George O'Boyle

Who is George O'Boyle?

George O'Boyle is a Northern Irish former professional footballer.

O'Boyle, a striker, began his career with Linfield. He left Northern Ireland in 1988 to join French club Bordeaux. The following year, he joined Dunfermline Athletic for £250,000. In 1994, he was signed by St. Johnstone manager Paul Sturrock for a £200,000. He reached both the high and low points of his career during his seven years at McDiarmid Park. He played in the 1998 Scottish League Cup Final defeat by Rangers.

On 5 January 2001, O'Boyle and St. Johnstone teammate Kevin Thomas were sacked following drug-taking allegations. The two players, it was alleged, were found using an unidentified white powder at the club's Christmas 2000 party in Perth's That Bar. The Scottish Premier League attempted to overturn the sacking but it was over-ruled by the Scottish FA.

After leaving the Perth club, O'Boyle joined Raith Rovers for a short spell, before moving on to Brechin City and Queen of the South, with whom he finished his professional career.

He returned to Northern Ireland to play for Glenavon and Ards, only to return to Scotland in 2004 to play for junior clubs Bo'ness and Kelty Hearts. O'Boyle also managed Carnoustie Panmure.