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Wayne Rooney


EdinRam

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TEWFIK ABDALLAH

The Egyptian forward became Derby County's first-ever foreign import when he joined the club in 1920.

The reason for his unexpected arrival has been the subject of conjecture and it is thought that the Rams may have been first suggested to Abdallah by Derby half-back Tommy Barbour, who served in Egypt during the First World War.

What is known for sure is that Abdallah arrived unbidden at the Baseball Ground in the late summer of 1920, where he entered the office and is reported to have said in faltering English nothing more than “foot the ball”.

Anecdote has it that the Derby manager Jimmy Methven spent some time trying to sell the “foreign gentleman” a season ticket before he realised Abdallah actually wanted a trial!

Whatever exchange took place, the player, nicknamed Toothpick, evidently did enough to impress, and he went on to play 15 games, scoring on his debut against Manchester City, before joining Scottish club Cowdenbeath in 1922.

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2 minutes ago, Yani P said:

What is known for sure is that Abdallah arrived unbidden at the Baseball Ground in the late summer of 1920, where he entered the office and is reported to have said in faltering English nothing more than “foot the ball”.

Similar to when Shefki Kuqi arrived, except his first words were "foot the bill". Nigel blanched.

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23 minutes ago, Crewton said:

There's an interview with Wayne by Jonathan Northcroft in the Sunday Times today. I might summarise anything of interest after I've read it. 

No great revelations (except perhaps that pre-Administration the club was using Scholars to run the line at u14 games because they couldn't guarantee officials would get paid). Just a decent, positive piece for a change focusing on how together the squad and management team are, and Rooney confirming he won't leave the staff and players in the lurch. 

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