This Republic of Ireland international returned to the Premiership in May 2002 when joining Sunderland on a free transfer.
Babb had been playing in Portugal for Sporting Lisbon, and turned down the opportunity to stay with the club so he could return to these shores.
Started his career with Millwall as a trainee, but didn't make an appearance before signing for Bradford City. It was with the Bantams that he first came to the fore and earned a £500,000 move to Coventry City in July 1992.
Before long the big guns were looking at Babb - and it was Liverpool who shelled out £3.6million for his services after USA '94.
Enjoyed a successful few years at Liverpool before falling out of favour with French boss Gerard Houllier, and he had a loan spell at Tranmere Rovers before leaving the club on a Bosman free deal in the summer of 2000.
Chose to join Sporting - and was voted the best defender in Portugal in his final season there.
His career hit controversy in August 2000, however, when he and Mark Kennedy were ordered home from the Ireland squad after appearing in court accused of causing criminal damage, causing a breach of the peace and being drunk and disorderly.
Babb said: 'I am deeply sorry for what happened. I apologise to my team-mates and everyone involved in the incident.'
The player said of his move to the Stadium of Light: 'I had two fantastic years at Sporting Lisbon but the lure of the Premiership was too strong. It's a big club and Peter Reid is looking to turn them around after a disappointing season, hopefully I can help him do it.'
- WHO'S WHO