Astonishing

It's astonishing to think that on Ledley King's first full start back in 1999 against Derby, he was clattered and picked up an injury that led to surgery on his left knee and a footballing life time of heartache and pain and yet still managed to be the colossus he will always be remembered for. That incident thirty seconds into a match, aged 19, defined the rest of his career of non-training, injections, swelling and the very best of the Premier League's opposing strikers tucked comfortably into his back pocket.

Imagine that. Right from the start you're anchored to the depths and yet still find a way to swim to the top and find yourself on land. Yet how ironic and frustrating that what was probably a run of the mill innocuous challenge set Ledley on this road to only find himself staring back at the depths.

Gladiator.