Fitz Hall Bio Send To Friend  

Hall is a central defender who can also play as a central midfielder and was signed by Paul Jewell for Wigan for an undisclosed fee from Crystal Palace in June 2006.

He is a strong, commanding centre back who is good in the air. And the nickname? One-size!

A tall, leggy player, Hall began his career at West Ham but was released aged 15 along with other current Premiership stars Paul Konchesky, Bobby Zamora and Jlloyd Samuel.

As part of a Youth Training Scheme he moved to Barnet, before impressing enough to earn a move to non-league Chesham United under the management of Bob Dowie.

Hall's performances alerted Bob's brother Iain, then manager of Oldham, who bought him for £30,000 in 2002 close season.

He soon became a impressive performer for the Latics after making his debut in a 2-1 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers a few days after signing.

The central defender enjoyed a fine 2002/03 season, scoring 4 goals in 41 appearances for Oldham, which had bigger clubs watching his progress.

As Oldham stood on the brink of closure he attracted interest from Everton and Cardiff City before Premiership side Southampton secured his services for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £250,000.

He made his Southampton debut in a 1-0 League Cup defeat to Bolton Wanderers in December 2003, with his Premiership bow coming later that month in a 1-0 loss at home to Arsenal.

Hall enjoyed a run in the side towards the end of the season as Southampton struggled with injuries at the back, starting seven Premiership games.

But he was frustrated will life at Southampton and when Crystal Palace came in with an offer of £1.5million he was eager to move on. Former boss Dowie was in charge at Selhurst and Hall could not resist linking up with his former mentor.

Southampton wanted to keep hold of the player but decided not to stand in his way and he signed a four-year deal with Palace.

Dowie explained: 'I've worked with Fitz at Oldham and I'm delighted to add him to the squad. Fitz can play at the back or in midfield, and I know he will be a top-class player for Crystal Palace for many years to come.'

He made his Palace debut in a 1-1 draw at Norwich City.

Hall quickly became a fans' favourite and was a rock at the back as Palace struggled to stay up. In August 2005 he was named captain over the popular Michael Hughes and under the burden of captaincy, his performances suffered.

Hughes was then re-appointed team captain, in January 2006.

In June 2006, Hall moved to Wigan in search of a new challenge and regular Premiership football. Although the fee was undisclosed, it was said that a £3million release clause in his contract was the reason for his move.

Hall made his Wigan debut in a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United and went on to make 26 appearances in his debut season as the Latics narrowly avoided relegation on the final day.