Wes Hoolahan
With the possible exception of Wilf Mannion almost 70 years ago, no player has made a greater impact on Cambridge United in a brief period of time than Wes Hoolahan.
Just as Mannion, over the course of two seasons, inspired his teammates with a style and class of play that was formed in the very top levels of football, so Wes brought the best out of his colleagues between 2020 and 2022.
Wes earned 43 caps for Ireland – no U’s player has ever gained more international recognition.
And, although he played in just 66 United matches, scoring eight times, it will be almost impossible for anyone to come close to matching the influence he had on those around him.
Playing no more than once a week as the rigours of a long, brilliant career – notably with Norwich City – began to tell, he displayed a prodigious work rate and magic moments in equal measure. Teammates couldn’t help but be inspired as Wes, linking midfield and attack in glorious style, helped United to promotion from League Two in 2020-21 and saw them established a division higher last season.
Opponents, maddened by the sheer class of his runs, feints, defence-shearing passes, nudges and flicks, were the only ones sighing with relief when Wes decided this summer that it was time to spend more time on the golf course.
With the possible exception of Wilf Mannion almost 70 years ago, no player has made a greater impact on Cambridge United in a brief period of time than Wes Hoolahan.
Just as Mannion, over the course of two seasons, inspired his teammates with a style and class of play that was formed in the very top levels of football, so Wes brought the best out of his colleagues between 2020 and 2022.
Wes earned 43 caps for Ireland – no U’s player has ever gained more international recognition.
And, although he played in just 66 United matches, scoring eight times, it will be almost impossible for anyone to come close to matching the influence he had on those around him.
Playing no more than once a week as the rigours of a long, brilliant career – notably with Norwich City – began to tell, he displayed a prodigious work rate and magic moments in equal measure. Teammates couldn’t help but be inspired as Wes, linking midfield and attack in glorious style, helped United to promotion from League Two in 2020-21 and saw them established a division higher last season.
Opponents, maddened by the sheer class of his runs, feints, defence-shearing passes, nudges and flicks, were the only ones sighing with relief when Wes decided this summer that it was time to spend more time on the golf course.