The Sweeper: Power-crazed world of David Elleray

Unsung Heroes

No 3

STEVE POTTS: The West Ham right-back is possibly the longest-serving one-club player in the Premiership, if not in British football. "He's been at the club for 15 years and played almost 500 games for the Hammers, scoring only one goal," writes Rob White of Gravesend, who nominated the player as his unsung hero.

"He's a top man, very reliable and never moaning, even though he's mostly a sub nowadays. I'd love it if you featured him, if only to see his photo in the paper."

Potts was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in May 1967, and joined West Ham as an apprentice in July 1983. He made his debut against QPR in 1985, and scored his one and only goal against Hull City on 6 October 1990.

He has proved his versatility over the years by being able to switch to central defence and midfield. He has played in nearly 380 League games and made nearly 100 appearances in cup competitions. He represented England 11 times at youth level, thereby ending any hopes that he might have had of playing for the United States. Potts has been voted "Hammer of the Year" twice. Despite new faces at Upton Park, he should remain an important feature of Harry Redknapp's squad, injuries permitting.

Do you have an unsung hero to recommend? Someone who beats Potts' "one club for life" record perhaps? An octogenarian groundsman? A hospital radio team? A super tea lady? Let us know.