Steve Staunton

Steve was born in Drogheda, Ireland, but lived in Dundalk County Louth, and attended the De La Salle College Dundalk. As well as playing soccer for his home club of Dundalk, he played Gaelic football, appearing for Louth's U-16 team. After starting his career at his home club of Dundalk, Steve signed to Liverpool in 1986 after being scouted. He had a fruitful 5 years at the legendary club, winning the FA Cup in 1989, before transferring to Aston Villa where he soon became a regular in Villa's defence. This was the start of a yo-yo career for Staunton--he would move between Liverpool and Villa a number of times before his retirement. The following season, he won a League Cup winners medal when he helped Villa beat favourites Manchester United 3-1. Over the next two seasons he was once again a regular in defence, including Villa's run to the UEFA Cup quarter finals in 1996-97. In the league he helped them to a fifth place finish in 1996-97 and seventh in 1997-98. Given his successes with Aston Villa, Liverpool were keen to re-sign the left-footed maestro and in July 1998 he moved back to Anfield where he remained for two years. He joined Coventry City in 2003 where he remained until 2005, making 75 appearances. He then joined Walsall where he also held the post of assistant coach until January 2006, when he was appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland senior international side. Staunton made his debut for the Republic of Ireland in the 4-0 friendly win over Tunisia. He played in every Republic of Ireland game of the 2002 World Cup and on 5th June became the first Irishman to have reached a century of caps for the Republic of Ireland national team and announced his retirement from international football after setting a national record of 102 appearances. From 2006-2007 Steve managed the Republic of Ireland international team, before being replaced by Giovanni Trapattoni. He then went on to manage Leeds United before being appointed manager of Darlington in October 2009.