Steve Staunton: Difference between revisions
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'''Stephen Staunton''' (born [[ |
'''Stephen Staunton''' (born [[19th January]], [[1969]] in [[Drogheda]], [[Republic of Ireland]]) was a professional footballer who enjoyed a distinguished career with [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] and [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]], he also became the [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Republic of Ireland]]'s most capped player. He is currently the [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Republic of Ireland]] manager. |
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==Playing career== |
==Playing career== |
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Staunton was spotted by [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] playing in Ireland for [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]] and was signed |
Staunton was spotted by [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] playing in Ireland for [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]] as a 17 year old and was signed on the [[2nd September]] [[1986]] by manager [[Kenny Dalglish]] for the bargain price of [[£]]20,000. He spent the first 2 season's in the reserves learning 'The Liverpool Way' and even went on loan to {{fc|Bradford City}} for 8 games during the [[1987]]/[[1988|88]] season. He eventually made his debut on the [[17th September]] 1988 in the 1-1 league draw with {{fc|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 [[FA Premier League|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 September|20th]], unfortunately his 80th minute strike wasn't enough to prevent {{fc|Arsenal}} winning the Centenary Trophy Semi-Final 2-1. |
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An injury to captain [[Alan Hansen]] had meant that regular left back [[Gary Ablett (footballer)|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. |
An injury to captain [[Alan Hansen]] had meant that regular left back [[Gary Ablett (footballer)|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. |
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He comforted bereaved |
He comforted bereaved familiesand attended many of the funerals after the [[Hillsborough disaster]] on the [[15th April]] [[1989]] and put in an outstanding performance when the fateful [[FA Cup]] semi-final was rescheduled a month later, with Liverpool beating [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]] 3-1. He also made his debut for the Republic of Ireland during the 88/89 campaign, it came just a month after his Anfield bow on the [[19th October]] '88 in the 4-0 friendly win over [[Tunisia national football team|Tunisia]]. |
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Staunton played in the FA Cup final at [[Wembley Stadium|Wembley]] - he was substituted at the start of the extra-time period - as Liverpool defeated [[Merseyside]] rivals [[Everton F.C.|Everton]]. |
Staunton played in the FA Cup final at [[Wembley Stadium|Wembley]] - he was substituted at the start of the extra-time period - as Liverpool defeated [[Merseyside]] rivals [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] 3-2. However, the season ended in huge disappointment when Liverpool lost the League title in a decider against [[Arsenal F.C.|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. |
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| ⚫ | The following year, Staunton was a frequent presence again as Liverpool reclaimed the League title and he then went to [[Italy]] with [[Jack Charlton]]'s squad as the Republic of Ireland competed in their first ever [[FIFA World Cup 1990|FIFA World Cup finals]]. Staunton, the youngest member of the squad, played in every match at left back (though by now at club level he had also proved his usefulness as a central defender or midfield player) as the Republic of Ireland progressed to the quarter finals, when they were beaten by the host nation. |
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However, the season ended in huge disappointment when Liverpool lost the League title in a decider against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]. |
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| ⚫ | He played one more season with Liverpool before being sold, to a lot of people's surprise and disappointment, to [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] on the [[7th August]] [[1991]] [[for 1.1 million. New manager [[Graeme Souness]] was accused of misjudging the player's abilities, though the ruling for European ties possibly had a bearing, with Staunton being classed as a [[Alien (law)|foreigner]], of which no team was allowed to field more than four. (This was before the [[Bosman ruling]], which among other things abolished quotas for [[European Union|EU]] citizens on teams in member countries.) |
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The following year, Staunton was a frequent presence again as Liverpool reclaimed the League title and he then went to [[Italy]] with [[Jack Charlton]]'s squad as the Republic of Ireland competed in their [[FIFA World Cup 1990|first ever FIFA World Cup finals]]. He had made his international debut two years earlier, in a 4-0 win over [[Tunisia national football team|Tunisia]] in [[Dublin]] on [[October 19]], [[1988]]. |
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He made is debut on the [[17th August]] in the 3-2 win over {{fc|Sheffield Wednesday}} at [[Hillsborough]], Staunton made a good impression on the Villa fans by marking his debut with a goal. |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | Staunton settled into life at [[Villa Park]] and won a [[Football League Cup|Coca-Cola League Cup]] winners medal in [[1994]] when he helped Villa upset the odds by beating hot favourites {{fc|Manchester United}} 3-1, the winning of his League Cup medal completed the domestic medal set. That summer he headed off with the Republic of Ireland to another [[FIFA World Cup 1994|FIFA World Cup]], this time in the [[United States|USA]]. Again, he played in each game as the Republic of Ireland succumbed in the second round to the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]]. |
