Franck Queudrue

Lens

Queudrue began his football career in the youth system of Lens. He made 41 appearances for the club's reserve team in the Championnat de France Amateur (CFA) from the 1997–98 season onwards, scoring seven goals, and stepped up to the first team during the 1999–2000 season. His debut in Ligue 1 came as a second-half substitute against Montpellier on 16 October 1999, and during that first season he played 16 league games, as well as six in the UEFA Cup. His first league goal came in his third appearance, a 90th-minute winner away to Marseille. He appeared frequently the following season, but made only two substitute appearances in 2001–02 before leaving for England on loan.

Middlesbrough

Queudrue joined English Premier League club Middlesbrough on loan in October 2001, and the deal was made permanent at the end of the season. He stayed until the summer of 2006. His preferred position was left-back, though he was comfortable at centre-back and, on certain occasions, played for Middlesbrough as a left or central midfielder. He was also renowned for his free kick and penalty converting ability. He became popular with fans when he scored in his second game for the club – against North East rivals Sunderland. Queudrue impressed enough to earn a permanent move in May 2002 for a fee of £2.5 million. However, he was also recognised for his poor disciplinary record. His five yellow and three red cards in the 2002–03 season contributed hugely to Middlesbrough…

While a Lens player in 2000, Queudrue earned one cap for the France B national football team. He was hopeful of being able to represent Republic of Ireland as he believed he had an Irish grandfather, but it was later discovered he in fact had an Irish great-grandfather, thus making him ineligible.

Franck Roger Queudrue was born on 27 August 1978 in Paris.

Middlesbrough

Football League Cup: 2003–04 UEFA Cup runner-up: 2005–06