Personal Stats for Ian Harte:
DOB: 31st August 1977
Birthplace: Drogheda
Height: 5'9"


Profile

The arrival of Danny Granville from Chelsea in the summer of 1998 and a determined effort by Ian to get himself super fit in the close season, saw Harte beat off the challenge of the £1.6M former Blues star and fully establish himself as United's first choice left back.
After an impressive pre-season campaign, Ian started the first Premiership game at Middlebrough and never looked back, going onto improve month by month and score some superb goals in the process, culminating in his strike against Derby at Elland Road in April being voted Leeds' Goal of the Season.
The 21 year old Republic of Ireland international then wasted little time before agreeing anew four year contract with United, that will keep him at Elland Road until 2003.
After George Graham departed to Spurs, Harte continued to impress under new boss David O'Leary and became a vital cog in United's exciting young side.
Ironically at the same time he was appearing regularly as a centre half for the Republic of Ireland, his early career at Leeds stuttered and up until late in the 97/98 season he had actually accumulated more Irish caps to his name than first team appearances at Elland Road.
Injury to David Robertson opened the door to the first team again, in February 1998 and Hartey grabbed his chance with both hands, with a series of fine performances at left back in an uninterrupted 12 game run through to the end of the season.
Hampered to a degree by a lack of pace against the quickest wingers, and a lack of inches against the tallest strikers it seems uncertain whether Hartey will find his long term future at left back or centre back.
On the positive side his tremendous power with either foot, means that he is capable of switching play with a booming 60 yard pass, and for someone who is ostensibly a defender he will end his career with a healthy tally of goals.
Now expected to form part of the United rearguard for some time to come.


Career Stats:

Squad No. 3 Position: Left Back

Date Signed: 15th December 1995

Signed from: Trainee

Transfer fee: None

International Honours: Rep Of Ireland Full/U21 Previous Clubs: None