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| ⚫ | He played one more season with Liverpool before being sold, to a lot of people's surprise and disappointment, to [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]. New manager [[Graeme Souness]] was accused of misjudging the player's abilities, though the ruling for European ties possibly had a bearing, with Staunton being classed as a [[Alien (law)|foreigner]], of which no team was allowed to field more than four. (This was before the [[Bosman ruling]], which among other things abolished quotas for [[European Union|EU]] citizens on teams in member countries.) |
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| ⚫ | His club career remained respectable with Aston Villa over the next four years, winning another [[Coca-Cola]] League Cup medal, this time as a non playing sub in the 3-0 victory over {{fc|Leeds United}}, however, the Republic of Ireland failed to qualify for both [[1996 UEFA European Football Championship|Euro 96]] in [[England]] and the [[1998 FIFA World Cup|1998 World Cup]] in [[France]], though Staunton was still selected regularly for the team. Then, with his contract set to expire at Villa, he gained a surprise move back to Liverpool on the [[3rd July]] [[1998]] when joint managers [[Roy Evans]] and [[Gérard Houllier]] signed him on a Bosman. |
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| ⚫ | Staunton settled into life at Villa Park and won |
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His second spell on [[Merseyside]] lasted two years before he was told he could leave on a free transfer. After a brief loan spell at [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]], where he made 6 league appearances, he was recalled to Anfield to appear in his 148th and last game for the Reds, it came on the [[23rd November]] [[2000]] in the 2-2 draw with [[Greece|Greek]] side [[Olympiacos]] in the [[UEFA Cup]]. |
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| ⚫ | His club career remained respectable with Aston Villa over the next four years, winning another League Cup, |
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On the [[7th December]] 2000 he did another about-turn and returned to Aston Villa on a free transfer. He played in 14 of the remaining league fixture for the [[Midlands]] club and then featured regularly or a further 2 seasons bringing the total of Villa appearances to 350 in which he scored 16 times. |
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His second spell at Anfield lasted two years before he was told he could leave on a free transfer and, after a brief loan spell at [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]], he did another about-turn and went back to Aston Villa. |
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The Republic of Ireland qualified for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup|2002 |
The Republic of Ireland qualified for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup|2002 World Cup]] held in [[Japan]] and [[South Korea]]. Coach [[Mick McCarthy]], who had been Staunton's captain at the country's first World Cup 12 years earlier, selected him for the squad and following the departure of [[Roy Keane]] from the squad, due to a bust up with McCarthy, Staunton was appointed captain for the tournament. |
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Again, Staunton played in every Republic of Ireland game of the tournament, with the group match against [[Germany national football team|Germany]] proving a very special occasion as it was his 100th appearance for his country. Together with [[Gary Breen]], he formed an impressive central defensive partnership in front of [[Shay Given]]. |
Again, Staunton played in every Republic of Ireland game of the tournament, with the 1-1 group match draw against [[Germany national football team|Germany]] on te [[5th June]] proving to be a very special occasion as it was his 100th appearance for his country. Together with [[Gary Breen]], he formed an impressive central defensive partnership in front of [[Shay Given]]. |
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Ireland's competition ended once more in the second round when they lost agonisingly to [[Spain national football team|Spain]] in a [[penalty shootout (football)|penalty shoot-out]] after the game had finished 1-1. Staunton announced his [[retirement]] from international football immediately afterwards after a national record of 102 appearances. He is the only player to have played in every single one of Ireland's 13 World Cup finals games. |
Ireland's competition ended once more in the second round when they lost agonisingly to [[Spain national football team|Spain]] in a [[penalty shootout (football)|penalty shoot-out]] after the game had finished 1-1. Staunton announced his [[retirement]] from international football immediately afterwards after creating a national record of 102 appearances. He is the only player to have played in every single one of Ireland's 13 World Cup finals games. |
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Never a prolific goalscorer from either defence or midfield, Staunton nevertheless had a penchant for scoring spectacular long-range goals with his much-feared{{fact}} left foot, particularly from set pieces. On one memorable occasion, in the 3-0 defeat of [[Northern Ireland national football team|Northern Ireland]] on [[March 31]], [[1993]], he scored a goal direct from a corner-kick. |
