English football and short players

[atrottel]

'We' as in EFC seem to have traditionally favoured smaller midfielders and fullbacks - even in recent years, although Moyes has the sizeist reputation, we consistently fielded midfields with Osman (173), Arteta (175) and Pienaar (170) - while Hibbert is 173 and Baines 170. I would say part of his alleged concern about height in certain positions might come from having to cover for those smaller players when it comes to set-pieces.

 

[McBain]

Isn't that why we let John Paul Kissock go in the end, Moyes(?) didn't think he was tall enough or strong to compete.

It was the hair-do bro. It wasn't Prem Quality.

 

[Summerskin]

Didn't we (and others) release Baines as a kid 'cause he was too small?

 

[somuchfun]

Possibly, but I think that might be changing now - Wiltshire is only 5' 6"ish, for example (1.72m) and he's "the next big thing" in the England senior squad at the mo.

Born 1. January 1992 so basically he has benefited from a relatively bigger frame as a youngster (that is if you have the same cut off date (1./1.) as we have here in the cold north with different football seasons (spring-fall instead of fall-spring).
I think most successful athletes are born something like maximum of four months after their respected countries cut-off dates in their sports. If and as the UK has a summer cut off date never mind me it's too early anyway for smart posts. ffs.