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Gareth Fullerton

Irish League fans pick former club legends they'd love to re-sign

If you could sign two former club legends to bolster your Irish League team, who would you go for?

Some iconic players have graced the league over the decades, stamping their mark on football in Northern Ireland.

From goalkeeping heroes to defensive linchpins, from midfield maestros to striking talisman, these players lit up grounds across the country with their flair, skill and winning mentality.

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They are names that will stand the test of time, with most already etched into the pantheon of Irish League greatness.

We recently asked Irish League fans to pick some former club legends they would love to re-sign if offered the chance.

And there were some great picks.

Graeme said he would welcome Billy Caskey and Jim Cleary back at Glentoran, while Linfield fan Charlie picked the formidable pairing of Glenn Ferguson and Peter Thompson.

Crusaders supporter Paul went for current Northern Ireland internationals Stuart Dallas and Gavin Whyte, whose stellar performances for the Crues earned them moves across the water.

Coleraine supporter Johnny went for former Bannsiders Stephen Carson and Tony Gorman, while Melvyn also went for Carson alongside prolific striker Rory Patterson.

Wayne went for Ferguson and Noel Bailie at Linfield, while Portadown fan Michael would love to have seen Martin Russell and Joey Cunningham back at Shamrock Park.

Glentoran fan Duncan picked Glenn Little and Jim Cleary as the two he would love see return to the Oval, while Cliftonville fan Sean selected George McMullan and Peter Murray.

Fellow Reds fan Patrick said he would go for Tim McCann and Marty Tabb from the 1998 title-winning team, and Linfield supporter Darren opted for John Easton and Pat Fenlon.

Ports fan Stephen picked Joey Cunningham and Stevie Cowan, adding that the pair would "turn any Irish League team into champions!"

Blues supporter Paul would also love to see Pistol Peter Thompson back at Windsor, alongside former goalkeeper Alan Mannus.

Josh Bunting picked George McMullan and Barry Johnston at Cliftonville, and also suggested Liam Boyce but didn't pick him as "he’s still playing at the top level".

Neil went for 'Spike' Ferguson and Gary Peebles at Linfield, while Neil picked Billy Murray and Martin McGaughey.

Kyle fondly remembers Jimmy Cleary and Gary McCartney at Glentoran, while Cliftonville fan Dale was all for Liam Boyce and Ryan Catney coming back to Solitude.

Ballymena United supporter Robert picked Desssie Loughery and Chris Walker as two iconic players he would love to watch again, while Bill picked Paul Carland and Michael Guy at Larne.

Crues fan Malcolm named Glenn Dunlop and Martin Murray as his former legends, while fellow Seaview supporter Alan picked Dunlop and Kirk Hunter.

Ballymena fan Katlain picked former captains Alan Jenkins and Jim Ervin, while Lewis went right back with Linfield legends Jackie Milburn and Tommy Dickson.

But who would you love to see back at your club? Let us know in the comments...

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