Aaron Doran

Aaron Doran
Doran playing for Inverness in 2011
Personal information
Full name Aaron Brian Doran Cogan[1]
Date of birth (1991-05-13) 13 May 1991 (age 33)
Place of birth Inchicore, Dublin, Ireland
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Position(s) Winger
Team information
Current team
 Strathspey Thistle (Player-Coach)
Youth career
2007–2008 Blackburn Rovers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008–2011 Blackburn Rovers 3 (0)
2009 → Milton Keynes Dons (loan) 4 (0)
2010 → Leyton Orient (loan) 6 (0)
2011 → Inverness Caledonian Thistle (loan) 14 (3)
2011–2024 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 289 (35)
2024– Strathspey Thistle 0 (0)
International career‡
2011–2012 Republic of Ireland U21 5 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:01, 16 August 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 30 November 2013

Aaron Brian Doran Cogan (born 13 May 1991), known as Aaron Doran, is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a winger who plays and coaches for Highland League side Strathspey Thistle.[2] He previously played at Blackburn Rovers, from where he spent time on loan with Milton Keynes Dons and Leyton Orient before joining Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2011 where he would remain there until his departure in 2024. He has also represented the Republic of Ireland U21 team.

Career

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Blackburn Rovers

[edit]

Doran signed his first professional contract with Blackburn Rovers in May 2008. He was involved in 2008–09 pre-season matches against Macclesfield Town and NAC Breda, and was given the squad number 39 by manager Paul Ince. He made his first-team debut as a substitute for Aaron Mokoena against Liverpool on 11 April 2009.[3]

In October 2009 he was signed by League One club Milton Keynes Dons on a month's loan deal,[4] On his debut for MK Dons he scored his first professional goal against Southend United in a Football League Trophy tie.[5] In February 2010, he signed for Leyton Orient on-loan for a month.[6] Doran made his debut for Orient in a 2–0 loss against Gillingham. Having played two games, he emphasized that he was keen to stay at the club for another month.[7] In a 2–0 win over Walsall on 13 March 2010, Doran set up a goal for Sean Thornton. On 29 March 2010, it was announced that Doran would return to Blackburn Rovers at the end of his loan.[8] His final appearance for Orient came during a 2–0 loss against Huddersfield Town.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce stated in October 2010 that he felt Doran had "gone backwards" since emerging as a "tremendous prospect",[9] though Allardyce also suggested, in the same interview, that the player still had time to develop. However, he chose not to select Doran for first-team squad involvement. After Allardyce was removed from his position by Rovers' new owners, Venkys, Steve Kean listed Doran as a substitute in his first game as Blackburn's new manager.[10]

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

[edit]

On 25 January 2011, Doran signed for Inverness Caledonian Thistle on-loan for the final six months of the 2010–11 SPL season.[11] Inverness manager, Terry Butcher, likened him to former Watford footballer Nigel Callaghan, suggesting that Doran was part of a wider re-emergence of technically gifted footballers at the top level of British football.[12]

He made his debut the day after signing his loan deal, coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute for Stuart Duff in a 2–0 defeat at home to Aberdeen. On his first club start, Doran helped Inverness beat Morton 5–1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup, making two 'assists'. His general performance was described as "impressive" in BBC Scotland's match report. Doran scored his first goal for Inverness in a 3–3 draw against St Mirren.[13] His second goal came during a 1–1 draw against Hearts on 16 April 2011,[14] followed up scoring in the next game – a 3–0 win over St Johnstone on 25 April 2011.[15]

On 13 July 2011, it was announced that Doran had agreed a deal to join Inverness Caledonian Thistle permanently.[16] He played his first match as a signed player, coming on as a substitute, in the opening game of the 2011–12 season against Hibernian. Playing a game against Kilmarnock, Doran suffered a dislocated shoulder, ruling him out for three months.[17] On 28 December 2011, he was again injured, playing his first match back since his shoulder injury. He didn't play again until mid-April 2012, when he made his return in a 2–0 loss against Aberdeen. He did however, remain free from any further problems with his shoulder.

The following season, 2012–13, Doran set up a goal for Nick Ross in the opening game of the season in a 2–2 draw against St Mirren. Two months later, on 5 October 2012, he scored his first goal of the season in a 3–1 win over Ross County, and in the next game, he contributed 'assists' for Billy McKay and Gary Warren during a 4–1 win over Dundee. Doran was highly praised by manager Terry Butcher after the 3–0 defeat of Rangers on Halloween 2012, in the 2012–13 League Cup quarter-finals. "If you give Aaron Doran space he'll utilise it, he'll expose teams and expose space, he's a good passer and a good supplier. He doesn't score a lot but what he does do is create a lot."[18] After a good November, which included wins against Kilmarnock, Celtic and Aberdeen, Doran, along with Butcher and McKay, won the SPL Monthly awards.[19] In mid-December, Doran announced he wanted to stay at the club and that he hoped Butcher would offer him a new contract.[20] In April, Butcher announced that Doran was close to signing a new contract, along with his colleague, David Raven.[21] At the end of the season, the speculation finally ended when Doran signed a new three-year contract with the club.[22]

