---
title: "The One That Got Away – Gary Cahill"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2015/09/09/one-got-away-gary-cahill/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Clark"
section: "Features & Analysis"
published: "2015-09-09T08:39:06Z"
modified: "2015-09-09T09:14:22Z"
---

# The One That Got Away – Gary Cahill

Born just outside of Sheffield, Gary Cahill started life at AFC Dronfield before being scouted by Villa as a strong centre-back – not many back at that time would have touted the defender to end up with over 30 England caps; a Champions League winners medal; a Premier League title; and an FA and League Cup to his name.

When Martin O’Neill sold the young defender to Bolton in 2008 for around £4-million a lot of people were confused. Cahill was one of our best academy graduates in recent years, coming through with the likes of Gabby Agbonlahor -Cahill always looked classy, and a raw talent.

It was even more concerning when Martin O’Neill cited the reason for the sale being because Zat Knight was a better player – something that looks ridiculous looking back, especially as Zat Knight actually joined Bolton a year after Cahill.

Now, Cahill plays his football in London for Chelsea, putting in stellar performances alongside one of England’s best centre-backs John Terry. Cahill and Terry formed a formidable partnership that saw Chelsea’s defence stay on top form for all of last season. It was a catalyst to their success.

![Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2015/09/474634312.jpg)

Despite all this, he didn’t leave before giving Villa fans an absolutely incredible Second City derby goal – worthy of winning goal of the season for the Villa faithful.

[Gary Cahill Overhead Kick vs Birmingham City (embedded)](https://www.youtube.com/embed/u7i4c_vXV8U?feature=oembed)

Thank you, Gary, even if it is just for the goal against the Blues.