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Kieron Dyer was just 17 when he made his debut for Ipswich Town, his
hometown club, in a 3-1 First Division win over Crystal Palace on Boxing
Day 1996. He quickly made a positive impression and progressed to such
an extent that he made his fourth start in the end-of-season play-off
match at Sheffield United. Dyer established himself in the Ipswich
midfield the following season, when he also became a fixture in the
England U21 side. His pace, accurate passing and keen eye for goal,
particularly when surging through from midfield, made him an
indispensable part of George Burley's team.
He made 41 league
appearances and scored four goals, including a last-minute winner at
Manchester City that sparked Ipswich's dramatic climb up the table and
into the play-offs, where they lost to Charlton Athletic. Another
impressive season followed. A precise crosser of the ball when used at
wing back, Dyer dominated games from his preferred central midfield
position and contributed more goals, one of which, in a crucial tussle
against Watford, was famously scored with him already carrying the
injury that caused his fibula to crack minutes later. Returning from
this setback for the season's denouement, he scored in a final-day 4-1
win over Sheffield United, but Ipswich were condemned to the play-offs
once more, where further disappointment lay in store.
Despite two goals
from Dyer, the second an extraordinary 90th-minute looping header that
forced extra-time, Ipswich were beaten by Bolton Wanderers. At the end
of the game, Dyer threw his boots into the crowd in an emotional
farewell to supporters. Although keen to stay with his local team, his
talent dictated that a transfer to the Premiership, which was soon
concluded with a £6.5 million move to Newcastle United, was inevitable. (Csaba Abrahall)
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