The 2013–14 season started off very well for Doran when he scored and 'assisted' in the opening game of the season – a 3–0 win over St Mirren.[23] He scored another in a 2–2 draw against Celtic a few weeks later.[24] Doran continued his goal scoring form, netting again in the League and also in the Scottish Cup. He played in the final of the 2014 Scottish League Cup, where he came on as a substitute for James Vincent in the 63rd minute. Doran converted the fourth penalty in the shootout against Aberdeen, but Inverness CT lost 4–2 on penalties after a 0–0 draw.[25] Soon after, Doran suffered a hamstring injury, which he sustained during the match against Motherwell on 19 March 2014.[26] Doran made his return to the matchday squad against Ross County on 4 April 2014, which Doran assisted and scored, in a 2–1 victory for Inverness CT.[27]

The 2014–15 season started well for Doran, as the club earned 13 points in the first six matches. Of those first six matches, Doran scored his first Inverness CT goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Motherwell[28] and scored two weeks later on 30 August 2014 against Kilmarnock[29] before scoring in the next game against Partick Thistle on 13 September 2014.[30] On 1 January 2015, Doran scored twice and set up a goal for Billy Mckay in the Highland derby, in a 3–1 win over Ross County.[31] Doran was soon on the sidelines that put him out of action with a groin injury[32] and made his return to the first team, coming on as a substitute for Nick Ross in the 73rd-minute, in a 2–1 loss against Motherwell on 28 February 2015.[33] Doran then scored his sixth goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against St Johnstone on 2 May 2015.[34] Doran started as a left-midfielder, in the Scottish Cup Final, where he set up the opener for Marley Watkins, in a 2–1 win over Falkirk to win their first ever Scottish Cup Final.[35] Aaron told news that the club had twice cancelled surgery for an injury he sustained whilst playing for club,[36] following this the club received a lot of backlash prompting former teammate Shane Sutherland to set up a Go Fund me to pay for surgery with many Players, Managers and Fans donating to the cause. [37] Shortly before he received surgery for his injury Aaron Doran confirmed that he had received confirmation from the club that they would not be renewing his contract. [38]

Strathspey Thistle

[edit]

On 15 August 2024, Doran was appointed as a Player/Coach to be apart of former Inverness CT goalkeeper and coach, Ryan Esson's coaching staff.[39]

Career statistics

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As of match played on 19 April 2024[40]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Blackburn Rovers 2008–09[41] Premier League 3 0 0 0 0 0 – 3 0
2009–10[42] 0 0 0 0 0 0 – 0 0
2010–11[43] 0 0 0 0 0 0 – 0 0
Total 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Milton Keynes Dons (loan) 2009–10[42] League One 4 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 5 0
Leyton Orient (loan) 2009–10[42] League One 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
Inverness Caledonian Thistle (loan) 2010–11[43] Scottish Premier League 14 3 2 0 0 0 — 16 3
Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2011–12[44] Scottish Premier League 10 0 1 0 1 0 — 12 0
2012–13[45] 38 3 3 0 4 0 — 45 3
2013–14[46] Scottish Premiership 33 5 4 3 4 0 — 41 8
2014–15[47] 33 6 4 0 1 0 — 38 6
2015–16[48] 0 0 0 0 0 0 2[b] 0 2 0
2016–17[49] 17 1 1 0 1 0 — 19 1
2017–18[50] Scottish Championship 18 4 2 1 0 0 2[c] 0 22 5
2018–19[51] 33 5 6 4 4 2 5[d] 0 48 11
2019–20[52] 26 6 2 1 3 1 4[c] 1 35 9
2020–21[53] 11 1 0 0 2 0 — 13 1
2021–22[54] 26 1 2 0 3 1 8[e] 0 39 2
2022–23[55] 29 2 6 1 4 0 1[c] 0 40 3
2023–24[56] 15 1 2 1 4 2 1[c] 0 22 4
Total 289 35 33 11 31 6 23 1 376 53
Strathspey Thistle 2024–25 Highland League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career total 316 38 35 11 31 6 24 1 406 56
  1. ^ Appearance in the Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in the UEFA Europa League
  3. ^ a b c d Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup
  4. ^ 1 appearance in the Scottish Challenge Cup & 4 appearances in the Playoffs
  5. ^ 3 appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup & 5 appearances in the Playoffs

Personal life

[edit]

In February 2015, Doran and teammate Danny Devine were fined £40 fixed penalty notices after causing a late-night disturbance.[57] Following this, the club's assistant manager Russell Latapy said he hoped the pair would learn from their mistake.[58]

