Willie Donnelly

Irish Footballers that Played for Liverpool - Willie Donnelly

Willie Donnelly - Introduction

Willie Donnelly was born in Magherafelt, County Derry, Northern Ireland in 1872. He was a goalkeeper with a reputation as a good shot-stopper and he is reported to have saved 19 out of 21 penalties while playing for Scottish club Clyde. Donnelly signed from Clyde for Liverpool in May 1896 where he was second-choice keeper behind Harry Storer.

Willie Donnelly & Liverpool

Willie Donnelly made his Liverpool debut on 26 December 1896 against Burnley at Turf Moor. Unfortunately for Donnelly he conceded four goals in a 4-1 defeat.

Despite this the Magherafelt man retained his position between the sticks for the next seven matches. Donnelly kept his first clean sheet against Sheffield United at Anfield on 2 January 1897. He only managed one other clean sheet in his eight appearances for Liverpool. In his last First Division match for the Reds Donnelly shipped six goals as Stoke City thrashed the Merseysiders 6-1 at the Victoria Ground.

Willie Donnelly's last match for Liverpool was a second round FA tie against West Bromwich Albion at Stoney Lane on 13 February 1897. Liverpool won the tie 1-2 through goals n

Willie Donnelly - Ireland Career

There is no record of Willie Donnelly having made any appearances for Ireland at senior international level.

Willie Donnelly - Liverpool & Ireland Statistics