Andy Linighan

Linighan was born in Hartlepool into a footballing family: his father, Brian Linighan, and his brothers David and Brian were also professional footballers. He first played for his local side, Hartlepool United, before he signed for Leeds United in 1984. He spent two season at Elland Road, being part of the team which narrowly missed out on promotion to the First Division in his first season there and then signed for Oldham Athletic. In March 1988, a 25-year-old Linighan finally arrived on the First Division scene when Oldham sold him to Norwich City for £350,000. A tall, imposing centre back, Linighan became notable for his calm performances in defence for Norwich, who finished fourth in the league and reached the FA Cup semi-finals in his first full season with them. He was then signed by George Graham for Arsenal in a £1.2 million deal in July 1990. Linighan had been very reluctant to leave Norwich, but was told by then-chairman Robert Chase that he was being sold. Linighan mainly played as backup to England international defenders Tony Adams and Steve Bould in his first season, in which Arsenal won the First Division. Linighan managed to put in 10 league appearances, which were enough for him to earn a winners medal. His biggest moment for the club came at the end of the 1992–93 season. Linighan was victorious as he lifted the League Cup as Arsenal beat Sheffield Wednesday 2–1 in the final at Wembley. Arsenal again met Wednesday of whom they faced in the final of the FA…

After his playing days came to an end, Linighan became the owner of a plumbing company.

Arsenal

Football League First Division: 1990–91 FA Cup: 1992–93 Football League Cup: 1992–93 FA Charity Shield: 1991 (shared) European Cup Winners' Cup: 1993–94; runner-up: 1994–95 Crystal Palace

Football League First Division play-offs: 1997 Individual

Crystal Palace Player of the Year: 1999–2000