Top 10 British Defenders of the 1970s

The 1970s was a decade of great success for English football. With several teams reaching the finals and achieving success in European competitions. One of the key factors in this success was the quality of defenders that England had at their disposal. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 British defenders of the 1970s. The list takes into account their performances for both club and country. These players were instrumental in solidifying their teams’ defences and helping them achieve success on the field.

From the rugged toughness of Gordon McQueen and Chris Nicholl, to the elegant finesse of Colin Todd and Emlyn Hughes. The 1970s saw a wide range of styles and personalities among British defenders. Whether they were playing in the heart of defence or operating as full-backs, they all had one thing in common. They were among the best in the business at their positions.

In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 British defenders of the 1970s as chosen by the group members of our Facebook Page. (in no particular order)

Top 10 British Defenders of the 1970s

1. Bobby Moore – Captain of the England national team that won the 1966 World Cup. Moore was widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his era. He spent most of his career at West Ham United, where he made over 500 appearances. With West Ham, he won the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965.

2. Colin Todd – Todd was a key player for Derby County during their period of success in the 1970s. Winning the First Division in 1972 and the League Cup in 1975. He also had a successful international career with England, earning 42 caps.

3. Phil Thompson – Thompson was a key player for Liverpool during their period of dominance in the 1970s and 1980s. Winning multiple First Division titles, FA Cups, and European Cups with the club. Thompson was known for his leadership and captained the team to European Cup glory in 1981. He also earned 42 caps for England.

4. Emlyn Hughes – A versatile defender who could also play in midfield. Hughes was a key player for Liverpool during their success in the 1970s. He won multiple First Division titles, FA Cups, and European Cups with the club, and also captained the England national team.

5. Dave Watson – Watson was a rock at the heart of the defence for Norwich City. And following that at Southampton in the 1970s and 80s. He made over 500 appearances for the two clubs and also earned 22 caps for England.

6. Phil Neal – Neal was a mainstay for Liverpool at right-back. He won all there was to win at club level with Liverpool. Neal was renowned as one of the best penalty takers around at the time. He was also a regular for the England national team, earning 50 caps.

7. Norman Hunter – Hunter was a member of the Football League’s 100 Legends and the first recipient of the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 1974. He earned the moniker “Bites Yer Legs” Hunter as a defensive midfielder and hard-tackling centre-half. The phrase “Norman bites yer legs” appeared on a banner that Leeds United supporters waved during the 1972 FA Cup Final between Leeds United and Arsenal. He appeared in 726 games for Leeds in total, scoring 21 goals.

8. Trevor Cherry – Cherry was a key player for Leeds United during their period of success in the 1970s. Cherry was a vital cog in a team that won the First Division in 1974 and the FA Cup in 1972. He also earned 26 caps for England.

9. Mick Mills – Mills was a dependable and consistent performer at right-back for Ipswich Town. Helping the team win the First Division in 1981 and the UEFA Cup in 1981. He also earned 42 caps for England.

10. Ron Harris – Harris, who played for Chelsea in the 1960s and 1970s, earned the moniker “Chopper” for his tenacious tackling. He would go on to set a club record with 795 appearances while leading Chelsea to FA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup victories.

 

Decade of Success

The 1970s was a decade of great success for English football. That undoubted success can be attributed to the quality of the defenders that were playing at the time. The players on our list of the top 10 British defenders of the 1970s were all key contributors to their teams’ success. As a result, some of the best players in the world at their positions. They were instrumental in solidifying their teams’ defences and helping them achieve success on the field.

They were not only great defenders but also leaders and captains.

In Conclusion

As we look back at the decade, it’s clear that the 1970s was a golden era for British defenders. And the players on our list were at the forefront of that success.

Their performances for both club and country were truly exceptional and it’s hard to imagine English football being as successful as it was without them.

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