Linighan is a defender who played from 1980 to 2000, most notably for Crystal Palace and Arsenal. His biggest moment for Arsenal came in the FA Cup final, during extra time, against Sheffield Wednesday. With 119 minutes gone, Linighan, who was suffering from a broken nose, came up for a corner and headed the ball in for the win. In 1997, Linighan moved to Crystal Palace where he helped the club win promotion to the Premiership and became the club’s captain.