Dave Langan : Running Through Walls

The story of David Langan, the Republic of Ireland international full back who was signed as an apprentice at Derby County under Brian Clough, and then went on to be a household name at Derby, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Peterborough.

Dave 'Francis' Langan was born on 15 February 1957 in Dublin. At the age of 16 he moved to England after being signed by Brian Clough as an apprentice for Derby County. He spent six years at Derby, winning their 1977-8 player of the year award.

In 1980, he moved to Birmingham City for a then club record fee of £350k. He stayed for four injury hampered seasons before moving to Oxford United, then in the old Division Two.

Despite begin written off by his former manager at Birmingham, Langan's move to Oxford saw him win the Division Two title and achieve his dream of playing at Wembley as Oxford beat QPR in the 1986 Milk Cup Final.

Langan was forced to retire in 1989 at the age of 32, after making 26 appearances for the Republic of Ireland. He now works for Peterborough City Council.

Limerick man Trevor Keane is editor and chief soccer writer for Sportsnewsireland.com, an online site dedicated to sport in Ireland and abroad. He is the author of Gaffers, 50 Years of Irish football managers.

He also works in the financial services sector and lives in Kilkenny.