Benni McCarthy Once Claimed Robbie Savage Was The ‘Worst’ Footballer He’d Seen

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Ex-Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy named a former British international as the ‘worst’ footballer he’d ever seen

Before embarking on a coaching career that also took him to Hibernian and across Africa, McCarthy established himself as South Africa’s all-time record goalscorer, while playing for the likes of Ajax, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham.

For that reason, he’s seen all sorts of talent, whether he was playing alongside them or coaching them. And while his journeyman career took him to all sorts of levels in the beautiful game, he was certain that the worst of the lot was encountered during his time in the Premier League.

Upon leaving Blackburn Rovers after a stint between 2006 and 2010, McCarthy insisted that Ewood Park was a duller place without controversial Welshman, Robbie Savage, who joined Derby County around the same time the South African moved on.

But he also couldn't help claim that, in terms of his actual footballing ability, he was not quite up to scratch. During an interview with The Standard that was published in 2012, McCarthy said:

> "Technically, he is the worst player I have ever seen, and he knows it, but he just gives everyone that edge with his adrenaline. He knows he has no skill at all but he works awfully hard for the team, and it makes us work even harder."

On his personality, however, he continued: "Even when the chips were down he always seemed to make everyone laugh, including the manager."

The Welshman came through Man United's Carrington academy but failed to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils. He instead found joy at the likes of Crewe Alexandra and Birmingham City, with his best spell coming at Leicester City between 1997 and 2002.

Nowadays, the 51-year-old is manager of Forest Green Rovers in the National League. As a player, Savage's style as a midfield player was all-action and energetic, and he regularly collected yellow cards, and for a while held the dubious distinction of being awarded the most yellow cards of any Premiership player in the league's history - 89, although he has now been overtaken by five others.

One famous example of his eccentric behaviour was while he played for the Foxes. In an incident to become known as "Poogate", he used the referee's toilet before a game, claiming he had an upset stomach due to the effects of prescribed antibiotics. He lost his appeal against the FA's decision to fine him £10,000, and Leicester fined him two weeks' wages for the incident.

What's more, in the final minute of a league game against rivals Derby at Pride Park in 2001, Savage dived in the penalty area. Leicester were awarded the penalty, which was converted, and meant they won the game 3-2. Savage's blatant dive, his hopeful look at the referee, and his aggressive fist-pumping celebration in front of the home fans, resulted in a torrent of abuse from the fans and in Savage being chased across the pitch by incensed Derby players, two of whom were booked.

Never far away from controversy, he did, however, also earn a reputation as a brilliant personality to have in the dressing room. And while managers of his grew frustrated with his antics at times, his tireless work ethic meant he was always favoured.

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