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With Peter Haddock having to retire through injury, and the
alternative being the honest but limited endeavours of Glynn Snodin
and Mike Whitlow, a new left back was always going to be a priority
in summer 1991 - and we picked up the best one in the country.
Stuart Pearce may have been an inspirational leader with a great
shot, and Graeme LeSaux might have had a little more pace, but Tony
Dorigo was the best left back around. In 4 years at Villa and the
same period at Chelsea, he'd enhanced his reputation and Wilko's
decision to spend £1.3 million on him was justified.
Throughout that first season, his defensive qualities and his
crosses for Lee Chapman played a crucial role in securing Leeds'
first title in 18 years.
After a couple of years, although his skill level remained high
we did start to see a few injuries keeping him out for longer and
longer and from which he never seemed to fully recover. In 1995-96
we saw the debut of Ian Harte, and although he had another run in
the side in 96-97, Dorigo's days were more or less over at Leeds.
He spent just over a year with Torino before returning as a
left-back/sweeper for Derby for a couple of seasons, and recently
moved on to play for Stoke in summer 2000.
Luke Dorigo says: he's my dad and he was a great player in my
view!
Fabin Dorigo says: I'd like to know where are his family from.
My family name is Dorigo and my father was born in Udine,
Italy.
Luke Dorigo says: Fabin Dorigo, my dad is half italian. My
grandad was born in Italy.
Dominic says: What does he do know? Does he still play or does
he do any sort of coaching?
Graham Hales says: "And Dorigo getting in there!" (Brian More,
1992). What a legend Tony was, my favourite player of all time. In
fact, I've just formed a new Sunday team called "Dinamo Dorigo" in
his honour. I hope that the great man is keeping well, and still
"getting in there" at every possible opportunity.
Jimmy Nicholls says: Unfortunately that's no compliment to the
great man as Graham is a chump and is possibly the worst football
player I've ever seen, in fact the opposite of Dorigo himself.
Khizar Jamil says: I have to admit that he's my favourite player
of all time as well. I've followed his career for ages and I'm
actually an Aston Villa fan but I try and keep track of what he's
doing these days. In fact, if you listen to Talk Sport you may hear
him giving his expert views on certain football related issues!
What a great player he was - shame he retired so early (end of the
2000/2001 season) when he still had a few years left in him. What a
great guy as well!
Steve Moss says: I met Tony at the Man City V TNS UEFA qualifier
at cities great new stadium (In the Datatend box). I spoke to Tony
for some time and thought what a great guy he was, he even cheared
me on to glory during an arm wrestle with a friend. Thanks for your
support Tony! FYI He is now doing some tele & radio work.
Dennis says: As a Leeds Utd fan when Tony was around i can
honestly say ive never seen a finer full back. Tony had blistering
pace and noone ever got past him through speed. It was disgusting
when Stuart Pearce stepped aside from England that he didnt take
over. But Terry Venables never liked the Australian and instead
decided to pick his bum boy Graeme Le Saux. Wherever you are Tony
good luck and thanks for the championship in 1992.
Superste says: Was he English? Was he Australian? Who cares he
was Yorkshire!! And he made it into my All time team! Well done
Tone!!
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