Never a prolific goalscorer from either defence or midfield, Staunton nevertheless had a penchant for scoring spectacular long-range goals with his much-feared{{fact}} left foot, particularly from set pieces. On one memorable occasion, in the 3-0 defeat of [[Northern Ireland national football team|Northern Ireland]] on [[March 31]], [[1993]], he scored a goal direct from a corner-kick. |
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Staunton continued to play club football, plying his trade with [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] until the summer of 2005. He was never a popular figure for the |
Staunton continued to play club football, plying his trade with [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] moving there on the [[15th August]] [[2003]] on a free transfer. He made his debut on the [[16th August]] '03 in the 0-0 league draw with {{fc|Walsall}} at [[Highfield Road]], he remained with the Sky Blues until the summer of [[2005]] clocking up 75 appearances. He was never a popular figure for the Coventry fans like he was for previous clubs, many think this is due to his large stint with local rivals [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]. Staunton decided not to renew his contract once it had expired, and instead joined [[Black Country]] club Walsall on [[2005-06 in English football|2 August, 2005]]. |
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He held the post of assistant coach |
He played just 10 times for the [[Bescot Stadium|Bescot]] club and also held the post of assistant coach until the [[16 January]] [[2006]] when he was appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland senior international side. Fittingly, he was captain of the Walsall side that defeated [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]] 2-0 on [[New Years Eve]] 2005, in what was his final game as a professional footballer. |
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==Management career== |
==Management career== |
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Staunton was released from his player/assistant manager role for |
Staunton was released from his player/assistant manager role for Walsall on [[12 January]] 2006, and was officially named as the replacement for [[Brian Kerr]] as Republic of Ireland manager the following day. |
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He appointed |
He appointed Aston Villa's reserve team coach and former teammate [[Kevin McDonald]] as his coach, he will be working alongside [[Bobby Robson]] who will provide his services in a consultancy role. Staunton is quoted to have said "I know that the calibre of the team I have will bring a huge range of experience and talent to the challenges that lie ahead" on his appointment. |
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His international management career enjoyed a dream start, something Staunton called 'a bit of a fairytale', when he led the Republic of Ireland to an impressive 3-0 victory over [[Sweden national football team|Sweden]] on Wednesday |
His international management career enjoyed a dream start, something Staunton called 'a bit of a fairytale', when he led the Republic of Ireland to an impressive 3-0 victory over [[Sweden national football team|Sweden]] on Wednesday [[1st March]] 2006. [[Damien Duff]], [[Robbie Keane]] (captaining the Republic of Ireland for the first time) and [[Liam Miller]] getting onto the score sheet. This was followed by two losses in friendlies, firstly a dour and disappointing 1-0 defeat to [[Chile national football team|Chile]] in his second match in charge on [[23rd May]] 2006, and then a demoralising 4-0 thrashing by [[Netherlands national football team|Holland]] at [[Lansdowne Road]], Ireland's worst home loss in 40 years. |
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Prior to the Holland game, Staunton was confronted by a man outside the team hotel on Monday [[ |
Prior to the Holland game, Staunton was confronted by a man outside the team hotel on Monday [[14th August]] with a gun. The 31-year-old assailant was arrested at a nearby beach and released by police the following day. He apparently used an imitation [[Uzi]] [[machine gun]] and his motives remain unknown. |
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[[Image:RTÉ Sport 009.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A tearful Steve Staunton after his Irish team beat [[San Marino national football team|San Marino]] in the final match at [[Lansdowne Road]]]] |
[[Image:RTÉ Sport 009.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A tearful Steve Staunton after his Irish team beat [[San Marino national football team|San Marino]] in the final match at [[Lansdowne Road]]]] |
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Staunton's first competitive match as Republic of Ireland manager ended in a 1-0 defeat against [[Germany national football team|Germany]] in [[Stuttgart]], despite a battling performance. Staunton himself was sent off by the referee for kicking a water bottle onto the pitch in frustration during the second half. |
Staunton's first competitive match as Republic of Ireland manager ended in a 1-0 defeat against [[Germany national football team|Germany]] in [[Stuttgart]], despite a battling performance. Staunton himself was sent off by the referee for kicking a water bottle onto the pitch in frustration during the second half. |
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Worse was swiftly to follow, however. On [[October 7]], [[2006]], in their second [[Euro 2008]] qualifier, Ireland suffered what was by common consensus the worst defeat in their history, being hammered 5-2 by unfancied [[Cyprus national football team|Cyprus]] in [[Nicosia]]. Staunton was watching from the stands, having been given a touchline ban for his sending-off in the Germany |
