Frank Stapleton appears on RTE’s Keys To My Life
6 years ago
United Kingdom Frank Stapleton is a former professional footballer and manager, known for his distinguished career as a centre-forward for Arsenal and Manchester United, and as a pivotal player for the Republic of Ireland national team.
A leading after dinner football speaker, Frank Stapleton is available to book via the Champions Speakers agency for corporate events and functions.
Barry Keoghan and Frank Stapleton star in Manchester United's new kit launch.
Remaining with Arsenal for seven years, Stapleton formed a strong partnership with fellow striker, Malcolm Macdonald with whom he scored 46 goals in the 1976-77.
Francis Anthony Stapleton was born on July 10, 1956, in Dublin, Ireland. He began his football career with Arsenal in 1972 as an apprentice, making his first-team debut in March 1975 against Stoke City. Stapleton quickly established himself as a powerful centre-forward with exceptional aerial ability. He formed a significant striking partnership with Malcolm Macdonald, with the pair scoring 46 goals in the 1976–77 season. Stapleton was Arsenal’s leading scorer for three consecutive seasons from 1978. He played in three successive FA Cup Finals for Arsenal between 1978 and 1980, scoring in the 1979 final triumph over Manchester United. Throughout his time at Highbury, he recorded 108 goals in 300 appearances.
In August 1981, Stapleton moved to Manchester United for a fee of £900,000, determined by a tribunal. He played a key role in United winning the FA Cup in 1983 and 1985. In the 1983 final, he made history by becoming the first player to score for two different clubs in FA Cup Finals. Stapleton remained a regular player for Manchester United until Alex Ferguson became manager in 1986. After leaving Manchester United, he had brief stints at Ajax and Anderlecht in 1987, followed by a loan spell at Derby County. He then played for Le Havre in France and returned to England with Blackburn Rovers in 1989. His career also included periods with Aldershot, Huddersfield Town (as player-coach), and Bradford City.
Stapleton’s international career was also notable, earning 71 caps for the Republic of Ireland national team and scoring a record 20 goals at the time. He made his international debut in 1976 and was a committed international player, often including release clauses in his contracts for international duties. Stapleton captained the national team during the 1986 World Cup qualifying campaign and led Ireland to the 1988 Euro finals. After retiring as a player, Stapleton transitioned into management, coaching New England Revolution in Major League Soccer in 1996 and later serving as assistant manager for Jordan in 2014. He also worked as a specialist coach for Bolton Wanderers in the 2003–04 season, focusing on enhancing the skills of strikers.
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