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Jamie "The Master" Stuart, started his career as a trainee rising through the youth ranks of Charlton Athletic and made over 50 first team starts for The Addicks, netting three-goals. However Jamie's time at Charlton was abruptly ended when he failed a random drug test in mid-November 1997. Stuart tested positive for cocaine and marijuana, which he denied taking knowingly. He was released by Charlton and dropped from the England Under-18 squad.
Stuart had represented England at Under-21 level, playing in a competition in Toulon, France, where they faced the likes of Brazil, France, Italy and Nigeria.
After his lengthy six-month ban, Wigan boss, John Deehan, gave Jamie an opportunity to revive his career with the Latics after a few reserve team appearances at the end of the 1997/98 season. However, the former England Under-21 international, opted to sign for Millwall at the start of the following season.
The left-back spent over two seasons at The Den, making over 50 appearances for The Lions before a move north to Bury on a free transfer in October 2001. Prior to signing for Bury, Jamie also had unsuccessful trials at Northampton Town and Cambridge United.
Whilst at The Shakers, Stuart managed to gain a total of 4 red cards and a handful of yellows in just 18-months. This disciplinary record was on par with then Leeds United star Alan Smith and former Man Utd favorite Roy Keane.
Jamie's most controversial sending-off came in the Division Three Play-Off Semi-Final at Gigg Lane, between Bury and Bournemouth in May 2003. Two minutes into stoppage time of the first half, Wade Elliott was alleged to have elbowed Stuart, the former Dean Court trialist, in the face breaking his nose.
"Their player caught me in the face with an elbow and broke my nose. I reacted by grabbing his shirt and ask...[Read more]
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