PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL IS littered with tales of unfulfilled dreams — promising careers ruined by injury, misfortune or poor decision-making.
Keeping that in mind, Enda Stevens’s rejuvenation is particularly heartening.
The Dubliner may still be some distance from a return to the Premier League fishbowl but he’s in a good headspace right now — playing for a re-awakening giant of the English game, and being singled out for praise on a regular basis.
Like any footballer who has tasted the razzmatazz of England’s top flight, he still salivates over the thought of a Premier League return.
For now though, he’s looking forward to playing in a higher division next season, under a manager he has huge respect for, and perhaps most importantly, he finally feels wanted by his employer.
What’s more, he will line out for Portsmouth tomorrow evening knowing that by 8pm there’s a chance, albeit it a slim one, he could have a League Two winner’s medal around his neck.
The former Aston Villa defender has been making waves on England’s south coast since joining Pompey in the summer of 2015, being named Player of the Year by his peers in his first season.
From the outside looking in the 26-year-old seems to be in contention to repeat that feat in his second campaign, being one of three Portsmouth players named in the League Two Team of the Year, alongside Ireland international goalkeeper David Forde and centre-half Christian Burgess.
A mainstay in the division’s meanest defence for the last two seasons, the left-back has safely navigated a trying spell of his career, under the tuition of former Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook.
There is a peculiar symmetry between the journey of Stevens and that of his current employers.
Stevens’s meteoric rise, from the League of Ireland to a Premier League starter in 11 months, came to a sharp halt — loan spells at Notts County, Northampton Town and Doncaster Rovers (twice) preceded his eventual release by Villa in 2015.
But his troubles had nothing on Portsmouth, the club that suffered near extinction, and relegation three times in four seasons — less than five years after winning the FA Cup, playing European football and establishing themselves as Premier League regulars.
Securing promotion to League One three weeks ago meant a lot to Stevens, who played against both Manchester clubs and Arsenal during his seven Premier League appearances for Villa in a two-month spell during the 2012/13 season. But for Portsmouth fans, the move up a tier meant the world.
“Just to see the final whistle going and the fans invade the pitch, there were fans crying on the pitch, crying in your arms and you just realise this means so much to them. It was great to be a part of that,” Stevens tells The42 ahead of his concluding game of the season against Cheltenham tomorrow evening (5.30pm kick-off).
The fans down here are just desperate for success. The last seven years have been horrible for them and we’re just happy that we could bring them that bit of success. Hopefully it will continue.
“The Notts County game I think we took 5,000 fans away from home, which is phenomenal.”
The joy of the occasion also pierced Stevens on a personal level, it being his first taste of success in England since joining Villa from Rovers at the start of 2012.
Stevens’s slide from the top is one many footballers have struggled with, plenty never to be heard of again.
His success at Portsmouth has helped put those difficult final few years at Villa to bed, and now he feels like he’s playing the best football of his career.
“I went through a phase where… I had one season you could say at Villa where I was involved, only for a few months where I actually played.
“I got an injury then and when I came back I never really performed to the standard that I had before and you don’t get that many chances at the top.
“I kind of just got pushed back even further where I wasn’t involved at all but I still had two years left on my contract.
I had to go out on loan. I enjoyed my loan spells but they’re tough.
“You’re doing a lot of travelling, you don’t feel like a part of the squad. You’re only on loan and you know at the end of the season that you’re just going back to Aston Villa.
“There’s nothing at the end for you. That’s probably the toughest thing about it.”
At the age of 21, the Drimnagh native seemed to have the world at his feet.
After making his Premier League debut as a substitute away at Sunderland in November 2012, he found himself facing esteemed attackers in United duo Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney in his first start — a 3-2 defeat at home, with Red Devils substitute ‘Chicharito’ bagging a match-winning brace for the eventual league champions.
A 5-0 defeat at Manchester City the following weekend extended Stevens’s deep-end initiation, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero each claiming doubles.
A respectable 0-0 draw at home to an Arsenal side containing the likes of Olivier Giroud, Andrei Arshavin and Lukas Podolski followed seven days later before Stevens’s four-game Premier League induction came to an abrupt halt when going over on his ankle after 24 minutes against Reading.
“It’s what every footballer dreams of doing and I was lucky enough to play against those teams,” recalls Stevens.
