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Barney Bowers
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Its
amazing to think that after all the injuries sustained
during his career, that Barney was still part of the Glentoran
squad at 36, indeed but for those two broken legs and
a fractured cheekbone Barney would
have been the record holder
for Glentoran appearances. |
Despite missing
so much Barney has still amassed
over 500 appearances since joining from Derby County in
August 1981. As an 18 year old Barney slipped
through the Glentoran scouting network, only to be signed
by Cliftonville. Inthose days Barney was a midfielder,
and earned rave reviews, for his all action play. Such
was his talent that Derby manager Tommy Doherty signed
him for £25,000. However, although he was at the
Baseball Ground for nearly threeseasons he never made
a competitive 1st team appearance. |
Despite an
offer from Swindon Town, Barney opted to
return to Belfast, and join his boyhood favourites at
the Oval. |
Along with
Paterson, Cleary, Jameson, Blackledge etc.
Barney played his part during our trophy winning sides
of the mid-eighties. Goals have also played their part
in Barney's game with over 100 during his time. Who could
forget his free kick in the last minute against Standard
Leige or the winning goal in the last minute of the Gold
Cup Final against Cliftonville in 1991. |
Over the
seasons though Barney has spent a lot of
time as a sweeper leding a cool head in the heart of the
defense. No matter where Barney has played for
Glentoran his commitment to the team has never dwained. |
A whole
hearted player, who gained just reward in 1992
when he led Glentoran to the League title, the only medal
he had previously not won in the Irish League,
having missed out on a medal during our double year,
when out with a broken leg. A well deserved honour for
truly one of the great Glentoran players. |
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Debut v Dundalk 0-0 (H) August 1981
Appearances
1981-82 44 + 4 goals
1982-83 37 + 12 goals
1983-84 51 + 16 goals
1984-85 50 + 18 goals
1985-86 22 + 7 goals
1986-87 28 + 5 goals
1987-88 18 + 3 goals
1988-89 35 + 3 goals
1989-90 54 + 1 as sub + 7 goals
1990-91 42 + 1 as sub + 3 goals
1991-92 37 + 2 as sub + 7 goals
1992-93 40 + 6 goals
1993-94 39 + 1 as sub + 10 goals
1994-95 20 + 1 as sub + 3 goals
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