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—essentiallyContinue reading “Exclusive: Andrew Waterworth on goalscoring and overcoming adversity to work at the highest level”
Category Archives: Exclusive interview
Ciaran Caldwell on his playing days, Newry experience and managerial aspirations
You were most recently at Newry City as first team coach under Barry Gray. How do you reflect on your time at the club? “Firstly, I am grateful for the opportunity to work at a higher level within the game. Moving into the role of first-team coach was an invaluable experience, even if, ultimately,Continue reading “Ciaran Caldwell on his playing days, Newry experience and managerial aspirations”
Martin Canning on management, playing in SPFL and working with Alex Neil
You spent several years playing for Hamilton Academical before stepping into the managerial role from 2015 to 2019, succeeding Alex Neil after his move to Norwich City. It was a particularly successful period for the club, marked by maintaining stability in the Scottish Premiership. What do you think were the key factors behind that success,Continue reading “Martin Canning on management, playing in SPFL and working with Alex Neil”
Exclusive: David Fisher on Big Two derby victory and his start to the season
Reflecting on the recent match against Linfield, which was an impressive away victory, can you share what it felt like to be on the pitch and win such a fierce derby match? “Last year, we did beat them 4-0, but we also lost quite a few games to them. So, defeating them this time,Continue reading “Exclusive: David Fisher on Big Two derby victory and his start to the season”
Exclusive: Matthew Tipton on management, player development and his next steps
Reflecting on your managerial career to date, you have managed at Warrenpoint, Portadown, and Ards, what are the key lessons that have you taken from these experiences? “Reflecting on my managerial career so far, I’ve had some really enjoyable and successful spells, particularly at Warrenpoint and Portadown. Starting chronologically, my journey began at Warrenpoint shortlyContinue reading “Exclusive: Matthew Tipton on management, player development and his next steps”
Matthew Tipton on scoring goals in England, Irish League memories and representing Wales at international level
Reflecting on your playing career as a striker, during which you represented clubs like Oldham, Macclesfield, Mansfield, and Bury in English football, what are some of your standout memories or defining moments from that period? “Honestly, all of them. People often ask, “How can you have only good memories? There must have been some toughContinue reading “Matthew Tipton on scoring goals in England, Irish League memories and representing Wales at international level”
Barry Smith on Celtic, Dundee, playing and coaching abroad
Reflecting on your playing career, you came through the ranks at Celtic and broke into the first team at a young age. What stands out to you when you think back on your time at the club? “To be honest, when you’re growing up and want to play football at a professional level, getting theContinue reading “Barry Smith on Celtic, Dundee, playing and coaching abroad”
Exclusive: David Odumosu on Irish Cup success and life at Cliftonville
Before we delve into last season’s Irish Cup success, you’ve made an impressive start to this season, earning the Player of the Month award. How satisfied are you with your early performances and the momentum you’ve built so far? “On a personal level, winning awards like Player of the Month is always gratifying. It’sContinue reading “Exclusive: David Odumosu on Irish Cup success and life at Cliftonville”
Exclusive: Gary Hamilton on Glenavon success, his departure and next steps
You grew up supporting Glenavon, and after joining the club on loan, you eventually signed on a permanent basis before quickly transitioning into the role of player-manager. Remarkably, you held that managerial position for over 12 years, which is an incredible achievement in today’s football environment. During your playing career, you spoke about howContinue reading “Exclusive: Gary Hamilton on Glenavon success, his departure and next steps”
Exclusive: Gary Hamilton on Blackburn Rovers, Irish League playing days and Northern Ireland
As a player, you had an incredibly successful career, particularly in the Irish League with standout performances for Portadown and Glentoran. You won the league title at Portadown and added to that success by winning the Irish Cup, before going on to achieve further accolades at Glentoran, including league titles, League Cups, and CountyContinue reading “Exclusive: Gary Hamilton on Blackburn Rovers, Irish League playing days and Northern Ireland”
Callum McFadden 