https://www.a-love-supreme.com/single-post/born-on-this-day-kieron-brady-2 BY ADAM GRANOFSKY BORN ON THIS DAY: KIERON BRADY please log in to view this image Born on this day is former Sunderland star Kieron Brady. The Republic of Ireland international is widely known as one of the most talented players to ever wear red and white, yet was unable to fulfil his potential before early retirement due to injury. Brady made his debut in a 3-1win over Plymouth in 1989, replacing Paul Hardyman as a substitute at Roker Park. His first start for the club then came in a 2-2 draw with Port Vale. Kieron scored his first goal for the club in a famous match against West Ham, where the youngster really broke onto the big stage. The lads were playing West Ham at Roker Park, and had gone a goal down. Brady equalised with a spectacular overhead kick that headed directly into the bottom corner. The lads ended up winning 4-3, with Kieron single-handedly dragging us to victory. He also got three assists in the game, leading to him understandably being named Man of the Match. Fans were amazed by Brady’s sensational performance, and there was huge clamour to see him in the team more often. Many saw him as Roker Park’s answer to Gazza! He went on to score his second and only goal of the season just a week later, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win at Bradford. The three points were crucial as Sunderland went on to win promotion. The Glasgow-born midfielder struggled with personal problems, and a lack of professionalism limited his first team opportunities. He played 14 games in the top-flight, scoring against Chelsea and Crystal Palace. However, following our relegation he only made twelve more appearances in red and white, scoring three times. He was sent to Doncaster on loan, where he impressed again in a limited spell. In four appearances, he scored an impressive three goals, becoming a fan favourite instantly amongst Rovers’ fans. Unfortunately, Brady was forced to retire at 22 years old due to a vascular condition that was extremely rare. It left Brady with mental health problems, and struggling with addiction. He is thankfully now sober, and helps others deal with their personal issues. He remains one of Sunderland’s biggest “what if” players, with Michael Gray describing Brady as “the most talented footballer he ever saw".
Brady was a brilliant talent. I remember that game really well against West Ham, they couldnt handle him. His balance and burst of pace were stand out. A real shame he couldnt have the career he might have had.
Finished at 22. Tragic for the lad. He was a real talent and that West Ham game was the 1st one I watched from the clock stand with the rope/plank of wood contraption my Dad made me that hung off the railings at the front f the terrace
Good lad is Kieron. Spoke to him a few times pre match in the fans museum Lived on the same estate as me when he was playing for us, had a clas convertible escort xr3i. Used to have a kick about with a few of my mates in the back lane when we were kids.
Sheffield United away in 1990 springs to mind when I think about Kieron Brady. It seemed like he was going to be a brilliant player for us. https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/pl...nd-1990-second-half-revival-blunts-the-blades … United then brought on Tony Agana for Brian Deane, now desperately seeking a way back into the game. Capitalising on their momentum, Sunderland we now looked the more dangerous of the two sides up front, inspired in no small way by Kieron Brady, who showed the sort of neat touches and mazy runs which had endeared him to our support in recent games. The youngster looked like he might then seal the win for us, but his effort was well saved by Simon Tracey. However, five minutes from time, Brady helped set up the goal which put the issue beyond doubt. After having gone on a brilliant run which took him past three defenders, his shot-turned-centre was turned in at the far post by Marco Gabbiadini, for what was his twenty-third goal of the season. Job done! Needless to say, the full-time whistle sparked scenes of jubilation within the travelling Rokerites amid the crowd of 20,558, who’d seen their side chalk up a vital win and crucially earning the three crucial points that moved us up to fifth in the Second Division table. Come the end of the season, Sheffield United would go up as runners-up to Champions Leeds, while we would eventually accompany both clubs aloft….
