Brought to City by Peter Reid in a time when a central defender was meant
to be a tall, hard, no nonsense player, that was supposed to kick or head
the ball as far and high as he could. He cost City £500k and delivered
upon request during his stay at Maine Road. He became a central figure
during City's claims to be a top club in England, claiming 5th place twice
in the old 1. Division. When Alan Ball took charge at City a few months after the News of the World incident Vonk soon lost his place in the team. In November 1995 he went on a one month loan to Oldham Athletics. A £350k deal was agreed, but Vonk would not agree to the personal terms, instead it was Sheffield United that acquired his services and he stayed in England for another three years before returning to Holland and MVV Maastricht in 1998. His time in Sheffield was however hampered by a cruciate knee injury that left him out of the game for almost a year. The injury worries did not stop after his return to Holland and after MVV got relegated in 2000 Vonk together with 9 other players were released by the club. Vonk played 103 league and cup games for City and although he may not
have been the most elegant centre back in the clubs history he was an
important and impressive figure for the Blues.
Provided by: Svenn A. Hanssen, svenn@hanssen.priv.no |