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Player Profile: Robbie Savage

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Full Name: Robert Savage
Date of Birth: 18th October 1974, Wrexham
Nationality: Welsh
Position: Midfielder
Squad Number: 8
Internationals: 39 Caps, 2 Goals for Wales (1995-2005)
Signed: January 2005
Previous Clubs: Manchester United, Crewe Alexandra, Leicester City & Birmingham City

Robbie Savage began his career as a youngster with Manchester United being a part of a successful youth side; however he would not make the step up and was released in the early 1990’s.

Like so many in the past Savage had to seek first team football at a lower level and a club renowned for their conveyor belt of talent Crewe Alexandra. Under the tutelage of Dario Gradi he was initially used as a forward eventually dropping back into midfield.

As would be inevitable he eventually moved to a bigger club with Leicester City signing him in 1997. Leicester have proved Savages’ most success side at club level in terms of trophies won as he twice won the League Cup with the Foxes.

Following Leicester’s relegation from the Premiership it was highly likely the Welsh International would prefer to remain in the top flight and sure enough he made the switch to Steve Bruce’s Birmingham City for the start of the 2002-2003 season.

Never one to shy away from controversy the tough tackling midfielder with a reputation for picking up yellow cards sometimes needlessly; due to his short temper and constant willingness to get involved in situations not concerning him would make the move to Ewood Park under very controversial circumstances in January 2005.

Having previously played under Mark Hughes for Wales with Hughes keen to bring him to Rovers having seen a bid rejected Savage submitted a written transfer request, with the reason being he wanted to be closer to his ill parents. With Blackburn technically being further away from their Wrexham home a bitter dispute broke out between Savage and Birmingham. He gained his transfer towards the end of January 2005 paying out the remainder of the 2005-2006 season with Rovers.

Despite his reputation he has only received two red cards in his career to date (up to 4th November 2006) the first harshly for two bookings whilst on International duty with Wales against Northern Ireland in a World Cup Qualifier, his second during the 2005-2006 season against Middlesbrough, again for two bookable offences both of which again seemed somewhat harsh.

It was whilst at Leicester that Savage earned his first of his the 39 Welsh International caps. His International retirement came in 2005 as a result of a high profile and long running public argument with Welsh manager John Toshack beginning with Toshack’s refusal to select Savage.

A midfielder full of energy who is often thought to expand too much energy for no reason, he is however a vital member of Hughes squad and indeed first team. Savage is also a hugely popular character and player with the Rovers fans although not so popular with opposing supporters!

Blackburn Rovers appearances and goals up to the start of the 2006-2007 Season
League: 43 – 1 goal
FA Cup: 6 (1 as sub)
League Cup: 6
Other (European etc.): 0
TOTAL: 55 – 1 goal

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Formerly Hughes Da Man (HDM)

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