By Denise
December 20 2002

So who is your favourite player? Many have argued that it is too difficult to single out one player but some of you sent in your opinions and although fairly inconclusive the winner is indeed Tim Stimpson. So why Tim? Stripey (and not her dad ;)) possibly sums it up with: "Coz he's solid as a rock, has a fab right boot, got us a trip to Cardiff, took the HEC out of Stade's mitts, is bootiful and an all round nice guy!".

Can't say fairer than that. The sense that he doesn't get the recognition he deserves came through in many messages: "Overlooked by England" - Jon Kitto; "Multi-talented, brave, reliable, plenty of courage, coped so well with 'England Discard' treatment, smiles at the crowd and a really nice bloke." - BrummyTiger.

Of course there are his other qualities, as highlighted by ZaraD: " A). Brains as well as braun B). Excellant fullback C). Not big-headed D). Idiosyncratic E). Drop Dead Gorgeous!!"

Personally Stimmo is one of my favourites. Who could forget his rendition of 'Hey Jude' after the Quins game a couple of years back, his ability to kick those high pressure kicks, those storming runs upfield, and his kind nature. However, he is not my absolute favourite (at the moment) that honour (?) falls to Martin Corry, and I am not alone he was a close runner up behind Stimmo.

His attitude on the pitch is never in question even though he gets switched from lock to flanker to Number 8 on what seems like a weekly basis. Tony Tillson summed it up with "Commitment, Reliability, Versatility". His obvious disappointment at seeing the home record fall showed how deeply he feels about losing. He is an awesome line-out jumper and has a fair turn of speed, but to be honest he is my favourite because he is very easy to talk to and his enjoyment of the game shines through. He puts his body on line, remember that time he had about 18 stitches in his head during a match and then demanded to go back on and carry on playing. A great player and a lovely bloke.

So to the rest. Martin Johnson was also up there as you might expect. Raz Jnr said: "Johno puts up with a lot of critics but he just
carries on. Also he stays after games longer than anyone else and seez
everyone. When I wrote to him he wrote back with a proper letter referring to stuff I'd wrote not like 'Thanks 4 writing'. And he keeps Eng. & Tigs together as well as being an amazing athlete."

Rich W: "for sheer strength of personality, work ethic and being simply the hardest man I've seen play the game in 10 years or more it has to be MJ. Add to that his mobility his leadership and the fact that he's also a lot more skilful than he gets credit for. No doubts."

IanC: "Captain Fantastic for Tigers, England and the Lions, yet a club man through and through."

Geordan Murphy also got a couple of votes, his #1 fan Kat said: " He's the nicest player I've ever met, he always has time to talk and he has the best legs in the team!!"

Jonathan Treadwell also picked Geordan for slightly different reasons - "The one player with true inspiration in his hands and feet." And who could argue with that. Geordan is a joy to watch on the field and hopefully will get the recognition he deserves from Ireland sooner rather than later.

Other players to get a mention were Lewis Moody - "he's the best and he's a Tiger through and through." TigerR; Austin Healey - "I know he's got his faults, but when he's on form he's second to
none. And that post match interview in Paris is worth a nomination alone!" and Ben Kay - "The boss of the line out" Gary Sutherland.

Looking around the ground at the names on the backs of peoples shirts Stimpson does seem to be the favourite although this week I noticed three people with Kronfeld, a couple of Murphy's, an Ellis, Corry, Back, Johnson, and of course Tallbird's Kay.