Graham Branch
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Graham Branch | ||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Left Winger | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Burnley | ||
| Number | 15 | ||
Graham Branch, (born 12th February, 1972 in Liverpool), is a highly versatile footballer currently playing for Burnley F.C. A childhood Liverpool fan, he started his footballing career across the River Mersey as a trainee with Tranmere Rovers. Having made 109 appearances for them, with loan deals at Bury and Wigan Athletic along the way, he was released on a free transfer to Stockport County for the beginning of the 1998-99 season, and quickly arrived at Turf Moor around Christmas in 1998 when signed by the colourful manager Stan Ternent, following a falling-out with then Stockport manager, Gary Megson.
Once described by Ternent as a Premiership-standard player, his inability to hold down a regular position either as a left-winger, left-sided or central defender, or striker, has seen him play mostly in the lower leagues. This coupled with a self-confessed lack of confidence has meant that the player has struggled to impress sections of the fans, even though he has played well over 200 games for the club. His unpopularity with some supporters has however been balanced with him becoming something of a cult figure, earning him regular chants of "Graham di Branchio," (in reference to the football chant given to Italian footballer Paolo Di Canio), in an effort to boost his confidence and let his more prominent abilities such as pace and height come to the fore.
The 2005-06 season held even more promise for the player after his hard work and commitment paid off after he was offered a new 1 year extension to his current deal. Although he only scored 2 goals he played a large role in many victories due to his skill and crossing abilities. Branch was awarded a testimonial in the 2006-07 season, one widely expected to be his last with Burnley. He started that season as a little-used substitute or squad player.
He capped off a glorious career with Burnley by sending Leeds spiralling to League One on April 14th at Elland Road as his last minute goal in a 1-0 win for Burnley mathematically sealed Burnley's safety and sent Leeds through the trapdoor.
External links
- Graham Branch at Soccerbase