33·Legends

Harry Gregg vs Jimmy McIlroy

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

HG

Harry Gregg

Northern Ireland · GK

Almanac rating
87
Rank in Northern Ireland
#6 of 33
Caps
25 · 0 goals
Clubs
Doncaster Rovers, Manchester United, Stoke City
Honours
2× Hall of Fame (1995–2019)

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; honours include 2× Hall of Fame (1995–2019).

vs
JM

Jimmy McIlroy

Northern Ireland · 1958–62 · RM

Almanac rating
87
Rank in Northern Ireland
#7 of 33
Caps
55 · 10 goals
Clubs
Burnley, Stoke City, Oldham Athletic A.F.C.
Honours
Hall of Fame

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. That championship, the 1962 FA Cup final lost to Tottenham, 55 Northern Ireland caps and the 1958 World Cup quarter-final run sit beside 497 Burnley games and 131 goals. Career record: 55 caps and 10 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Burnley, Stoke City, Oldham Athletic A.F.C.; honours include Hall of Fame.

The verdict

The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 87.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

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