Date of Birth: 21 02 1984
Place of Birth: Tooting
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: England
Jay Tabb Rumours and Transfers
11 08 2007
Sheffield United started life back in the Championship with a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Colchester.
The Blades' big money signing James Beattie gave them the lead midway through the 2nd half with a debut goal however within 30 seconds the Us were level.
Mark Yeates crossed from the right and Kevin McLeod found the net.
Bryan Robson's side restored their lead through Michael Tonge in the 82nd minute however the visitors fought back again as new signing from MK Dons Clive Platt scored from close range with a minute to go.
It was an even worse opening day for the Blades' city rivals Sheffield Wednesday, who lost 4-1 at Ipswich.
The Owls were a goal down in the 2nd minute when Alan Lee converted a penalty after a foul by Lee Bullen on Pablo Counago. Gary Roberts volleyed in a 2nd 9 minutes later and Lee added his 2nd and Town's 3rd in the 25th minute.
Counago scored a 4th on the hour before Leon Clarke's late consolation for Brian Laws' side.
Laws' old club Scunthorpe marked their return to the 2nd tier with a 1-1 draw away to Charlton.
Marcus Bent scored in the 62nd minute for the Addicks however Scunthorpe secured a draw through defender Izzy Iriekpen, their summer signing from Swansea.
Southampton, one of the favourites for promotion, suffered a shock 4-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace.
James Scowcroft scored a hat trick for the Eagles, hitting a quickfire brace (30 and 31) before Marek Saganowski's scrambled effort gave Saints hope on the stroke of half time.
Scowcroft completed his treble 10 minutes into the 2nd half and Clinton Morrison added a 4th 2 minutes later.
Coventry, under former Palace manager Iain Dowie, were also 4-1 winners at Barnsley.
Leon McKenzie gave the Sky Blues a 6th minute lead however Brian Howard's penalty 3 minutes later levelled the scores.
Kevin Kyle headed City back in front (50) from Jay Tabb's cross and new boy Julian Gray added a 3rd 15 minutes later.
Maltese forward Michael Mifsud wrapped up the scoring in injury time.
Leicester started the Martin Allen era with a 1-0 defeat to newly-promoted Blackpool, led by former Foxes defender Simon Grayson.
The only goal came in the 63rd minute from Keith Southern to give the Seasiders a winning start in the east midlands.
West Bromwich Albion failed to live up to their pre season billing with a 2-1 defeat at Burnley.
The Baggies led through Kevin Phillips' 18th minute effort however Michael Duff's header pulled Burnley level (47).
Steve Cotterill's side got the winner when handball was given against Neil Clement in the 79th minute and Andy Gray stroked in the penalty.
Cardiff also succumbed to defeat, at home to Stoke, as Ryan Shawcross got the only goal in the 27th minute, Steven MacLean missing a late penalty for the Bluebirds.
Newly-promoted Bristol City were seconds away from win however had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home to QPR.
Lee Johnson (25) put the Robins ahead however Rangers hit back immediately through Dexter Blackstock.
Scott Murray's excellent effort in the final seconds of normal time looked decisive however John Gregory's men again hit back as Damion Stewart headed home in injury time.
Hull lost 3-2 in a dramatic match against Plymouth at the KC Stadium, Dean Windass putting the hosts ahead in the 3rd minute however Plymouth fighting back to lead 2-1 at the break through David Norris (15) and Rory Fallon (45).
Hull drew level through Dean Marney (49) however a terrific strike from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 9 minutes from time proved the winner.
Preston, whose late slump saw them miss out on last season's play-offs, started with a goalless draw against Norwich at Deepdale.
