Roddy Collins: The Rise and Fall of an Irish Football Legend

Roddy Collins is a name synonymous with Irish football. As a player, he was a versatile midfielder who represented Ireland at both senior and underage level. As a manager, he has led clubs to success in both the League of Ireland and the English Football League. However, his career has also been marked by controversy, with Collins often finding himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Early Life and Career

Roddy Collins was born in Dublin in 1960. He began his football career with local club Home Farm before moving to England to join Blackpool in 1978. He spent four years at Blackpool, making over 100 appearances for the club. In 1982, he returned to Ireland to sign for Shamrock Rovers. He spent two seasons with Rovers, winning the League of Ireland title in 1984.

International Career

Collins made his international debut for Ireland in 1982. He went on to win 59 caps for his country, scoring 12 goals. He represented Ireland at two major tournaments, the 1988 European Championship and the 1990 World Cup.

Management Career

After retiring from playing, Collins moved into management. He has managed a number of clubs in both Ireland and England, including Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, Waterford United, and Torquay United. He has also had brief spells in charge of the Ireland U21 team and the Irish women's national team.

Controversies

Collins's career has been marked by controversy. He has been involved in a number of disputes with players, managers, and journalists. In 2005, he was sacked as manager of Shamrock Rovers after a public falling-out with the club's owner. In 2012, he was banned from football for two months by the Football Association of Wales for making homophobic comments.

Legacy

Despite the controversies, Roddy Collins remains a popular figure in Irish football. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. He is also credited with helping to develop the careers of a number of young Irish players.

Collins's career is a testament to both his talent and his determination. He has overcome adversity to achieve success in both playing and management. He is a true Irish football legend.

• Roddy Collins is a former Irish professional footballer and manager.
• He played for a number of clubs in England, Ireland, and Northern Ireland during his 18-year playing career.
• He won the League of Ireland title with Shamrock Rovers in 1984.
• He made 59 appearances for Ireland, scoring 12 goals.
• He has managed a number of clubs in both Ireland and England, including Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, Waterford United, and Torquay United.
• He has also had brief spells in charge of the Ireland U21 team and the Irish women's national team.
• He has been involved in a number of controversies throughout his career.
• He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
• He is a true Irish football legend.