Steve Finnan

Steve Finnan
Finnan.jpg
Personal information
Full name Stephen John Finnan
Date of birth 24 April 1976 (1976-04-24) (age 34)
Place of birth Limerick, Republic of Ireland
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Playing position Right back
Youth career
1990–1993 Wimbledon
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
1993–1995 Welling United 41 (1)
1995–1996 Birmingham City 15 (1)
1996 → Notts County (loan) 17 (2)
1996–1998 Notts County 80 (5)
1998–2003 Fulham 172 (7)
2003–2008 Liverpool 145 (1)
2008–2009 Espanyol 4 (0)
2009–2010 Portsmouth 21 (0)
National team‡
2000– Republic of Ireland 52 (2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 19:32, 1 May 2010 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 21:58, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Stephen John "Steve" Finnan (born 24 April 1976 in Limerick, Republic of Ireland) is an unattached Irish international footballer who last played for Portsmouth as a right back. He is the only player to have played in the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, all four levels of English League football and the English Conference.[1]

Contents

Club career

Early career

Finnan was born in the Janesboro area of Limerick City, and moved to Chelmsford, England at a young age. He began his career playing in Wimbledon's youth system,[2] but he joined non-League Welling United in 1993 after being released at the age of 16. Finnan turned professional when he signed with Birmingham City in 1995, who paid a fee of £100,000 to Welling United to acquire his services.[3] He scored his first professional goal against Watford.[4]

Notts County

Finnan made a loan switch to Notts County in March 1996, making his debut in a 2–1 victory over Walsall and scoring his first goal a month later in a 4–2 victory over Bristol Rovers.[5][6] He appeared in all of Notts game for the remainder of the season, helping the team finish fourth in the Second Division and qualify for the promotion play-offs.[7] In the first leg of the semi-finals held at the Alexandria Stadium he scored against Crewe Alexandra, with the match ending 2–2.[8] The return leg at home saw Notts win 1–0, winning 3–2 on aggregate.[9] In the Final of the play-offs against Bradford City at Wembley Stadium, Notts County lost 2–0.[10] He returned to Birmingham following the conclusion of the loan deal.

During the following season, 1996–97, Notts County signed Finnan for a fee £300,000 on 30 October 1996.[11] He played his first match as a permanent player for Notts County after being introduced as a substitute against Shrewsbury Town.[12] The season was not a successful one for Finnan as Notts County finished 24th in the table and were relegated to the Third Division.[13]

In the 1997–98 season, his first full season at the club, Finnan established himself as a key member of the team and was an ever present, appearing in 51 matches, helping the club win the Third Division title with record points and time.[14] The other notable record Finnan established with Notts County during this season was a streak of 10 consecutive victories; a club record and one which still stands today.[15]

Fulham

After strong showings for Notts County in the 1997–98 season, Fulham manager Kevin Keegan paid £600,000 for his services in November 1998.[16] He made his Fulham debut against Chesterfield on 21 November 1998 and scored his first goal for Fulham against Blackpool on 20 March 1999.[17][18] While at Fulham, he also became a favourite among the fans.[19] His first season with the club was a success, with Fulham winning the Second Division championship and being promoted to the First Division.[20]

Finnan finished ninth with Fulham the following season under new manager Paul Bracewell, despite promising early season form and an unbeaten run lasting over two months.[21] Bracewell was replaced with Jean Tigana in May 2000, and under him in the 2000–01 season, Fulham won the First Division championship, winning promotion to the Premier League, with Finnan appearing in all but one of the league matches.[22][23]

In his debut season in the Premier League, he helped Fulham qualify for the UEFA Intertoto Cup, was voted into the 2001–02 Professional Footballers' Association team of the year and was also voted as the Fulham player of the year.[24] Fulham then went on to win the Intertoto Cup, giving Finnan his first taste of European football.[25] Next season saw Jean Tigana replaced by Chris Coleman, Finnan's fourth manager in five seasons.[26] By April 2003 with few games to go, Fulham were close to the relegation zone but picked up 10 points out of a possible 15 to stay in the top-flight, finishing in 14th position.[27]

In the summer of 2003 Finnan found himself courted by many of England's top clubs and eventually Fulham agreed to sell Finnan to Liverpool for a fee of £3.5m.[28]

Liverpool

Finnan made his Liverpool debut against Chelsea on 17 August 2003.[29] However, a series of injuries disrupted his first year with the team.[30]

The 2004–05 season with Liverpool, he established himself as the first choice right back and a firm fan favourite.[31] The season was a highly successful one for Finnan, scoring his first and only goal for Liverpool against West Bromwich Albion,[32] reaching the league cup final and winning the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final though Finnan was subbed off at half time after suffering a thigh injury.[33][34][35] Finnan's goal against WBA meant that he had scored in each of the five highest divisions of English football, a record he shares with Jimmy Willis.[36]

