Mal Donaghy

Club career

Originally from West Belfast, began his football career as a goalkeeper with little-known Down and Connor League side team St. Agnes', before moving on to play as an outfield player for works team Post Office Social Club. After barely six months, he was on the move again, this time joining Amateur League side Cromac Albion, where his blossoming talent was spotted by Larne manager Brian Halliday. Donaghy's rapid rise in the game continued when, after just 20 matches with the Inver Park club, he was transferred to Luton Town in June 1978 for a fee of £20,000. He spent ten years at Luton Town, overseeing the most successful era of their history to date. He collected a Second Division title winner's medal in 1982, enabling him to experience First Division football for the first time yet. He helped Luton retain their First Division status, and was a key part of the team that finished a club record high of seventh in the 1986–87 season. In 1987–88, he helped Luton win their first major trophy as they achieved a shock 3–2 win over Arsenal in the 1988 Football League Cup Final. In October 1988, Donaghy departed from Kenilworth Road in a £650,000 move to his boyhood heroes Manchester United. It was at the time a big risk for Alex Ferguson to pay out a large sum of money for a 31-year-old, but Donaghy repaid the United manager's faith in him with some consistent performances in not only his favoured central defensive position but also as a full-back. Immediately…

Club

Luton Town League Cup: 1987–88 Manchester United European Cup Winners Cup: 1990–91 FA Charity Shield: 1990 European Super Cup: 1991

International

Northern Ireland British Home Championship: 1979–80, 1983–84