Cult Heroes….Part 2

There are a number of famous people, including celebrities, who may have long and established careers, but are generally only remember for one faux pas, incident, or genuine life changing moment. Take for example, Bill Clinton. The former American President is generally regarded as one of the most forward thinking and productive leaders, but what is he generally going to be remembered for. His work in Ireland? The Middle-East? Of course not, he is going to be remembered for the fact that he stuck a cigar in Monica Lewinksky’s fanjita. Also take Hugh Grant, who as well as being known for playing the exactly same role in every film he does (bumbling, charming Brit), will always be known for the fact that he got caught getting sucked off by Divine Brown in Sunset Boulevard. You can even take all time legend, Zinedine Zidane. What will he remembered for? That’s right, committing GBH in a World Cup Final. Well, to that long illustrious list you can add Tony Yeboah. And by that, I don’t mean he also got caught with Ms Brown,

Tony Yeboah is famous for pretty much about two to three games in his whole career. Any true football fan will know exactly what I am talking about. If you don’t know what I am talking about then you can piss off to another website (ok, that may be a bit harsh).

In the 1995/1996 season, Tony Yeboah unleashed a magnificent volley to score one of THE greatest goals the Premiership has ever seen. He latched onto a Rod Wallace knockdown to send the ball hurtling past David James at rate of knots from fully 35 yards. It was one of the those goals where if he tried it a 100 times, then 99 times it would end up in Row Z. Added to the fact that this was against Liverpool and this goal has forever endeared Yeboah to the Leeds faithful (and who can forget that celebration).

As if that wasn’t enough, the week after, Yeboah scored arguably a better goal against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park. Collecting the ball 40 yards from goal, some excellent close control created some space for him to send a stunning half volley screaming right into the top corner. Cue more wild celebrations from the Ghanaian. The shot was unofficially timed at a rip-roaring 96mph. That’s a massive 26mph faster than the average cheetah and around six times faster than a turkey at full pace. I shit you not. It was once said that Yeboah had the hardest shot in the world, and this was hilariously put to the test when he decided to exhibit his powerful penalty taking abilities against an unwitting goal keeper. As the penalty was taken, the goalkeeper tried to dodge the ball, but it swerved, smashed into him and broke the goalkeeper’s ribs.

To be fair to Yeboah, his goal record of 33 goals in 62 appearances was not to be sniffed at, and he did score a couple more memorable goals, notably against Manchester United. His Leeds career ended acrimoniously, with a fall out with George Graham signalling his departure(Bung taking prick). Perhaps George got pissed off that Tony wouldn’t track back to help out his defence. However, there is no doubt that Tony will always remain in Premiership folklore.

Tony Yeboah………WE SALUTE YOU!!

(As a child I visited this man’s house in Ghana, he held me as a child and blessed me with the ability to smash volleys as hard as possible, it’s a shame I haven’t quite mastered the accuracy bit. Thank you, Tony. – Ed)