13th November 2003: It is a very
said day when any footballer is forced to retire through injury, but
after the efforts that Michael Appleton has put in over the past two
years, it must be devastating. To be honest, it was a decision many
of us had been expecting for a while since his aborted comeback attempt,
and it was finally confirmed in a meeting between player and specialist
last Friday, and announced this morning.
I thought Appy was the key signing of the promotion campaign and was
developing into one of the best midfielders seen at the Hawthorns
for many years. I went as far to say at the time that his injury could
cost us promotion but, thanks to AJ's sterling efforts in the middle
of the park, the team won through. Appy never made a Premiership appearance
for Manchester United, and it is cruel that he will now never make
one for the Albion.
West Bromwich Albion in particular, and football in general, will
be all the worse without Appy playing. I trust that the club will
look after him, and that the insurance settlement will ensure that
he and his young family have a secure future.
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