David Healy was a Leeds United player during a difficult period for the club following relegation from the Premier League in 2004.
Healy joined Leeds United as one of the first signings of the new era in the Championship from Preston North End, becoming one of the key figures during a turbulent period for the club.
Known for his work ethic but also his goalscoring exploits and international pedigree with Northern Ireland, Healy made an impression at Elland Road, scoring inconsistently but performing well despite Leeds’ struggles in the Championship.
Over three seasons, he made 121 appearances and scored or assisted 38 goals, becoming a fan favourite for his relentless running and energy, as well as often making his goals pivotal ones. However, managerial changes and financial instability at the club limited his long-term impact.
David Healy could leave Linfield and take up Dundee FC role
After leaving Leeds in 2007, Healy signed for Fulham, continuing his career in the Premier League. Before Leeds, he also had spells with Manchester United and Norwich City.
Latterly, he turned out for the likes of Sunderland, Ipswich Town, Doncaster Rovers, and Bury. He also briefly had a stint with Rangers, but Healy retired in 2013. Healy was part of a memorable Leeds game against Southampton which ended 4-3, with Healy notching the equaliser from 3-0 down.
The now 45-year-old entered management soon after, where he has taken charge of around 500 games with Linfield since around 2015. His achievements in his home country of Northern Ireland have been nothing short of staggering.
He has won the NIFL Premiership in each of 2016/17, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, and this season in 2024/25. On top of that, Healy has two Irish Cup wins in 2016/17 and 2020/21. The Northern Ireland Football League Cup has also been won in each of 2018/19, 2022/23, and 2023/24.
That has meant Healy has been one of the most impressive managers in the division for close to ten years. In that time, he has won the Northern Ireland Manager of the Year in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
In some ways, it begs the question as to why he has not moved on to a challenge at a higher level to test himself, but the latest update could see Healy take up his first role as a manager outside of Linfield.
David Healy is in the frame for the Dundee manager’s job. Dundee are searching for a new boss following the sacking of Tony Docherty Healy has impressed with the job he has done at Linfield leading them to six Premiership titles since his appointment in 2015. #Dundee #Linfield pic.twitter.com/VVQ5BzOtOS
Football journalist Pete O’Rourke reports that Healy is in the frame for the Dundee FC managerial role. Dundee are searching for a new boss following the sacking of Tony Docherty earlier today.
David Healy’s record for Leeds United
Despite ending his career in West Yorkshire with relegation, Healy is fondly remembered by most Leeds fans. However, his record for Northern Ireland as a player was truly remarkable, scoring 36 in 95 games.
He was never going to be a club legend with Leeds, with Healy being far more of a workmanlike striker, capable of supporting attacks via his link play and energy, as well as chipping in with goals himself.
It appears as though Healy is someone worth keeping an eye on, with the 45-year-old potentially taking up roles in the English football pyramid one day if he can have any success in a potential move to Dundee.
