Hardest Boro player of all time

[TheBlueButterfly]

DEAN GLOVER

I reckon Peter Reid still has nightmares over that tackle at Ayresome

 

[Marvanelli]

Big Nige for me.

 

[Same_as_before]

Andy Townsend. Pollock was playing for City and ran towards him, Townsend grabbed him by the throat and shook him. It was at the half way line right in front of both managers.

 

[nowthen]

He wouldn’t be my choice but there were stories that Stuart Ripley was hardest player at the club and there were some tough players around then.

 

[theredrooster]

He wouldn’t be my choice but there were stories that Stuart Ripley was hardest player at the club and there were some tough players around then.

Not heard that before, but I can understand it. He seemed very strong mentally Rippers and had no problem standing up for himself.

Might well have not been physically the strongest but he had huge spirit. One of my all time favourite players - skin 'em Rippers!

 

[Glover_elbow]

I reckon Peter Reid still has nightmares over that tackle at Ayresome

Which one there were about 10 which were at least bookable offences.

Gary Hamilton was on another favourite of mine. I reckon festa was probably hardest but not dirtiest

 

[DCI_Gene_Hunt]

Alan Willey

 

[Johnnyweetabix]

Olaf lipor for me

 

[Steer]

Didn't Zenden have a black belt in Karate, or something?

 

[Caretaker1]

Mick Kennnedy,Gary Hamilton, Graeme Souness,Ray Hankin
Any others spring to mind

Tony Mcandrew , anyone ?

 

[festa5]

Which one there were about 10 which were at least bookable offences.

Gary Hamilton was on another favourite of mine. I reckon festa was probably hardest but not dirtiest

Liked his martial arts too did Festa, he was a blackbelt in something I think.

Varga is worth a mention. Might not have offered much going forward, but I certainly wouldn't want to mess him.

 

[dooderooni]

There's a difference between being hard and being dirty which is why I'd rule Hankin out. Souness was hard as nails.

 

[Erimus74]

My top 3 would be

Graeme Souness
Gary, Gary, Gary, Gary Hamilton
Mick Kennedy

 

[fozzylegend]

He wouldn’t be my choice but there were stories that Stuart Ripley was hardest player at the club and there were some tough players around then.

another vote for this ripper story. i heard that too. i can see it as well.

 

[Erimus74]

Liked his martial arts too did Festa, he was a blackbelt in something I think.

Varga is worth a mention. Might not have offered much going forward, but I certainly wouldn't want to mess him.

Zebden as also a double dan

 

[HarryVegas]

For the uninitiated, I'd recommend buying Teesside Urban Legends and acquainting yourself with the chapter on Poga

 

[Redinburgh]

Paul Ward could handle himself.
Going further back Derek Stonehouse.
Was Paul Ince a hard man or just very niggly?
John Craggs and of course John Hickton.

 

[RedAsABeetroot]

And for the Oldies on here -

"He'll be lucky to escape with only a lecture!"
Shows how much the game has changed.

 

[Globemaster]

Tony McAndrew would be in the top 3

 

[Priv]

Festa has to be in the top 3, the lad was nails.

pogatetz should be nowhere near he liked to dish it out but threw a tantrum if he got any back.