A Chat with John Aldridge
Credit:
John Aldridge was a magnificent goalscorer for Liverpool and Ireland. “Aldo” won the golden boot five times in his career during which he scored an amazing 474 goals. He won a League medal and an FA Cup medal with Liverpool. He made his debut for Ireland against Wales in Jack Charlton’s first game and went on to play 69 times scoring a total of 19 goals for the Boys in Green from 1986 to 1996.When Player-Manager at Tranmere Rovers, another scouser used to polish his boots, Drogheda United’s latest new signing, Dave Rogers.
How did it happen that you were selected to play for Ireland?
I was playing with Oxford United and scoring goals quite regularly when I was called up by Jack Charlton and his assistant Maurice Setters. They ended up capping my teammate Ray Houghton also as he played a stormer for Oxford on the night .
How do you look back on your career with the Republic of Ireland?
It was like a dream come true from start to finish. To play in the 1988 European Championships and then two successive World Cups in 1990 and 1994 was absolutely phenomenal. I enjoyed every minute of it.
Is it possible to pick out any outstanding highlights of your time with Ireland?
I find it hard to select one individual game. There just were so many memorable moments throughout my career with Ireland. I have so many amazing memories of playing under Jack Charlton, from the very first game to the last!
Photo by Andy McDonnellCan you list out the clubs you played for in your career?
I started off with South Liverpool, then signed for Newport County, Oxford United, Liverpool, Real Sociedad and finished up with Tranmere Rovers.
Did you enjoy your two years in Spain?
Yes I really did as the supporters are really passionate, a bit like the Irish! I was the first non-Basque player to play for them.
You have an unbelievable record of scoring goals, 474 in your career, with an amazing ratio with every club you played for, Newport County- 70 League goals in 170 Games, Oxford United - 72 goals in 114 games, Liverpool - 50 goals in 83 games, Real Sociedad - 33 goals in 63 games and Tranmere Rovers- 138 goals in 243 games.
Yes I’m delighted with my record overall and that I was able to pass out the great Jimmy Greaves!
How do you spend your time away from the game?
I enjoy a game of golf and play regularly with Jason McAteer (ex-Liverpool and Ireland). I also love to watch my local cricket team (Lancashire) and I love to watch them play at Liverpool’s CC grounds! I also love to spend time with my six year old grandson, who’s already showing the knack of hitting the back of the net!
You look like you’re really enjoying yourself since you retired from playing and managing. You told some hilarious stories about Jack Charlton(how mean he was) the drinking after games(and even before games!) Apart from that you were probably the fittest mean on the pitch for the Legends game in Drogheda!!
Yes we really had a fantastic weekend in Drogheda. It was a great turn out from the 1990 World Cup team with Packie Bonner, Ronnie Whelan, Paul McGrath, Jason McAteer, Phil Babb, Kevin Sheedy, Tony Cascarino, Liam O’Brien, Tommy Coyne Alan McLoughlin & the great Charlie O’Leary all turning out.
How did it happen that you were selected to play for Ireland?
I was playing with Oxford United and scoring goals quite regularly when I was called up by Jack Charlton and his assistant Maurice Setters. They ended up capping my teammate Ray Houghton also as he played a stormer for Oxford on the night .
How do you look back on your career with the Republic of Ireland?
It was like a dream come true from start to finish. To play in the 1988 European Championships and then two successive World Cups in 1990 and 1994 was absolutely phenomenal. I enjoyed every minute of it.
Is it possible to pick out any outstanding highlights of your time with Ireland?
I find it hard to select one individual game. There just were so many memorable moments throughout my career with Ireland. I have so many amazing memories of playing under Jack Charlton, from the very first game to the last!
Photo by Andy McDonnell
I started off with South Liverpool, then signed for Newport County, Oxford United, Liverpool, Real Sociedad and finished up with Tranmere Rovers.
Did you enjoy your two years in Spain?
Yes I really did as the supporters are really passionate, a bit like the Irish! I was the first non-Basque player to play for them.
You have an unbelievable record of scoring goals, 474 in your career, with an amazing ratio with every club you played for, Newport County- 70 League goals in 170 Games, Oxford United - 72 goals in 114 games, Liverpool - 50 goals in 83 games, Real Sociedad - 33 goals in 63 games and Tranmere Rovers- 138 goals in 243 games.
Yes I’m delighted with my record overall and that I was able to pass out the great Jimmy Greaves!
How do you spend your time away from the game?
I enjoy a game of golf and play regularly with Jason McAteer (ex-Liverpool and Ireland). I also love to watch my local cricket team (Lancashire) and I love to watch them play at Liverpool’s CC grounds! I also love to spend time with my six year old grandson, who’s already showing the knack of hitting the back of the net!
You look like you’re really enjoying yourself since you retired from playing and managing. You told some hilarious stories about Jack Charlton(how mean he was) the drinking after games(and even before games!) Apart from that you were probably the fittest mean on the pitch for the Legends game in Drogheda!!
Yes we really had a fantastic weekend in Drogheda. It was a great turn out from the 1990 World Cup team with Packie Bonner, Ronnie Whelan, Paul McGrath, Jason McAteer, Phil Babb, Kevin Sheedy, Tony Cascarino, Liam O’Brien, Tommy Coyne Alan McLoughlin & the great Charlie O’Leary all turning out.
About Paul Holland
Paul Holland has been the Half-Time Co-ordinator at Drogheda United for the past five years and has produced two DVDs for the club in 2006 and 2007. Paul is also the Meath & Leinster Co-ordinator … View Full Profile