FORMER IRELAND PLAYERS Wes Hoolahan will leave Cambridge United at the end of the season.
The Ireland playmaker joined the League One outfit in the summer of 2020 and lined out 66 times for them scoring eight goals and recording 17 assists.
The 37-year-old had a huge part in the club's promotion back to League One, while also helping with securing their place in the third division.
An absolute joy. Thank you Wes. 💛🖤 #CamUTD pic.twitter.com/iMCQSPJ6wu — Cambridge United FC 🇺🇦 (@CambridgeUtdFC) May 3, 2022
A statement from the U's read: “Wes Hoolahan leaves after two seasons with the U’s, where he captured the hearts of the United supporters with his brilliant displays for the team.
“No player shone brighter during the Club’s promotion-winning season – earning a place in the League Two Team of the Season – and he continued to play an integral part the following year in helping the Club achieve its highest ever league finish since 1993/94.”
Adding his own take on his Cambridge United experience, the Irishman said: “I couldn’t have asked for anything more from the two years I had", Hoolahan said.
“To play as much as I did and for us to have achieved what I did, it has been a really special part of my life and career."
“The day we won promotion is the day that will live with me the longest."
"Nobody gave us a chance that season and for us to finally get over the line – after a bit of a wobble – and then to celebrate with the fans on the roof was definitely my biggest highlight."
"Just an unbelievable day, season and moment for the club.”
Head Coach Mark Bonner described the former Shelbourne player 'as the most talented player he'd ever seen play for the Club'.
🇮🇪 Wes Hoolahan scored 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 goal #OTD at EURO 2016! — UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 13, 2020
⏪ @FAIreland pic.twitter.com/m877H2imFb
“Wes Hoolahan leaves this summer after an instrumental two seasons with us.
"His influence on the team, role in winning games and contribution to last season’s promotion and this year’s form cannot be understated, he said."
“His experience and professionalism have made him a key member of the team and a pleasure to work with.
“I know how fortunate I am that my two years in the role have coincided with Wes’ time here and he is without doubt the most talented player I have seen play for the Club over the three decades I have been watching".
"Wes will forever be welcome at the Abbey Stadium and we will always be grateful for his inspiration, effort and example.”
Hoolahan began his career at Shelbourne, in Ireland, before moving to Livingston in 2005.
He joined Blackpool after a successful loan before moving to the Canaries in 2008, where he played four seasons in the Premier League.
The attacking midfielder was named in the League Two team of the season for his role in Cambridge's promotion last season.
Hoolahan won 43 caps for Ireland and played at Euro 2016, won promotion to the Premier League in a 10-year stint at Norwich twice.
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