Ex-Wimbledon Manager Names Only ‘Crazy Gang’ Member Players ‘Didn’t F**k With'
Former Wimbledon manager Dave Bassett has named the only 'Crazy Gang' member that players 'didn't f**k with'.
Wimbledon's infamous 'Crazy Gang' emerged under Dave Bassett, who managed several football hard men, including Vinnie Jones and Lawrie Sanchez.
Jones and Sanchez spearheaded Wimbledon's legendary 'Crazy Gang' as they adopted a football as war mentality, defined by rugged and physical play that intimidated their opponents.
But the Dons backed up their approach with FA Cup glory over Liverpool in 1988, with BBC commentator John Motson declaring that 'the Crazy Gang has beaten the culture club'.
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John Fashanu was a part of Wimbledon's FA Cup-winning team and made a name for himself as a hard as nails forward.
That sentiment was echoed by Jones and ex-Wimbledon manager Bassett, who recalled the heyday of the 'Crazy Gang'.
Bassett, who was in charge of Wimbledon from 1981 to 1987, said Fashanu - affectionately known as 'Fash' - didn't get involved with the antics but the players 'didn't f**k with' him.
"Fash [John Fashanu] was in the Crazy Gang but didn’t get involved with it," he told The Telegraph. "He was martial arts, the players didn’t f**k with him. Sanch [Lawrie Sanchez] and him had a little tussle and Sanch came off worse. But when he was on the field he was with the boys like everyone else."
Jones named 'Fash' in his football hardman XI, revealing the legendary frontman always had his back.
He said: "Ask me one man I'd have in the trenches, and it would be Fash. Who wouldn't?
"You say the word 'Crazy Gang' and people remember me and Fash first - and he always had my back. He could play, score goals - and was black belt in karate. Boom!"
Fashanu scored over 100 goals across all competitions during his storied spell at Wimbledon.
He spent eight years at the club, notably winning the FA Cup in 1988.
Fashanu also played for the likes of Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Millwall.
But he will always be remembered for his iconic stint with Wimbledon.
Nasir Jabbar