Name: David van Zanten
Date of birth: 8/5/1982
Position: Defender
Former clubs: Tolka Rovers, Celtic, Hibs, Morton, Hamilton
Joined: Summer 2003 & Summer 2010
Contracted to: Summer 2014
The Irishman with the Dutch name and dad is now in his second spell with the club. David earned his contract after a trial spell following his release from Celtic in 2003. After a slow start, he established himself as a fine player on the right of the park and scored two goals against Ayr United. His passion for getting forward came to the fore over the next few seasons and his fine crossing was a key part of our success under Gus MacPherson. It was from a Vanzy cross that John Sutton scored the winner in the 2005 Challenge Cup Final, while he also helped us win the first division that season. He scored a screamer against Hibs in the SPL in 2006 and made a name for himself in the top flight before moving to the Easter Road side in 2008. It was originally a three year contract, but he lasted barely one. Short spells with Morton and Hamilton followed before he returned to Saints in 2010. It was clear his confidence had taken a knock and he struggled to start with, but towards the end of the season the old Vanzy seemed to be coming back to the fore. That continued the following year, the new onus on passing helping him get back to his best and he set up a number of key goals, including our last gasp equaliser at Ibrox and our winner against Rangers on Christmas Eve. He scored the winner against Dundee United at the end of 2012, which was just as well as it spared him from having to appear at the final home game wearing a mankini singing Madonna's "Like a Virgin". It should be stressed this was a charity challenge! Of course that wasn't the highlight of his season as he was involved in the League Cup success in 2013. A solid player who can play at fullback, wing back or right midfield, his willingness to go up the park has made him a fans favourite and in 2013 he was inducted into the club's hall of fame.
Click here to see David's playing stats.
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