4) Ian Harte – Bournmouth
Before you ask, no, I am not Irish, it is pure coincidence that Ian Harte happens to be the third player in this countdown to have pulled on the green of the Republic of Ireland. With his thunderous long range strikes, and brave defensive style, Harte continues to shine despite being on this earth for nearly 40 years.
At 36 years-old, Ian Harte is the personification of a footballing veteran, yet is still managing to play 20+ times a season! Having signed for Bournemouth at the start of the previous campaign, Harte has made over 180 appearances in the last three seasons.
To be doing that from the ages of 33 to 36 is remarkable.
To someone with a vague knowledge of football, they might assume that Ian Harte is a goalkeeper! No outfield footballer could play until 36, could he? Well Mr Naïve, it would appear they can.
Harte was also recently voted the Republic of Ireland’s 11th best defender of all time by punditsarena.com.
But, despite playing at an impressive age, why else will Mr Harte shine in this coming season?
In a squad that has an average age of 26, ten years off the left-back’s age, an experienced head will be essential. That is where Harte, along with a couple of others such as Yann Kermogrant and Lee Camp, will step in to help nurture the younger ones and pass on any advice they have.
Speaking of Harte after he signed a 12 month contract extension at the end of last season, manager, Eddie Howe, praised the left-back’s commitment to the game and expressed his views on age in football:
“Age is no barrier if you have the dedication to your craft and Ian certainly has that. I judge him on what he produces not his age.
“He has played at the highest level within the game and is very highly thought of by a lot of people. It was no surprise he came in and did as well as he did.
“From my perspective, wanting him to stay and looking to the future, the whole package he brings was very important rather than just the playing side.” Explained the manager in an interview with Sky Sports News.
So, Harte is set to shine this season, but it may not necessarily be on the pitch. Howe has been very vocal with his praise for the 36 year-old in the way he has acted off the pitch. Although there are many useful aspects to his playing game, he knows he is not going to influence matters on the pitch as directly anymore. Thus, he helps the younger players when they suffer a setback, such as getting dropped or injured:
“He is a very good pro and a really cool and steadying influence in the squad. He was also a real support to Charlie Daniels when he wasn’t in the team. You can’t buy that sort of support for team-mates.”
So, Harte is set to shine. Be it on the pitch, or behind the scenes, the 36 year-old will have an effect, and it will be positive.
