David Platt

David Platt
Egghead06 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	David Platt
Birth date	10 June 1966
Birth place	Chadderton, Lancashire, England
Position	Midfielder
Years1	1985–1988
Clubs1	Crewe Alexandra
Caps1	134
Goals1	56
Years2	1988–1991
Clubs2	Aston Villa
Caps2	121
Goals2	50
Years3	1991–1992
Clubs3	Bari
Caps3	29
Goals3	11
Years4	1992–1993
Clubs4	Juventus
Caps4	16
Years5	1993–1995
Clubs5	Sampdoria
Caps5	55
Goals5	17
Years6	1995–1998
Clubs6	Arsenal
Caps6	88
Goals6	13
Years7	1999–2001
Clubs7	Nottingham Forest
Totalcaps	448
Totalgoals	151
Nationalyears1	1989–1996
Nationalteam1	England
Nationalcaps1	62
Nationalgoals1	27
Manageryears1	1998–1999
Managerclubs1	Sampdoria
Manageryears2	1999–2001
Managerclubs2	Nottingham Forest
Manageryears3	2001
Managerclubs3	England U21
Manageryears4	2010–2012
Managerclubs4	Manchester City (First Team Coach)
Manageryears5	2012–2013
Managerclubs5	Manchester City (Reserve Team Manager)

David Platt. A former professional footballer and manager, he is best known for his prolific goalscoring from midfield during a career that spanned the English First Division and Serie A. He earned 62 caps for the England national team, scoring 27 goals, and famously scored a dramatic last-minute volley against Belgium at the 1990 FIFA World Cup. Following his playing career, he managed clubs in Italy and England, and later served as a coach at Manchester City.

Early life and education

Born in Chadderton, Lancashire, Platt showed early sporting promise. He joined the youth system at Manchester United but was released at age 18 without making a first-team appearance. He subsequently began an apprenticeship as an engineer while playing non-league football for Chadderton and Droylsden, before being offered a professional contract by Crewe Alexandra.

Football career

His professional career began at Crewe Alexandra under manager Dario Gradi, where his goalscoring exploits from midfield attracted attention. A transfer to Aston Villa in 1988 propelled him into the top flight, where he won the PFA Team of the Year honour in 1990. After a successful 1990 FIFA World Cup, he moved to Italy, playing for Bari, Juventus, and Sampdoria, winning the Coppa Italia with the latter in 1994. He returned to England with Arsenal, winning the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998. He concluded his playing career with a brief spell at Nottingham Forest.

Managerial career

Platt's managerial career began in 1998 when he was appointed player-manager of Sampdoria, but he was unable to prevent their relegation from Serie A. He then took over as player-manager at Nottingham Forest in 1999, but his tenure was unsuccessful and the club suffered relegation from the Football League First Division. He later had a short stint in charge of the England under-21 side. From 2010 to 2013, he worked as a coach at Manchester City, serving under managers Roberto Mancini and Brian Kidd.

Style of play

Renowned for his exceptional timing of runs into the penalty area, Platt was a classic attacking midfielder with a powerful shot and a strong aerial presence. His playing style was characterized by intelligent off-the-ball movement, which allowed him to score a high volume of goals, including many from late arrivals into the box. He was also a dedicated professional and a reliable penalty taker, contributing significantly to both club and country throughout the late 1980s and 1990s.

Personal life

Platt has been involved in various business ventures since retiring from football, including property development. He has also worked as a television pundit for networks like Sky Sports and ITV Sport. He is married and has children.

Honours

Aston Villa * Football League Second Division: 1988–89 * Football League Cup runner-up: 1989–90

Sampdoria * Coppa Italia: 1993–94

Arsenal * Premier League: 1997–98 * FA Cup: 1997–98 * FA Charity Shield: 1998

Individual * PFA Team of the Year: 1989–90 First Division * England Player of the Year: 1990

Category:English footballers Category:England international footballers Category:English football managers