- Jan 7, 2006
- 15,304
Paul McShane: "Brighton Have A Place In My Heart"
Paul McShane made an emotional farewell yesterday and revealed that the Albion will always have a "special place in his heart".
The 20-year-old defender returns to Old Trafford on Monday for a hernia operation, bringing his season-long loan spell on the South Coast to an end.
The young Irish star, who was voted Away Supporter's Player of the Season by the Official Supporters Club, returned the gesture by applauding the travelling fans at Molineux and throwing his shirt into the crowd.
And McShane explained afterwards just how much he had enjoyed his time with the Seagulls, despite the eventual disappointment of relegation.
He said, "Getting relegated wasn't successful as a team, but for me it's been brilliant. It's given me the chance to get out there and make my name in the Championship."
"I think I've done well enough. I got the Away Support Player of the Year which is brilliant and I've notched up the man-of-the-match awards at home and got four goals."
"I've played in some great matches and so for me it's been a great experience."
"I came here and wanted to be part of the team and I was fighting with them to the last second when we got relegated. It did hurt. Getting relegated is the worst experience in football."
McShane has a year left on his contract at Old Trafford, and now intends to spend pre-season with the Premiership giants in a bid to try and break into their first team plans.
But looking back over his nine months with the Seagulls, McShane revealed that one game stands out above all others.
"Crystal Palace was a great night just because of the atmosphere and the rivalry and scoring that goal - it was brilliant!"
Albion boss Mark McGhee had nothing but praise for the youngster, who is also a leading contender for the full Player of the Season award.
McGhee said, "Paul McShane has come here and given everything. He's hugely disappointed that he's leaving us relegated, but you cannot fault him for his character and his commitment to the cause."
"He's in the running for the Player of the Season and deservedly so. I think for a player who's not even a proper Brighton player I think he has shown commitment well over and above the call of duty."
Paul McShane made an emotional farewell yesterday and revealed that the Albion will always have a "special place in his heart".
The 20-year-old defender returns to Old Trafford on Monday for a hernia operation, bringing his season-long loan spell on the South Coast to an end.
The young Irish star, who was voted Away Supporter's Player of the Season by the Official Supporters Club, returned the gesture by applauding the travelling fans at Molineux and throwing his shirt into the crowd.
And McShane explained afterwards just how much he had enjoyed his time with the Seagulls, despite the eventual disappointment of relegation.
He said, "Getting relegated wasn't successful as a team, but for me it's been brilliant. It's given me the chance to get out there and make my name in the Championship."
"I think I've done well enough. I got the Away Support Player of the Year which is brilliant and I've notched up the man-of-the-match awards at home and got four goals."
"I've played in some great matches and so for me it's been a great experience."
"I came here and wanted to be part of the team and I was fighting with them to the last second when we got relegated. It did hurt. Getting relegated is the worst experience in football."
McShane has a year left on his contract at Old Trafford, and now intends to spend pre-season with the Premiership giants in a bid to try and break into their first team plans.
But looking back over his nine months with the Seagulls, McShane revealed that one game stands out above all others.
"Crystal Palace was a great night just because of the atmosphere and the rivalry and scoring that goal - it was brilliant!"
Albion boss Mark McGhee had nothing but praise for the youngster, who is also a leading contender for the full Player of the Season award.
McGhee said, "Paul McShane has come here and given everything. He's hugely disappointed that he's leaving us relegated, but you cannot fault him for his character and his commitment to the cause."
"He's in the running for the Player of the Season and deservedly so. I think for a player who's not even a proper Brighton player I think he has shown commitment well over and above the call of duty."
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