Former Linfield star on why 'it killed me' not to sign full-time contract - and 'really good' David Healy relationship

Haughey joined Linfield from Glenavon in 2013 and established a reputation as a fan favourite, playing a key part in four Premiership title wins.

The defender made over 200 appearances for the Belfast club and ultimately rounded his time out at Northern Ireland’s most successful team in fine style, celebrating a league and Irish Cup double.

Haughey’s final contribution was scoring the goal which sealed Gibson Cup glory with a 1-1 draw away to Coleraine in May 2021.

As Linfield confirmed plans to transition to a full-time model to retain their position “at the pinnacle” of Irish League football, several players had a decision to make about their futures, including Haughey.

Having turned 30 and with work commitments growing, Haughey couldn’t continue his Blues career and returned to Glenavon alongside team-mates Andy Waterworth and Mark Stafford, linking up with familiar face Gary Hamilton once again.

Haughey was signed for Linfield by David Jeffrey a matter of months after he’d spent time on trial at Bournemouth. but worked under Northern Ireland hero Healy for the majority of his Windsor spell.

He was a trusted member of Healy’s squad, playing regularly when available, but also had to respond to the occasional test.

"I had a really good relationship with David and knew that he trusted me,” Haughey told the News Letter. “Whether I was playing centre-back or right-back, I was always in the team.

"But at the same time, he would always test people, in terms of if you did have a bad game or were a wee bit out of form, he wouldn't be afraid to leave you out, just as a gentle reminder that you need to keep on top form or else you're out of the team.

"He did that with multiple players, and I experienced it too.

"It was probably things like that which you'd be frustrated by or questioned at the time, but looking back on it now you go ‘yeah, maybe he was testing me and making sure that everybody was on the top of their game and getting the right results’.

"I had a really, really good relationship with David and he really did look after me in my career at Linfield.

"Even when they moved to a full-time model, he offered me a contract, but unfortunately, just with my job, I wasn't able to commit to it, which was unfortunate...it probably killed me at the time.

"I loved my time at Linfield and wanted to stay there for as long as I could.”

Following spells at the Lurgan Blues and Bangor, Haughey is still going strong at Ballymacash Rangers, an ambitious club who have sights set on scaling Northern Ireland’s football pyramid.

Having spent the entirety of his career in the Premiership, this Ballymacash chapter has offered Haughey an opportunity to experience something a bit different, taking on new teams at fresh grounds in unfamiliar competitions.

He’s played seven times in the newly-formed National Conference League Premier Division this term, scoring four goals, including in Tuesday’s 4-2 win over local rivals Lisburn Distillery.

"Gary has sent me up front a few times this season but it's probably at that time where I actually don't ever touch the ball!” laughed Haughey. “It always seems to be during a set-piece or something, it just sort of falls to me.

"Strangely enough, I think half of them have been with my foot rather than head – usually every single one of my goals is a header.

"I really am enjoying my time at Ballymacash.

"At the time when I was leaving Bangor, I had spoken to a few different clubs in the Championship and spoke to Gary at Ballymacash.

"I literally live about a minute's drive, if even, from the ground. I think I just needed to get the right balance in football and working life and family life.

"I made the decision to join Ballymacash, Gary and Mackers (Paul McAreavey) being there was obviously a big influence, and it's been really, really enjoyable.

"The facilities are incredible, the ice baths and the recovery boots and stuff like that. I live so close to the gym and am able to access it at any stage of the day as well.

"My body is feeling really good. During pre-season, I had a couple of niggly injuries, but now I’ve had more games and training, I actually feel really good.

"With Gary knowing me, he trusts you to do what you need to and make sure you're available for games.”

Haughey is now enjoying his third spell working under Irish League legend Hamilton, who led Ballymacash to Steel & Sons Cup glory last term after returning to management at the Bluebell Stadium.

"I've known Gary for a long time,” said Haughey. “I played with him when he first came in at Glenavon and then he managed me twice in two separate spells.

"I've always felt that Gary and I get on well and I know what he needs and wants.

"The big thing for me whenever I was deciding to join a club was trusting somebody and being honest with the manager.

"I do a bit of travelling with work, maybe work some late evenings, and it can sort of jeopardise football a wee bit.

"I knew Gary would know me, trust me, and he's been brilliant with me...I want to repay him by performing on the pitch.”