David Linighan

David Linighan (born 9 January 1965) is an English former professional footballer who played as a defender from 1982 until 2002.

He notably spent time in the Premier League with Ipswich Town and in the Scottish Premier League with Dunfermline Athletic. He also played in the Football League for Hartlepool United, Derby County, Shrewsbury Town, Blackpool, Mansfield Town and Chester City. He also had spells in Non-league with Southport and Hyde United.

Born in Hartlepool, County Durham, Linighan began his career at Hartlepool in 1982 as a 17-year-old. He remained at Victoria Park for four years, making close to 100 league appearances for the club.

After a brief spell at Derby County in 1986, he joined Shrewsbury Town for a £30,000 fee. In two years with the Shrews, Linighan made 65 league appearances, scoring one goal.

Linighan joined Ipswich Town in 1988 for £300,000, and it was at Portman Road that he would spend the majority of his career. In eight years, he made 277 league appearances, netting twelve goals.

In 1995, Linighan was signed by Sam Allardyce to join up with his Blackpool team. He played under three managers during his three years at Bloomfield Road, the others being Gary Megson and Nigel Worthington, scoring five goals in a century of league appearances.

Scottish club Dunfermline Athletic came in for the defender's services in 1998, and he moved north of the border for what proved to be just one game. During his time with the Pars, he was loaned to Mansfield Town, whom he would join on a permanent basis in 1999.

In 2000, Linighan moved into non-league football with Southport and Chester City, before a short spell with Hyde United in 2002 where he made eleven appearances, before retiring.

Linighan is one of three footballing brothers, the other two being Andy and Brian. He now works as a carpenter.