Jeff Blair

LOCAL LEGENDS SERIES - JEFF BLAIR Jeff started his career with Chimney Corner where he created a reputation that was soon to be highly respected in the local Irish footballing circle. Jeff was then approached by Ballymena United whom he played for a number of times enjoying starring alongside some of the best players he says he ever seen, namely Arthur Stewart to whom Jeff always held in high footballing stead. Jeff then moved to Crusaders and in doing so played vs Liverpool and on the night had the tempestuous job of marking the great Kenny Dalglish. Jeff hounded Kenny and as you can see in the picture, Dalglish was only to glad to pass the ball back and stop Jeff snapping around his heels. Jeff also played in European competition many times travelling to Italy, Belgium and a number of other countries in return ties . On the local front Jeff Blair was for me the man that broke me in tow. He collected many playing awards like player of the month for all the clubs he played for. Coming from a family steeped in footballing the folklore of Harryville and Ballymena , Jeff represented himself on the field with his heart on his sleeve. Giving a guaranteed 100% each and every time, accountability was a normal thing for a man who when on the field of play must have been a pleasure to play with.

TEN QUESTIONS 1 - Teams you played for ? Chimney Corner, Ballymena United Glenavon, Crusader, Carrick Rangers. 2. - Best team played for ? Glenavon 3 - Best team ever played against? P S V Eindhoven 4 - Best pitch ever played on? Stade Maurice Dufrasne Standard Liege, Belgium. 5 - Your Best ever X1 (played with) ? Willy Lennox, Nigel Worthington, Sammy McAuley, Allen Campbell, Arthur Stewart, Jim Harvey, David Neill, Stanley Sheppard, Paul Malone, Steven Penney and Fergy McKelvey 7 - Best player ever played against? Harry Lubse PSV 8 - Best player you ever seen in BSML ? My Brother George Blair R.I.P 9 - One memory ? Running on to look at a player with an injury and pulling my hamstring , I was totally affronted hahahaha. 10 - Advice to young lads today. Enjoy every minute