Andy has it all

Andy Ritchie: fans’ favourite

ANDY Ritchie was the clear winner in the Chronicle's poll to find Athletic fans' favourite of the last 25 years.

'Stitch', who scored 107 times for the club in 282 appearances, polled 35 per cent of the vote.

Ritchie, who was voted the club's best-ever player in 1998, played a major part in Athletic's promotion to the top flight after the club had made it to the Littlewoods Cup final – the starting point for our survey.

He netted 15 goals in that famous season, and though his game-time at the top level was limited by injury, he returned for a second spell with the club and later became manager.

The legendary striker finished well clear of the runner-up, David Eyres. Roger Palmer (second to Ritchie in the poll for best-ever player) was third, just ahead of former teammate Rick Holden. Sean Gregan was fifth.

Results – Andy Ritchie, 35 per cent, David Eyres 15, Roger Palmer 13, Rick Holden 11, Sean Gregan 7, Gunnar Halle 4, Earl Barrett 2, Richard Jobson 2. Other votes were cast for John Sheridan, Ian Marshall, Jose Baxter, Mike Milligan, Tony Philliskirk and Chris Taylor.