Since the Premier League’s arrival in 1992, we’ve been blessed with a long list of striking royalty. Henry, Shearer, Cole, van Nistelrooy, the list goes on and on.
But, not every club has their sights set on Premier League glory. For some, survival is the aim and they look for a man who can help keep them among England’s elite.
Although these six forgotten goalscorers may not have made that exclusive ‘100-goal club’ they will be remembered for their performances for the Premier League’s ‘smaller’ sides. Here are six of the Premier League’s forgotten goalscorers.
Benni McCarthy: Blackburn & West Ham
After becoming the only South African born player to win the Champions League with Porto in 2004, Benni McCartny made his way to Lancashire in the summer of 2006. During his first season with Rovers, the 39-year-old scored 18 league goals and helped himself to second place in that season's top scorers list and Blackburn to a seventh place finish. Over his following two seasons in the North East, McCartny went onto score 18 goals in 59 appearances. Image Source: Twitter.
Fabrizio Ravanelli: Middlesbrough & Derby
Still, to this day Ravanelli is remembered as one of Middlesbrough's most iconic figures. The silver haired Italian enjoyed a brilliant single season with Boro during the 1996/1997 season, following four years with Juventus. Scoring 16 goals in 33 League appearances Ravanelli helped Middlesborough finish 12th in the League. After his one season in England, the Italian forward moved onto Marseille. Following a four-year absence from the Premier League, the two-time Serie A winner returned with Derby, scoring a further 14 goals in 49 appearances. Image Source: Twitter.
Hamilton Ricard: Middlesborough
Another Middeslborough man to make this list. Although he may not be as well remembered as the man he came to replace, Ricard enjoyed four seasons at the Riverside Stadium. During his first season in the top flight, the former Columbia international scored 15 league goals in 36 appearances. Ricard went onto score 16 more goals for Boro before moving onto CSKA in Bulgaria. Image Source: Twitter.
Andy Johnson: Fulham, Everton & Crystal Palace
The pint-sized poacher will be most commonly remembered for scoring 27 league goals that fired Crystal Palace to the Premier League in 2004. But, Johnson brought his form into England's top flight. During the 2004/2005 season, Johnson scored 21 goals and only finished behind Thiery Henry in the race for the Golden Boot. His performances helped him gain eight England caps, sadly he didn't manage to score a single goal. After a move to Everton, Johnson scored 17 goals over two seasons at Goodison Park. Image Source: Twitter
Marcus Stewart: Sunderland & Ipswich
The Bristol-born forward was pivotal in helping Ipswich reach the Premier League in 2000. Carrying on his fine form, the former Huddersfield man scored 19 times and saw the Tractor Boys shock the Premier League by finishing fifth. Sadly, Stewart was only able to add seven more goals to his tally during time with Ipswich and a spell with Sunderland. Despite his decline, Stewart will always be fondly remembered in East Anglia. Image Source: Twitter.
Brian McBride: Fulham
The American international enjoyed four happy years at Craven Cottage. After moving to West London in 2004, McBride went onto score a steady stream of goals. During the 2006/2007 season, the forward known for his physical presence scored 12 Premier League goals and was rewarded with Fulham's captain's armband. After leading Fulham's survival push in 2006, McBride went onto win back to back Player of the Year awards and even had a bar named after him, 'McBride's'. Image Source: Twitter.
Although these six cult figures may not have finished with a flurry of Champions League and Premier League medals, their goals helped in some of the Premier League’s underdog stories.
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