3. David Busst

As a solid and well-respected defender, Busst's playing career came to a tragic end on April 8, 1996 for Coventry against Manchester United. Two minutes into the match, Busst collided with United players Denis Irwin and Brian McClair, which resulted in extensive fractures to both the tibia and fibula of his right leg. The match had to be delayed 15 minutes while blood was cleaned from the pitch. It is reputed that Manchester United's goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel, vomited on the pitch upon seeing the injury.

Busst's injuries were so bad that he at one point ran the risk of having his leg amputated. Despite having 26 operations, Busst remained a member of the Coventry squad but never played again and retired from the game following advice from his doctors on November 6, 1996 at the age of 29.