Eamonn Rogers

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Eamonn Rogers (born 16 April 1947) is an Irish former professional football player.

Born in Dublin, he played for Larkview before being offered apprentiship at Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, choosing to begin his career with Blackburn Rovers, following the advice of his farther.

He turned professional at Ewood Park in May 1965 and made his First Division debut in Rovers' 3-2 defeat at Stoke City four months later. A gifted player he could play in many positions with aplomb. Later in his career this would prove more of a hindrance than a blessing.

Often noted as the George Best of the south. He was Rovers' joint top scorer in 1967-68 and 1970-71 seasons. In 1969 he was linked with a move to Manchester City.

At the start of the 1971-72 season manager Ken Furphy, requested Rogers to play at left back Rogers reluctently agreed. When the manager asked Rogers to play in the postion on a regualar basis. Rogers refused and was transfer listed. Rogers made 177 Appearances for Rovers and scored 39 goals in all competitions. In 2006 he was voted into the Rovers fans team of the decade (1960's). He was also shortlisted for a place in the greatest of all time team.

Eventually he made an ill advised move to Charlton Athletic in an exchange deal involving Barry Endean in October 1971. Where he spent two injury hit seasons making 38 appearances in total (excluding a breif loan spell with Nothampton Town). He retired from professional football at the end 1973-74 season aged just 27.

He made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland national football team on 22nd November 1967 in a 2-1 away win over Czechoslovakia and went on to win a total of 19 international caps and scored 5 times.