Billy Behan

Billy Behan

Personal information
Full name	William Behan
Date of birth	(1911-08-08)8 August 1911
Place of birth	Dublin,Ireland
Date of death	11 November 1991(1991-11-11)(aged 80)
Position(s)	Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1930–1931	Shamrock Rovers	?	(?)
1931–1933	Shelbourne	?	(?)
1933–1934	Manchester United	1	(0)
1934	Shelbourne	?	(?)
1934–1936	Shamrock Rovers	?	(?)
Managerial career
1953–1954	Drumcondra
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

William Behan(8 August 1911 – 12 November 1991) was anIrishfootballerwho played as agoalkeeperforShelbourne,Shamrock RoversandManchester Unitedduring the 1930s.

He made his Rovers debut on 8 February 1931 in a 5–1 win overBray UnknownsatMilltown.In his first season, he won theFAI Cup.

Behan signed for Manchester United in September 1933, along with fellow IrishmanDavid Byrne- they were the first players from thesouth of Irelandto play for the club in over a decade.

He made his United debut in anEnglish Second Divisionhome game againstBuryon 3 March 1934. The following July, he briefly returned to Shelbourne before again returning to Rovers. Over the next two seasons, he won another FAI Cup and a League of Ireland Shield. His last game for the Hoops was on 23 August 1936 in a Shield win over Drumcondra.

After his retirement as a player he became a respected referee and was in charge of the1943 FAI CupFinal. He then managedDrumcondrain the 1950s where he won theFAI Cupagain.

Behan subsequently became United's chief scout in theRepublic of Irelandand is credited with discovering, among others,Johnny Carey,Liam Whelan,Tony Dunne,Don Givens,Kevin MoranandPaul McGrath.He also served as vice chairman of theDalkey-basedLeinster Senior Leagueteam, Dalkey United and it was through this association that he discovered McGrath.

Behan's father, William Sr., was one of the founder members of Shamrock Rovers. His brothers John and Paddy also played for Rovers. His son William junior kept goal for Rovers side also for a spell. His second cousin wasBob Fullam.

Billy's grandson Philip Behan is the former Head of International Football at the Football Association of Ireland and is now a UEFA and FIFA Agent organising friendly international matches and tournaments around the world.

Billy died in November 1991 at the age of 80.

Honours

As a player

Shamrock Rovers

• FAI Cup(2): 1931, 1936
• League of Ireland Shield(1): 1934–35

As a manager

Drumcondra

• FAI Cup(1): 1954

Sources

• McGrath, Paul;Hogan, Vincent(2006),Back From the Brink,Arrow,ISBN978-0-09-949955-8
• The Boys In Green – The FAI International Story(1997): Sean Ryan
• The Hoopsby Paul Doolan and Robert Goggins (ISBN0-7171-2121-6)

External links

• Profileat MUFCInfo.com
• Bill Behanat WorldFootball.net