Anyone remember James Perch? Well he scored an absolute screamer for Scunthorpe United in their 3-1 win over Exeter City last night.
Watch it here:
Despite me having fond memories of Perch as a Newcastle player, I can’t remember him being able to hit the ball like that!
When he arrived from Nottingham Forest in 2010, Chris Hughton played him as a right back and let’s be honest, he was awful.
He actually set a Premier League record for being booked in his first 5 Premier League appearances. However, he developed into a very solid and steady player, usually used as a holding midfielder by Alan Pardew.
He actually had a remarkable turn around with Newcastle fans and became affectionately known as “Perchinho”.
I actually distinctly remember arguing quite passionately with a couple of fans in Rosie’s bar, that I personally thought he was better than Cheick Tiote (rest his soul) in the holding role.
I also remember his performance in an Europa League game away to Gus Hiddink’s Anzhi Makhachkala. “Perchino” played centre back in sub zero temperatures in Moscow, and marked Samuel Eto’o out of the game in a 0-0 draw.
After leaving Newcastle, the 34 year old went on to play for Wigan and QPR before finding his way to Scunthorpe and by the looks of it is won’t be hanging up his boots any time soon.