In the 2005–06 season, Liverpool broke their record for number of points in a premier league season, finishing on 82 points with Finnan being ever present.[37] At the end of the season he picked up another medal with Liverpool, winning the FA Cup.[38]

Finnan played for Liverpool as first choice right back for the 2006–07 season despite heavy competition from newly arrived team-mate Álvaro Arbeloa.[39] He started in the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final and was subbed off after 88 minutes, Liverpool went on to lose the game 2–1.[40] In July 2007, Finnan agreed a new three-year contract to remain with Liverpool.[41]

The following 2007–08 season, Liverpool continued their success finishing third in the league and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions league. The season saw Finnan take his total appearances for Liverpool past the 200 mark and also made it into the top 100 capped Liverpool players of all time.[42][43] Finnan featured in 35 games, losing his starting place with manager Rafa Benitez often preferring Arbeloa to start ahead of Finnan.[44][45][46]

In the summer of 2008, after the arrival of fullback Philipp Degen at the club from Borussia Dortmund, he was linked with a move away from Anfield.[47] He was offered by Liverpool as a make-weight in a deal to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, with the player accepting the move but the two clubs couldn't agree to a fee.[48]

Espanyol

On transfer deadline day, 1 September 2008, Finnan joined Spanish side Espanyol signing a 2 year deal for an undisclosed fee.[49] Finnan suffered from injuries at his time with the club, limiting his first team appearances.[50] In January 2009 he was linked with a move back to the premier league with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur but Espanyol coach, Mané and sports director Paco Herrera dismissed the reports, stating that they still considered him a key member of the team.[51] It was also reported that Hull City came close to signing him but the deal was scrapped after he failed his medical.[52] Reports continued linking him with a move back to England with various premier league sides including Portsmouth and Sunderland.[53] On 27 July 2009 Espanyol and Finnan agreed to mutually terminate the remainder of his 2-year contract with the club.[54][55]

Portsmouth

Finnan signed a one-year contract with Premier League side Portsmouth with the option of a further year on 31 July 2009.[56] Finnan made his Portsmouth Premier League debut on 3 October 2009, in a 1–0 victory against Wolves at Molineux.[57] Finnan was released by Portsmouth on 19 May 2010 after the expiration of his contract.[58] His last appearance for the club was the 2010 FA Cup Final against Chelsea on 15 May 2010.

International career

A Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, Finnan stepped up to the senior side in 2000 against Greece. He cemented his place in the Irish starting XI during the 2002 World Cup qualification matches, supplying the cross for Jason McAteer to score the only goal in a crucial 1–0 home win against the Netherlands in September 2001.

Finnan appeared in all three of Ireland's group E games in the 2002 FIFA World Cup against Cameroon, Germany and Saudi Arabia. Ireland progressed to the second round of the tournament for only the third time in their history where they faced Spain. The match ended 1–1 in extra time and went to penalties. Finnan took a penalty and scored, but Ireland eventually lost 3–2.

Injury disrupted Finnan's participation in the unsuccessful attempt to reach the Euro 2004 finals. He was a regular choice in the 2006 World Cup qualification games but Ireland failed to qualify for the finals.

He was again a regular selection in the 2008 Euro qualification games but Ireland did not qualify for the finals. He then announced his retirement from international football on 22 January 2008 after making 50 appearances for the Republic of Ireland.[59].

He came out of retirement in August 2008 to be included in the squad to face Norway in an international friendly.[60] He stated that it was the appointment of Giovanni Trapattoni as the manager that made him reconsider his decision to retire.[61]

Statistics

Club[62]

Club performance
Club Season Domestic League1 FA Cup League Cup Europe Others Total
App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals
Portsmouth 2009–10 21 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0
Portsmouth FC Total 21 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 0
Espanyol 2008–09 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Espanyol Total 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Liverpool 2007–08 24 0 3 0 1 0 7 0 0 0 35 0
2006–07 33 0 1 0 0 0 12 0 1 0 47 0
2005–06 33 0 6 0 0 0 12 0 1 0 52 0
2004–05 33 1 0 0 5 0 14 0 0 0 52 1
2003–04 22 0 3 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 31 0
Liverpool Total 145 1 13 0 6 0 51 0 2 0 217 1
Fulham 2002–03 32 0 3 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 41 0
2001–02 38 0 6 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 47 0
2000–01 45 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 48 2
1999–00 35 3 4 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 45 4
1998–99 22 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 27 2
Fulham Total 172 7 18 1 12 0 5 0 1 0 208 8
Notts County 1998–99 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0
1997–98 44 5 3 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 51 6
1996–97 23 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 0
Notts C Total 80 5 6 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 90 6
Birmingham City 1996–97 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Notts County (on loan) 1995–96 17 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 20 3
Birmingham City 1995–96 12 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 3 0 19 1
Welling United 1994–95 19 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 1
1993–94 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0
Total 493 17 39 2 26 0 56 0 9 1 623 20
1Includes Premiership, The Football League and Nationwide Conference.

