STEVE STAUNTON

'Stephen Staunton' (born 19 January, 1969 in Drogheda, Republic of Ireland) was a professional footballer who enjoyed a distinguished career with Liverpool and Aston Villa, he also became the Republic of Ireland's most capped player. He is currently the Republic of Ireland manager.

Contents

Club career

Pre-Liverpool

Liverpool

Aston Villa

Return to Anfield

Villa Park Again

Coventry City

Walsall

International career

Management career

Honours

Managerial stats

External links

Club career

Pre-Liverpool

Staunton was an accomplished all-round sportsman. As well as playing football (soccer) for his home club of Dundalk FC, he also represented County Louth in Gaelic U21 Football

Liverpool

Staunton was spotted by Liverpool playing in Ireland for his home club of Dundalk as a 17 year old and was signed on the 2 September 1986 by manager Kenny Dalglish for the bargain price of £20,000.
He spent the first 2 seasons in the reserves learning 'The Liverpool Way' and even went on loan to Bradford City for 8 games during the 1987/88 season. He eventually made his debut on the 17 September 1988 in the 1-1 league draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, his performance was so impressive that he stayed in the side for the rest of the season, despite him being vastly inexperienced compared to the players around him, who were defending a League championship title won with ease and authority the year before. Following on from his impressive debut he scored his first 3 days later on the 20th; however, his 80th minute strike wasn't enough to prevent Arsenal winning the Centenary Trophy Semi-Final 2-1.
An injury to captain Alan Hansen had meant that regular left back Gary Ablett had to be shifted across to the centre of defence. Staunton was therefore given his chance and proved an impressive and consistent performer in a team of superstars, playing his part as Liverpool challenged for the title again.
Following on from his impressive debut he scored his first 3 days later on the 20th; however, his 80th minute strike wasn't enough to prevent Arsenal winning the Centenary Trophy Semi-Final 2-1.
He comforted bereaved families and attended many of the funerals after the Hillsborough disaster on the 15 April 1989 and put in an outstanding performance when the fateful FA Cup semi-final was rescheduled a month later, with Liverpool beating an under-par Nottingham Forest 3-1.
Staunton played in the FA Cup final at Wembley - he was substituted at the start of the extra-time period - as Liverpool defeated Merseyside rivals Everton 3-2. However, the season ended in huge disappointment when Liverpool lost the League title in a decider against Arsenal at Anfield. The Gunners needed to win by 2 clear goals and were 1 up with just seconds remaining, with virtually the last kick of the season Michael Thomas broke throuh the centre of the Reds defence to score thus stopping Liverpool gaining a second league and FA cup double.
The following year, Staunton was a frequent presence again as Liverpool reclaimed the League title but only played one more season with Liverpool before being sold, to a lot of people's surprise and disappointment, to Aston Villa on the 7 August 1991