David Batty (born December 2, 1968 in Leeds, England) is a professional football (soccer) player who plays in a midfield position. He is most famed for playing for Leeds United F.C., as well as being capped for the England national football team.

Football career

Leeds United

Batty started his career at Leeds United F.C. in 1987, a team who he supported as a boy, and played until he left in 1993. During this period he was part of a team which helped Leeds to promotion to the old first division, and then went on to win the first division in just Leeds' second year in the top flight. The following year Leeds struggled, especially after the sale of the influential player Eric Cantona, and in October 1993 David fell out with then manager Howard Wilkinson and was sold to Blackburn Rovers F.C..

Blackburn

At this point Blackburn were an emerging force in the newly named Premiership with players such as Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton. However, Batty unfortunately suffered a serous injury which ruled him out of Blackburn’s winning title campaign in 1995. He refused a medal at the end of the season stating that his contribution was minimal.

The Champions League

By the following season Batty was available to help Blackburn’s Champions League campaign, although the team was already a spent force. The team struggled during the competition and eventually bowed out, but not before a bizarre moment during a European game where Graeme Le Saux, Batty's team-mate, lashed out at him on the pitch.

Newcastle United

Batty moved on from this in 1996 to Newcastle United F.C. under Kevin Keegan. With Batty providing "balance" to the Newcastle Midfield, the team were able to challenge the dominant Manchester United. Newcastle finished runners up twice in the league and Kevin Keegan surprisingly resigned as their manager, to be replaced by Kenny Dalglish. Dalglish's team was guided to the FA Cup final, which they lost 2-0 to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal team.

1998 World Cup

Batty's club performance during this period allowed him to be selected for the English national team's campaign for the 1998 World Cup. He made limited starts in the 4 matches England competed in and was notable for, along with Paul Ince, of missing a penalty which prevented the team from advancing to the quarter-finals. Batty struggled with injury for the next few months after the tournament.

Return to Leeds United

In December 1998, Leeds United made an offer for Batty to rejoin their team. Leeds had not been doing well since Batty had left, but under manager David O’Leary , and with up and coming young talent such as Harry Kewell and Alan Smith, Leeds were resurgent. O'Leary wanted Batty for his proven record, and with his old team he was considered a "successful buy".

Batty has not been a regular player for Leeds since O'Leary was sacked in 2002. He is now reportedly looking for other playing opportunities and may even consider a coaching role if offered.

See also

• Leeds United F.C.
• Blackburn Rovers F.C.
• Newcastle United F.C.

External links

• Sporting Heroes profile
• ESPN Soccernet profile