David Duggan - along with Michael Nolan - becomes the first player in Downhills Park history to play 100 games for the club.

Getting the centre-half to actually play for the club was one of my biggest challenges when starting up Downhills Park. Already playing for another team in another league, myself, Carlo and Kev knew that if we were going to be a success we'd need a rock-hard central defender. So when we finally got David Duggan to agree to play in green, we knew we'd still need a rock-hard central defender!

In the beginning, David Duggan was joined in central defense by Austin Amadi. “He’s a quality centre back and it was and still is a pleasure playing beside him” said Austin when asked about David’s 100th game for the club. “Shame about the tax man” was how Austin signed off his message to his one-time partner at the heart of the Downhills defense.

The “tax man” reference is to the fact that David Duggan is now Downhills Park secretary and before that was Downhills treasurer. He is the accountant for the club and makes sure every penny that comes into the club is known. He’s the man who collects money off players and has been affectionately known as the “tax man” for a few years now.

David Duggan has scored one goal for the club and it was in his second game. That means it’s been almost four years since he last scored… in the opposition goal. In his own goal, he’s relatively prolific and when Downhills goalkeeper Ian Strain was asked to leave a message for the centurion, it wasn’t a surprise that his own goal antics were mentioned. “I hope you can go 100 more games without getting your ass in the way. Well done man!”

Dave’s century of games has seen two promotions, a final and as mentioned, just the one goal. It’s the one goal that was mentioned when 2005/2006 players player of the year Michael Coombs was asked about David Duggan. “From the start he was someone we all wanted on board and now looking back on a century of games for us, he would have to be known as the nucleas of this team. For me, out of 100 games, his consistency is amazing, he’ll take cards and knocks four us, proving he gives a lot for the team but with a knack of not showing it! With his 1 goal out of 100 games, we should all be looking forward to his second to following in the next 100.”

I personally don’t doubt David being able to get to 200 for Downhills Park. He’s one of the oldest players in the team, but the Irishman was never blessed with the greatest pace. Described by 07/08 players player of the year Ian Kirkwood as “dependable and reliable”, he is looked up to by all of his team-mates. His current partner in the centre of defense is Lanfranco Gaglione and he said it was “a pleasure playing along side him” and it’s that sort of message that was echoed by all.

I’m proud that he’s made the 100 games and proud he’s got their first. I’m also proud to call him one of my best mates. A top bloke and one of the most consistent performers over the last four years.