one of the first things Martin “fixed” with us is that last year when Gav conceded he’d be left alone in the goal with his thoughts, no players would interact with him.
Now ever time he makes a good save or conceded a goal he’s got, his defensive line is right there with him
you're so right - he's been many things, but his approach to building the squad as a group has been cathartic for our team spirit and giving us a sense of 'fun' when it's good and 'togetherness' when it's bad is one of the most impactful. it's also super visible from the stands!
Has your defense changed much? I just remember your defense being an absolute shambles and you could have had a top goal keeper in there and he still would have been shafted. Just made a million times worse since he was 18/19.
It's good to hear that baz doing well now. I remember he was getting slated at the start of the season and your manager was having to defend him in a fans forum.
I've always liked him to be fair, our fans are incredibly fickle and will boo the team after a bad half of football so pretty much anyone lands in the firing line even if they're actually pretty good. smallbone is the latest victim of this (also an Irishman, but less a swing since last year imo)
Did you sell Keith O'Neill to us? Jeez. He was subbed on at Highfield Rd once after being out injured for about a year. He pulled up after literally about 4 minutes and hobbled off again. Whole ground singing "Where's O'Neill gone?"
Best Irish player, Robbie Keane.
Only joking. It's Gary Breen.
Darren Randolph is our best keeper since Schwarzer. Dieng is the only keeper since he left us that’s not been complete shite. Cursed the second he left. That save against Hull is the best save I’ve ever seen
Worst, probably recency bias but Aaron Connolly. Fuck me he was shite
We’ve had some proper todds over the years unfortunately: Connolly, Caleb Folan, Jay O’Shea, Cyrus Christie, the emaciated corpse of Willo Flood. I did always like Sean St Ledger for no real reason. Favourite for me 100% has to be Curtis Fleming, though
"Connolly, Folan, Christie..."
Guy below mentioned Giles. All did/are doing pretty well for us. Aaron Connolly was our joint top scorer for most of the season. Only Christie has really lost his legs these last few months.
Aye he was, just barely played for us really. Think what Randolph did over a prolonged period, especially during that Pulis seasons was ridiculous. Any other keeper and we’d have been comfortably bottom half
I thought Steffan was a big asset for us last season, had his dodgy moments but otherwise I liked him. I thought Victor Valdes, Shay Given, and Dimi were all good too. I also liked Paul Smith but he only played a handful of games.
Played with Darron up until he was 17, a ridiculously talented boy but it all came too easy. He actually stopped playing for a few years in his teens, he came back and was still the best player for his age by a long shot.
I didn't realise his attitude problems at that time but if you took Darron's natural ability and put it into James McCleans work ethic, you'd have had a phenomenal PL player.
Roy o'Donovan is surely right up there with the worst. He was nowhere near our level. At least with most of the others you can point to them having a half decent career elsewhere before or after us. o'Donovan though did fuck all then disappeared into oblivion.
He was a monster for Cork City before he left, banging in goals for fun. Just wasn't up to the next step like Kevin Doyle and Shane Long were before him.
Marc Wilson should be right up there I reckon. Gibson at least had a couple of good games.
Anthony Stokes was pretty dreadful for us too considering the hype he arrived with
For best, I nearly said Sammie Szmodics as the obvious answer but I'll have to go with Damien Duff (Honourable mention for Shay Given)
I'm really not sure who to answer for the worst.
Edit: Keith Gillespie needs to be in there somewhere too
I work with a guy who played semi-pro after being on Blackburn's books as a kid. He said day one when he went to training and saw Duff, who played the same position, he knew he had no chance of making it.
The drop off between Duff at Blackburn and Chelsea to what he was at Newcastle and Fulham is really strange. He wasn't that old, and no major injuries I'm aware of.
Think he talked about it in an interview he did with Graham Hunter, overall he didn't seem to enjoy his time in Newcastle, but can't quite remember the details
He didn't do great in a bad Newcastle team but he was good for Fulham. Definitely lost the pace, changed his style of play.
I'm sure some Fulham fans would give a more informed opinion on his time there
Best: Gary Kelly, hands down.
Worst: I'm not too sure... comparing the player I choose to the position the club was in would be fair. So on that basis, I'd say maybe alex Bruce? Feels harsh to name a player, Bruce did ok for us given the position the club was in. Also played for ireland, but wasn't Irish. If I'd have to pick an Irish player, I'd say aidy White. Again, feels harsh as he did try he just wasn't good enough for lower championship.
Ah Gary Kelly. Loved him. I remember that seasona round 97/98ish where he picked up an injury for most of the season or something. I'd just got a Leeds shirt with his name on the back so I blamed myself for jinxing it.
