Steve Finnan

Steve Finnan

Finnan with Liverpool in 2006
Personal information
Full name Stephen John Finnan
Date of birth (1976-04-24) 24 April 1976
Place of birth Limerick, 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)
Total 495 (17)
National team
2000–2008 Republic of Ireland 53 (2)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.


Stephen John "Steve" Finnan (born 24 April 1976)[1] is a retired Irish international footballer who played as a right back.

He is the only player to have played in the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, Intertoto Cup, all four levels of the English league football and the Football Conference.[2] Among the honours won during his career was the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final for Liverpool. Finnan is known for his attacking role and ability to cross the ball.[3]

He played 52 internationals for the Republic of Ireland from his debut in 2000, scoring twice. He played for them at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Club career

Early career

Finnan was born in the Janesboro area of Limerick, and moved to Chelmsford, England, at a young age.[4] He began his career playing in Wimbledon's youth system,[5] but he joined non-League club 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.[6] He scored his first professional goal against Watford.[7]

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.[8][9] He appeared in all of Notts' game for the remainder of the season,[9] helping the team finish fourth in the Second Division and qualify for the promotion play-offs.[10] In the first leg of the semi-finals held at the Alexandra Stadium he scored against Crewe Alexandra, with the match ending 2–2.[9] The return leg at home saw Notts win 1–0, winning 3–2 on aggregate.[9] In the play-offs final against Bradford City at Wembley Stadium, Notts County lost 2–0.[9] 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,"Notts County 1997/1998 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 12 December 2013.  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] While at Fulham, he also became a favourite among the fans.[18] His first season with the club was a success, with Fulham winning the Second Division championship and being promoted to the First Division.[19]

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.[20] 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.[21][22]

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.[23][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,[28] and eventually Fulham agreed to sell Finnan to Liverpool for a fee of £3.5m.[1]

Liverpool

Finnan during Jamie Carragher's testimonial match in 2010

Finnan made his Liverpool debut against Chelsea on 17 August 2003. His first season was disrupted by injury,[29] but in 2004–05, he established himself as the first-choice right back and a firm fan favourite.[30] The season was a highly successful one for Finnan. He scored his first and only goal for Liverpool against West Bromwich Albion,[31] played in the League Cup final,[32] and was in the starting eleven as Liverpool won the Champions League Final, though a thigh injury meant he was substituted at half time.[33] 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.[34]

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.[35] At the end of the season he picked up another medal with Liverpool, winning the FA Cup.[36]

Finnan played for Liverpool as first choice right back for the 2006–07 season despite heavy competition from newly arrived team-mate Álvaro Arbeloa.[37] 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.[38] In July 2007, Finnan agreed a new two-year contract to remain with Liverpool.[39]

The following season, Liverpool's success continued as they finished third in the League and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. Finnan took his total appearances for Liverpool past the 200 mark and also made it into the top 100 capped Liverpool players of all time.[40][41] Finnan featured in 35 games, but lost his starting place, manager Rafa Benítez often preferring Arbeloa to start.[42][43][44] In the summer of 2008, after the arrival of fullback Philipp Degen at the club from Borussia Dortmund, Finnan was linked with a move away from Anfield.[45] He was offered by Liverpool as a makeweight in a deal to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa; the player accepted the move but the clubs were unable to agree a fee.[46] He made a guest appearance in Jamie Carragher's testimonial match in September 2010.[47]

Espanyol

On transfer deadline day, 1 September 2008, Finnan signed a two-year deal with La Liga club Espanyol for an undisclosed fee.[48] Injuries limited his first team appearances,[49] and rumours of a return to the Premier League in the January 2009 transfer window with Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur were dismissed by Espanyol's sports director Paco Herrera and by coach Mané, who considered him an important member of the team.[50] By mid-January, Espanyol were "surprised" that a move to Hull City did not proceed, apparently for medical reasons.[51] In July 2009, Espanyol and Finnan agreed to mutually terminate the remainder of his contract.[52]

