'Humbling' verdict from West Brom hero Gareth McAuley after unexpected honour
Gareth McAuley made more than 200 appearances for Albion and has been honoured by his nation seven years after retirement.
Albion hero Gareth McAuley admitted to being “really humbled” after being inducted into the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Hall of Fame.
McAuley, 46, spent the bulk of his career at The Hawthorns, where he made 227 appearances across seven Premier League seasons.
The Larne-born central defender also earned 80 caps for Northern Ireland and was a key part of the 2016 European Championship squad that thrilled the nation on an historic run to the showpiece’s last 16.
McAuley netted a famous Northern Ireland goal in the 2-0 group stage victory over Ukraine, which led to qualification. His unfortunate own goal saw Wales squeeze through in the round of 16 tie.
McAuley said: "It's very pleasing and an honour to be inducted into the Football Writers' Hall of Fame.
"The Euros was ten years ago, and I've been retired nearly seven years, so to be remembered and recognised in this way is really humbling."
That European Championship in France remains the only edition Northern Ireland have qualified for.
McAuley, who retired after one season with Rangers in 2019, was appointed a Member of the British Empire for services to football in Northern Ireland later that year.
He is currently his nation’s under-19s manager.
The defender is one of Albion’s best signings, particularly as a free transfer, as was the deal he arrived from Ipswich Town in 2011.
McAuley had been a defensive stalwart for the Tractor Boys, as well as Leicester and Lincoln after turning out for Crusaders and Coleraine in his homeland.
He was part of several mean Baggies backlines alongside the likes of centre-back colleagues Jonas Olsson, Craig Dawson and Jonny Evans. He was also a threat in the opposition box and bagged 17 goals for the club.
McAuley was inducted into the national Hall of Fame alongside former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan, who led the women’s team to a first Euros in 2022.
George Best, Harry Gregg, David Healy and Steven Davis are fellow inductees.
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