Glyn Snodin

                                                           

Two decades ago when Joe Jordan was Hearts manager, the former Manchester United and Scotland striker used his numerous contacts in England to try and improve the Hearts squad at the time. One of his signings was full back Glyn Snodin.


Snodin at Hearts 1992



Snodin began his career at Doncaster Rovers along with his brother Ian. After eight years in the lower leagues, he moved to Sheffield Wednesday in 1985 for a fee of £135,000. He was a regular of a decent Wednesday side at that time and played in the FA Cup semi-final in 1986. A year later, he rejoined his brother, now at Leeds United but the older Snodin found life difficult at Elland Road. In March 1992, Jordan brought Snodin to Tynecastle on a free transfer and the Yorkshireman made his debut as a substitute in a 2-0 over St. Johnstone.

Snodin initially found it difficult to establish himself in the Hearts first team with defenders of the quality of Alan McLaren, Tosh McKinlay and Craig Levein and it wasn’t until the following season, 1992/93 that Snodin became a regular. He may have had a brief career at Tynecastle, scoring only twice but one of those goals entered Tynecastle folklore. Hearts played the second leg of their UEFA Cup First Round tie against Slavia Prague at Tynecastle in September 1992. Joe Jordan’s men were 1-0 down from the first leg but by half time were 3-1 ahead on the night and ahead by a goal on aggregate. However, the Czech side scored again with twenty-five minutes left and were set to go through on the away goals rule. With ten minutes left, Hearts were awarded a free kick some thirty-five yards from goal. Snodin stepped forward with everyone expecting a cross deep into the Slavia penalty box. However, the full back unleashed a ferocious effort that flew past the stunned Slavia defenders and high into the net to give Hearts a famous 4-2 victory, meaning the maroons went through 4-3 on aggregate. Tynecastle erupted to acclaim one of the finest goals ever seen at the old ground - and from a most unlikely source!


Season 1992/93 had promised much for Hearts but ended in abysmal fashion when the side were hammered 6-0 by Jim Jefferies’ Falkirk in April. Two days later, Joe Jordan was on his way and with him went some of the players be brought to Gorgie. Snodin was one of those players and he returned to his native Yorkshire in July 1993 where he spent two years at Barnsley. At the age of 37, he ended his playing career at non-league Gainsborough Trinity.



Snodin at Leeds United 2010



After scouting for Carlisle United, Snodin became youth team coach at Scarborough before returning to Doncaster Rovers as assistant manager - to his brother Ian! Snodin’s ability as a coach did not go unrecognised and after a spell at Charlton Athletic, he joined another former Hearts manager, George Burley, at Southampton. In 2007, he was also appointed assistant manager for Northern Ireland. After a spell at West Ham, Snodin was back in Yorkshire and today is first team coach at Leeds United where he hopes to assist manager Simon Grayson return the Elland Road club to the FA Premiership.