|
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 !!
|