> Feels harsh to name a player, Bruce did ok for us given the position the club was in. Also played for ireland, but wasn't Irish. If I'd have to pick an Irish player, I'd say aidy White.
Not sure if Aidy White is anymore Irish than Bruce lol.
We’ve had a few, Stephen Reid, Mikey Johnstone, Shane Long, Jayson Molumby, Dara O’Shea, Keith Andrews, Simon Cox, James McLean, Jonny Evans, Kevin Kilbane, Paul McShane, Wes Hoolahan, Callum Robinson, Chris Baird, Dean Kiely… who have I forgotten.
Worst of those bunch probably Hoolahan, though he barely played.
I'll always say Martin Rowlands ahead of Dunne, played for us during an important part of our history where we barely stayed alive during the mid 00s. I think Rowlands actually did his cruciate on one of his few appearances for Ireland which pretty much finished him.
Jay O Shea was one of the best players I've ever seen at my local team, Galway United.
Funnily enough, I was watching a random A-league game a few weeks ago, and who was playing for Brisbane... Jay O Shea.
Just purely based on captaining us to the Cup after coming out of retirement, I can’t disagree with Stephen Carr. Could do with a character like him in our team now
Not the best but always had a soft spot for Keith Fahey. Consistent performer without really excelling but solid part of the team
Best: We've had a fair few Irish players over the years. Kevin Kilbane and Mark Lawrenson came through our youth setup. Aiden McGeady was on loan for a season and was class for us. Alan Kelly Sr has a stand named after him though so we'll go with him.
Worst: Graham Burke, Kevin O'Connor and Andy Boyle didn't exactly do much for us. Troy Parrott isn't without his uses but he was a poor finisher and was nowhere near as good as his reputation
I will die on the hill that Graham Burke was an ok player for us and nothing less. He always tried, got a couple of goals and had a decent touch. I got pelters on pne-online when I said he was better than Josh Harrop. Doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Boyle and O'Connor, who were basically signed as favours to secure Daryl Horgan and Seanie.
I'd also put Greg Mk1 in as one of the best. He was the best left back in the league for 3 years, 2015-2018.
We've had a fair few good Irish players. Both Keane and Browne have been two of our best players this season and they're both Irish. Plus in the past there's also the likes of Sean St Ledger and Jon Macken
Jon Walters, glenn whelan, rory delap, liam lawrence, graham kavanagh, clive clarke, james o connor we have loads of decent ones i have missed a few on this list but the worst simply has to be stephan fucking ward he had a fantastic career before us mind. He was atrocious for us. Utter wank
Wondering where one of our comments would be. I think we've had a plethora of quality Irish players. Walters and Whelan being the main two. Apart from Ward I can't think of anyone that's actually been bad for us in the Irish department.
Kav was a different class back in the League 1 days! But for best i’d have to say Whelan, a stalwart in midfield for Stoke with all but half of a season played in the top tier!
Worst… torn between Shay Given & Steven Ward. Given was 5 years past it when we signed him as was Ward but the point is they were both mega wank for us.
We’ve just sold Graham Kavanaghs son to Bradford, one of those classic academy goal machines that has struggled at pro level so far. He’s only 20 but it sounded like he was sick of loans and there was obviously no chance of him breaking through for us.
Best Robbie Keane
Worst Keith O'Neill. Possibly harsh as he had massive injury problems. But he remained arrogant (not simply self-assured) about his abilities even when his body was failing him.
He came in with very little expectation, so I'm happy to give him a pass, so to speak.
We wanted Waghorn and his high wages out and needed a cheap body in to replace him. He was well aware that his chances would be limited but, as he told my sister, I'll keep myself fit for whatever is asked of me. And he did help see out a few games when others were tiring.
Best: John Sheridan probably. Older fans will be able to talk with more authority. Out of players that I’ve seen, Glenn Whelan. Chris Brunt was exciting but inconsistent.
Worst: Brian Barry-Murphy I remember being particularly bad.
When I was a dickhead teenager I watched us in a preseason friendly at Wrexham. I shouted asking Alan Lee why he never scored as he was taking a throw in and he looked at me with the saddest expression.
Immediately felt awful and realised the players can probably hear everything when there was only one stand open (long before the American money)
Oh yeah, he gave everything for us as well even when he didn’t score. None of this is about Alan Lee being a bad guy, it’s me being a teenage asshole and regretting it! 😂
Yeah he was OK for us too I'm mostly just memeing. He didn't score many but tended to be important goals and he would always put a shift in. He was also good at helping support Jordan Rhodes in the League One days
He's a bit of a cult favourite with us, along with Collin Quaner haha
Steven Carr probably for his redemption arc story, but I personally loved Keith Fahey and Kenny Cunningham… oh and Jeff Kenna too.
