A WAND of a left foot. One of the best free kick takers. Fondly remembered and always welcome back.
Those are just some of the superlatives that have came the way of a one-cap wonder who has decided the time has come to retire from football.
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A one-time Scotland international has called time on his playing careerCredit: AP:Associated Press
He helped two clubs win promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
One of which was Wolves in 2018Credit: PA:Press Association
He played for eight clubs during his professional career and made one appearance for Scotland, winning trophies in three different countries along the way.
He became something of a promotion specialist in England and helped end trophy droughts at two clubs on the continent.
And all of that after knocked back from his first club in Scotland due to being too small.
The man in question is Barry Douglas, who has called time on his footie career at the age of 36.
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Douglas was a trainee at Livingston before being released at 16 and ended up spending a year out of football.
He later joined Queen‘s Park in a bid to find a way back into the game and soon progressed to become a top player for the Glasgow side.
After a year in the youth team and another year finding his feet in the old second division, Douglas finished the 2009-10 season as the Spiders‘ top scorer with nine goals – despite primarily playing as a defender.
He was snapped up by Dundee United (who would eventually go down the same route to replace him with none other than Andy Robertson) and made 75 appearances and scored four goals for the Tannadice outfit across three seasons before Lech Poznan came calling.
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The Polish club took him to their hearts as he played a key role in them winning their first league title in six years in 2014-15.
Douglas would return to Poznan in 2021 and be part of another title-winning team but he would go on to earn cult hero status at three other clubs in between.
Most notably, he was part of the Wolves and Leeds United squads that reached the promised land of the Premier League.
But he was cruelly robbed of ever playing in the English top flight.
The Glasgow-born left-back – known for his dead ball prowess and in particular his penchant for spectacular free kicks – ended his career playing with St Johnstone last season but couldn’t prevent them from being relegated from the Scottish Premiership.
And after going ten months without a club, Douglas announced he would be officially retiring.
Douglas posted a lengthy and emotional post on his Instagram, reflecting on his playing days.
In it, he paid tribute to all of his previous clubs and also thanked his wife and parents for their ongoing support.
Douglas, nicknamed Basher, also described filling his childhood dream of playing for Scotland as a huge privilege.
He wrote: “Where do I even begin…
“The day every footballer knows is coming.
“It’s time to say goodbye to the playing side of the beautiful game.
“In my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d make it as a professional footballer — never mind win multiple titles in different countries and go on to play almost 500 games. Now that I’m finally ‘hanging up the boots‘ I can look back with immense pride, knowing I gave it everything I had.
“A massive thank you to all the clubs who trusted me to wear their badge. It’s been an honour and a privilege to fight for the shirt, and I never once took that responsibility for granted.
“Every kid grows up dreaming of playing for their country — so to have made that a reality is something I’ll always be incredibly proud of.
“Along the way, I’ve met so many amazing people — teammates, physios, chefs, groundsmen, kit men, cleaners… the list is endless. To everyone whose path I crossed, thank you. I truly appreciate you all, and I always tried to be the best version of myself, both on and off the pitch.
“There are a few people I have to mention personally.
“To my agents, Jim and Aldo, thank you for your guidance and support throughout the journey. It’s been some ride.
“To my mum and pops — without your sacrifices, the miles you drove, and everything you did for me growing up, none of this would have been possible. I hope I’ve made you proud.
“And finally, to my incredible wife, Debbie… this journey is just as much yours as it is mine. The truth is, without you by my side, I would never have achieved what I have. I’m forever grateful for your support, your sacrifices, and for taking that leap into the unknown when we first moved to Poland together to begin our adventure. Now look at us—two beautiful kids, multiple winners’ medals, and memories that will last a lifetime.
“Football… it’s been a pleasure.
“Thank you. Basher.”
Among the fellow pros to wish Douglas well included former team mates Gary Mackay-Steven, Conor Coady and Luke Ayling.
Mackay-Steven said: “Genius mate all the best going forward.”
Cody added: “Fantastic career Baz my mate! Brilliant left back but an even better fella and family! Enjoy the other side my mate you deserve it… pleasure was all ours.”
Before Ayling said: “Some career, Basher. Pleasure to share a dressing room with you and make memories that will last a lifetime. Love ya fella.”
Another player to share a dressing room with Douglas was ex-Rangers hero Kemar Roofe, who also played with Douglas at Leeds.
Roofe simply left a blue heart in the comments section of the post.
Another to respond was darts superstar Luke Humphries, a diehard Leeds fan himself. He said: “What a legend!! Some career you’ve had mate. Should be incredibly proud of what you achieved.
“Enjoy the time with the family now and time for some golf!”
Douglas helped Leeds to promotion in 2020 but was loaned out to Blackburn Rovers before the Premier League campaign got underway.
Reacting to the news, one Leeds fan replied: “Helped get us finally get promoted! Always welcome back at Elland Road lad.”
A supporter of Konyaspor, the Turkish club for whom Douglas played for and helped end a 15-year trophy drought when they won the Turkish Cup for the first time in their history, said: “Good luck Barry – You are a top class LB.
“Your name will always echo in Konya for the trophy you and others brought to the city.
“Visit us one day! Enjoy!”
While another Konya fan said: “We miss you so much, your place was truly one of a kind.”
Douglas won two league titles and the Polish Super Cup with Lech Poznan across two separate spells in Poland.
His free-kicks against Wisla Krakow and Jagiellonia Białystok remain etched in the memory of the fan base there, as well as one against FK Sarajevo in a Champions League qualifier.
One fan said: “It was a pleasure to watch you. You are a Master, Basher!”
A second replied: “What a journey. Thanks for all the memories!”
And a third said: “Thank you Barry, we won’t forget about you in Poznan! Enjoy your retirement!”
Another account on Twitter named after the player himself wrote: “Barry, I’m proud of my nickname on Twitter and will never change it.
“You were, you are, and you will be a legend of Lech Poznań.
“Thank you for the fight on the pitch, unforgettable free kicks, and wonderful personality.”
Douglas was one of the most influential players the year Wolves won promotion to the Premier League in 2018, scoring five goals as they won the Championship by nine points (conceding only seven goals too).
He earned his lone Scotland cap in a match against Hungary (in which he was a sub for Robertson) whilst at Molineaux but Leeds paid £3m for his services before he could make a Premier League appearance.
A Wolves supporter who was in the stands the night Douglas scored a trademark free-kick wrote: “Legend. Watched you at Bristol City away with my mate. Best free kick I’ve ever seen in person. All the best in your retirement.”
Another said: “Absolute colossus at Wolves Bazza, that left peg though! All the best for your next chapter.”
Back home, a Dundee United fan said: “Good luck Barry. Always watched the rest of your career after leaving United with interest.”
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