William John "Willie" Boland (born 6 August 1975 in Ennis, County Clare) is an Irish professional football player who plays as a midfielder and has spent most of his career in the English Leagues. He started his career with Coventry City, making over 60 League Appearances, before moving to Cardiff City in 1999.

The Irishman was Cardiff City's longest serving player, having been at the club for seven years and starting over 200 games, before leaving when his contract expired in the summer of 2006. He spent a short unsuccessful time on trial at Swansea City before in August 2006 signing for Hartlepool United.

Boland became Danny Wilson's first signing. His tough-tackling is something that Wilson had been looking to add to the squad and he agreed terms at The Vic after being out of contract at Cardiff in the summer. His leadership skills and experience were another part of the reason that Pools were quick to move for him when he became available.

Boland is a hard tackling midfielder with good battling qualities; he has represented his country at Under-21 level. Boland is starting to become somewhat a cult hero at Victoria Park with his hard working performances.

Honours

With Cardiff City

External links

• Boland's Official Hartlepool United F.C. profile
• Willie Boland profile at In The Mad Crowd
• Vital Hartlepool Profile: Willie Boland