Memorable Debuts
You have to feel for referees. There they are, happy in the little jobs selling insurance or whatever when they’re dragged from their cosy offices and forced to make earth-shattering decisions in front on millions of people. In return for a massive fee, obviously. Hop on the back of our Routemaster then as we reveal the
Jason Crowe
Came on for Arsenal in a League Cup tie in 1997, then sent off by Uriah Rennie 33 seconds later for a high challenge, the fastest debut sending off in English football history.
Richard Wright
Conceded two penalties, scored an own goal, saved a penalty and got booked on his England debut. No wonder his career went downhill.
Pele
Three months before his 17th birthday, Pele got his first cap for Brazil against bitter rivals Argentina. He scored, despite going down 2-1 in the end. God knows what happened to him.
Fabrizio Ravanelli
The silver fox arrived on Teesside with a great reputation and an even greater wage, and didn’t disappoint on the opening day match at home to Liverpool, scoring three in a pulsating 3-3 draw.
Mike Salmon
Only made one appearance for Oxford United, yet was voted the club's worst ever player. It was a 7-1 home loss to Birmingham mind.