Career honours

Notts County

Fulham

Liverpool

Portsmouth fc

References

  1. ↑ Clive Tyldesley 7th September 2008
  2. ↑ "What's in a name: Steve Finnan". Liverpool F.C.. 2008-02-21. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N158919080221-1444.htm. Retrieved 2008-02-21. 
  3. ↑ "Finnan Birmingham City fee". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=2516. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  4. ↑ "Watford vs Birmingham". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=223086. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  5. ↑ "Notts County vs Walsall". http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=225786. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  6. ↑ "Notts County vs Bristal Rovers". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=226152. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  7. ↑ "English Football League 1995–1996". http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eng96.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  8. ↑ "Division two play offs semi-finals 1st leg". http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=306811. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  9. ↑ "Division two play offs semi-finals 2nd leg". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=306812. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  10. ↑ "Division two play offs final". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=306810. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  11. ↑ "Finnan Notts County fee". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=2516. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  12. ↑ "Notts C vs Shrewsbury". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=240855. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  13. ↑ "English Football League 1996–1997". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eng97.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  14. ↑ "Notts County history". Notts County F.C.. http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/page/HistoryDetail/0,,10426~1028224,00.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  15. ↑ "Magpies make history". http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Magpies-make-history-thrilling-win-Imps/article-553708-detail/article.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  16. ↑ "Fulham fee". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=2516. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  17. ↑ "Fulham vs Chesterfield". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=253396. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  18. ↑ "Fulham vs Blackpool". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=273566. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  19. ↑ "100 PWSTC". Fulham F.C.. 2007-09-19. http://www.fulhamfc.com/club/messageboard.aspx?mode=thread&TopicID=23757&page=1. Retrieved 2009-07-16. 
  20. ↑ "English Football League 1998–1999". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eng99.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  21. ↑ "English Football League 1999–2000". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eng00.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  22. ↑ "English Football League 2000–2001". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eng01.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  23. ↑ Taylor, Graham (2007-12-22). "Bracewell replaced by Tigana". London: The Daily Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2329189/Premier-League-facts-might-help-Fulham-think.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  24. ↑ "Fulham notes". Liverpool F.C.. http://www.lfchistory.net/player_profile.asp?player_id=493. Retrieved 2009-07-30. 
  25. ↑ "Intertoto Cup 2002". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/tablesu/uic02.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  26. ↑ "Fulham sack Tigana". London: The Daily Telegraph. 2003-04-17. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2399833/Fulham-sack-Tigana.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  27. ↑ "English Football League 2002–2003". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eng03.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  28. ↑ "Exclusive interview". Liverpool F.C.. 2003-07-31. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/archivedirs/news/2003/jul/31/N141195030731-0956.htm. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  29. ↑ "Liverpool Debut". http://lfchistory.net/viewgame.asp?game_Id=2446. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  30. ↑ "Exclusive interview". Liverpool F.C.. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/past_players/players/finnan/. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  31. ↑ "100 PWSTK". http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/archivedirs/news/2006/jul/19/N152933060719-1109.htm. Retrieved 2009-07-16. 
  32. ↑ "Liverpool 3–0 West Brom". BBC. 11 September 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3599092.stm. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  33. ↑ "2005 Champions league final". http://lfchistory.net/viewgame.asp?game_Id=4928. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  34. ↑ "Liverpool goal". http://lfchistory.net/viewgame.asp?game_Id=4869. Retrieved July 16, 2009. 
