Alex MacDonald getting him from Bolton, £50k or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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