Post-playing careers of Irish-born footballers in England, 1945–2010

Abstract

This article uses player interviews and secondary sources to analyse the post-playing careers of a number of Irish-born footballers who played in English league football during the period from the end of the Second World War to 2010. It will illustrate that the majority of these players attempted to remain in the game in some capacity after retiring. Changes in the post-playing career routes attempted by retired players indicate that while more modern careers such as agent and sport science-related work are now available, the number of players who complete secondary-level education and attain third-level degrees remains low. Despite more emphasis on educating young recruits, the level of qualifications available at clubs has been problematic for those seeking to further their education outside the game. In addition, financial difficulties and a change in identity have left many players facing tough mental challenges on retirement from football.

Acknowledgement

The author is grateful to CIES and FIFA for providing financial assistance in conducting this research and also to the footballers who participated in the interviews.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

^1. Personal Communication with Gerard Mooney, 4 May 2013 and with Stephen McGuinness, 25 June 2013; I am also grateful to Dr Tom Hunt, Vincent Butler of Belvedere FC and former Irish Independent journalist Seán Ryan for their assistance in identifying a number of players’ post-playing careers and places of settlement.

^2. Tuohy resigned from his Republic of Ireland manager's post in 1973 after only 2 years due to the low pay and the fact that he was also coaching Shamrock Rovers while also working as an ice-cream salesman.

^3. At senior international level, Billy Bingham, Terry Neill, Dave Clements, Danny Blanchflower, Bryan Hamilton, Sammy McIlroy, Nigel Worthington and Michael O'Neill have all managed Northern Ireland. At club level, Neil Lennon has enjoyed a successful spell at Celtic, while Martin O'Neill was recently appointed Republic of Ireland manager.

^4. Peter Corr, Joe Haverty, Reg Ryan, Mick Martin and David Campbell have all been employed as scouts.

^5. These include Gerry Burrell, John Campbell, Bill Collins, William Dickson, Norman Uprichard, Sammy Chapman, Alan Campbell, Willie McFaul, Eric McManus, Billy Hamilton, Barry Hunter and Keith Rowland.

^6.‘Obituary: Danny Blanchflower.’

^7. Eamonn Collins, Shane Supple, Wayne Henderson, Clive Clarke, Dessie Byrne, Graham Barrett, Don Givens, Kevin Moran, Tommy Butler and David Worrell have all worked as agents.

^8. A few Republic of Ireland-born players, including Theo Foley, Terry Conroy and Ashley Grimes, have worked as match day hosts, while former Northern Ireland players Pat Jennings and John McClelland have also become involved in this. Others connected with club entertainment include Willie Irvine and Sammy Nelson, while Norman Whiteside, George Best and Jackie Blanchflower have all worked as after-dinner speakers.

^9. Stephen Devine, Gary Fleming, Pat McGibbon, Paul Morgan and Paul Ferris have all become physiotherapists, while Norman Whiteside qualified as a chiropodist after being forced to quit the game through injury.

^10. Conall Murtagh is now employed as a sports scientist at Liverpool FC, while Linfield's Michael Carvill also works part-time as a personal trainer.

^11. Johnny Gavin, Maurice Swan, Alfie Hale, Jackie O'Driscoll, Gerry Ryan, Jackie Blanchflower, Jim Feeney, Sammy McCrory, Norman Uprichard, Johnny Crossan, Jimmy Shiels and Sean O'Neill have all run pubs after finishing their playing careers.

^12. Those found to have opened shops include Johnny Crossan (sports shop and trophy business), Jackie Blanchflower (sweetshop and bookmaker), William Hughes (tobacco and newsagent), Sammy Smyth (bookmaker and sports shop owner), David Craig (newsagent), Billy Humphries (newsagent), Ian Lawther (tailor's shop), John Cowan (trophy business), and Jackie Vernon and Wilbur Cush (butchers).

^13. Gary Howlett, Richie Sadlier, Barry Prenderville and Keith O'Neill have been noted as having completed their secondary school education before migrating to England.

^14.‘PFA Membership.’

^15.‘Membership.’

^16.‘Ex-Footballer Warren Aspinall’; ‘Dean Windass Discusses His “Shame”’; and ‘Football's Suicide Secret.’

^17.‘Sadlier: “I Never Dreamt”.’

^18.‘PFAI Join Lean on Me Campaign.’

^19.‘St Kevin's Boys FC.’ The club website states ‘A one year Y.T.S and a one year contract would not in our opinion be a commitment to the player from the club, or indeed a two year Y.T.S contract’ and interview with Gerard Mooney, 4 May 2013.