Player Profile

Young Beglin was destined for Arsenal when the deal mysteriously fell through, but only a few days later he joined Liverpool on a month's loan. Only ten days into his stay he became Bob Paisley's last-ever signing. The 21-year-old got his big break in April 1985 due to Alan Kennedy's injury and even scored on his European debut with a bullet header in the semi-finals of the European Cup against Panathinaikos. The final in Brussels against Juventus in which Beglin played, proved to be one of the blackest days in the club's history. Kenny Dalglish took over from Joe Fagan and initially Kennedy reclaimed his place with Beglin moved to the left side of midfield. Kennedy was allowed to move to Sunderland in September 1985 which showed how much faith was put in the promising Irishman. Beglin became Kenny's first-choice left-back for the rest of the season and played a major part in the boss' winning goal against Chelsea that won the title. The double was sealed against rivals Everton in the FA Cup final.

Beglin's Liverpool career came to an abrupt end when he suffered a horrific leg break against Everton on Goodison Park on 21 January 1987. "I knew it was bad. The play seemed to carry on for eternity for me, but it was probably just a few seconds. I looked down and I couldn't believe where my foot was, but I knew it was where it shouldn't be, adjacent to my shin. The pain was a nightmare." Paisley was horrified by Beglin's break: "I've seen one or two broken legs in going on fifty years in the game, but not one made me really wince, Jim's did." Beglin left Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the 1988/89 season and tried to rebuild his career at Leeds United. Only a few days into the pre-season Beglin's right knee gave way. Another operation followed and then he was loaned out to Plymouth Argyle. He returned to Leeds and featured in a few games as the club conquered the Second Division. Beglin wasn't confident his knee would stand the strain but was desperate to get his career back on track. He was loaned out to Blackburn in October 1990 but after playing for Leeds on 19 December 1990 Beglin had to accept defeat. "My right knee was like a time bomb waiting to explode and eventually it did." He retired from the game in 1991 and has since become known a respected TV pundit, working for RTE, ITV and for 2015/16, BT Sport.