User:Football13579

Iain Gillespie (Footballer)
Iain Gillespie is a footballer from Northern Ireland (Born in Belfast, lives in Ballynahinch). He has played for Linfield, Lisburn Distilery and Northern Ireland Under 16's, 17's and18's. He has also had spells over in England, and in the Republic of Ireland with Leeds United and Shamrock Rovers.

Iain broke many records as a player, first off, at the age of 16 he became the youngest player ever to play for the Under 18's in a Major Competition. Also, at the age of 16 he became the youngest ever captain of an Under 18 Northern Irelans side. He represented Northern Ireland in the 2008 Under 18's European Championships, putting in two Man of the match performances in the group stages. Other records he broke during this Competition were, "Most Penalty Saves" Gillespie saved 3 penalties in open play in the 2008 Tournament. Also "Most Saves in a Single Game" when Gillespie played agianst Denmark he saved 19 shots keeping his team firmly in the game.

His club Career is on an equal par with his International Record, while playing for Linfield he broke the record "Longest Period Without Conceeding" when he went 1,089 mins without conceeding a single goal. Also, while playing with Lisnurn, Iain collected Players Player of the season, Managers player of the season, and Most improved player. This is the first real season where we start to notice Gillespie and his talent and potential.

Standing at aprox. 6ft 2in. he isn't the tallest Keeper in the world, but he makes up for this in bravery, descision making, positioning and his agility. He is known for his tremendous shot stopping ability and his trademark long Goalkeeper throw.

Since making his debut in 2003/04 season Iain Gillespie has caught the eye of many fans, managers and players. Saintfield United Manager Mr. Ross was quoted saying, "Iain is one of the best young players i have ever managed, i hope he goes far." However, in 2010 Iain played his last ever match of Football in The Belfast Youth League Cup Final, where he played out of his skin performing a number of outrageous saves to keep his team in the game and take it to Extra time and then penalties. Iain saved two penalties, and was selected to hit the final penalty with the chance to win it for his team, Gillespie stepped up and cooly slotted the ball into the bottom right hand corner, winning the Cup for him and his team. Maybe this is a fitting end for such a young talent, but everyone that knew him says he could have went on to bigger and better things, who knows, he is still only 18 and teams are still rumoured to be interested in signing in Gillespie, so who knows where this young mans career will end up.