West Ham, Oldham and the Villa could have had Ian Harte
25 YEARS ago this year, I met up with a young footballer who was hoping to make a big career for himself in England. Ian Harte was just 15 when Howard Wilkinson signed him for Leeds.
Ian went on to enjoy a great career in both England and Spain as well as playing for Ireland.
The message - follow the dream and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t make it!
Here’s that report from 25 years ago:
‘Fifteen year old Newfield boy Ian Harte was this week on his way to English Premier League side Leeds United following discussions last night (Tuesday) between his family and representatives of the Elland Road club in Dublin.
‘For the Republic of Ireland under 16 panelist the whole thing has been quite a shock after going over to Yorkshire two weeks ago for a trial and told within three days that he was wanted by the club and could he come over immediately.
‘Indeed so anxious are Leeds to claim Harte that they requested his arrival tomorrow (Thursday) although it now seems likely he won’t leave until the weekend.
‘ Top scorer with St Kevin’s Boys in Dublin for the past four years, Ian will certainly not be short of company at his new club, with whom he signed a two year contract. Already there is his uncle, Gary Kelly from Marian Park and another colleague from nearby Balbriggan, Anthony ‘Boots’ Grant.
‘His parents, Pat and Lena Harte, are delighted with his big break but were meeting the club with regard to his education and general welfare during his stay in Leeds.
‘ The whole thing really started when Gary (Kelly) was talking to Howard Wilkinson about Ian and he said he’d have a look at him. We got a letter from the Youth Development Officer asking him over immediately and after a couple of days he was asked to sign,’ Pat, who starred with Mosney CIE in the past, revealed.
‘During his stay Ian played with the Leeds under 18’s against a local men’s side, Tedcaster and helped them to a 2-0 win.
‘Of course we were hoping he’d do well but this is incredible. It’s happened very quickly for Ian but he’s going to give it a real go.’
‘Having played with Glebe North in the early part of his career, left winger Ian moved to St.Kevins in Dublin four years ago and hasn’t looked back since, scoring over 40 goals last season.
‘He was recently called into the Republic’s under 16 side for a friendly in Athlone and found the target yet again.
Celebrating his 16th birthday on August 31, Ian will miss the party in Newfield and by that stage will be working his way to full fitness.
‘He knows he’s not fit yet but still did enough to impress them at Leeds.
‘It’s a marvellous opportunity for a young player and he decided to take it rather than sitting back in the future and thinking of what might have been,’ dad Pat revealed.
‘Ian who also has a talented older brother in Michael, has worked hard over the past few years at St.Kevins, a club lauded by Pat this week.
‘St.Kevins is a tremendous set up and do everything for the kids. Des Lawlor, Shay Noonan, Noel Hayden, they’ve all worked hard with Ian and we must thank them.’
‘A keen Gaelic footballer with Newtown Blues and his school, St.Olivers CC where he won a Leinster medal this year, Ian has also enjoyed a trial with West Ham in the past as well as attracting interest from Oldham and Aston Villa.’