Arsenal's From Brilliant To Bobbins XI - Part 1

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Ryan GARRY

Garry's is a lugubrious story of a promising young career destroyed by injury. Garry was, along with Jeremie Aliadiere, the most highly rated member of the Gunners' 2001 F.A. Youth Cup winning side. A technically comfortable defender, Garry could also operate in midfield. He had a reputation for possessing a maturity that belied his years. He made his first team debut against Sunderland in the Carling Cup in November 2002 in midfield and played the full 90 minutes at left back when Arsenal defeated Southampton 6-1 at Highbury in May 2003.

Garry had his whole career ahead of him. Little did we know at the time that that match would begin a sequence of 49 undefeated in the league for Arsenal, but it would also represent the totality of Garry's Arsenal career. He spent much of the next 4 years battling shin splints. He never truly got over the injury, but it's telling that it took Arsene Wenger 5 years to give up on a prospect he rated highly. Garry was released in 2007 whereupon he joined Bournemouth.

Garry got his career back on track on the coast with 76 appearances for the Cherries, until a nerve problem in his lower leg caused him to retire at the age of 27. He joined the coaching staff at Dean Court for a couple of years until a backroom shuffle cost him his job there. He now coaches Arsenal's U-13s at the Hale End Academy, bringing his Arsenal career full circle.

JUAN

Caused quite a stir with a buccaneering display against Gillingham at Highbury in February 2002. Juan seemed very similar to his popular compatriot Sylvinho and demonstrated a typically Brazilian lateral style, flying up and down the left flank with abandon. He became an instant cult hero, with the catchy chant of "There's only one Juan!"

It actually turned out to be the last of his two Arsenal appearances. In November 2002 he suffered a cruciate ligament injury. The São Paulo born full back went on to enjoy spells with Millwall, Fluminense, Flamengo, São Paulo and Santos. Aged 32, Juan is currently a bit part player for Serie B Vitoria in Bahia. Juan was very much a flash in the Arsenal pan.