15 British Players Who Returned To Their Former Clubs

15. Gary Pallister

Pallister started his career at non-league Billington Town before getting his dream move to boyhood heroes Middlesbrough in 1984 aged just 19 years old. He was hugely successful, making 156 appearances over the next five years and helping to get them promoted from the Third Division all the way to the top flight in1988. This would be highly impressive for any player but even more so for a young defender in a position that generally takes longer to mature in.

In 1989, Manchester United came calling, breaking the English transfer record for a defender at that timel. He was also notable for turning out for the England national team when he was still a Second Division player, joining only a select group of players to achieve this.

His time at United was prosperous. He formed a legendary partnership with Steve Bruce and went on to win all possible domestic trophies as well as two major European cups. He was even the PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 1991-92 season, an honour held in highest esteem.

Pallister was 33 when he returned home to Middlesbrough in the wake of Jaap Staam's whopping transfer from PSV to Manchester United. And as Boro swooped, he was welcomed back both by his old fans and his ex-United team mate Bryan Robson, who was now manager. He held the fort for 'Boro for the next three seasons before retiring, making 55 appearances as they made a succession of respectable mid-table finishes in the top flight.