| David Platt is Crewe' s most famous son. Snapped up by Dario Gradi on a free transfer from Manchester United in 1985, Platt went on to prove that players could come again. With his chances restricted under Ron Atkinson at Manchester United, a young David Platt elected to move to Crewe Alexandra and learn from Dario Gradi's coaching.
After quickly breaking into the Crewe first-team, Platt began to make a name for himself in the 1985/86 season scoring 11 goals. Platty had made his League debut against Scunthorpe United and scored his first senior goal in a 3-1 victory over Rochdale. With Gradi electing to play Platt in a more advanced position, it wasn't long before the scouts were flocking to Gresty Road to cast an eye on Gradi's latest prodigy.
Platt elected to move to Aston Villa in February 1988 for the unbelievable bargain price of $300,000. Platt made 134 League appearances for Crewe, scoring 55 goals in the process. At Villa Park, Platt became a fundamental part of Graham Taylor's title chasing side. He played 121 League games for Aston Villa before the World Cup (Italia 90) changed his life forever.
Forcing his way into Bobby Robson's England side, Platt was a revelation at the 1990 World Cup finals scoring crucial goals against Belgium and Cameroon as England reached the semi-finals. His impressive displays for England had Europe's top sides prepared to pay millions for his signature. In the end, Platt elected to move to Bari for $8 million but an impressive debut season in Serie A soon saw Platt quickly move to Turin and then to Juventus and Sampdoria.
David eventually made 62 appearances for England, scoring 27 goals - but he will always be remembered for his last-minute volley against Belgium in Italia 90. A goal that transformed the career of a former Manchester United reject. After gaining coaching experience from various clubs and renowned coaches (including Dario) Platt went into management with Sampdoria, and then on to Nottingham Forest in England, and finally he became the Coach & Manager of the England Under 21 side. |
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