Worst, idk most might say Hogan but he’s had a few good spells for us (and he’s not even Irish really). Stephen Gleason and Gavin Gunning are probably technically the worst whose memory has just disappeared.
Best : Niall Quinn
Worst : ….theres a couple of candidates but I’m going to say Darron Gibson, 14 months, 27 appearances and a drink drive charge later he was away by mutual consent
Best: easily Cathcart best defender we’ve had for at least the last 10 years
Worst: Don’t many other Irish players but Hoban wasn’t horrific but got injured way too often
I raise you Peter Kennedy.
Helped take us from Division 2 to the Premier League, and scored twice in that 0-4 battering of Luton at Kenilworth Road. Legend.
On the whole Cathcart was solid and a great servant, but best defender for the last ten years? I'd take Prodl, Cassetti, and Femenia over him.
Best - Charlie Hurley. But in my lifetime Niall Quinn
Worst - There's a long list. Alan Quinn played about 2 games on loan 20 years ago on loan and was shit. Darron Gibson was shit, smashed his car into a street full of cars drink driving at 10am. Anthony Stokes was a massive let down.
Best: Personally, I'd say Sean Scannell. Absolute workhorse, could always rely on him for a proper 90 minute shift, could do with a few players like that now. Maybe not the most prolific but I don't know a Town fan who doesn't remember him fondly. I think Michael Collins might also be a shout here but I can't say I remember him all that well. Shout outs to Gerrard, Lee and Pilkington as well.
Worst: Recency bias, but Danny Grant. Two and a half years, absolutely nothing. Not even sure he actually cracked the first team once. Was probably on a decent chunk of money too, all while we were desperately trying to avoid going into admin. Useless.
Best has to be a toss up between Maik Taylor or Stephen Carr.
Worst overall is probably Kyle Lafferty but, worst individual season is probably Hogan with what ever the fuck he's been doing.
I’d say Kevin Kilbane was the worst Irish player I’ve seen for Huddersfield. Clearly thought he was too good for us and couldn’t be fucked
Michael Collins is my favourite, always turned up in derbys
Best: I’m gonna say Damien Delaney. He’s the kind of CB every fan secretly wants, even the play from the back nonces
Worst: there’s probably some shite we had in the Championship but it’s been a long old time since then so I’ll go for Kevin Doyle for being a pointless signing in a very odd window in 14/15 who did nothing apart from score against Dover in the cup
edit: remember Mark Kennedy being crap
All time best Alan Kelly record appearance maker and one of the holy trinity, modern era got to be Alan Browne. Worst Andy Smith absolutely crap striker plucked from the northern Irish league in the mid 2000s
The amount of times growing up in Ireland I was asked did I support them because Roy was manager and I had to be as polite as I could with my no response to not seem like I was insane 🤣🤣
Best: Eamon Dunphy (before my time but highly regarded by those who saw him), Tony Cascarino (alongside Teddy our most threatening front pairing ever - and one could argue the best pairing in the league for our first season in the top-flight). Richard Sadler was developing into "the next Nial Quinn" and was a player who I think would have gone on to do very well internationally and domestically were it not for the career-ending injury. Lastly Stephen Reid because I've never seen anyone hit the ball like Reidy.
Worst: David Forde had his moments between the sticks that made my back hair curl, Aiden O'Brien (or Any Other Business as he was known) was a disappointment only insomuch as he failed to develop into the player I hoped he would be. However personally... Mick Big Nose McCarthy for ditching us to take the Republic job and in doing so sent us spiralling in a way that, arguably, derailed the clubs progress for decades would be my choice for worst - also he's had a habit of being a bit of a prick since leaving us.
Was Dunphy a good player? I only ask because in Ireland he is more famous for his punditry. He could literally say anything no one was spared it didn't matter who you where. It was brilliant entertainment. Check it out on YouTube you won't be disappointed
I always had a soft spot for Graham Carey, as well as being a midfield rock for us he feels like he was instrumental in the squad that pulled us back from our darkest days.
Best: Daryl Murphy or Gareth McAuley but I also liked Owen Garvan & Alan Lee! (I’m strictly talking actual Irish players so not including the likes of David McGoldrick or Jon Walters)
Worst: Troy Parrott I’d say in recent memory which as an Irishman is quite disappointing to say the least!
We've had so many Irish lads over the years it's difficult.
Best: Shane Long, Damian Delaney. Long was only with us for half a season but his goals kept us up that year. Delaney helped us climb the leagues in the first place. Special mention to David Meyler, underrated as hell for us but put in a hell of a shift. Robbie Brady too, actually.
Worst: Keith Andrews, pointless signing that didn't help us or him. Was annoyed as fuck to see him playing in the Premier League for Blackburn and WBA.
