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Michael McGovern (footballer)

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Northern Irish footballer

Michael McGovern
McGovern playing for Northern Ireland in 2019
Personal information
Full name Michael McGovern
Date of birth (1984-07-12) 12 July 1984 (age 40)
Place of birth Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team Queen's Park (goalkeeping coach)
Youth career
0000–2001 Enniskillen Town United
2001–2004 Celtic
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2008 Celtic 0 (0)
2005 → Stranraer (loan) 19 (0)
2006 → St Johnstone (loan) 1 (0)
2008–2009 Dundee United 0 (0)
2009–2011 Ross County 71 (0)
2011–2014 Falkirk 105 (0)
2014–2016 Hamilton Academical 75 (0)
2016–2023 Norwich City 32 (0)
2023–2024 Heart of Midlothian 0 (0)
2024 → Livingston (loan) 3 (0)
Total 306 (0)
International career
Northern Ireland U19 3 (0)
2005–2006 Northern Ireland U21 10 (0)
2010–2020 Northern Ireland 32 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Michael McGovern (born 12 July 1984) is a Northern Irish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He has represented the Northern Ireland national team at international level and is currently goalkeeping coach at Scottish Championship club Queen's Park.

Born in Enniskillen, McGovern started his career with Scottish Premier League club Celtic in 2001. He spent time on loan with Scottish Second Division side Stranraer in 2005 and with Scottish First Division side St Johnstone in 2006. He left Celtic in 2008, having never made a first-team appearance for the club. After leaving Celtic, he joined fellow Scottish Premier League side Dundee United, but left after one season having not made a first-team appearance. In 2009, he went back to the First Division with Ross County, where he enjoyed a successful two-year spell. In 2011, he moved on a free transfer to fellow First Division side Falkirk. McGovern then moved to Hamilton Academical in 2014. After spending 15 years playing in Scotland, he moved to English club Norwich City in July 2016.

McGovern represented Northern Ireland at under-19 and under-21 levels, before making his senior debut in May 2010. He represented Northern Ireland at UEFA Euro 2016.

Club career

Celtic

McGovern joined Celtic in July 2001 from hometown junior club Enniskillen Town United. His first involvement with the first-team squad was as a substitute at the Camp Nou during Celtic's UEFA Cup match against Barcelona in March 2004. In January 2005, McGovern joined Stranraer on loan. He joined St Johnstone on a one-month emergency loan in December 2006. While at Celtic, he managed to pick up a Scottish Cup winners medal in 2004 and 2007, both times as an unused substitute.

Dundee United

On 17 June 2008, McGovern agreed a pre-contract move to Dundee United, signing a one-year deal. He failed to make a first-team appearance for United and manager Craig Levein confirmed McGovern's departure in May 2009.

Ross County

McGovern moved to Ross County in late June 2009 and enjoyed a successful first season. This included playing in the 2010 Scottish Cup Final, which Ross County lost 3–0 to McGovern's former club Dundee United, and making his full international debut.

In his second season at the club, McGovern saved two penalties in a 4–3 penalty shoot-out win against Partick Thistle in the Scottish Challenge Cup semi-final on 10 October 2010. He played in the final on 10 April 2011, as Ross County lifted the trophy after a 2–0 win against Queen of the South at McDiarmid Park. McGovern left Ross County at the end of the 2010–11 Scottish First Division season.

Falkirk

After leaving Ross County, McGovern joined up with St Johnstone for pre-season training before he signed for Falkirk on 20 July 2011. He quickly established himself as first choice goalkeeper and on 21 September 2011, played in Falkirk's 3–2 Scottish League Cup win over holders Rangers. On 1 April 2012, he played for Falkirk in their 1–0 win over Hamilton in the 2012 Scottish Challenge Cup Final. At the end of the season he won the Falkirk Players' Player of the Year award and Falkirk Supporters Club Player of the Year award. He was among four players nominated for the PFA Scotland First Division Player of the Year award and he was named in the PFA Scotland 2012–13 First Division Team of the Year. On 17 May 2012, he signed a new one-year contract.

McGovern was named Falkirk Players' Player of the Year for the second year in succession at the end of the 2012–13 season. He signed a new one-year deal at Falkirk on 24 June 2013 and was appointed club captain upon the departure of Darren Dods. On 18 April 2014, McGovern was named in the PFA Scotland 2013–14 Championship Team of the Year.

Hamilton Academical

On 9 June 2014, McGovern signed for Scottish Premiership club Hamilton Academical on a one-year contract. He made his debut on 2 August 2014, in a 2–1 win against Arbroath in the Scottish League Cup. On 5 October 2014, he played in Hamilton Academical's 1–0 victory over Celtic, which was their first victory at Celtic Park in 76 years. During September and October 2014, McGovern set a club record of 437 minutes without conceding a goal in the Scottish top flight. On 28 November 2014, he extended his contract at Hamilton Academical by a further year, until 2016. In January 2015, McGovern became club captain after the incumbent Martin Canning was promoted to manager following Alex Neil's departure to Norwich City.

