Lee Trundle has often been portrayed as possibly the most skilful player outside the Premier League, with his showboating skills a regular feature on Soccer AM. However, the Liverpool-born striker developed his career the hard way, plying his trade in the non-league game for Stalybridge Celtic, Southport, Bamber Bridge and Rhyl before being snapped up by Wrexham in 2000.
His first goal in professional football was something to savour – a bicycle-kick against Walsall – and his consistently good form earned him a move to Swansea City, where he linked up once again with his former Wrexham boss Brian Flynn. He instantly became a favourite with Swans fans for his array of skills and his never-say-die attitude.
In 2005, the Swans rejected a £1million bid from Sheffield Wednesday for him, but after making almost 150 appearances for the club he opted to join Bristol City in 2007. However, his Ashton Gate career failed to spark, and after a brief loan spell at Leeds United he rejoined the Swans this season on loan.
He is set to return to Bristol City in January, but he is hoping to earn a permanent return to South Wales in the near future. The 33-year-old spoke to Ransacker’s Chris Galea about the football boots which have seen him hailed as king of the tricks.
Q. What football boots do you wear at the moment?
A. I am wearing the white Umbro Speciali Staement football boots at the moment. They’re good boots and have served me well.
Q. Have you always worn Umbro Speciali Staement football boots?
A. No, I’ve been with Umbro for three seasons now and I am enjoying my partnership with them. Before then, I wore Nike boots mainly.
Q. You mentioned that you like to change your football boots quite often, so how many pairs do you tend to get through in a season?
A. I don’t know to be honest because I like to keep changing them, even if I’m playing well and scoring goals in them. So, it varies between 10-12 pairs of football boots maybe.
Q. Who at the club has the naffest pair of football boots?
A. Well, Guillem Bauza wears UhlSports, which are supposed to be keeper’s boots! Also, Darren Pratley wears a nasty pair of Jomas.
Q. And come on, dish the dirt – who in the changing room has the nastiest smelling feet then?
A. This one has got to go to Alan Tate. He works his socks off in both training and during matches and you can tell afterwards!
Ransacker Rated – Umbro Speciali Statement
Info from the Pro:
Grip: They have got very good grip on them which, as a playmaking striker, is important for me.
Durability: I like to change my boots quite a lot to be honest, but it isn’t because of the boots. I’m the sort of player that likes wearing fresh boots, so I change them every month or two. I could wear them for much longer, but I just choose not to.
Other Recommended Reading
- Football Boots Review with Bristol City’s Lee Johnson
- Football Boots Review with Matthew Spring
- Boot Room Banter with Michael O’Connor
- Football Boots Review with Jimmy Ryan
- Boot Room Banter with Brentford’s James Wilson
About the author
It's a hard life but someone has to do it. I spend my whole life reporting on football. When I get the chance I ask the professional footballers about their boots for Boot Room Banter.
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Lee is a legend! IMHO he has been wasted in the Championship. He really should have done more with his career. Like the Statements. Umbro certainly seem to be getting things back on track!