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Twigg scores in Tallaght earlier this season. INPHO/Cathal Noonan
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Thank you, Twiggy: Why the Hoops striker will be missed

Three-and-a-half years after arriving in Tallaght, the prolific Scot plays his final home game tonight.

SHAMROCK ROVERS FANS tonight say goodbye to a player who is sure to be remembered as one of the best the club has ever signed.

Since arriving from Brechin City for a bargain €25,000 in February 2009, the Scottish striker has earned legendary status – scored 85 goals in four seasons to help the Hoops claim two league titles, the Setanta Cup and a Europa League adventure.

This week it was announced that the 28-year-old will not be renewing his contract at the end of the season as he wishes to be nearer his family in Portadown. He will play at Tallaght Stadium for the last time in tonight’s penultimate league fixture against Derry City and Hoops supporters are likely to give him a proper send-off.

Here are some of the things Twiggy will be fondly remembered for:

Christening Tallaght Stadium (March 2009) – He volleys home from the six-yard box against Sligo Rovers to score the first goal at the new Tallaght Stadium. Rovers go on to win 2-1 thanks to another from Dessie Baker.

Credit: INPHO/Donall Farmer

Not forgetting the fans (July 2012) - Rovers face Serie A giants Juventus in a Europa League third qualifying round tie second leg in Modena and after putting in a heroic display, they lose out by a single goal on the night  (3-0 on aggregate). With the rain the teeming down, the striker headed to the away end to thank the travelling support.

Credit: Antonio Calanni/AP/Press Association Images

The goals (August 2010) – The Scot was prolific during his time in the Airtricity League and won the Golden Boot in his first season. Below is a clip of his goal against rivals Bohemians in the 3-0 Dublin derby win back in 2010. Twigg scored the second that day:

YouTube credit:

Bringing Rovers their first title in 16 years (October 2010) - Having failed to win the Premier Division since 1994, Michael O’Neill guided Rovers to the title in 2010. A 2-2 draw with Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds sealed top spot and denied Bohemians three-in-a-row.

The Hoops are having a party. Credit: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Winning individual accolades (February 2011) - Twigg is named Airticity League Player of the Year on the same day he scored in a 3-0 win over Bohs.

Credit: INPHO/Donall Farmer

Saying goodbye (October 2012) – His farewell to the fans:

I want to thank everyone at the club, the manger who brought me in, and those I’ve played under this season, for everything they have done for me over the past four seasons. And I especially want to thank the fans, they have been brilliant to me and I couldn’t have achieved what I did at the club without them.

“I also want the fans to know that I am only leaving to be nearer my family. I don’t want to leave the club and wouldn’t be if it was only a football decision, but it isn’t. My family is the most important thing to me and I had to make this decision for their sake. I loved played for Rovers and have great memories from my time here.”

Watch a tribute to Twigg below:



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