TOMASZ KUSZCZAK
Tomasz Kuszczak began his football career with Polish 2nd Division side Slask Wroclaw and moved from there to KFC Uerdingen 05 - a German side playing in the Third Division. He impressed enough to earn a move to top flight club Hertha Berlin in 2001. After four years he was out of contract with the Bundesliga outfit and was snapped up by the then West Brom manager Gary Megson in July 2004.
The Polish keeper was called upon against United in May 2005 when Russell Hoult went off injured after just 22 minutes at Old Trafford. The Baggies were 1-0 down but Kuszczak played an outstanding game to keep United at bay for the rest of the match. An eventual 1-1 draw saw WBA grab a vital Premiership point which would help Bryan Robson’s side avoid the drop.
In 2005-2006 Kuszczak was 2nd choice keeper behind Chris Kirkland but with the accident prone Kirkland injured again in October 2005, Kuszczak was allowed a chance to become No.1 which he duly took. His performances, despite West Brom’s relegation, won much praise and obviously caught the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson who made a move to sign the player on loan. West Brom, having already turned down three offers from United during the summer, finally relented on 10 August.
After protracted discussions, United agreed to let Paul McShane and Luke Steele join the Baggies as part of the deal that brings Tomaz to Old Trafford. Kuszczak joined United initially on a season-long loan, leading to a permanent three-year deal in July 2007.
He made his debut in against Arsenal on 17th September 2006 and made an immediate impression on the Stretford End by saving a Gilberto Silva penalty. He made his first start, against Crewe in the Carling Cup but the name on the back of his goalkeeper shirt was spelled "Zuszczak". instead of Kuszczak.
Tomas went on to feature in 13 games and recieved a Premiership medal as even though he only played 5 League games the rules allow for extra medals to be struck at the request of the champions.
Squad Number: 29
Position: Goal
Place of Birth: Krosno Odrzanskie, Poland
Date Of Birth: 20/ 03/ 1982
Height: 6'3
Weight: 13st 3lbs
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