Paddy Roche

Patrick Joseph Christopher "Paddy" Roche (born 4 January 1951) is an Irish former football goalkeeper.

For the Northern Ireland politician, see Patrick Roche (Northern Ireland politician).

Paddy Roche
Personal information
Full name Patrick Joseph Christopher Roche
Date of birth (1951-01-04) 4 January 1951
Place of birth Dublin, Ireland
Playing position(s) Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1970–1973 Shelbourne 100 apps. 1 goal
1973–1982 Manchester United 46 (0)
1982–1984 Brentford 71 (0)
1984–1989 Halifax Town 189 (0)
1989–1990 Chester City
000 Northwich Victoria
National team
1971–1975 Republic of Ireland 8 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Born in Dublin, Roche started his career with Shelbourne with whom he won the first of his eight full international caps. During his time with Shelbourne he made 100 League of Ireland appearances and scored one league goal. He was on the losing side in the 1973 FAI Cup Final as they lost to Cork Hibernians in a replay. He transferred to Manchester United in 1973 for a fee of £15,000.

Roche made 46 league appearances for United, largely playing second-fiddle to Alex Stepney and then Gary Bailey. In 1982, he transferred to Brentford, before joining Halifax Town two years later. He moved on in 1989 after 184 Football League appearances for the Shaymen, briefly spending time with Chester City as cover for Billy Stewart. However, he left after failing to make any first-team appearances for the Cheshire side. Once retired, he returned to Halifax to take on a role coaching youngsters for their Football in the Community scheme.

Roche's brother Willie played for St. Patrick's Athletic and his nephew Paul played for University College Dublin.

Roche played 8 games for the Republic of Ireland national football team, keeping three clean sheets.[1]

References
  1. "Statistics: Republic of Ireland [Powered by tplSoccerStats]". soccerscene.ie. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  • Paddy Roche at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Database
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