Portsmouth

Finnan signed a one-year contract with Premier League side Portsmouth on 31 July 2009.[53] He made his debut for the club on 3 October in a 1–0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, and played regularly in the second half of the season,[54] but with the club in administration and relegated to the Championship, he was not offered a new deal.[55] His last appearance for the club was the 2010 FA Cup Final against Chelsea.[56]

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 scored his second international goal in the group game against Cyprus in a 1-1 draw.[57] He then announced his retirement from international football on 22 January 2008 after making 50 appearances for the Republic of Ireland.[58] Tempted by the prospect of working with the newly appointed Ireland manager Giovanni Trappatoni,[59] Finnan came out of retirement in August 2008 to be included in the squad to face Norway in an international friendly.[60]

International goals

# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 14 November 2000 Lansdowne Road, Dublin, Republic of Ireland  Finland
1–0
3–0
 Friendly
2. 17 October 2007 Croke Park, Dublin, Republic of Ireland  Cyprus
1–1
1–1
 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying

Statistics

Club

As of 5 January 2011[61]
Club Season League1 FA Cup League Cup Europe Others Total
AppGoalsAppGoalsAppGoalsAppGoalsAppGoalsAppGoals
Portsmouth 2009–10 21040000000250
Espanyol 2008–09 400000000040
Liverpool 2007–08 24030107000350
2006–07 330100012010470
2005–06 330600012010520
2004–05 331005014000521
2003–04 22030006000310
Liverpool total 145113060510202171
Fulham 2002–03 32030105000410
2001–02 38060300000470
2000–01 45210200000482
1999–2000 35341600000454
1998–99 22240000010272
Fulham total 172718112050102088
Notts County 1998–99 13000000000130
1997–98 44531400000516
1996–97 23030000000260
Notts County total 80561400000906
Birmingham City 1996–97 300000000030
Notts County (loan) 1995–96 17200000031203
Birmingham City 1995–96 12100400030191
Welling United 1994–95 19100000000191
1993–94 22000000000220
Welling United total 41100000000411
Total 493174122605609162520
1Includes Premiership, The Football League, La Liga and Football Conference.

International

[62]

Republic of Ireland national team
YearAppsGoals
200051
200170
200290
200340
200490
200540
200650
200771
200830
Total532

Honours

Club

Winner
Notts County
Fulham
Liverpool
Runner-up
Liverpool
Portsmouth

Individual

Personal life

Finnan was arrested in June 2005 after running over Henry Nelson, an 81-year-old man from Liverpool,[63][64] who later died of the injuries he sustained.[65] Finnan faced no charges over the death of Nelson,[66] despite travelling more than twice the speed-limit at the time.[67]

Finnan spent the majority of the early 2010s in The Gambia, providing irrigation for impoverished children.

In 2015, he was living in London and working in property development.[68]

