Stuart Ripley

Ripley found it difficult to win a place in the Southampton team at the beginning of the 2000-01 season and started just one Premiership match. In November he moved on loan to Barnsley and was an instant hit, scoring a spectacular goal on his debut against Blackburn. He did well in two months at Oakwell but a change of manager did not help his cause for a permanent transfer and he returned to The Dell. He subsequently joined Sheffield Wednesday for another loan period in March and had a successful time at Hillsborough. The Owls' caretaker-manager Peter Shreeves used him in a wide-left midfield role and his know-how and professionalism proved an asset to the team as they finally turned their season around to finish well clear of any relegation worries. An old-fashioned winger with the ability to beat defenders and deliver a telling cross, he is always willing to track back and help out in defence.