Worse was swiftly to follow, however. On [[October 7]], [[2006]], in their second [[Euro 2008]] qualifier, Ireland suffered what was by common consensus the worst defeat in their history, being hammered 5-2 by unfancied [[Cyprus national football team|Cyprus]] in [[Nicosia]]. Staunton was watching from the stands, having been given a touchline ban for his sending-off in the [[Germany]]. |
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The thrashing by Cyprus heaped additional pressure on the already beleaguered Staunton ahead of Ireland's next game, at home to the [[Czech Republic national football team|Czech Republic]] on [[October 11]]. Many in the media were calling for him to quit. An impressive performance followed against the Czech |
The thrashing by Cyprus heaped additional pressure on the already beleaguered Staunton ahead of Ireland's next game, at home to the [[Czech Republic national football team|Czech Republic]] on [[October 11]]. Many in the media were calling for him to quit. An impressive performance followed against the Czech's which saw a 1-1 draw and an Irish squad that looked like winning the game. The public pressure has eased considerably with many of the media that were calling for him to quit now backing Staunton. |
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Staunton was seen to be emotional after the 5-0 victory over [[San Marino national football team|San Marino]], it was to be the last match to be played on the old Lansdowne Road pitch, whilst walking around the pitch after the game tears were in his eyes as the memories must have been come flooding back. |
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==Irish Managerial Results== |
==Irish Managerial Results== |
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==Honours== |
==Honours== |
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*[[Football League Division 1|First Division]]: [[1989-90 in English football|1990]] |
*[[Football League Division 1|First Division]]: [[1989-90 in English football|1990]] with Liverpool |
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*[[FA Cup]]: [[1988-89 in English football|1989]] |
*[[FA Cup]]: [[1988-89 in English football|1989]] with Liverpool |
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*[[Football League Cup]]: [[1993-94 in English football|1994]] |
*[[Football League Cup]]: [[1993-94 in English football|1994]] and [[1995-96 in English football|1996]] with Aston Villa |
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*[[Charity Shield]]: [[1988-89 in English football|1988]] |
*[[Charity Shield]]: [[1988-89 in English football|1988]] and [[1990-91 in English football|1990]] (Shared) with Liverpool |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/past_players/players/staunton/ Oficial past players at Liverpoolfc.tv] |
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*{{imdb name|1596609|Steve Staunton}} |
*{{imdb name|1596609|Steve Staunton}} |
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*{{soccerbase|7569|Steve Staunton}} |
*{{soccerbase|7569|Steve Staunton}} |
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*[http://www.astonvillayears.com/years/1990-1994starplayers.htm Information on player] |
*[http://www.astonvillayears.com/years/1990-1994starplayers.htm Information on player] |
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*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4610306.stm BBC - Republic appoint Staunton as boss] |
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4610306.stm BBC - Republic appoint Staunton as boss] |
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*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=2022 Liverpool seasonal record (Part 1) 1986/87-1990/91 at sporting-heroes.net] |
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*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=6109 Aston Villa seasonal record (Part 1) 1991/92-1993/94 at sporting-heroes.net] |
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*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=6110 Aston Villa seasonal record (Part 2) 1994/95-1997/98 at sporting-heroes.net] |
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*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=2023 Liverpool seasonal record (Part 2) 1998/99-2000/01 at sporting-heroes.net] |
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*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=6111 Aston Villa seasonal record (Part 3) 2000/01-2002/03 at sporting-heroes.net] |
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*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=10157 Coventry City seasonal record 2003/04-2005/06 at sporting-heroes.net] |
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*[http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_worldcup.asp?HeroID=6969 Republic of Ireland FIFA World Cup 2002 record at sporting-heroes.net] |
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{{Republic of Ireland Squad 1990 World Cup}} |
{{Republic of Ireland Squad 1990 World Cup}} |
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Revision as of 17:13, 30 January 2007
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 17:19, 2 January 2007 (UTC) | |||
Stephen Staunton (born 19th 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.
Playing career
Staunton was spotted by Liverpool playing in Ireland for Dundalk as a 17 year old and was signed on the 2nd September 1986 by manager Kenny Dalglish for the bargain price of £20,000. He spent the first 2 season's 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 17th 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, unfortunately 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.
