Features
VIE 17.03.2017
Ian Harte – (Levante UD: 2004-2007)
The former Republic of Ireland defender made a name for himself at Leeds United, helping them to reach the European Cup semi-finals in 2001, where they eventually fell to Valencia CF. He joined Levante UD in 2004 and scored their first goal in the top flight of Spanish football in 41 years when they drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad on the opening day. The Valencia-based club were relegated back to the second division the following year, though the Drogheda-born left back helped them make an immediate return scoring nine goals on the way. Injury blighted his final year in Spain.
John Aldridge (Real Sociedad: 1989-1991)
Irish international John Aldridge will always be remembered for becoming the first non-Basque player to ever sign for Real Sociedad in 1989. The Liverpool-born striker moved to San Sebastian after scoring over 50 goals for Liverpool FC in just two seasons and quickly made a name for himself as a prolific goalscorer in Spain’s top flight, netting 40 goals in 75 appearances for the club. He returned to England with Tranmere Rovers in 1991 but is remembered fondly by the Txuri-urdin faithful, returning to a hero’s welcome and standing ovation when he visited the club in 2015.
Patrick O’Connell (Coach)
Patrick O’Connell played for Belfast Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday, Hull City, Manchester United and Ireland before turning to a career in management where he carved a niche for himself in Spain. Between 1922 and 1946 he managed Racing Santander and Real Betis twice, FC Barcelona, Real Oviedo and Sevilla FC. He became the only Irish coach to have ever won a LaLiga title when he guided Betis to their one and only league championship trophy in 1935.
Kevin Moran (Real Sporting: 1988-90)
Born in Dublin, Kevin Moran won two All-Ireland Gaelic Football Championship medals before going on to make over 200 appearances for Manchester United. After 10 years at the club, he moved to LaLiga in 1988 with Sporting Gijon, where he linked up with current Barcelona boss Luis Enrique. The centre-back was a regular in his first season, making 27 appearances at the heart of the Sporting defence, but lost his place to future Barcelona mainstay and Sporting boss Abelardo, prompting a move back to England with Blackburn in 1990.
Michael Robinson (CA Osasuna: 1987-89)
Leicester-born Michael Robinson made 24 appearances for the Irish national team and rounded off a 14-year career with a two-year stint at Osasuna in LaLiga, scoring 12 goals in 59 appearances. He is, however, perhaps best known for his post-playing career as a high-profile football pundit in Spain. A fixture and icon of Spanish television and radio for many years, he now fronts the Informe Robinson analysis show first broadcast in 2007.
*With apologies to Liam Buckley and Alan Campbell who played for Racing Santander, Ashley Grimes who turned out for CA Osasuna and Steve Finnan with RCD Espanyol!
© LALIGA - 2017