Bosko Balaban - Striker Date of Birth: October 5, 1978 Birthplace: Rijeka, Croatia (Former Yugoslavia) Nationality: Croatian Height: 1.80m / 5'9" Previous Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, Rijeka, Luèki Radnik Joined Villa: August 24, 2001 Acquisition Price: £6 million Debut: January 20, 2001 vs Manchester United (a) Left Villa (for): April 12, 2004 (Contract terminated) Transfer fee: Contract terminated

Bosko Balaban arrived at Villa Park in August 24, 2001. Being a regular on the Croatian national side, lots were expected of him. However, he has been given very little playing time. A rare exception was when he came on against NK Varteks in Croatia and was immediately booed by the home spectators (nice attitude towards countrymen!).

Not even a season had gone by before rumours surfaced that he was on the way out again. These rumours kept on popping up until he was finally released by the club in April 2004.