THE ONE CAP WONDERS: PART 2.

Part Two of our Three Part series looks at the One Cap Wonders who left a brief, but memorable stamp on the World Game.

                                                                 CHARLIE MILLER:

The Glaswegian first got his start in a Rangers side that had, at that point, been dominating the Scottish Premiership. After impressive performances in the Midfield between 1994 and 1999, the Scot made his move to England where he was signed by newly promoted Premier League side Watford FC (following a brief stint with Leicester City FC). After an abysmal season (which saw the club finish dead last) Miller returned to Scotland to play for Dundee United. It was during this time, he received his first and only cap for Scotland in 2001, in a match which ended 1-1 against Poland. After leaving Scotland in 2003, Miller played for various clubs like  SK Brann and Lierse before making the long trek over to Australia in 2008 to play for the Brisbane Roar. Having impressed in his early days, with a healthy goal scoring ratio despite being a Midfielder, it seemed no matter how hard he tried, the Roar (then coached by Farina) could only manage to gain a Third place finish at season’s end. Miller also enjoyed a brief stint at Gold Coast United (then owned by Clive Palmer) the following year in 2009. However the Scotsman could not replicate the form once shown in a 14 year strong career and was thus forced to look elsewhere for a club. Miller is currently a Free Agent, having last played for Scottish Second Division outfit Clyde, who released the Midfielder after only 5 matches with the club. Miller will also be peculiarly remembered as the player who missed out on those David Beckham boots. David Beckham instantly stamped his name on the Football World, after a stunning 50 yard goal against Wimbledon in 1996. What some people may not know is, the boots worn by Beckham that day, were actually intended for then Rangers Midfielder Charlie Miller. A classic case of what might have been perhaps?

                                                                 EUGENE DADI:

 Eugeni Dadi would have perhaps been a bigger/better name had it not been for the untimely death of his father in the Early 1990’s. An incident which made him walk away from the game for two years. A True Football Nomad, It is hard to pinpoint which club or time period was his best. The Ivorian played for 15 different clubs over a 20 year period, in countries like France, England, Scotland, Austria and Australia. Like all Football nomads, Dadi found himself in Australia at the tail end of his career, playing for both Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix. While the 39 year old’s career has come to an end, It doesn’t seem to be goodbye just yet, as we may see the Former Footballer in another sphere at some point in the future. Dadi has his finger in quite a few pies. Not only does he own a fashion label, he can also speak three different languages (English, French and German). In addition to this, he spent a year as an actor in Austria. While his name may be forgotten in the future, no thanks to the fact his name sounds like a 1970’s Porn Star, one thing cannot be taken away from the man. He was an International player. The 6 foot 2 Stallion like Striker received his first and only cap for the Ivory Coast back in 2000.

                                                                   MATT HORSLEY:    

   

Most Football fans would be unfamiliar with the name Matt Horsley. The Woolongong native had a modest but fulfilling career, playing a solid 15 years in the old National Soccer League (NSL). He started his career with The Woolongong Wolves in 1990 and later on was part of the back to back premiership winning side in 2000 and 2001. His career highlight is perhaps scoring the decisive consolation goal in the thrilling 2000 Grand Final against Perth Glory. Trailing by 3 goals to nil at half time, The Wolves made a spirited fight back throughout the second half with goals from Scott Chipperfield, Matt Horsley and Paul Reid. With the game all square at 3-3 after Full time and Extra time, the game went in to a Penalty shootout. After several minutes of back and forth goals and misses, the Wolves secured victory at Subiaco Oval after winning the shoot out 7-6, in what was, in this writer’s opinion, THE GREATEST Grand Final in Australian Football History. Horsley’s career ended, ironically, with Perth Glory in 2005. He is now working as a Police officer in Perth and also finds time to coach Junior Fooball. He is currently the head coach of Kalgoorlie Club “The Hannans Celtic Club”. As a player, Matt Horsley received his first and only International Cap in 2000. In 2001 he was awarded the Joe Marston Medal (An award which is given to the Man of the Match in a Grand Final). On a sidenote, for any fans interested in seeing a highlight package of that famous Grand Final, there’s a link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoiSP7juwP8

Written by Alex Stilianos.