“The Man United game is probably the most nervous I’ve been before a game but after that you settle down and you kind of just feel like that’s where you belong.
“It’s up to you to maintain that level of performance and I didn’t do that.
“I got injured against Reading and I never really came back the player that I was.
“You don’t get that many chances up there and the situation we were in — we were fighting relegation — understandably so.
“You can see yourself falling further and further down the pecking order and it just became a case of me having to prove myself again.”
Back at square one, Stevens was sent on the road to prove himself.
“It’s hard, I came over here on my own and I was dropped into a big club like Villa.
“I got a lot of help, don’t get me wrong, they helped me massively settling in and that. But it’s tough when you’re not playing on Saturdays, you go training and then you’ve got the whole weekend to yourself.
“You’re just at home watching the games. I was so used to playing at Shamrock Rovers and you’ve got to come through that.
My first experience of going on loan was at Notts County. I played there and then I broke my toe in training after my second game.
“So I ended up back at Villa, back at the same place again, not playing, just sitting at home watching all of the games. Watching ‘Soccer Saturday’ on Sky Sports.
“It’s tough but I don’t think I ever doubted myself to a degree of having to come back to Ireland. I just thought I was in a sticky situation at the time.
“Then I went to Doncaster the following year and I enjoyed myself playing in the Championship and it was a massive learning curve.
“It was my first real taste of how demanding the football over in England can be, and it took me a while to get to grips with that.”
When Portsmouth came knocking two years ago with their sales pitch, Stevens didn’t need much convincing.
The club’s previous off-field problems weren’t an issue. With their solid fan base and a manager like Cook about to take the reins, it was a no-brainer for a 25-year-old seeking to reinvent himself.
“Once they came in for me I spoke to the agent and they just talked about the fans they get in for home games. They were smashing 17,000 I think and they finished 16th in League Two that season,” the former Ireland U21 international recalls.
“And obviously with the added incentive of Paul Cook going there. Knowing the success he’s had with Chesterfield in League Two (promotion) and Chesterfield in League One (sixth-place finish), you know you’re going in and playing under a successful manager.”
The ever-growing Irish contingent at Portsmouth is an added bonus. Fellow Dubliner Michael Doyle was made club captain after also arriving in the summer of 2015 while the addition of Forde (on loan from Millwall) and Noel Hunt this season has been welcome, although the latter has been out of action since dislocating his shoulder against Hartlepool at the start of last month.
Doyler was here the first year I signed. I knew of Doyler but everyone knew of Doyler, he’s played about 700 competitive games in England.
“He’s played that many games — he’s just a born winner, he’s a born captain and he’s great to have in the team.
“We got Fordey in this season, and the same as Doyler, he just adds so much experience, the will to win.
“They’re both in their mid-30s and their desire to play every game is phenomenal. They never want to miss a game, never want to miss training, and they’ve just added so much to our squad.
“Hunty came in and he’s been great for the strikers, he’s been unlucky not to play many games this season but he’s contributed to helping the young lads. He’s definitely got a future as a coach, I can tell you that.”
Portsmouth has already become a home away from home for the affable Dubliner, however with ongoing takeover talks with American billionaire Michael Eisner the priority Stevens is yet to extend his deal with Pompey beyond this summer.
He insists he’d like to stay on but says the off-field stuff can wait, his focus is on claiming the three points when Cheltenham visit Fratton Park tomorrow evening.
If they do that and make it 10 wins from their final 12 games, Plymouth lose at Grimbsy, and Doncaster fail to win at Hartlepool, Cook’s side will cap a remarkable season with the League Two trophy.
Contract or no contract, Stevens knows his career is on an upward curve once again. And that’s something worth celebrating with his eight family members who are travelling over for tomorrow’s game.
“I feel I’m playing my best football since coming to England. And that comes down to being settled, and being at a club that actually wants you and values you as a player.
“That’s just down to that really and working hard. I’ve learned a lot over the past five years.”
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Ciaran McDonald would be well up there?
Should be top of the list.
top of the list without a doubt
Johnny doyle nearly dragged kildare to Sam in 2010 all by himself,1-52 on his own,best footballer not to win one,one of most honest footballers aswel
Declan Browne, Tipperary, wonderful footballer, definitely should be up there with the best.
Benny coulter
Ciaràn Carey. Without doubt.
