33 Legends The football almanac

Harry Gregg vs Jimmy McIlroy

Both Northern Ireland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

HG

Harry Gregg

Northern Ireland · 1954–1964 · GK

Rank in Northern Ireland
#6 of 33
Caps · Northern Ireland
25 · 0 goals
Clubs
Doncaster Rovers, Manchester United, Stoke City

Harry Gregg, a true hero of the Munich air disaster, was a fearless goalkeeper whose bravery and exceptional shot-stopping earned him legendary status at Manchester United and for Northern Ireland. Career record: 25 caps and 0 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Doncaster Rovers, Manchester United, Stoke City.

Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q546107
vs
JM

Jimmy McIlroy

Northern Ireland · 1951–1965 · RM

Rank in Northern Ireland
#7 of 33
Caps · Northern Ireland
55 · 10 goals
Clubs
Burnley, Stoke City, Oldham Athletic A.F.C.

Burnley did not top the First Division for a single day of 1959-60 until the final afternoon, a 2-1 win at Manchester City on 2 May 1960, and the passing that carried them there belonged to the inside-forward Turf Moor called the Brain of Burnley. Career record: 55 caps and 10 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Burnley, Stoke City, Oldham Athletic A.F.C..

Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q1689389
Your view · Which career speaks to you?

A personal choice. Cast votes in the national duels below.

The careers, side by side

Harry Gregg is editorial rank 6 and Jimmy McIlroy rank 7 in Northern Ireland's collection. Read the careers and make your own choice.

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