Peter Whittingham

He made his debut on April 21, 2003 against Newcastle United, a second-half substitution for Gareth Barry, and made an immediate impact, seeing a powerful shot pushed over the bar by Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given, which earned plaudits from his team-mates.

Part of the F.A. Youth Cup winning side of 2002, Whittingham signed a professional contract in October 2002, due to expire in 2006. He made 32 appearances in his first full season at the club, season 2003/4, scoring his first goal against Wycombe Wanderers F.C. in the League Cup on September 23, 2003.

His form inspired coach David O'Leary to sign him until 2007.