When it comes to underrated Ireland careers, Aiden McGeady is probably near the top of the list. While many feel that he never quite starred at international level in the manner it was hoped he would, the winger still earned 93 caps in green and played at two major tournaments.
His career at club level has been a fairly unique one. Having come through the ranks at Celtic, he then opted to move to Spartak Moscow. Spells at Everton and Sunderland would follow, the latter of which saw him drop down the divisions.
McGeady would return to Scotland with Hibernian last season, although he would struggle with injuries and make only nine appearances in the league.
Aiden McGeady reveals he went through 'dark times' last season
Despite now being 37-years old, Aiden McGeady believe that he still has another couple of seasons in him as a player. He recently signed for Ayr United in the Scottish Championship on a two-year deal.
Speaking to the Scottish Mail, he admitted he is delighted to still be playing despite comments from his manager last season implied that this would not be the case.
Lee Johnson (Hibs manager) probably retired me twice last season in the media, to be
honest. I spoke about it. It was dark times because I was going into the training ground every day for four months.That was when I thought: “Is there any real point in this?”. But when I was fit again, I knew I could play again no bother.
We’ve got a fairly young team at Ayr — apart from myself, obviously — and I see encouraging signs here.
While his playing career is still ongoing, McGeady is also planning for life once he hangs up his boots.
He has also been appointed as technical manager at Ayr, meaning he will be part of the boardroom and decision making process at the club.
That is something he is keen to learn, with McGeady eyeing a role as a director of football in the years ahead.
I’m still playing and that’s the main thing. I knew I could still play and this was the opportunity to combine playing with experience of things off the pitch such as sitting in meetings with agents, sitting in football meetings with the staff and being part of the staff.
The club wanted me as a player first, but they were open to me exploring all these different avenues as well...
I’ve seen so many sporting directors and had so many sporting directors and directors of football at so many different clubs I’ve had. I thought: “If I have my degree, my badges and my playing career on my CV and it’s between me and another sporting director, who’s getting the job?”. I would lean towards me.
I just think there are a lot of things I have seen done the wrong way that I have learned from — and that I think I could do the right way, if given the opportunity.
Whereas most players aim for coaching roles after retirement, it is interesting to hear that Aiden McGeady is looking at going down a different route.
For now, he will also hope to contribute on the pitch as Ayr United look to reach the Scottish Premiership for the first time.
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