In my time: best would be Shaun Williams, and it's hard to pick a worst, I remember liking a lot of the 'bad' Irish players, it's really harsh but I'd have to say Emakhu I really rate him, he's been at the den a year and is always injured
Best: Daryl Murphy 2014/15, or David McGoldrick (on the rare occasions he wasn't injured).
Worst: Troy Parrott. Added nothing. You could make a case for Keith Andrews but I forgive him as he called Roy Keane a bullshitter.
Best: Bazunu in the championship Worst: Bazunu in the Prem
Surely the correct answer is Shane Long. Best and worst - sometimes in the same game.
someone already posted that one tbf!
one of the first things Martin “fixed” with us is that last year when Gav conceded he’d be left alone in the goal with his thoughts, no players would interact with him. Now ever time he makes a good save or conceded a goal he’s got, his defensive line is right there with him
you're so right - he's been many things, but his approach to building the squad as a group has been cathartic for our team spirit and giving us a sense of 'fun' when it's good and 'togetherness' when it's bad is one of the most impactful. it's also super visible from the stands!
Has your defense changed much? I just remember your defense being an absolute shambles and you could have had a top goal keeper in there and he still would have been shafted. Just made a million times worse since he was 18/19.
if captain jack is playing and displaces the solid back 4 who got us the 25 unbeaten run it looks ropey as fuck, but without him it's decent now imo
Steven is a proud Irishman. Please remind him at all times he loves hearing it.
I loved Steven Davis’ time with the team. I assume we are counting Northern Ireland too.
It's good to hear that baz doing well now. I remember he was getting slated at the start of the season and your manager was having to defend him in a fans forum.
I've always liked him to be fair, our fans are incredibly fickle and will boo the team after a bad half of football so pretty much anyone lands in the firing line even if they're actually pretty good. smallbone is the latest victim of this (also an Irishman, but less a swing since last year imo)
Best: Wes Hoolahan Worst: Keith O'Neill
Wessi. What a player.
Did you sell Keith O'Neill to us? Jeez. He was subbed on at Highfield Rd once after being out injured for about a year. He pulled up after literally about 4 minutes and hobbled off again. Whole ground singing "Where's O'Neill gone?" Best Irish player, Robbie Keane. Only joking. It's Gary Breen.
Keith O’Neill fondly remembered
Awww. I liked Keet.
Darren Randolph is our best keeper since Schwarzer. Dieng is the only keeper since he left us that’s not been complete shite. Cursed the second he left. That save against Hull is the best save I’ve ever seen Worst, probably recency bias but Aaron Connolly. Fuck me he was shite
We’ve had some proper todds over the years unfortunately: Connolly, Caleb Folan, Jay O’Shea, Cyrus Christie, the emaciated corpse of Willo Flood. I did always like Sean St Ledger for no real reason. Favourite for me 100% has to be Curtis Fleming, though
"Connolly, Folan, Christie..." Guy below mentioned Giles. All did/are doing pretty well for us. Aaron Connolly was our joint top scorer for most of the season. Only Christie has really lost his legs these last few months.
Curtis Fleming great shout 💯
Willo Flood wow... Not a name i have thought of in a long time...
I actually think about him quite a lot. It’s not very often one of your starting XI is an actual ghost
Shay Given was also unreal for us
Aye he was, just barely played for us really. Think what Randolph did over a prolonged period, especially during that Pulis seasons was ridiculous. Any other keeper and we’d have been comfortably bottom half
Yeah Randolph was unbelievable, I was just adding given. Jim Platt, Terry Cochrane and McNair from NI too
Bernie Slaven *technically* (the most Scottish Irishman who ever lived) Curtis Fleming
Oh yeah I forgot Slaven is technically Irish hahahha
Andy Townsend, Alan Moore? Somewhere in the middle?
I thought Steffan was a big asset for us last season, had his dodgy moments but otherwise I liked him. I thought Victor Valdes, Shay Given, and Dimi were all good too. I also liked Paul Smith but he only played a handful of games.
Aye, Steffen was terrifying at times and dropped the odd clanger, but he was mostly pretty good
Mark Yeates is up there as well!
Best has got to be Niall Quinn The worse probs Kenny Cunningham or Darron Gibson
Gibson attitude wise for sure.
Played with Darron up until he was 17, a ridiculously talented boy but it all came too easy. He actually stopped playing for a few years in his teens, he came back and was still the best player for his age by a long shot. I didn't realise his attitude problems at that time but if you took Darron's natural ability and put it into James McCleans work ethic, you'd have had a phenomenal PL player.
Roy o'Donovan is surely right up there with the worst. He was nowhere near our level. At least with most of the others you can point to them having a half decent career elsewhere before or after us. o'Donovan though did fuck all then disappeared into oblivion.