2 All Ireland losses.
3 All Stars.
2 Munster Titles.
Iconic score V Clare in ’96.
And Ollie Moran, class act.
Gary Kirby?
If I could give this comment the thumbs up another 100 times I would. Ciaran Carey was gifted
Ken McGrath… Maybe didn’t have the longevity of Tony but an exceptional natural talent… Considering he must be one of the few intercounty hurlers to have played in every line barring goals where i’m sure he would have done a job…
John Mullane?
Matty Forde – genius
Lionel Messi, by a mile.
I was thinking Stevie G myself.
Dermot Early Sr.
Even Mick O Dwyer said that the Roscommon team of the late 70′s were the team that should have beaten the great Kerry team. Early was arguably the best of his generation, even compared to the Kerry and dub greats of the time.
Ciaran McDonald
Easy one for me, Kieran Mc Donald
Has to be Ciaran Carey. Loosing two Finals in ’94 and’ 96 to offaly and wexford. A true warrior and leader on the field. His late score against Clare has to be one of TV’s greatest GAA sporting moments.
Anthony Lynch in the football. Great servant for Cork and very unlucky never to win an All-Ireland medal.
Ciarán Carey or Ollie Canning in the hurling.
Lynch got one in 2010 as a sub
Oh I never realised that. I thought he was out injured that year.
Yea lynch was a super corner back, tenacious
Colin Corkery for me.
Tony McManus of Clann na nGael and Roscommon. Lost too many, deserved at least 1 of 6. (Lost 5 All Ireland Club Finals and one with Roscommon)
Paul Flynn Ken McGrath John Mullane (Waterford) Ciaran Carey Gary Kirby Mark Foley Ollie Moran (Limerick)
Dermot earley senior or Gerry o malley would have to have a strong shout.
Ciaran Carey for Limerick hurling…class act
Probably being biased.ciaran Whealen?
Was he not in his first year in 95?
Joined in 96 actually.
I don’t see how going missing constantly in big games qualifies him as the greatest player never to win an All Ireland.
R u mad? Totally over rated. Declan Browne and Leighton Glynn should get a mention
So do hillybillies not think ciaran whelan deserved AI medal ?
Sorry Leighton Glynn is a good footballer butim not sure he stands out from the crowd that much. Ciaran McDonald from mayo? John galvin from limerick was a super midfielder too
a legend
John galvin yeah a good shout. Sean Marty Lockhart as well
Ciaran Carey hurling
Ciaran Whelan football
Sambo McNaughton, a very skilful player, as good as any of his generation, played the game during very difficult times, told stories of UVF road blocks on way home from training, taking his hurls etc.
Val Daly brilliant player during 80′s and early 90′s.
Surprised I have not seen John Galvin yet.
Here’s my go at a football team. Only players I’ve seen live or on video so nobody pre 1980ish and most are from 1990 onwards. Hard to pick out only 6 forwards,
GK
Gary Connachton, Westmeath
Backs
Seamus Clancy, Clare
Pat Holmes, Mayo.
Sean Marty Lockhart, Derry
Antony Rainbow, Kildare
James Nallen, Mayo
Coman Goggins, Dublin
Midfield
D Early Sr, Roscommon
Plunket Donaghy, Tyrone
Forwards
B Coulter, Down
C McDonald, Mayo
Eamon o Hara, Sligo
Dec Brown, Tipp
Liam McHale, Mayo
J Doyle, Kildare
Liam Mchale full forward, I like it.
How in the name of God can you leave out Willie Joe Padden from that midfield?? Ronaldson and McStay would also get in miles before McHale.
Michael Meehan
Silly question. Pick a team in both codes, that would be more interesting
You’re welcome to do that if you like Simon, that’s the beauty on a open thread.
My point is we can all mention someone in both hurling and football. Just think it would be fun to pick two teams, no offence!
Oh I know that, what I’m saying – and I think we’re in agreement on this – is that if enough people contribute different players in different positions, we could make a starting XV for both codes.
Will keep an eye on it. Working out my ow two teams!
Val daly Galway.
Nudie Hughes Monaghan, 2 Allstars, 3 Ulsters,
Connie Murphy the greatest kerry footballer not to win an all ireland with his county, he did win the club all ireland with crokes in 92, he was a brilliant servant to the county during the lean years
Brendan Murphy, Carlow! Still playing but has never and will never win an all Ireland playing for carlow.
