Recalling football’s hard men

Manchester City’s roving reporter writes every week for chron Sport

MY new role at City took me to Scotland the other week, where I had a great chat with Willie Donachie.

Willie is a great lad and was a terrific defender at City before moving to Athletic with Joe Royle.

It was great to hear Willie’s views on coaching and players — the video is on City’s website now — and he also spoke about the hard men of the 1960s and 70s.

He said Franny Lee — a team-mate at City of course — was the hardest player he knew, so I tried to think back to former opponents of mine who were the toughest in my playing days.

My toughest foe was probably Alan Little — brother of Aston Villa striker Brian — who played against me for Doncaster and was hard as nails.

There were no verbals or anything. Alan was simply fearless and when he tackled you, it was like being hit by a sledge hammer.

As far as the toughest opponent, verbally and physically, that was probably Brian Horton, just ahead of Graeme Souness. Brian was captain at Luton and Brighton, and was vicious. He would get stuck right in and had plenty to say for himself as well. It was a total contrast to what he was like off the pitch, though. Brian was great after the game and I’ve met him several times since and he really is a lovely bloke.

I noticed in a national newspaper that City are reported to be showing an interest in Lionel Messi.

That would be something if he could ever be prized away from Barcelona to sign for City.

Messi is the best player in the world in my view. I know Cristiano Ronaldo has had a great year and recently he’s been banging in goals for fun, but Messi is still the best.

He’s got everything — the skills, the goals, the temperament. It would be just wonderful to see a player like that in England, never mind at City.