He comforted bereaved familiesand attended many of the funerals after the Hillsborough disaster on the 15th April 1989 and put in an outstanding performance when the fateful FA Cup semi-final was rescheduled a month later, with Liverpool beating Nottingham Forest 3-1. He also made his debut for the Republic of Ireland during the 88/89 campaign, it came just a month after his Anfield bow on the 19th October '88 in the 4-0 friendly win over Tunisia.
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 and he then went to Italy with Jack Charlton's squad as the Republic of Ireland competed in their first ever FIFA World Cup finals. Staunton, the youngest member of the squad, played in every match at left back (though by now at club level he had also proved his usefulness as a central defender or midfield player) as the Republic of Ireland progressed to the quarter finals, when they were beaten by the host nation.
He played one more season with Liverpool before being sold, to a lot of people's surprise and disappointment, to Aston Villa on the 7th August 1991 [[for 1.1 million. New manager Graeme Souness was accused of misjudging the player's abilities, though the ruling for European ties possibly had a bearing, with Staunton being classed as a foreigner, of which no team was allowed to field more than four. (This was before the Bosman ruling, which among other things abolished quotas for EU citizens on teams in member countries.)
He made is debut on the 17th August in the 3-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, Staunton made a good impression on the Villa fans by marking his debut with a goal.
Staunton settled into life at Villa Park and won a Coca-Cola League Cup winners medal in 1994 when he helped Villa upset the odds by beating hot favourites Manchester United 3-1, the winning of his League Cup medal completed the domestic medal set. That summer he headed off with the Republic of Ireland to another FIFA World Cup, this time in the USA. Again, he played in each game as the Republic of Ireland succumbed in the second round to the Netherlands.
His club career remained respectable with Aston Villa over the next four years, winning another Coca-Cola League Cup medal, this time as a non playing sub in the 3-0 victory over Leeds United, however, the Republic of Ireland failed to qualify for both Euro 96 in England and the 1998 World Cup in France, though Staunton was still selected regularly for the team. Then, with his contract set to expire at Villa, he gained a surprise move back to Liverpool on the 3rd July 1998 when joint managers Roy Evans and Gérard Houllier signed him on a Bosman.
His second spell on Merseyside lasted two years before he was told he could leave on a free transfer. After a brief loan spell at Crystal Palace, where he made 6 league appearances, he was recalled to Anfield to appear in his 148th and last game for the Reds, it came on the 23rd November 2000 in the 2-2 draw with Greek side Olympiacos in the UEFA Cup.
On the 7th December 2000 he did another about-turn and returned to Aston Villa on a free transfer. He played in 14 of the remaining league fixture for the Midlands club and then featured regularly or a further 2 seasons bringing the total of Villa appearances to 350 in which he scored 16 times.
The Republic of Ireland qualified for the 2002 World Cup held in Japan and South Korea. Coach Mick McCarthy, who had been Staunton's captain at the country's first World Cup 12 years earlier, selected him for the squad and following the departure of Roy Keane from the squad, due to a bust up with McCarthy, Staunton was appointed captain for the tournament.
Again, Staunton played in every Republic of Ireland game of the tournament, with the 1-1 group match draw against Germany on te 5th June proving to be a very special occasion as it was his 100th appearance for his country. Together with Gary Breen, he formed an impressive central defensive partnership in front of Shay Given.
Ireland's competition ended once more in the second round when they lost agonisingly to Spain in a penalty shoot-out after the game had finished 1-1. Staunton announced his retirement from international football immediately afterwards after creating a national record of 102 appearances. He is the only player to have played in every single one of Ireland's 13 World Cup finals games.
Never a prolific goalscorer from either defence or midfield, Staunton nevertheless had a penchant for scoring spectacular long-range goals with his much-feared[citation needed] left foot, particularly from set pieces. On one memorable occasion, in the 3-0 defeat of Northern Ireland on March 31, 1993, he scored a goal direct from a corner-kick.
Staunton continued to play club football, plying his trade with Coventry City moving there on the 15th August 2003 on a free transfer. He made his debut on the 16th August '03 in the 0-0 league draw with Walsall at Highfield Road, he remained with the Sky Blues until the summer of 2005 clocking up 75 appearances. He was never a popular figure for the Coventry fans like he was for previous clubs, many think this is due to his large stint with local rivals Aston Villa. Staunton decided not to renew his contract once it had expired, and instead joined Black Country club Walsall on 2 August, 2005.
He played just 10 times for the Bescot club and also held the post of assistant coach until the 16 January 2006 when he was appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland senior international side. Fittingly, he was captain of the Walsall side that defeated Blackpool 2-0 on New Years Eve 2005, in what was his final game as a professional footballer.
