Cult hero: Dennis Bergkamp

THE non-flying Dutchman is one player who wouldn't have had a problem with the fall-out from the volcanic ash – Bergkamp had a fear of flying and instead would make lengthy journeys by land and sea to play in midweek European fixtures.

But he also missed many matches, often because the travelling time would impact on weekend fixtures. The phobia apparently started when he was on duty with the Dutch national side. A flight was cancelled prior to take-off, and a passenger made a joke about carrying a bomb. A very anxious Bergkamp did not fly again.