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A solid and reliable rock in the centre of defence for Manchester United FC, Pallister was a major influence during the club’s triumphant years in the ‘90s. Admired by fellow players and colleagues alike, below we take a look at some of the finest quotes on Gary Pallister.
Four Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one European Cup Winners’ Cup, and one League Cup, bear testament to the contribution he made to the club in the nine seasons he was there.
He formed a strong partnership with Steve Bruce, and left a legacy in defensive qualities for which the likes have not been seen at Old Trafford since. Nicknamed by chance ‘Daisy and Dolly’ with Bruce by manager Alex Ferguson, he started his main career with Middlesbrough and competed in the second division before joining United for a record fee for a defender in 1989. Standing six foot four tall, he also represented the England national team 22 times.
One of the club’s longest serving players at the time, Pallister competed in 317 league matches for Manchester United, scoring 12 times. After he left in 1998, he went back to Middlesbrough at the age of 33. With 15 different trophies of various sorts under his belt, he combined with manager Alex Ferguson to become one of his most successful players under his regime.
His experience as a player served him well as a television pundit appearing on both the main UK terrestrial channels, BBC and ITV, and analysing on some well-known footie programmes.
“Gary has enjoyed a fantastic career as one of the game’s best defenders.” Steve McLaren
“Daisy and Dolly…..I don’t know which one’s which…..” Alex Ferguson
“…..The big fella’s played some great stuff over the last few years…..” Steve Bruce
“…..thank Gary for all his efforts.” Steve McLaren (shortly after leaving Middlesbrough)
“I was lucky to have played alongside someone as good as Gary Pallister.” Steve Bruce
“Since the days of Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister we have never had a partnership at central defence.” Alex Ferguson
“Gary’s stature in the game is well-known.” Raj Singh
“…..England’s best centre-half…..” Steve Bruce
“I need to call Bruce and Pallister!” Alex Ferguson (on Manchester United’s defensive problems).
“…..and I was with Pally a few weeks ago, great guy!” Roy Keane
“…..older players like…..Pallister…..who had been at the club a long time, carried that weight and got so close.” Ryan Giggs
“He is a defensive Goliath, has electric pace and can pass the ball.” Alex Ferguson
“…..but I’ve gone with Gary Pallister…..my relationship with Pally was also pretty good.” Roy Keane (on picking an all-time Manchester United XI).
