MICHAEL DUBERRY

Personal Stats
DOB: 14th October 1975
Birthplace: Enfield, Middlesex
Height: 6'1"


Profile
Michael had a stop start first season at Elland Road following his £4.5M transfer from Stamford Bridge in the summer of 1999.
A thigh injury sustained at Coventry City in September that year put Dubs on the sidelines for two months and once fully fit he struggled to force himself back into the Leeds first team until late in the season.
The former Chelsea defender would probably still have been at Stamford Bridge now but for the obsession with foreign imports that has currently gripped so many Premiership managers. Indeed, the official Chelsea web-site describes the powerful 23-year-old as arguably the best youth product at the club since Ray Wilkins.
However, the arrival of Denmark's veteran international defender Jes Hogh signalled the end of Duberry's career in West London after a constant battle to dislodge French World Cup winning duo Frank Leboeuf and Marcel Desailly from the starting line-up.
Duberry still managed to make 33 total appearances in each of his last two seasons at Chelsea after initially showing his potential during a loan spell at Bournemouth under the guidance of Mel Machin - who has also had England rival Rio Ferdinand at Dean Court on a similar deal.
O'Leary's £4.5M swoop for the Londoner was completed with minimum fuss and he admitted that the three qualities he looks for in a centre back - pace, aggression and strength - are clearly visible in Duberry's play.


Career Stats:

Squad No : 22

Position: Centre Back

Date Signed: 12th July 1999

Signed from: Chelsea