Born January 2^nd 1979 the now 28 year old Baggies favourite started his career at York City in 1996.  He made an instant impression, and by the end of the 1996/97 season had become a first team regular and helped York City to Division Two survival.

Greening’s fortunes tool a massive turn in March 1998, when he was snapped up by Manchester United.  Facing stiff competition at Old Trafford, he struggled to find a first team place.  But this did not stop the ambitious attacking midfielder from gaining England Under-21 recognition.  Despite competition, good fortune saw Greening gain a place on the bench for Manchester United’s 1999 UEFA Champions League final.  He commented some time later that he felt a “bit of a fraud” for collecting a winner’s medal when he had in fact not played a single minute of European football all season.

In 2001, frustrated at the lack of first team action and despite having signed a new contract, Greening moved to Middlesbrough for a fee of £2 million.  Staying for three seasons at the Riverside, he was voted player of the season at the end of the 2002/03 campaign, and was also during that season selected for the England side – although he did not play.

At the end of the 2003/04 season West Bromwich Albion offered £1.25 million for Greening, having seen his first team chances diminish at Boro despite the previous season’s accolades.  He quickly established himself at Albion, making his debut in the 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers in Albion’s return Premiership season.  He was also an integral part of the Baggies ‘Great Escape’ that same season.

Greening remains a popular choice at the Hawthorns, where he remains committed to the cause of taking Albion back to the Premiership sooner rather than later.

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