Ian Harte is perhaps the best emblem of Leeds United's troubled recent past. Much like many of David O'Leary's "babies", he had a wonderfully exuberant start to his career, taking on the elite of Europe before fading away into normality. In that peak season of 2000-01, Harte scored 11 goals from left-back, as he had become Leeds' designated free-kick and penalty taker. Altogether Harte scored 39 goals for the club in 288 appearances, including being part of the wonderful run to the semi-finals, scoring a free-kick against Deportivo La Coruna. Also he had a fantastic record at Highbury, scoring there against Arsenal in three straight seasons. After experiencing relegation with Leeds in 2004, the Irishman embarked on a Spanish voyage, joining Levante. However, despite a goal on his debut, he experienced an injury-interrupted campaign, and in Harte's absence the club were relegated. Life in Spain's second tier was kind to Harte, and he scored ten goals altogether while in Spain. In his later career he had a particularly eye-catching season at Carlisle, ending the 2009-10 season as the club's top goalscorer with 18 goals from defence. His form continued at Championship side Reading, and he ended the following season with 13 goals in all competitions. Currently at Bournemouth, Harte's career is now winding down at the age of 36, and he is without a goal in two years. Also worthy of note was his 12 goals in only 63 appearances for the Republic of Ireland - a strike-rate better than many midfielders.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.