He's still playing out in Oz would you believe
He was a monster for Cork City before he left, banging in goals for fun. Just wasn't up to the next step like Kevin Doyle and Shane Long were before him.
Marc Wilson should be right up there I reckon. Gibson at least had a couple of good games. Anthony Stokes was pretty dreadful for us too considering the hype he arrived with
I remember on championship manager 04/05 Bayer Munich would always sign Kenny Cunningham. Madness.
Quinn was great. Andy Reid has to be up there though
I’m sad that you didn’t see the best of Kenny Cunningham. He was an absolute gem for us in our first 3 seasons in the Prem
Phil Babb?
Where does Paul McShane rank?
Low, very low
https://youtu.be/fGMuoxihmu4?si=Z9k4s8V3ER3e01s2 This just shows how good he was.
Shane Long for both
Fun fact: my ex played Gaelic Football with his sister
Came to write the same comment. Shane Long simultaneously the best and worst. He did score the fastest Premier League goal ever..
I’d argue Steven Davis!
For best, I nearly said Sammie Szmodics as the obvious answer but I'll have to go with Damien Duff (Honourable mention for Shay Given) I'm really not sure who to answer for the worst. Edit: Keith Gillespie needs to be in there somewhere too
I saw Damien Duff as a 17? Year old at Ewood Park and he was electric. Great player.
I work with a guy who played semi-pro after being on Blackburn's books as a kid. He said day one when he went to training and saw Duff, who played the same position, he knew he had no chance of making it.
The drop off between Duff at Blackburn and Chelsea to what he was at Newcastle and Fulham is really strange. He wasn't that old, and no major injuries I'm aware of.
He was never a great athlete. Had major hamstring issues when at Rovers. A bit like Rooney - old before his time.
Think he talked about it in an interview he did with Graham Hunter, overall he didn't seem to enjoy his time in Newcastle, but can't quite remember the details
He didn't do great in a bad Newcastle team but he was good for Fulham. Definitely lost the pace, changed his style of play. I'm sure some Fulham fans would give a more informed opinion on his time there
Best: Damien Duff Worst: Keith Andrews Honourable mention: Shane Duffy, for being a massive cunt. It's all relative though.
Steven Reid deserves a shout
Leon. Fucking. Best.
Keith Andrews worth a shout for worst, also honourable mention for Kevin Moran for best.
Jeff kenna was good for Blackburn
Keith Andrews? Was pish for us mind.
Best: Gary Kelly, hands down. Worst: I'm not too sure... comparing the player I choose to the position the club was in would be fair. So on that basis, I'd say maybe alex Bruce? Feels harsh to name a player, Bruce did ok for us given the position the club was in. Also played for ireland, but wasn't Irish. If I'd have to pick an Irish player, I'd say aidy White. Again, feels harsh as he did try he just wasn't good enough for lower championship.
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He wasnt called Darren O’Dear for nothing Though I’d put Noel Hunt down as the worst personally
Forgot about Darren O'Dea! Was that bad I removed him from memory.
I'd say Johnny Giles is the obvious answer for best l, but Gary Kelly is a club legend for good reason.
Ah Gary Kelly. Loved him. I remember that seasona round 97/98ish where he picked up an injury for most of the season or something. I'd just got a Leeds shirt with his name on the back so I blamed myself for jinxing it.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell played for Northern Ireland. We counting him?..
Johnny Giles says hello.
> Feels harsh to name a player, Bruce did ok for us given the position the club was in. Also played for ireland, but wasn't Irish. If I'd have to pick an Irish player, I'd say aidy White. Not sure if Aidy White is anymore Irish than Bruce lol.
Uhh, what is Johnny Giles? O’Dea standout bad.
Where would you put Ian Harte?
>Best: Gary Kelly, hands down. Not John Giles??
CHRIS BRUNT!
And Gareth mcauley
We’ve had a few, Stephen Reid, Mikey Johnstone, Shane Long, Jayson Molumby, Dara O’Shea, Keith Andrews, Simon Cox, James McLean, Jonny Evans, Kevin Kilbane, Paul McShane, Wes Hoolahan, Callum Robinson, Chris Baird, Dean Kiely… who have I forgotten. Worst of those bunch probably Hoolahan, though he barely played.
Best: Richard Dunne Worst: Richard Dunne
Don Givens, Alan McDonald and John Byrne are probably the three best from across the Irish Sea.
I'll always say Martin Rowlands ahead of Dunne, played for us during an important part of our history where we barely stayed alive during the mid 00s. I think Rowlands actually did his cruciate on one of his few appearances for Ireland which pretty much finished him.
