Vinnie Jones Unveils His Ultimate ‘Hardman’ Football XI, leaving Out Key Premier League Figures
Former midfield enforcer Vinnie Jones, renowned for his own tenacious playing style, has revealed his definitive ‘hardman’ starting lineup. The selection notably excludes prominent names like Roy keane adn Patrick Vieira, focusing instead on players Jones considers the toughest competitors from past eras.
By Staff Writer | Updated: August 16, 2025
Vinnie Jones, a player synonymous with aggression and intimidation during his playing career in the late 1980s and 1990s, has drawn upon his extensive experience to pick an ultimate ‘hardman’ football XI. Jones, who terrorized opponents for clubs like Wimbledon, Leeds, and chelsea, is considered a leading authority on football’s toughest characters.His selections reflect a career marked by fierce competitiveness and memorable on-field incidents, including a notorious groin grab on Paul Gascoigne in 1988.
In 2020, Jones shared his criteria with easyodds.com, naming a full starting lineup composed entirely of retired players he deemed the most formidable. The team showcases a blend of defensive grit and midfield power,demonstrating Jones’s outlook on what it takes to be a true hardman in the sport.
Goalkeeper and Defensive Solidity
At the heart of Jones’s formidable defense is Peter Schmeichel, the legendary manchester United goalkeeper, chosen for his commanding presence.The back four is anchored by Julian Dicks, affectionately known as ‘The Terminator’ during his West Ham days, and Martin Keown, a no-nonsense defender from Arsenal’s dominant era. Paul McGrath, a skilled yet robust center-back who starred for Manchester United and Aston Villa, also features. Completing the defensive unit is Stuart Pearce, the former Nottingham Forest captain lauded by Jones for his ‘patriotic and fiercely competitive’ spirit.
The Midfield Engine Room
The midfield trio selected by Jones comprises Liverpool stalwarts Jimmy Case and Graeme souness. Case,known for his relentless energy,and Souness,a combative midfielder with a reputation for leadership,provide the steel Jones values. fittingly, Jones includes himself in this elite midfield, acknowledging his own reputation as one of football’s ultimate hardmen.
Attacking Prowess and Unwavering Loyalty
upfront,Jones opts for a powerful pairing in Billy Whitehurst,the former Hull City striker,and Duncan Ferguson,a cult hero at Everton. The final spot is reserved for John Fashanu, Jones’s former Wimbledon teammate. Jones expressed immense admiration for Fashanu, stating, “Ask me one man I’d have in the trenches, and it would be Fash. He always had my back. He could play,score goals – and was black belt in karate.” Fashanu’s inclusion highlights the importance of camaraderie and fighting spirit in Jones’s selection.
Vinnie Jones’s Toughest XI
Here is the complete lineup as named by Vinnie Jones:
| position | Player | Notable Club Association |
|---|---|---|
| goalkeeper | Peter Schmeichel | Manchester United |
| Defender | Julian dicks | West Ham United |
| Defender | Martin Keown | Arsenal |
| Defender | Paul McGrath | Manchester United / Aston Villa |
| Defender | Stuart Pearce | Nottingham Forest |
| Midfielder | Graeme Souness | Liverpool |
| Midfielder | Jimmy case | Liverpool / Southampton |
| Midfielder | Vinnie Jones | Wimbledon |
| Forward | billy Whitehurst | hull City |
| Forward | Duncan Ferguson | Everton |
| Forward | John Fashanu | Wimbledon |
Did You Know?
Vinnie jones’s notorious foul on Paul Gascoigne in 1988 was captured in a famous photograph, solidifying his reputation as one of English football’s most fearsome players.
Evergreen Insight: The Enduring Appeal of Football’s Tough Tacklers
The concept of the football ‘hardman’ remains a captivating element of the sport’s history. These players, frequently enough characterized by thier physical presence, unwavering determination, and willingness to put in tough tackles, can forge strong connections with fans. Their presence on the field often galvanizes teammates and intimidates opponents, influencing the psychological aspect of a match. While modern football regulations have evolved to prioritize player safety, the legacy of these combative figures endures, sparking discussions and debates about the game’s past and its stylistic evolution. The appeal of such players often lies in their raw passion and their perceived ability to inspire courage in their teams, a quality that transcends specific eras of play.
What qualities do you believe are most essential for a ‘football hardman’ in today’s game?
who else do you think deserved a spot in Vinnie Jones’s ultimate hardman XI?
Frequently Asked Questions About Vinnie Jones’s ‘Hardman’ XI
- Who is considered the world’s top hardman in football according to Vinnie Jones?
- Vinnie Jones himself selected a team of players he considers the toughest, rather than naming a single individual as the absolute hardest.
- Which famous Premier League stars did Vinnie Jones omit from his hardman XI?
- Notable omissions from Vinnie Jones’s ultimate hardman XI include prominent figures like Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.
- Which goalkeeper did Vinnie Jones pick for his ultimate hardman football XI?
- Vinnie Jones selected Peter Schmeichel, the legendary Manchester United goalkeeper, for his hardman starting lineup.
- What are some of Vinnie Jones’s most infamous on-field incidents?
- Vinnie Jones’s infamous incidents include grabbing Paul Gascoigne by the groin and fronting a video accused of glorifying foul play.
- which of Vinnie Jones’s teammates did he describe as being like a brother?
- Vinnie Jones highly praised his former Wimbledon teammate John Fashanu, stating he would want him “in the trenches” and that Fashanu always had his back.