Norwich City

On 19 July 2016, it was revealed that McGovern had signed for Championship club Norwich City on a three-year deal. He made his debut on 13 August 2016, replacing John Ruddy at half-time in Norwich City's 0–0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday. Throughout his time at Norwich, McGovern played a crucial role within the squad, contributing significantly to the team's success and stability.

Premier League Appearances: McGovern made his Premier League debut during the 2019–20 season in a match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, becoming Norwich City's oldest Premier League debutant.

Championship Winners Medals: McGovern was an integral part of the Norwich City squad that secured promotion to the Premier League by winning the EFL Championship in both the 2018–19 and 2020–21 seasons.

2018-19 Season: Although McGovern's appearances were limited during the 2018–19 season, his presence in the squad contributed to a strong team dynamic, helping Norwich clinch the Championship title.

2020-21 Season: The 2020–21 season saw McGovern play a number of key games, making significant contributions to the team's success. He stepped in as the starting goalkeeper following injuries to the first-choice keeper Tim Krul and performed admirably, helping Norwich maintain their strong form. Unfortunately, an injury later in the season sidelined him, but his earlier performances were crucial in Norwich's eventual promotion.

McGovern's tenure at Norwich City highlighted his reliability and professionalism, both on the field during critical moments and off the field as a mentor to younger players.

Heart of Midlothian

McGovern would then return to Scotland, signing a one-year deal with Heart of Midlothian in the summer of 2023. In January 2024 he would joined Livingston on loan until the end of the season. He was released by Hearts at the end of the season.

Coaching career

Following his retirement as a player, McGovern took up the position of goalkeeping coach with Queen's Park.

International career

In March 2008, McGovern received his first call-up to the Northern Ireland squad. McGovern made his full debut for Northern Ireland on 31 May 2010, in a 1–0 loss to Chile. He came on at half-time for Alan Blayney and made a "stunning" save from a long-range effort by Marco Estrada.

McGovern became the number one goalkeeper for Northern Ireland, helping them qualify for Euro 2016 as qualifying group winners.

McGovern's performances during Euro 2016 were outstanding, particularly in the group stage match against Germany. He received plaudits for a series of "heroic saves" that restricted Germany to a 1–0 win during the group stages of the Euro 2016 finals on 21 June 2016, keeping Northern Ireland's goal difference down and helping them qualify for the knockout round of 16.

Career statistics

Club

Club Season League National Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Celtic 2003–04 Scottish Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2004–05 Scottish Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2005–06 Scottish Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2006–07 Scottish Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2007–08 Scottish Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Stranraer (loan) 2004–05 Scottish Second Division 19 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 19 0
St Johnstone (loan) 2006–07 Scottish First Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 1 0
Dundee United 2008–09 Scottish Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
Ross County 2009–10 Scottish First Division 35 0 7 0 3 0 — 4 0 49 0
2010–11 Scottish First Division 36 0 3 0 3 0 — 5 0 47 0
Total 71 0 10 0 6 0 — 9 0 96 0
Falkirk 2011–12 Scottish First Division 35 0 2 0 5 0 — 5 0 47 0
2012–13 Scottish First Division 35 0 4 0 2 0 — 2 0 43 0
2013–14 Scottish Championship 35 0 1 0 3 0 — 6 0 45 0
Total 105 0 7 0 10 0 — 13 0 135 0
Hamilton Academical 2014–15 Scottish Premiership 38 0 1 0 4 0 — — 43 0
2015–16 Scottish Premiership 37 0 1 0 1 0 — — 39 0
Total 75 0 2 0 5 0 — — 82 0
Norwich City 2016–17 Championship 20 0 2 0 0 0 — — 22 0
2017–18 Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 — — 1 0
2018–19 Championship 0 0 1 0 4 0 — — 5 0
2019–20 Premier League 2 0 1 0 0 0 — — 3 0
2020–21 Championship 10 0 0 0 0 0 — — 10 0
2021–22 Premier League 0 0 1 0 0 0 — — 1 0
2022–23 Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
Total 32 0 5 0 5 0 — — 42 0
Career total 303 0 24 0 26 0 0 0 22 0 375 0
  1. ^ Appearances in Scottish Challenge Cup
  2. Two appearances in Scottish Challenge Cup and four appearances in Scottish Championship promotion play-offs

International

As of match played 15 November 2020
National team Year Apps Goals
Northern Ireland 2010 1 0
2015 8 0
2016 10 0
2017 9 0
2018 2 0
2020 2 0
Total 32 0

