Mark Venus

Venus's performances at the centre of Ipswich Town's defence in 2000-01 proved that he was still capable of playing at the highest level and surprised a few people into the bargain. He scored Town's first Premiership goal of the campaign when he drilled home a free-kick in the ninth minute at Tottenham Hotspur in the opening game. Although sometimes seen as lacking a degree of pace, he more than compensated for this with some great anticipation that enabled him to cut out danger at an early stage. He remained an expert from dead-ball situations and scored goals against Middlesbrough and Leeds United with powerful left-footed free kicks.

Venus joined Cambridge United on a one-year contract in July 2003 but was made available for transfer in January 2004.