As the Head of Elite Player Development at the Irish FA, could you share what your role entails and how you’re finding the experience?
“Formally, my role involves overseeing the elite player development pathway, which we’ve split into two phases. The first is the elite competition phase, which encompasses our senior team, U21s, and U19s—essentially the highest levels of the game. My primary remit, however, is overseeing the elite player development phase, where our focus is on cultivating elite footballers for the future. This includes managing our U17, U16, U15, and U14 international teams, as well as our residential academy. I’m also responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of the U17 international team.
“It’s a role I’m incredibly privileged to hold. I don’t take it for granted because it’s something I’m deeply passionate about. My studies and experience have led me to this specialized area, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
“That said, like all roles in football, it’s relentless. Football is 24/7. If you’re not in the office, you’re on the pitch. If you’re not on the pitch, you’re watching or analyzing games. It never really stops, but that’s what makes it so rewarding, and I truly enjoy every aspect of it.”
In terms of your playing career, how do you reflect on the formative years of your career when you were at Ards and Lisburn Distillery as they ultimately led to sign for Hamilton Accies in Scotland?
“Looking back, those were great times. In my early years, I was still quite raw and had a lot to learn, but playing in a physical league at a young age really helped shape my development.
“One thing I do regret, though, is not fully capitalising on the opportunity I had to sign for Hamilton Academical in Scotland when they were promoted to the Scottish Premiership. It was a fantastic chance to play at a higher level, but, in all honesty, I didn’t fully grasp it. I struggled with homesickness and ended up returning home, and that decision still weighs on me because it was a pivotal moment in my career. I had the opportunity to play for a major club, feature in Scottish Cup matches and semifinals—situations that could have significantly advanced my playing career.
“However, every cloud has a silver lining. After returning to Northern Ireland, I had the privilege of playing for two of the country’s biggest clubs, winning numerous trophies and carving out a solid career for myself. So, while there is a degree of regret when I reflect on the past, I also believe that things unfolded the way they were meant to. I genuinely enjoyed every aspect of my journey, especially those final three years at Linfield, which were incredibly rewarding.”
Upon returning to Northern Ireland, you played for the two biggest clubs in Belfast—Glentoran and Linfield. At Glentoran, you won a league title and an Irish Cup. How do you reflect on your time there overall?
“It was a challenging period. When I first joined Glentoran, we won the league for the first time in quite a while, and my signing, along with a few others, was part of the club’s determined push for the title that season. However, shortly after our success, the club was hit by a financial crisis, which dramatically changed its trajectory. Glentoran went from being a club with a proud history of competing at the top, to one struggling to stay in the top three or four. The squad was decimated, key players left, and it was a difficult time both for the club and for me personally.
“At that point, I was going through my own career struggles. I had been seen as a promising young player in the Irish League, an under-21 international on the verge of breaking into the senior team. Signing for Hamilton in the January transfer window was a big deal, but coming back to Glentoran, training just two days a week, and being at a club that was no longer what it once was due to financial instability—it was hard. My confidence took a hit, and perhaps the pressure of performing for a big club played a role in my struggles. I simply didn’t live up to expectations.
“Thankfully, the 2012–2013 season ended on a high note with our Irish Cup win. It was a beautiful way to close that chapter of my career, especially in a season filled with off-the-pitch turmoil. Beating Cliftonville, who had won the league comfortably, in the final was a remarkable achievement and a fitting way to end that difficult period in my life.”
Whenever a footballer crosses the divide of a fierce rivalry in any league, it creates headlines. Did you have any hesitation about moving from Glentoran straight to Linfield?
“Honestly, no, there was no hesitation. I felt completely ready for it. One of the best pieces of advice I received when I was younger was to make decisions for myself, and this was one of those moments. In November, Glentoran made it clear that there wouldn’t be a contract for me, so I started exploring other options. When I decided to join Linfield, I was very sure it was the right move. It was entirely my decision, and I didn’t feel the need to seek too much advice—it just felt right.
“After winning the Irish Cup with Glentoran, I could have stayed, but I trusted my instincts, and they told me to move to Linfield. The club aligned with where I wanted to be, and the manager at the time shared my vision. I didn’t want any more regrets in my career, and I was prepared for any backlash from fans.