References

  1. 1 2 Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2005). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2005/2006. Queen Anne Press. p. 141. ISBN 978-1-85291-662-6.
  2. ↑ "Steve Finnan – News, Stats and Info About the Football Player". Sportspundit.com. 24 April 1976. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  3. ↑ "Player Profile". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  4. ↑ McDonnell, Brian (27 February 2008). "Blue in the face". Limerick Leader. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
  5. ↑ "What's in a name: Steve Finnan". Liverpool F.C. 21 February 2008. Archived from the original on 25 February 2008. Retrieved 21 February 2008.
  6. ↑ "Finnan Birmingham City fee". Soccerbase. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  7. ↑ "Liverpool v Watford: Stat Attack". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  8. ↑ "Notts County FC season 1995/96". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "1995-96 Notts County FC Match Line-Up's & Details". Up the Maggies. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  10. ↑ "English Football League 1995–1996". Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  11. ↑ "Finnan Notts County fee". Soccerbase. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  12. ↑ "Games played by Steve Finnan in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  13. ↑ "English Football League 1996–1997". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  14. ↑ "Notts County history". Notts County F.C. 9 May 2012. Archived from the original on 15 June 2012. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  15. ↑ "Magpies make history". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  16. ↑ "Fulham fee". Soccerbase. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  17. ↑ "Games played by Steve Finnan in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  18. ↑ "100 PWSTC". Fulham F.C. 19 September 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
  19. ↑ "English Football League 1998–1999". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  20. ↑ "English Football League 1999–2000". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  21. ↑ "English Football League 2000–2001". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  22. ↑ Taylor, Graham (22 December 2007). "Bracewell replaced by Tigana". London: The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  23. ↑ "Fulham notes". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  24. ↑ "Player of the Season". Fulham Official Website. 2 May 2002. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  25. ↑ "Intertoto Cup 2002". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  26. ↑ "Fulham sack Tigana". London: The Daily Telegraph. 17 April 2003. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  27. ↑ "English Football League 2002–2003". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  28. ↑ Platt, Mark (31 July 2003). "Exclusive Steve Finnan interview". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  29. ↑ "Past players: Steve Finnan". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  30. ↑ Platt, Mark (19 July 2006). "100 PWSTK – No.55: Steve Finnan". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  31. ↑ "Liverpool 3–0 West Brom". BBC Sport. 11 September 2004. Retrieved 30 September 2010.
  32. ↑ McCarra, Kevin (28 February 2005). "Mourinho the scene stealer claims his first English prize". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  33. ↑ "AC Milan 3–3 Liverpool (aet)". BBC Sport. 25 May 2005. Retrieved 30 September 2010.
  34. ↑ Prentice, David (8 November 2007). "Goal king Jimmy Willis in a league of his own!". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  35. ↑ "2005–2006 Premiership". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  36. ↑ "2006 FA Cup final". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  37. ↑ "Appearances total". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  38. ↑ "2007 Champions league final". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  39. ↑ "Finnan signs new Liverpool deal". BBC Sport. 2 August 2007. Retrieved 30 September 2010.
  40. ↑ "Top 100 appearances". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  41. ↑ "Past 200 appearances". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  42. ↑ "2007–2008 notes". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  43. ↑ "Finnan 2007–2008 appearances". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  44. ↑ "Arbeloa 2007–2008 appearances". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  45. ↑ "Finnan in Liverpool 'limbo'". Sky Sports. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  46. ↑ "Finnan on his move from Liverpool to Espanyol". guillembalague.com. 9 September 2008. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  47. ↑ "Carra on target in derby win". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  48. ↑ "Finnan seals Spanish switch". Sky Sports. 1 September 2008. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  49. ↑ Clement, Tim (28 February 2009). "Frustrated by injuries". Sportstar Weekly. Chennai, India: The Hindu. PA Sport. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  50. ↑ Acedo, Francisco (23 December 2008). "Espanyol rule out Finnan exit". Sky Sports. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  51. ↑ Acedo, Francisco (17 January 2009). "Finnan 'surprise' for Espanyol". Sky Sports. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  52. ↑ "Finnan leaves Espanyol". RCD Espanyol. 27 July 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  53. ↑ "Portsmouth sign defender Finnan". BBC Sport. 31 July 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  54. ↑ "Games played by Steve Finnan in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  55. ↑ "Pompey offer key players new contracts". 19 May 2010. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  56. ↑ "Chelsea 1–0 Portsmouth". BBC Sport. 15 May 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  57. ↑ "Rep of Ireland 1-1 Cyprus". FIFA. 17 October 2007. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  58. ↑ "Finnan confirms international retirement". RTÉ Sport. 22 January 2008. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  59. ↑ "Finnan considers international U-turn". FIFA. Agence France Presse. 4 June 2008. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  60. ↑ "Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni calls for Georgia venue change". The Daily Telegraph. London. 13 August 2008. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  61. ↑ Steve Finnan career statistics at Soccerbase
  62. ↑ "Steve Finnan". National Football Teams. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  63. ↑ "Finnan arrested over driving death". The Guardian. 14 June 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  64. ↑ "Finnan arrested over driving death". CNN. 14 June 2005. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  65. ↑ "Man dies after footballer crash". BBC. 4 March 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  66. ↑ "No crash charges for footballer". BBC. 11 October 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  67. ↑ "Crash footballer 'was speeding'". BBC. 24 November 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  68. ↑ "Steve Finnan: Search over for 'missing' Liverpool defender". BBC Sport. 21 May 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
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