Michel Vonk

Personalia: Born: 28/10 1968 Birthplace: Alkmaar (HOL) Nationality: Holland (0/0) Height: 6`3" (191cm) Weight: 13st. 3lb (84kg) Position: Central Defender Playing Record:     League FAC LC Season: Club: App Gls App Gls App Gls 1986-1990 AZ Alkmaar (HOL) 111 8 - - - - 1991-1992 SVV Dordrecht (HOL) 54 1 - - - - 1992-1995 Manchester City 91 4 7 1 5 1 1995 Oldham Athletics (loan) 5 1 0 0 0 0 1995-1998 Sheffield United 37 2 2 0 4 2 1998-2001 MVV Maastricht (HOL) 47 0 - - - - Total: 345 15 9 1 9 3

Brought to City by Peter Reid in a time when a central defender was meant to be a tall, hard, no nonsense player, that was supposed to kick or head the ball as far and high as he could. He cost City £500k and delivered upon request during his stay at Maine Road. He became a central figure during City's claims to be a top club in England, claiming 5th place twice in the old 1. Division.

Vonk partnered with Keith Curle in the central defence for most of his games, and while Curle was the runner, Vonk commanded the air forces. He was not always so eloquent with words and after an article in "News of the World" in April 1995, criticizing Manager Brian Horton, Vonk was fined 2 weeks' wages and suspended for a fortnight.

When Alan Ball took charge at City a few months after the News of the World incident Vonk soon lost his place in the team. In November 1995 he went on a one month loan to Oldham Athletics. A £350k deal was agreed, but Vonk would not agree to the personal terms, instead it was Sheffield United that acquired his services and he stayed in England for another three years before returning to Holland and MVV Maastricht in 1998. His time in Sheffield was however hampered by a cruciate knee injury that left him out of the game for almost a year. The injury worries did not stop after his return to Holland and after MVV got relegated in 2000 Vonk together with 9 other players were released by the club.

Vonk played 103 league and cup games for City and although he may not have been the most elegant centre back in the clubs history he was an important and impressive figure for the Blues.

Provided by: Svenn A. Hanssen, svenn@hanssen.priv.no