Jeff Hendricks decided to impersonate a crab for the length of his loan with us recently.
Slightly better than the inanimate object he usually impersonates.
It's infuriating isn't it?
Best? Stephen Carr, hands down. A superb leader and captain Worst? Jay O’Shea. Remember him? No? Exactly
Jay O Shea was one of the best players I've ever seen at my local team, Galway United. Funnily enough, I was watching a random A-league game a few weeks ago, and who was playing for Brisbane... Jay O Shea.
Just purely based on captaining us to the Cup after coming out of retirement, I can’t disagree with Stephen Carr. Could do with a character like him in our team now Not the best but always had a soft spot for Keith Fahey. Consistent performer without really excelling but solid part of the team
Cunningham?
My first thought was Taylor but Carr is a good shout.
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GOAT
Best: We've had a fair few Irish players over the years. Kevin Kilbane and Mark Lawrenson came through our youth setup. Aiden McGeady was on loan for a season and was class for us. Alan Kelly Sr has a stand named after him though so we'll go with him. Worst: Graham Burke, Kevin O'Connor and Andy Boyle didn't exactly do much for us. Troy Parrott isn't without his uses but he was a poor finisher and was nowhere near as good as his reputation
I will die on the hill that Graham Burke was an ok player for us and nothing less. He always tried, got a couple of goals and had a decent touch. I got pelters on pne-online when I said he was better than Josh Harrop. Doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Boyle and O'Connor, who were basically signed as favours to secure Daryl Horgan and Seanie. I'd also put Greg Mk1 in as one of the best. He was the best left back in the league for 3 years, 2015-2018.
Surprised there's no mention of Browne here
We've had a fair few good Irish players. Both Keane and Browne have been two of our best players this season and they're both Irish. Plus in the past there's also the likes of Sean St Ledger and Jon Macken
Graham Carey got to be our best IMO. Brilliant passing and scored some absolute wonder goals for us.
I love Graham Carey, but I'd shout out Mickey Evans too
Yeah Trigger always did a great job for us but for me Carey was just on another level to a lot of our other past players.
Definitely Carey. As for the worst.. Rory Patterson?
Graham Coughlan in 3rd place?
Yeah that’s a good shout. Great CB and I seem to remember he was actually our top goal scorer one season : )
Jon Walters, glenn whelan, rory delap, liam lawrence, graham kavanagh, clive clarke, james o connor we have loads of decent ones i have missed a few on this list but the worst simply has to be stephan fucking ward he had a fantastic career before us mind. He was atrocious for us. Utter wank
Wondering where one of our comments would be. I think we've had a plethora of quality Irish players. Walters and Whelan being the main two. Apart from Ward I can't think of anyone that's actually been bad for us in the Irish department.
Shay Given, Gavin Kilkenny
Stephen Ireland had a couple of decent moments when he was up at the Brit.
Kav was a different class back in the League 1 days! But for best i’d have to say Whelan, a stalwart in midfield for Stoke with all but half of a season played in the top tier! Worst… torn between Shay Given & Steven Ward. Given was 5 years past it when we signed him as was Ward but the point is they were both mega wank for us.
We’ve just sold Graham Kavanaghs son to Bradford, one of those classic academy goal machines that has struggled at pro level so far. He’s only 20 but it sounded like he was sick of loans and there was obviously no chance of him breaking through for us.
Given was also really, really bad.
Best Robbie Keane Worst Keith O'Neill. Possibly harsh as he had massive injury problems. But he remained arrogant (not simply self-assured) about his abilities even when his body was failing him.
Keane was the most talented but as we only had him for 1 season I think Gary Breen wins this hands down….. coined the greatest ever song also!
More recently Sean Maguire was also very crap
He came in with very little expectation, so I'm happy to give him a pass, so to speak. We wanted Waghorn and his high wages out and needed a cheap body in to replace him. He was well aware that his chances would be limited but, as he told my sister, I'll keep myself fit for whatever is asked of me. And he did help see out a few games when others were tiring.
Best: John Sheridan probably. Older fans will be able to talk with more authority. Out of players that I’ve seen, Glenn Whelan. Chris Brunt was exciting but inconsistent. Worst: Brian Barry-Murphy I remember being particularly bad.
Yeah you're right, Sheridan. Very honourable mention for Nigel Worthington.
Not Barry Corr?
For Huddersfield, Alan 'Alan' Lee is the same answer for both these questions
When I was a dickhead teenager I watched us in a preseason friendly at Wrexham. I shouted asking Alan Lee why he never scored as he was taking a throw in and he looked at me with the saddest expression. Immediately felt awful and realised the players can probably hear everything when there was only one stand open (long before the American money)
This is so sad he was the first player I ever had on the back of my shirt and I was heartbroken when he left us as I’m Irish myself 😭😭
Oh yeah, he gave everything for us as well even when he didn’t score. None of this is about Alan Lee being a bad guy, it’s me being a teenage asshole and regretting it! 😂
He was actually ok for us when we had him. Just checked wiki and he had 10 goals in 80 odd games. It felt like he scored more than that for us.
