Coleraine Legends - Brian Jennings
Elder brother of Northern Ireland legend Pat Jennings, Brian was signed from Portadown by Bertie Peacock early in the 1965/66 season, making his debut against Derry City at The Showgrounds on 9th October. Playing on the left wing, he quickly slotted into the team and became a fans favourite, notably for his shooting ability and his pace.
Famously in 1969, he scored one of the greatest goals ever witnessed by Coleraine fans in the “home” leg (the game was played at Windsor Park) of the Blaxnit Cup final against Shamrock Rovers which helped Coleraine win the trophy. That year was one of the most glorious in the club’s history as in addition to that trophy, Coleraine also won the Ulster Cup, Gold Cup, City Cup and the Top Four Trophy. Brian played a pivotal role in these victories and also helped Coleraine retain the Blaxnit Cup the next year.
In 1972, he helped win the Ulster Cup again and then picked up his first Irish Cup winners medal, playing in the 2-1 victory over his former club Portadown. Later in his Coleraine career, he switched to a more central midfield role, impressing with his determination, distribution and tough tackling, winning two more Irish Cup medals in 1975 and 1977, both against Linfield.
While his younger brother went on to become Northern Ireland’s most capped player, Brian was not so fortunate, never winning a senior cap, although he did pick up nine Amateur International caps between 1967 and 1973
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