Honours

Celtic

Ross County

Falkirk

Norwich City

References

  1. "Club list of registered players: As at 19th May 2018: Norwich City" (PDF). English Football League. p. 26. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  2. "Michael McGovern: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  3. "McGovern on Celtic bench". BBC Sport. 24 March 2004. Retrieved 17 June 2008.
  4. "Celtic stun Barcelona". BBC Sport. 25 March 2004. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
  5. "McGovern joins Stranraer on loan". BBC Sport. 1 January 2005. Retrieved 17 June 2008.
  6. "Celtic's McGovern moves to Saints". BBC Sport. 1 December 2006. Retrieved 17 June 2008.
  7. ^ "Larsson caps Celtic triumph". BBC Sport. 22 May 2004. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  8. ^ Taylor, Julian (26 May 2007). "Dunfermline 0–1 Celtic". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  9. "Dundee United make double swoop". BBC Sport. 17 June 2008. Retrieved 17 June 2008.
  10. "Dixon delight at award from fellow Arabs". The Courier (Dundee). 6 May 2009. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  11. "Keeper McGovern heads to County". BBC Sport. 25 June 2009. Retrieved 26 June 2009.
  12. Findlay, Stuart. "The Ross County heroes that stunned Celtic in 2010: where are they now?". Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  13. ^ McGuigan, Thomas (15 May 2010). "Dundee Utd 3–0 Ross County". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  14. "Michael McGovern is Northern Ireland's new hero". Retrieved 11 December 2020 – via www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk.
  15. "ALBA Cup semi final: Ross County 2 Partick Thistle 2 (4–3 after pens)". Daily Record. 11 October 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  16. ^ Miller, Stevie (10 April 2011). "Queen of the South 0–2 Ross County". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  17. Linton, Graham (18 June 2011). "McGovern set to depart County". The Inverness Courier. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  18. Spence, Jim (23 June 2011). "Goalkeeper Michael McGovern trains with St Johnstone". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  19. "McGovern signs for Falkirk". BBC Sport. 20 July 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2011.
  20. "Falkirk 3–2 Rangers". BBC Sport. 21 September 2011. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
  21. ^ "Falkirk 1–0 Hamilton Accies". BBC Sport. 1 April 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  22. Ross, Jack (3 May 2012). "PFA SCOTLAND DIVISION ONE TEAM OF THE YEAR". PFA Scotland. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  23. "Falkirk seal new contract for Michael McGovern". The Falkirk Herald. 17 May 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  24. "McGovern voted players' player of the year". The Falkirk Herald. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  25. "MCGOVERN DEAL CONFIRMED". Falkirk F.C. 24 June 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  26. Ross, Jack (18 April 2014). "TEAMS OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED". PFA Scotland. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  27. "Hamilton Accies sign Michael McGovern and Kieran MacDonald". BBC Sport. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  28. "Hamilton 2–1 Arbroath". BBC Sport. 2 August 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  29. Campbell, Andy (5 October 2014). "Celtic 0–1 Hamilton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
  30. McGilvray, Andy (31 October 2014). "My shut-out record means nothing to me at the moment, says Hamilton goalkeeper Michael McGovern". Daily Record. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
  31. "Michael McGovern: Hamilton Accies goalkeeper signs new deal". BBC Sport. BBC. 28 November 2014. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
  32. "Hamilton Academical primed to lose keeper Michael McGovern". BBC Sport. 27 April 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  33. "MICHAEL MCGOVERN JOINS NORWICH CITY". Norwich City. 19 July 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  34. "Norwich City 0–0 Sheffield Wednesday". BBC Sport. 13 August 2016.
  35. "McGovern Joins Jambos". BBC. 14 July 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
  36. "McGovern joins Livi on loan from Hearts". BBC. 19 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  37. "Trio To Depart Hearts". heartsfc.co.uk. Heart of Midlothian F.C. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  38. "Peterhead v Queen's Park: 13 July 24 – Match Preview". Queen's Park FC. 13 July 2024. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  39. "Johnson returns for Bulgaria game". BBC Sport. 25 January 2008. Retrieved 17 June 2008.
  40. "Chile 1–0 Northern Ireland: Paredes Header Decides Tame World Cup 2010 Warm-Up". Goal.com. 31 May 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2011.
  41. Bevan, Chris (21 June 2016). "Euro 2016: Northern Ireland 0–1 Germany – player ratings". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  42. Michael McGovern at Soccerbase
  43. "Michael McGovern player profile". Soccerway. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  44. "McGovern, Michael". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 11 June 2016.

External links

Awards
2011–12 PFA Scotland First Division Team of the Year
2013–14 PFA Scotland Scottish Championship Team of the Year
Northern Ireland squad – UEFA Euro 2016
Northern Ireland
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