“Even when I broke my leg on my first day at Linfield, I never wavered in my conviction. I was driven, with a sense of determination that I haven’t felt since. Looking back, it was absolutely the right decision. The success I achieved at Linfield surpassed anything I could have planned.”
You won multiple trophies with Linfield and were prolific with goals. Did that justify the move for you, and how did it feel to reinvigorate your career?
“Yeah, a lot of questions were asked, you know, as part and parcel of the game, but like I said, I can’t describe it. I was so determined. I really blanked everything out. I can’t even remember much, just training hard and being focused on playing. I remember breaking my leg, and for 10 or 11 weeks, I just had to train by myself. I had to watch the rest of the lads battle at the start of the season, and they were struggling. I remember wanting so badly to get back onto the pitch. I worked every day, honestly. I was a student at the time, but I spent every minute in the gym and doing rehab. Once I was back on the pitch, I trained hard every day, doing extra work.
“I remember one week when I came back to play—I overtrained and got a back spasm. I was ruled out of a game, and I remember David Jeffrey looking at me, worried, thinking, “Is he going to be injured for the rest of his career?” That was on a Saturday. By Tuesday, I played for the reserve team and scored three or four goals. David Jeffrey took me off just after halftime and said, “I’ve seen enough. You’re starting on Saturday.” That Saturday, I started against Ballymena and scored a hat-trick. I remember hugging him after the second goal. That day was one of the best feelings of my career, and looking back, it was such a class moment. It laid a foundation for me.
“You know, in life, you make decisions. You might not know if they’re right or wrong at the time, but whatever decision you make, you have to throw your shoulder to the wheel and give it your all. If it’s a good decision, great, you deserve it. If it’s wrong, you learn from it.”
You mentioned David Jeffrey, a legendary manager within the Irish League. What was it like working with him?
“He was great—a warm leader. No matter what profession he’s in, he’s a leader. He always knew what to say at the right time, making you feel 10 feet tall. There was a lot of trust with him, and he protected you from a lot. I only had one season with him, which I regret. No one’s perfect, but he was a likable leader who made you feel like you were going into battle every day. He knew how to put things into perspective, and I can see why he was so successful.”
You retired after a season at Glenavon in 2022, and you’ve been open about the fact that you suffered a stroke the morning after retiring. How tough and scary was that, especially since you were a healthy individual given your career in sport?
“Yeah, it was tough. When I left Linfield, I knew I couldn’t commit to full-time football. Three months into my Glenavon career, I realized I couldn’t even commit to any football. It was hard to balance work and football, and I felt like I wasn’t giving my best on the pitch. I had a conversation with Guy Hamilton, and it was amicable. I thought about playing the next season, but then I had the stroke. It put everything into perspective. My last game was on my mind, and then the next morning, I woke up being told I had a stroke. It was unbelievable because I felt great. I had trained hard the day before, didn’t play the game, and was on the bench. It was a shock to hear a doctor say that to me.
“After understanding how it happened and realizing it wasn’t related to fitness, I just thought, maybe I’ve dedicated my life to football and now it’s time to give back to my family. I took a month off work, and it was tough. There was brain fog, tiredness, and a loss of confidence because I always prided myself on fitness. You feel like your body has let you down. But it’s another battle, and thankfully, God willing, I feel good now. I’ve been back working at my maximum level for two years.”
It is inspiring that you’ve come through that journey, and you’re back working at an elite level. What do you hope to do in the future? Do you see yourself going into management?
“Good question. I was asked that in a podcast about five months ago, and honestly, nothing’s changed. I don’t know. I always assumed I would be a manager. From the age of 16, I was probably one of the youngest people in the country to get a pro license. I’ve done a master’s degree and a lot of research in coaching. I love coaching and always thought I’d become a manager.
“But in my current role, there’s still a lot of work to do, and I feel like I have unfinished business. I get the best of both worlds, working on and off the pitch. For the first time in my life, I don’t have a solid plan, and I like that. Many people around me are very focused and have a plan, and I used to be that way. But right now, I enjoy the flexibility of the opportunities coming my way.
“I know there’s a shelf life in football, and in my job, too. My predecessor told me they left things in a good place, and I feel I can take it to a better one. The day I believe someone else can do that better than me will be the day I step away. But for now, I don’t have an answer to your question, and I think I like not knowing.”
Featured image: “Andrew Waterworth (2014, cropped)” by Anders Henrikson is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Callum McFadden 