Management career
Staunton was released from his player/assistant manager role for Walsall on 12 January 2006, and was officially named as the replacement for Brian Kerr as Republic of Ireland manager the following day.
He appointed Aston Villa's reserve team coach and former teammate Kevin McDonald as his coach, he will be working alongside Bobby Robson who will provide his services in a consultancy role. Staunton is quoted to have said "I know that the calibre of the team I have will bring a huge range of experience and talent to the challenges that lie ahead" on his appointment.
His international management career enjoyed a dream start, something Staunton called 'a bit of a fairytale', when he led the Republic of Ireland to an impressive 3-0 victory over Sweden on Wednesday 1st March 2006. Damien Duff, Robbie Keane (captaining the Republic of Ireland for the first time) and Liam Miller getting onto the score sheet. This was followed by two losses in friendlies, firstly a dour and disappointing 1-0 defeat to Chile in his second match in charge on 23rd May 2006, and then a demoralising 4-0 thrashing by Holland at Lansdowne Road, Ireland's worst home loss in 40 years.
Prior to the Holland game, Staunton was confronted by a man outside the team hotel on Monday 14th August with a gun. The 31-year-old assailant was arrested at a nearby beach and released by police the following day. He apparently used an imitation Uzi machine gun and his motives remain unknown.
Staunton's first competitive match as Republic of Ireland manager ended in a 1-0 defeat against Germany in Stuttgart, despite a battling performance. Staunton himself was sent off by the referee for kicking a water bottle onto the pitch in frustration during the second half.
Worse was swiftly to follow, however. On October 7, 2006, in their second Euro 2008 qualifier, Ireland suffered what was by common consensus the worst defeat in their history, being hammered 5-2 by unfancied Cyprus in Nicosia. Staunton was watching from the stands, having been given a touchline ban for his sending-off in the Germany.
The thrashing by Cyprus heaped additional pressure on the already beleaguered Staunton ahead of Ireland's next game, at home to the Czech Republic on October 11. Many in the media were calling for him to quit. An impressive performance followed against the Czech's which saw a 1-1 draw and an Irish squad that looked like winning the game. The public pressure has eased considerably with many of the media that were calling for him to quit now backing Staunton.
Staunton was seen to be emotional after the 5-0 victory over San Marino, it was to be the last match to be played on the old Lansdowne Road pitch, whilst walking around the pitch after the game tears were in his eyes as the memories must have been come flooding back.
Irish Managerial Results
- Republic of Ireland v Sweden 3-0
- Republic of Ireland v Chile 0-1
- Republic of Ireland v Netherlands 0-4
- Germany v Republic of Ireland 1-0
- Cyprus v Republic of Ireland 5-2
- Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic 1-1
- Republic of Ireland v San Marino 5-0
Honours
- First Division: 1990 with Liverpool
- FA Cup: 1989 with Liverpool
- Football League Cup: 1994 and 1996 with Aston Villa
- Charity Shield: 1988 and 1990 (Shared) with Liverpool
External links
- Oficial past players at Liverpoolfc.tv
- Steve Staunton at IMDb
- Steve Staunton at Soccerbase
- Profile at LFChistory.net
- Information on player
- BBC - Republic appoint Staunton as boss
- Liverpool seasonal record (Part 1) 1986/87-1990/91 at sporting-heroes.net
- Aston Villa seasonal record (Part 1) 1991/92-1993/94 at sporting-heroes.net
- Aston Villa seasonal record (Part 2) 1994/95-1997/98 at sporting-heroes.net
- Liverpool seasonal record (Part 2) 1998/99-2000/01 at sporting-heroes.net
- Aston Villa seasonal record (Part 3) 2000/01-2002/03 at sporting-heroes.net
- Coventry City seasonal record 2003/04-2005/06 at sporting-heroes.net
- Republic of Ireland FIFA World Cup 2002 record at sporting-heroes.net
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- 1969 births
- Living people
- Republic of Ireland footballers
- Republic of Ireland international footballers
- Republic of Ireland national football team managers
- Republic of Ireland football managers
- Liverpool F.C. players
- Bradford City A.F.C. players
- Aston Villa F.C. players
- Crystal Palace F.C. players
- Coventry City F.C. players
- Walsall F.C. players
- FA Premier League players
- FIFA World Cup 1990 players
- FIFA World Cup 1994 players
- FIFA World Cup 2002 players
- Natives of County Louth
- Football League of Ireland players