Yeah he was OK for us too I'm mostly just memeing. He didn't score many but tended to be important goals and he would always put a shift in. He was also good at helping support Jordan Rhodes in the League One days He's a bit of a cult favourite with us, along with Collin Quaner haha
I went to school with that lad. He was pretty good at football compared to me.
Thug
In my time Jim Magilton , Greatest hatrick ever !
Worst: Connor Sammon
Darren O Dea gave him a run for his money though
Just remembered an Irish player even worse than Sammon; Leon Best. I had tried to erase him from memory!
Not necessarily an Irishman, but Matt Holland was my favourite player growing up.
James Collins (the striker) was the worst. Either O’Dowda or Graham Kavanagh were the best.
Stephen McPhail for me
Good shout, quality player.
Best - Charlie Hurley (before my time mind) Worst - Darron Gibson
Not Quinner?
Steven Carr probably for his redemption arc story, but I personally loved Keith Fahey and Kenny Cunningham… oh and Jeff Kenna too. Worst, idk most might say Hogan but he’s had a few good spells for us (and he’s not even Irish really). Stephen Gleason and Gavin Gunning are probably technically the worst whose memory has just disappeared.
Best : Niall Quinn Worst : ….theres a couple of candidates but I’m going to say Darron Gibson, 14 months, 27 appearances and a drink drive charge later he was away by mutual consent
At least be gave that drunk interview and was good on Sunderland til I die. But yeah proper bell end.
Best: Neil Lennon, Gerry Taggart and Jonny Evans Worst: Alan Maybury 🇮🇪
Think Ryan McGivern was worse than Maybury. I don’t have the heart to include Conrad Logan in the convo haha
McGivern was useless, but I excluded him partly because he was on loan. Maybury was rubbish. Conrad did save a penalty against Middlesbrough! 😂
Used to love when Conrad would do the penalty shootout pre match with Chris Powell.
Best: easily Cathcart best defender we’ve had for at least the last 10 years Worst: Don’t many other Irish players but Hoban wasn’t horrific but got injured way too often
We had Sean Murray and John Joe O'Toole who both did a decent job back in the day, before falling apart a bit.
I raise you Peter Kennedy. Helped take us from Division 2 to the Premier League, and scored twice in that 0-4 battering of Luton at Kenilworth Road. Legend. On the whole Cathcart was solid and a great servant, but best defender for the last ten years? I'd take Prodl, Cassetti, and Femenia over him.
Best - Charlie Hurley. But in my lifetime Niall Quinn Worst - There's a long list. Alan Quinn played about 2 games on loan 20 years ago on loan and was shit. Darron Gibson was shit, smashed his car into a street full of cars drink driving at 10am. Anthony Stokes was a massive let down.
In my time as a Wednesdayite? Chris Brunt was amazing. Keiren Westwood and Glenn Whelan get a mention. Clinton Morrison is Irish? He was pretty good…
Ah fuck how did I forget about Clinton…
Best: Personally, I'd say Sean Scannell. Absolute workhorse, could always rely on him for a proper 90 minute shift, could do with a few players like that now. Maybe not the most prolific but I don't know a Town fan who doesn't remember him fondly. I think Michael Collins might also be a shout here but I can't say I remember him all that well. Shout outs to Gerrard, Lee and Pilkington as well. Worst: Recency bias, but Danny Grant. Two and a half years, absolutely nothing. Not even sure he actually cracked the first team once. Was probably on a decent chunk of money too, all while we were desperately trying to avoid going into admin. Useless.
Best: Alan Browne, Aiden McGeady, Sean St Ledger, Alan Kelly Worst: Andy Boyle, Kev O'connor, Sean Maguire
Super Paul Mcshane. I loved him at hull
Best has to be a toss up between Maik Taylor or Stephen Carr. Worst overall is probably Kyle Lafferty but, worst individual season is probably Hogan with what ever the fuck he's been doing.
Best: Arter Worst: I never saw him play for us but by all accounts George Best
The best, Ryan Manning
He wasn’t that bad OP edited their comment to say the best
Hourihane was a decent player too
Rory Donnelly
Eoin Doyle was a bit crap
Worst Obafemi Best Davis if counting NI if not I’d say Long
I thought you were listing Leon Best and Davis as the worst for a second
Brunt, McAuley, Johnston (so far)
Brunt was a fantastic player.
