On This Day: 18 January
Anniversary
Robert Green
Date of birth: 18 January 1980
National team: England
Clubs: Norwich City, West Ham United
Unerringly consistent, Robert Green has long been considered as one of the finest goalkeepers in the Premier League. Born in Chertsey, Woking FC fan Green joined Norwich City as an aspiring young player, working his way through the ranks before making his debut in the East Anglian derby against Ipswich Town - a game that he marked with a clean sheet. He would go on to make 241 appearances for City in all competitions, helping Norwich to win the Championship title in 2004.
Green went on to become hugely popular at Carrow Road and there were very few Canaries supporters happy to see him make the switch to West Ham United in August 2006. Since his arrival at the Boleyn Ground, Green has become equally popular, impressing supporters and pundits alike with his agile shot-stopping and near-faultless handling.
Those qualities earned Green an England cap as a substitute in a friendly against Colombia during the national side's tour of the United States in May 2005. Green's heroics were also rewarded with the coveted Hammer of the Year award last season.
Classic Match
West Ham United 1-0 Liverpool
First Division
18 January 1964
West Ham United went into this match against title-chasing Liverpool 17th in the First Division table and staring at a long, hard winter fighting against relegation. With just one win in their previous ten league games, Ron Greenwood's side had dropped from the top of the table after four fixtures to well down the bottom half with 26 of their 42 matchescompleted.
Thankfully, just three weeks on from the Hammers' infamous 8-2 Boxing Day defeat at Blackburn Rovers, Johnny Byrne ensured both he and Greenwood would have plenty to smile about as Liverpool were beaten at the Boleyn Ground.
Heroes of the day were forward Byrne himself, who scored a fine 28th-minute goal, and goalkeeper Jim Standen, who made a superb late save to deny Roger Hunt an equaliser for the Reds. In between, the home defence, expertly led by Bobby Moore, produced an outstanding display to keep Bill Shankly's team at bay.
Come the end of the season, Liverpool would finish as champions - four points ahead of nearest rivals Manchester United - while Greenwood would guide West Ham to the safe waters of 14th position and, more famously, their first ever FA Cup success.