FansNetwork/The Arse - OMG I can't believe they actually played for the mighty Leeds...I

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OMG I can't believe they actually played for the mighty Leeds...I
Sat 10th Sep 2011 20:52

I is for Denis Irwin.

Last week, I must admit I ducked a potential lively debate in choosing H for Mark Hateley....Hateley was long past his sell-by-date when he arrived at Leeds in 1996 for a brief loan-spell, end of. I very nearly plumped for Kevin Hird. Jasper's contribution to our proud history divided opinions amongst whites' fans, many rate him as a 100% tryer who despite his hefty price tag, a world record for a full-back at the time - always gave his best even if it did not always come off. Others however said Hird was an absolute joke and giving him the nickname Jasper after the comedian Jasper Carrott was more than appropriate not just because of similar hair-colouring!

I do not doubt for one minute that those of you who saw Denis Irwin in any of his 72 appearances for the whites' will be either of the opinion that he was a clumsy rookie right-back, indeed one good friend said he was "a donkey" during his time with Leeds. Others will say he was one of many promising youngsters, callously and unwisely culled by Billy Bremner, many of whom like Irwin ended up at Oldham.

Evidence seems to suggest that Bremner's folly once again was Oldham and ultimately Manchester United's gain. In 12 glittering seasons at Old Trafford, Irwin made over 500 appearances at Old Trafford and unwittingly played a part in the most controversial transfer in the history of our club.

Irwin was one of many youngsters Eddie Gray showed so much faith in. Handing him his debut as a right-back at the age of 18, it was a big step for the young lad from Cork. Moving through the ranks he made his first team bow in what was at the time one of the most embarrassing moments in Leeds' history, 16.01.1984 at the Old Show Ground Scunthorpe where Gray's men were humbled 4-2 by the Fourth Division side managed by former-favourite and ex-boss Allan Clarke.

Another calamity came with a headed own-goal against Newcastle during that 1983/84 season. His last act in a Leeds shirt was part of the side who went down 4-0 at Charlton at the back end of 1985/86 and during that summer Billy Bremner sold him to Oldham for just £60,000.

Iriwn was a focal part of the Latic's side under Joe Royle, who caused several major cup upsets and stormed to the top-flight. In the summer of 1990, the Boundary Park club were unable to resist an offer of £625,000 for his services.

In 1992, Howard Wilkinson made a bold bid to re-sign Irwin to ease Leeds' defensive crisis as the English Champions were facing a winter slump. The enquiry was rebuffed but followed by a cheeky counter-request into the availability of a certain Eric Cantona.

The rest as they say is history.

Irwin left Old Trafford in 2002 to wind down his career at Wolves. He also won 56 Republic of Ireland caps. Hanging up his boots in 2004, he now mainly focuses on media work including MUTV and RTE.

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