Players such as Paul Dickov and Sean Gregan stand out as players we've loved to hate, but who I'd also have loved to have seen in our team.
And another, former Fulham, Birmingham, Sheffield United and West Brom striker Geoff Horsfield, has been in the news this week after announcing his retirement from the game.
Horsfield had been on trial with Walsall in an attempt to earn a contract with the Saddlers (an apt nickname for a player nicknamed The Horse). But today he announced his retirement, revealing that he is currently suffering with testicular cancer.
Horsfield was a rough, tough, blue-collar player, who dished out plenty of stick during his career. But he was prepared to take it, too - and after hearing that he was looking for a new club, I must admit I thought that, despite his age, he'd be an ideal addition to our squad.
But his retirement put that idea to rest very quickly, and his thoughts now turn towards beating cancer.
His tenacity as a player may well help him, as he admitted today. And the news that he discovered the cancer early is also in his favour. He has a fighting chance - and for someone like Horsfield, hopefully that's all the chance he needs.
As a player who I have always enjoyed watching and a player whose attitude I have always respected, I wish him the speediest of recoveries.