Honours

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Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Individual awards

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References

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  1. ^ "Statistics". Premier League. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 February 2012. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  2. ^ "Former Caley Thistle goalkeeping coach new boss at Highland League club". The Inverness Courier. 15 August 2024.
  3. ^ "FULL-TIME: Liverpool 4 Blackburn Rovers 0". Lancashire Telegraph. 11 April 2009. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  4. ^ "Ince recruits Blackburn youngster". mkdons.com. 5 October 2009. Archived from the original on 9 October 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
  5. ^ "Dons sink Shrimpers". Sky Sports. 6 October 2009. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
  6. ^ "Doran makes Orient move". Sky Sports. 22 February 2010. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
  7. ^ "Doran enjoying taste of Orient". Sky Sports. 4 March 2010. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
  8. ^ "Rovers return for Doran". Sky Sports. 29 March 2010. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
  9. ^ "Allardyce says Doran has gone 'backwards'". lancashiretelegraph.co.uk. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 25 January 2011.
  10. ^ "Blackburn 0 Stoke 2". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 26 December 2010. Archived from the original on 26 November 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2011.
  11. ^ "Doran Heads North". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 25 January 2011. Archived from the original on 29 January 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2011.
  12. ^ "Doran Will Thrive North of the Border". pressandjournal. 4 February 2011. Archived from the original on 27 May 2012. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  13. ^ "Two Assists for Doran on Debut". 5 February 2011. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  14. ^ "Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1–1 Hearts". BBC Sport. 16 April 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  15. ^ "St Johnstone 0–3 Inverness Caledonian Thistle". BBC Sport. 25 April 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  16. ^ "Doran signs permanent deal at Caley". Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C. 13 July 2011. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011.
  17. ^ "Inverness lose Aaron Doran for three months". BBC Sport. 27 August 2011. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
  18. ^ "Inverness: Terry Butcher delighted to reach League Cup semi-final". BBC Sport. 31 October 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  19. ^ a b "Inverness CT sweep Clydesdale SPL November awards". BBC Sport. 6 December 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
  20. ^ "Doran wants stay at Caley Thistle". Inverness. 13 December 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  21. ^ "Inverness CT: Doran & Raven close to agreeing new deals". BBC Sport. 4 April 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  22. ^ "Aaron Doran pledges future to Inverness CT by signing three-year deal". STV.tv. 28 May 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  23. ^ "Inverness CT 3 St Mirren 0: James Vincent ready to replace Andrew Shinnie as second half goal blast buries Saints". Daily Record. 4 August 2013. Archived from the original on 2 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  24. ^ "Celtic 2–2 Inverness CT". BBC Sport. 24 August 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  25. ^ Campbell, Andy (16 March 2014). "Aberdeen 0–0 Inverness CT". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  26. ^ "Mckay goal keeps ICT in European hunt". Inverness Courier. 22 March 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  27. ^ "Ross County 1–2 Inverness CT". BBC Sport. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  28. ^ "Motherwell 0–2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle". BBC Sport. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  29. ^ "Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2–0 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 2 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  30. ^ "Partick Thistle 3–1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle". BBC Sport. 13 September 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  31. ^ "Ross County 1–3 Inverness Caledonian Thistle". BBC Sport. 1 January 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  32. ^ "ICT trialists cannot bank on winning deals – Yogi". Inverness Courier. 16 February 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  33. ^ "Motherwell 2–1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle". BBC Sport. 28 February 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  34. ^ "St Johnstone 1–1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle". BBC Sport. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  35. ^ "Inverness CT 2–1 Falkirk". BBC Sport. 2 July 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  36. ^ "Aaron Doran: Caley Thistle cancelled my knee operation twice". The Inverness Courier. 11 June 2024.
  37. ^ "Players, managers and fans crowdfund ACL operation and rehab for ex-Blackburn and Ireland U21 winger". The Irish Mirror. 27 June 2024.
  38. ^ "Caley Thistle player says contract ended while awaiting surgery". BBC. 21 June 2024.
  39. ^ "Former Caley Thistle goalkeeping coach new boss at Highland League club". Inverness Courier. 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  40. ^ Aaron Doran at Soccerway. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  41. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  42. ^ a b c "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  43. ^ a b "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  44. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  45. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  46. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  47. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  48. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  49. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  50. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  51. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  52. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  53. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  54. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  55. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  56. ^ "Games played by Aaron Doran in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  57. ^ "Two Inverness players fined after late-night ruckus ended with Aaron Doran handcuffed in police van". Daily Record. 17 February 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  58. ^ "Doran and Devine will learn from their mistakes – Latapy". Inverness Courier. 20 February 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
  59. ^ Lamont, Alasdair (30 May 2015). "Inverness CT 2–1 Falkirk". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  60. ^ Crawford, Kenny (24 March 2018). "Dumbarton 0–1 Inverness CT". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
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