Former Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque was born on this day in 1980. Fondly remembered for his ability to play on the left (and the right), Steed made 112 appearances for the club scoring twice.
Despite not being a goal scorer, when he hit the back of the net it was often spectacular as was the case in the memorable 4-1 victory against Hull in 2008. Malbranque was man of the match that day and played a huge part in the first back-to-back victories of the season under Ricky Sbragia. Following the 4-0 demolition of West Brom the week before, it remains the first time in the Premier League we have scored four and won in consecutive games. His only other Sunderland goal came against non-league Barrow, a low strike into the bottom corner teed up by Frazier Campbell.
Signed from Spurs, he joined teammates Pascal Chimbonda and Teemu Tainio in making the switch from White Hart Lane to the Stadium of Light. It’s safe to say Malbranque made much more of a lasting impression than the others.
Malbranque had an impressive career. Before retiring and in between playing for SAFC he has played for Fulham and Tottenham in England and Lyon and Saint Etienne in France. He finished his club career at Lyon in 2016, the club where he broke through as a youth player. Progressing through the famous Lyon academy (recently graduates of note are Karim Benzema, Alexandre Lacazette and Samuel Umtiti , he won the Under-15 championship twice, the Under-17 Cup and also the reserve team championship. He was captain of France at Under-18 level. After making 96 appearances for Lyon at senior level, including 12 appearances in the Champions League and 7 appearances in the Uefa Cup he moved onto Fulham, where he played some of the best football of his career.
After signing for Fulham in a £4.5m deal, Malbranque began his Premier League career in 2001. He was a popular figure at the London club over his five there, playing a total of 211 games and scoring 44 goals. He even got to play in the UEFA cup once again as Fulham enjoyed a short lived European Cup Run in 2002-03, He was the top scorer that season with 13 goals that helped Fulham beat the drop, a tally he would not repeat again in his career. Eligible for both Belgium and France, he was offered the chance to play for the former due to his form that season but it never materialised – Malbranque was confident he could break into the French national team. In 2006 Malbranque left Fulham after being transfer listed by the club who risked losing him on a free in the summer of 2007.
Malbranque made the short move from Fulham to Tottenham where after a 10 week injury absence, he became a fan favourite again, something which seems consistent across his career. Despite his love of smoking (Steed was French after all) he was an industrious player and strong in the tackle, versatile and hard working. Despite his size, Malbranque always mucked in and was capable defensively and the 2007–08 season saw him in the top five in the Premier League for tackles made and also in the top 5 for tackles per minute.
On the back of this stellar season for Spurs, Malbranque made the move from London to Wearside on a four year contract. Once again, Malbranque was a firm favourite amongst the fans for his skill on the ball and his industrious style. However, balancing smoking and Premier League football meant that in the 95 appearances in which Malbranque started, he was substituted 69 times, often making way for seasoned pro Bolo Zenden. His link up play with Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse was impressive and it was Malbranque who played the ball into the latter for his goal against Newcastle that helped us win our first Wear-Tyne derby victory in eight years.
After leaving Sunderland he returned to France where he briefly joined Saint Etienne for a month, making one appearance for the club. He left amidst rumours about the health of his son, which were declared false by a statement from his lawyer. After a year absence from the game he finished his top flight career at the with a return to Lyon. He briefly signed with Caen as a free agent before retiring. He now plays in France’s amateur leagues, where he no doubt enjoys a half time Marlborough with no fan scrutiny.