Hurling Iggy Clarke, 3 All stars, National League, U21 All Ireland, on the losing side in 3 All Ireland senior hurling finals, missed out through injury when Galway won in 80.
Ollie Canning, Ken McGrath,Sean Stack,Joe Rabbitte,John Mullane,Seamus Durack also come to mind.
Iggy Clarke has an All Ireland medal
Ciarian Whelan
He shied away when it mattered man. He never stepped up against the likes Darragh O’Se, John McDermott and Paul McGrane (he did score a great goal against Armagh in 2002) when the we needed him the most.
Tony Browne by a mile
Ciaran Whelan
There’s a thumbs up for ya Karl. I think you’ll be a while waiting for a second one on this site!
Ciarán Whelan, Jack Sheedy, Declan Browne, Mattie Forde,…. the list is endless.
Without doubt one man that should be on the list us Roscommon’s Dermot Early snr. Probably the best midfielder of his generation with a couple of Allstars to his name…..
http://www.hoganstand.com/Mayo/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=80292.
Article from 1993 about John Nallen of Mayo, Galway, Meath and Cavan. Was never able to make then final step and win an elusive all Ireland title.
I wish old people had smartphones – they’d laugh at all these suggestions from the last 30 years. In Offaly hurling, people talk about Paddy Molloy from the 60s. Must be the same in football for Armagh, Tyrone, Donegal etc.
Joe Canning…probably!
Kieren Mcdonald. …. would thread the ball through the eye of a needle, Mac would work wonders today with our attacking half back line…
#2006 winning score V Dublin will live long in the memory
Yea I was on the hill that day James, super point from Ciaran, magician. The man took serious abuse as well and never responded
ciaran Carey and benny coulter
Mark Carpenter, Carlow, Was a brilliant footballer and Was instrumental in Carlow O’Byrne cup win all the way back in 2000.
Ciaran o sullivan great wing back
BOD definately!!!!!
BOD is a rugby player so can’t see him ever fitting in on the gaa football or hurling scene.
For me it has to be Matty Forde – Wexford .Pure genius. Could kick scores all day long and was phenomenal in that run to all Ireland semi finals In 2008.
Dermot Mc Cabe from Cavan was a top class midfielder. Good midfielder with buckets of talent and a massive workrate..
Setanta O Halpin
Keith Higgins – Mayo
PAUL FYLNN!!
As a huge Kilkenny supporter in south Kilkenny and going to school in waterford(getting all the banter in there with waterford supporters) I was literally made to be against Waterford and constantly make little of anything they did,but Paul in my eyes was the most perfect example of the way a person should play the game.He was just unreal,had everthing.I respect him just as much as Henry and Brian Cody.As much as he was praised he was still really unrated and never have I seen him loose his temper on the pitch.
Frank McGuigan-Tyrone. His 11 points from play against Armagh in the 84 Ulster final was a thing of sheer class. 5 with the left, 5 with the right and 1 with the fist.
David Russell Clare
some great players from 1950/1960s like Mickey Kearns, Sligo;Packie McGarty, Leitim; Gerry O Malley ,Roscommon- latter county also had later greats like Dermot Early and Tony McManus.
Joe Kavanagh and Colin Corkery at inter county level. Have won club AI’s to be fair but no inter county All Ireland
The great Ted Joyce from carlow. The last surviving link to the Carlow team which won the county’s lone Leinster senior football championship title in 1944, who passed away last February. Joyce, at 20, was the youngest member of the Carlow team who defeated Dublin in Geraldine Park, Athy by 2-6 to 1-6 in the provincial final of ’44. The Borris man played at left half-back.
Get your red thumbs ready my cousin marrying friends. Ciaran Whelan
Aye sure pick two teams there lads and we’ll get them to play against other..
Pat Crowley – Was one of the best footballers i saw for Galway but blighted by injury
Eamon O’hara – Sligo
Forde most lethal footballer I have ever seen and I seen a lot of him!
T.J Kilgannon. centre half back… midfield or centrehalf forward.
Connie Murphy for Kerry, surely a no brainer here!!
Dermot early sr all the way.
HON THE ROSSIES!!!!!!!!!!!!