  35. ↑ "2005 League cup final". http://lfchistory.net/viewgame.asp?game_id=4923. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  36. ↑ "Goal king Jimmy Willis in a league of his own". http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2007/11/08/goal-king-jimmy-willis-in-a-league-of-his-own-100252-20080346/. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  37. ↑ "2005–2006 Premiership". http://lfchistory.net/viewgame.asp?game_id=4968. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  38. ↑ "2006 FA Cup final". http://lfchistory.net/viewgame.asp?game_id=4990. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  39. ↑ "Appearances total". http://lfchistory.net/seasongamestats.asp?Season_id=116. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  40. ↑ "2007 Champions league final". http://lfchistory.net/viewgame.asp?game_id=5048. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  41. ↑ "FINNAN AGREES NEW LIVERPOOL DEAL". Article on Liverpoolfc.tv. 23 July 2007. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/archivedirs/mediawatch/2007/jul/MW11615070723-1151.htm. Retrieved July 23, 2007. 
  42. ↑ "Top 100 appearances". http://lfchistory.net/stats_appearances.asp. Retrieved 2009-07-16. 
  43. ↑ "Past 200 appearances". http://lfchistory.net/player_profile.asp?player_id=493. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  44. ↑ "2007–2008 notes". http://lfchistory.net/player_profile.asp?player_id=493. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  45. ↑ "Finnan 2007–2008 appearances". http://lfchistory.net/games_per_season.asp?Season_Id=117&Player_Id=1177. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  46. ↑ "Arbeloa 2007–2008 appearances". http://lfchistory.net/games_per_season.asp?Season_Id=117&Player_Id=1177. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  47. ↑ "Finnan in Liverpool 'limbo'". http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_4007410,00.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  48. ↑ "Finnan on his move from Liverpool to Espanyol". http://www.guillembalague.com/interview_desp.php?id=24&titulo=Steve%20Finnan%20on%20his%20move%20from%20Liverpool%20to%20Espanyol. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  49. ↑ "Finnan seals Spanish switch". Skysports.com. 1 September 2008. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_4082310,00.html. Retrieved 1 September 2008. 
  50. ↑ "Frustrated by injuries". 2009-02-28. http://www.hindu.com/tss/tss3209/stories/20090228501801500.htm. Retrieved 2009-07-29. 
  51. ↑ Acedo, Francisco (23 December 2008). "Espanyol rule out Finnan exit – Defender linked with Tottenham and Arsenal". Sky Sports. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4686533,00.html. Retrieved 15 January 2009. 
  52. ↑ "Failed Medical". 2009-01-16. http://www.goal.com/en/news/1518/hull-city/2009/01/16/1063032/failed-medical-foils-steve-finnans-hull-city-switch. Retrieved 2009-07-29. 
  53. ↑ "Finnan set for Espanyol exit". 2009-07-24. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5451033,00.html. Retrieved 2009-07-29. 
  54. ↑ Espanyol release Finnan from contract
  55. ↑ "Finnan leaves Espanyol". 2009-07-27. http://www.rcdespanyol.com/ingles/index.php?modulo=detalleNoticia&idnoticia=400&idseccion=28&Amenu=detalleNoticia. Retrieved 2009-07-29. 
  56. ↑ "Portsmouth sign defender Finnan". BBC Sport. 2009-07-31. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/8177923.stm. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  57. ↑ Ashwell, Will (04 October 2009). "Steve Finnan happy with team performance in Portsmouth debut". Goal.com. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2558/news/2009/10/04/1540841/steve-finnan-happy-with-team-performance-in-portsmouth-debut. Retrieved 05 December 2009. 
  58. ↑ "Pompey offer key players new contracts". ESPN Soccernet. 2010-05-19. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=788824&sec=england&cc=5739. Retrieved 2010-05-19. 
  59. ↑ "FINNAN ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT". Liverpoolfc.tv. 2008-01-22. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N158532080122-1406.htm. Retrieved 2008-01-22. 
  60. ↑ "Ireland vs Norway". 20 August 2008. http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/friendly-match/2008/norway-rep-ireland-250634.html. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  61. ↑ "Finnan considers international U-turn". http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=789383.html#finnan+considers+international+u+turn. Retrieved 2009-07-31. 
  62. ↑ "Steve Finnan Career Stats". Soccerbase. 31 December 2009. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=2516. Retrieved 31 December 2009. 

External links

2001–02 Premier League Team of the Year
GK: Shay Given  · DF: Steve Finnan  · DF: Rio Ferdinand  · DF: Sami Hyypiä  · DF: Wayne Bridge  · MF: Robert Pirès  · MF: Roy Keane  · MF: Patrick Vieira  · MF: David Beckham  · FW: Ruud van Nistelrooy  · FW: Thierry Henry
Republic of Ireland squad – 2002 FIFA World Cup
1 Given • 2 Finnan • 3 Harte • 4 Cunningham • 5 Staunton (c) • 6 Roy Keane • 7 McAteer • 8 Holland • 9 Duff • 10 Robbie Keane • 11 Kilbane • 12 Kinsella • 13 Connolly • 14 Breen • 15 Dunne • 16 Kiely • 17 Quinn • 18 G. Kelly • 19 Morrison • 20 O'Brien • 21 Reid • 22 Carsley • 23 A. Kelly • Coach: McCarthy
 Republic of Ireland