Liverpool FC Forum

by **anfieldadorer** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 5:26 am

What became of the wannabe babes?

By James Corrigan

Barclays Premiership:
Ronnie Wallwork (West Brom)

The Manchester lad signed for United straight from school in 1994 and earned notoriety on loan at Royal Antwerp when attacking a referee. The no-nonsense defender left Old Trafford two years ago and has just re-established himself in Bryan Robson's starting XI after injury.

Coca-Cola Championship:
David Healy (Leeds United)

The Ulsterman made three appearances for United while a trainee, but was picked up by David Moyes at Preston for £1.5m in January 2001. Since then Healy has become Northern Ireland's all-time leading scorer. Now at Elland Road, boasting seven goals in just 14 outings.

League One:
Ben Clark (Hartlepool United)

Was regarded as one of the Academy's brightest prospects until homesickness got the better of him and the Shotley Bridge product went home to sign for Sunderland. The utility player joined Hartlepool in search of first-team football, although an ankle injury has dogged the former England Under-19 captain.

League Two:
Michael Rose (Yeovil Town)

A trainee for a year at Old Trafford in 2000 but left on a free to join Chester City. From there, Rose went to Hereford in 2002 before signing a two-year contract at Huish Park, where he is earning the rave reviews his talent deserves in defence.

Nationwide Conference:
Michael Twiss (Morecambe)

The future appeared bright for Twiss when he was named United reserve of the year in 1998, but he never made the great leap. The striker was loaned out to Sheffield United and Port Vale before ending up as one of the stars of non-League football.

Conference North:
Paul Teather (Alfreton Town)

This centre-half deserved a medal for persistence in remaining at United for seven years without threatening the first team. Did earn a taste of League football - on loan at Bournemouth - but joined Northwich Victoria before falling further.

League Of Wales:
Simon Davies (Bangor City)

Ferguson always said this skilful midfielder was destined to play in Europe, although perhaps he didn't mean with Bangor. He won a Welsh cap on the form he showed in 11 Premiership appearances for United in the mid-Nineties. Joined Luton in 1997, then had spells at Rochdale and Macclesfield.

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