Kenny Sansom

Kenny Graham Sansom is a former English professional footballer who played for several clubs in the Football League First Division and the England national football team. He was born on 26th September 1958 from the district of Camberwell in South London, England. He played as a left-back in the defence and was a left-footed player.

A player who often went under the radar, he was England’s first choice left-back for over a decade, with no player coming close to better him. A quick player who was strong in the tackle and an excellent crossing technique, his abilities made him the perfect player for his position and justified why he was so highly-rated. A very consistent player, he always delivered the goods and was a regular at whatever team he played at. He rarely ever used physical strength or unfair means to keep the keep the opposing attackers in check, rather relying on his impeccable timing and his good pace.

He won eight consecutive PFA awards for his position in the First Division, a feat which remains yet to be broken. He amassed 86 caps with England, making him the second most capped full-back.

Background

He began playing football at a local club called Spring Park Wolves. Surprisingly he recognised himself primarily as a goalkeeper, and only when his teammate was injured he filled in for him at the left-back position. Since then, he started playing as a full back and progressed to become the player he is known as.

He joined the Crystal Palace youth team in 1975, despite being scouted by several bigger clubs like Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers. He led the Palace youth team to a FA Youth Cup title in 1977, a side which he captained.

Debut

A regular for England at the youth, he represented the England Schoolboys and the England U-21 team, captaining the latter. He made his senior debut on 23rd May 1979, in a international friendly match against Wales. The match ended in 0:0 stalemate.

Highly rated by the then England manager Ron Greenwood, he went on to establish himself as a mainstay in the England national team at the young age of 22.

Rise to Glory

He first rose to glory in his first season with Crystal Palace when he was voted as Palace’s “Player of the Year”. He then went on tp lead him to a victory in the Second Division championship, as he proved to be an integral part of the team. Such impressive performances saw him called up for the senior England side.

He then rose to glory in the 1980-81 season with Arsenal, as he was awarded Arsenal’s Player of the Year award. He then on to captain the side.

Low Points

In recent years, Sansom has been struggling with alcoholism which has affected his life severely and relapsed after being released from the rehab.

Club Career

Samson has played for Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Coventry City, Everton, Brentford and Watford alongside Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

Captaincy

A highly rated individual, he captained Arsenal for a long tenure and was successful despite the lack of any major silverware.

Achievements

He only won the League Cup with Arsenal in 1987, but won several other individual acclaims.

Retirement

Sansom retired from all forms of football on 1st July, 1993. Since his retirement, he has tried his hand at punditry and often featured at Fox Sports FC.