John "Jobby" Crossan

John Crossan (born 28 November 1938 in Derry, Northern Ireland), commonly known as Jobby or Johnny Crossan, is an author, radio sports analyst, entrepreneur and former Northern Irish footballer who began his career in the red and white stripes of Derry City FC. Crossan played as an inside forward. After a couple of seasons, Jobby signed for Coleraine FC.

In 1959, the unforgiving centre-half signed for Sparta Rotterdam, where he was first called up to the Northern Ireland squad. He went from there to Standard Liège, where he played in the semi-final of the European Cup against Real Madrid. In 1963, Jobby returned to football in the UK (following the lifting of his 'life-time' ban) when he was signed by Sunderland AFC, with whom he made it to the old First Division. He then signed for Manchester City F.C. who were playing in the old Second Division. As team-captain, he helped them make their way into the old First Division, before being sold to Middlesbrough F.C. following a loss of form following a car crash and other health problems. Internationally, he was capped 24 times and scored 10 goals.

After his playing days, Jobby had a spell in management and took the top job at League of Ireland club, Sligo Rovers. He resigned soon after.

He also commentates for BBC Radio Foyle when they cover Derry City games.

External links

* [http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=10365 Sporting Hero's biography]