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While the mention of Jim Beglin's name is unlikely to stir the passions
of Liverpool supporters in quite the same way talk of Alan Hansen or
Mark Lawrenson will, one feels that had fate dealt the Irish full-back a
better hand, his name could have been held in similarly high esteem.
Brought to Anfield from Shamrock Rovers for £20, 000 by Bob Paisley -
the legendary manager's last ever signing for the club - in the spring
of 1983, the 19-year-old Irish defender was regarded to be a hot
prospect for the future. While Beglin would never feature in a Paisley
side, he was gradually phased into the team by Joe Fagan in late 1984,
being named as an unused substitute in a number of domestic and European
games before finally being called up for his full debut in November
1984 Ð a 1-1 draw at home to Southampton.
Over the next six months
Beglin was used only sparingly in the side, unable to replace Alan
Kennedy as Liverpool's regular left back, although he did score the
first of his three goals for Liverpool in a 3-0 win against West Ham in
May 1984. When Kenny Dalglish was appointed Reds' manager just before
the start of the 1985-86 season, Beglin's career took an all to rare
turn for the better. Kennedy was sold, leaving the left-back role free
for Jim and the Irishman didn't disappoint, making 53 first team
appearances as Liverpool enjoyed one of their most successful seasons
ever, winning the League and FA Cup double, and reaching the semi-final
of the Milk Cup, while he also won the first of his 15 caps for the
Republic of Ireland against China.
However, the 1985-86 season would
prove to be the zenith of Beglin's career. Just seven months after
helping Liverpool win the FA Cup against Merseyside rivals Everton, Jim
broke his leg against the same opponents following a challenge with Gary
Stevens. By the time Beglin had fully recovered from the break, and
then got over a knee cartilage injury sustained playing for Liverpool's
reserves, he found himself behind Steve Nicol, Barry Venison, David
Burrows and Gary Ablett in the full-back pecking order. The Irishman
failed to make a single league appearance during the 87/88 and 88/89
seasons and moved on to Leeds United on a free transfer in July 1989,
after making a total of 90 appearances for the Reds. Beglin made 19
league appearances for the Yorkshire club, before a reoccurrence of his
knee injury led to him retiring from professional football aged just 27.
(David Fuller)
1980–1983 Shamrock Rovers 58 (1)
1983–1989 Liverpool 98 (2)
1989–1991 Leeds United 19 (1)
1989–1990 Plymouth Argyle (loan) 5 (0)
1990–1991 Blackburn Rovers (loan) 6 (0)
Total 186 (4 goals)
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