10 Facts About David Batty

David Batty was born on 2 December 1968 and is an English former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

David Batty would go on to lift that title itself when he was part of the Blackburn team that won the League in 1995.

David Batty represented the nation at UEFA Euro 1992 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

David Batty refused a winners medal at the end of the season, stating that his contribution had been minimal.

In 1996 David Batty requested a transfer from Blackburn Rovers, and moved to Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United for £3.

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David Batty's work-rate, tackling and unselfish play for the good of the team, therefore allowing the more skilful ball-players to perform, were appreciated by manager, colleagues and fans alike.

The arrival of new manager Ruud Gullit in August 1998 marked the start of a team rebuild, and David Batty made the move back to Leeds United in December 1998 for £4.

David Batty's experience was a key factor in Leeds qualification for the UEFA Champions League, and the cup runs to the semi-finals of both the UEFA Cup and the Champions League; however, when O'Leary was sacked by Leeds in 2002 David Batty found himself out of favour with subsequent managers, and in May 2004 he was released by Leeds and retired from football.

David Batty was injured in a game against former club Newcastle United on 7 January 2004.

At the time of the 1998 FIFA World Cup David Batty was an England regular under Glenn Hoddle, but made limited starts in the four matches England competed in and was notable, along with Paul Ince, for missing a penalty saved by Carlos Roa which prevented the team from advancing to the quarter-finals.