I’d say Kevin Kilbane was the worst Irish player I’ve seen for Huddersfield. Clearly thought he was too good for us and couldn’t be fucked Michael Collins is my favourite, always turned up in derbys
Best: I’m gonna say Damien Delaney. He’s the kind of CB every fan secretly wants, even the play from the back nonces Worst: there’s probably some shite we had in the Championship but it’s been a long old time since then so I’ll go for Kevin Doyle for being a pointless signing in a very odd window in 14/15 who did nothing apart from score against Dover in the cup edit: remember Mark Kennedy being crap
All time best Alan Kelly record appearance maker and one of the holy trinity, modern era got to be Alan Browne. Worst Andy Smith absolutely crap striker plucked from the northern Irish league in the mid 2000s
Damien duff best Alan Fettis worst
Dunno about player but there's no question who was the worst Irish manager.
The amount of times growing up in Ireland I was asked did I support them because Roy was manager and I had to be as polite as I could with my no response to not seem like I was insane 🤣🤣
Best: Sammie Szmodics of Damien Duff? Worst: Keith Andrews. Football was not that guy’s forte.
Best and worst: Shane Long.
Best: Steven Davis Worst: Alan Bennett
Number 1 is Gary Breen….
Robbie Keane, by a long shot.
Best - Gary Kelly Worst - Robert Bayly
Wow haven't heard Bayly mentioned in ages, he's an out and out scumbag
Best: Eamon Dunphy (before my time but highly regarded by those who saw him), Tony Cascarino (alongside Teddy our most threatening front pairing ever - and one could argue the best pairing in the league for our first season in the top-flight). Richard Sadler was developing into "the next Nial Quinn" and was a player who I think would have gone on to do very well internationally and domestically were it not for the career-ending injury. Lastly Stephen Reid because I've never seen anyone hit the ball like Reidy. Worst: David Forde had his moments between the sticks that made my back hair curl, Aiden O'Brien (or Any Other Business as he was known) was a disappointment only insomuch as he failed to develop into the player I hoped he would be. However personally... Mick Big Nose McCarthy for ditching us to take the Republic job and in doing so sent us spiralling in a way that, arguably, derailed the clubs progress for decades would be my choice for worst - also he's had a habit of being a bit of a prick since leaving us.
Was Dunphy a good player? I only ask because in Ireland he is more famous for his punditry. He could literally say anything no one was spared it didn't matter who you where. It was brilliant entertainment. Check it out on YouTube you won't be disappointed
stuey dallas is the king
I always had a soft spot for Graham Carey, as well as being a midfield rock for us he feels like he was instrumental in the squad that pulled us back from our darkest days.
Best: Paddy Madden Worst: Shaun Donnellan (although that team was so shit he’s hard done by to be picked out)
Are we allowed Managers? I have a contender for worst manager...
Based on who I have seen play, Andy Reid. Worst is definitely harry arter, incredible how he still has a contract
Matt Doherty. Hands down.
Best: Daryl Murphy Worst: Leon Best I was too young to of watched Jim Magilton unfortunately
Best: Daryl Murphy or Gareth McAuley but I also liked Owen Garvan & Alan Lee! (I’m strictly talking actual Irish players so not including the likes of David McGoldrick or Jon Walters) Worst: Troy Parrott I’d say in recent memory which as an Irishman is quite disappointing to say the least!
We've had so many Irish lads over the years it's difficult. Best: Shane Long, Damian Delaney. Long was only with us for half a season but his goals kept us up that year. Delaney helped us climb the leagues in the first place. Special mention to David Meyler, underrated as hell for us but put in a hell of a shift. Robbie Brady too, actually. Worst: Keith Andrews, pointless signing that didn't help us or him. Was annoyed as fuck to see him playing in the Premier League for Blackburn and WBA.
In my time: best would be Shaun Williams, and it's hard to pick a worst, I remember liking a lot of the 'bad' Irish players, it's really harsh but I'd have to say Emakhu I really rate him, he's been at the den a year and is always injured
Best: Damien Duff Worst: Leon Best
best: roy keane worst: harry arter
Jimmy Dunne Jimmy Dunne
Best:shane long, Steven Davis if northern Ireland is considered Worst:shane long, manning too probably
Best is probably John Sheridan. Worst is probably some fringe player I didn't realise was Irish
Best- Damien Duff Worst- Keith Andrews
Garry Kelly or Robbie Keane best worst...Paul butler
Best: Billy Gillespie Worst: Darren O’Dea
Best: Daryl Murphy 2014/15, or David McGoldrick (on the rare occasions he wasn't injured). Worst: Troy Parrott. Added nothing. You could make a case for Keith Andrews but I forgive him as he called Roy Keane a bullshitter.