Mark Byrne
Byrne playing for Barnet in 2013.
Personal information
Full name Mark Byrne[1]
Date of birth (1988-11-09) 9 November 1988 (age 35)
Place of birth Kilnamanagh, Dublin, Ireland
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[2]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Crumlin United
Youth career
Crumlin United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2011 Nottingham Forest 2 (0)
2009 → Burton Albion (loan) 7 (0)
2009–2010 → Rushden & Diamonds (loan) 42 (6)
2010–2011 → Barnet (loan) 28 (6)
2011–2014 Barnet 119 (13)
2014–2016 Newport County 88 (6)
2016–2020 Gillingham 136 (8)
2020 Shelbourne 10 (0)
2021–2022 Bray Wanderers 28 (0)
2022– Crumlin United 0 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 06:09, 21 February 2022 (UTC)

Mark Byrne (born 9 November 1988) is an Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Crumlin United.

Club career

Nottingham Forest

Byrne signed for Nottingham Forest in July 2007 from Dublin schoolboy side, Crumlin United after unsuccessful trials at Leicester City and Stoke City.[3] He was named as a substitute in Forest's 1–1 draw at home to Walsall in March 2008. He then made his professional debut for Forest as a 70th-minute substitute on 5 April 2008 in a 3–1 victory against Cheltenham Town.

With the Reds gaining promotion, manager Colin Calderwood commented that he would be given the chance to impress next season after Forest's promotion to the Championship in the upcoming 2008–09 season.[4]

Burton Albion (loan)

On 13 March 2009, Byrne was sent on loan to Conference National side Burton Albion for the remainder of the season,[5] featuring in seven of the remaining eleven fixtures before being promoted, as champions, to the Football League.

Rushden and Diamonds (loan)

On 20 July 2009, Byrne joined Conference National side Rushden & Diamonds on an initial six-month loan,[6] but eventually signed on for the rest of the season.[7] The Irishman made 44 appearances with Rushden & Diamonds in 2009–10 scoring seven goals in the process, including the equaliser in Diamonds' Conference Premier Semi-Final First Leg vs Oxford United.[8] He received two awards at the end-of-season presentation night.[9] He left Nene Park at the end of his loan spell at the season's end.

Barnet

At the start of the 2010–11 season, he joined Barnet until 1 January 2011 when his loan spell was cut short due to injury.[10] Byrne returned to Barnet on loan in March 2011.[11] After his release from Nottingham Forest in June, Byrne signed a two-year deal with Barnet.[12]

Byrne then consolidated his position within the Barnet first team, playing a central role in midfield, though at times, he was shifted on to the right wing. He scored in the first game of the season on 6 August, against Morecambe at the Globe Arena, scoring in the 76th minute in a 1–0 win for Barnet. He next scored on 19 November, with a 98th-minute goal against Bristol Rovers, sealing a 2–0 win at the Memorial Stadium. He scored again in the League on 21 January, with a 48th-minute equaliser against Northampton Town at Sixfields Stadium. Next, he scored against Rotherham United on 3 March, with the opening goal in the 7th minute at Underhill. Barnet went on to draw the game 1–1. Finally, he scored a pivotal goal on the final day of the season away against Burton Albion, a game which Barnet needed to win to seal their spot in the Football League – he scored the opening goal in the 6th minute. Barnet would go on to win the game 2–1, thus maintaining their Football League status. He became a popular figure among Barnet fans for his hardworking attitude and tough tackling.

In the following season, Byrne's position was shifted more prominently on to the right wing, fitting in with new player-manager Edgar Davids' 4–5–1 formation with two wingers, and three central midfielders. Byrne was one of few players who stayed at Barnet following the previous season. He would go on to play a prominent role for Barnet, scoring 2 penalties in the League, with a total of 3 goals in the League – the joint 4th highest goal tally for Barnet. Due to a shortage of right backs following injuries to Barry Fuller, and a previous long term injury to Danny Senda, Byrne also filled in at right back for Barnet, with moderate success. He made 40 appearances during the League.

At the end of the 2013–14 season, Byrne was released by Barnet.[13] In total, he played 166 times for the Bees, scoring 19 goals.

Newport County

In July 2014 Justin Edinburgh signed Byrne for Newport County.[14] Edinburgh had been Byrne's manager at Rushden and Diamonds. He made his debut for Newport against Wycombe Wanderers on 9 August 2014. Byrne scored his first goal for Newport in the 1–0 win over Southend United on 21 October 2014. Byrne was selected as Newport's player of the year for the 2015-16 season.[15] He was offered a new contract by Newport at the end of the 2015–16 season but the offer was withdrawn and he was released after he failed to accept the contract by the deadline of 10 June 2016.[16]

Gillingham

On 15 June 2016 Edinburgh again signed Byrne, this time for Gillingham on a two-year contract.[17]

He scored his first goal for the club in the 2–1 win over Premier League side Watford in the second round of the 2016–17 EFL Cup.[18]

He signed a new two-year contract with the club in June 2018,[19] having been named the Player of the Season at the conclusion of the 2017–18 campaign.[20]

Byrne was released by the club at the end of the injury-stricken 2019–20 season.[21] In total, he made 157 appearances in all competitions for the Kent side, scoring 11 goals.[22]

Shelbourne

Byrne signed for newly- promoted League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne on 21 August 2020,[23] making his debut against Shamrock Rovers in a crucial league match.[24] Byrne made 13 appearances for the club in all competitions[25] as they were relegated to the League of Ireland First Division.[26]

Bray Wanderers

On 22 February, Byrne signed for League of Ireland First Division side Bray Wanderers.[27]

Crumlin United

On 9 February 2022, having spent thirteen years away from the club, Byrne once again signed for Crumlin United.[28]

International career

In 2005 Byrne won a bronze medal playing for Republic of Ireland U18 in the European Youth Olympic Festival.

Career statistics

As of match played on 19 November 2021[29][25]
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Nottingham Forest 2007–08 Championship 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2008–09 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Total 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Burton Albion (loan) 2008–09[30] Conference Premier 7 0 0 0 — 0 0 7 0
Rushden & Diamonds (loan) 2009–10[31] 42 6 2 1 — 0 0 44 7
Barnet (loan) 2010–11[32] League Two 28 6 1 0 1 0 1[a] 0 31 4
Barnet 2011–12[33] 43 5 2 0 2 0 6[a] 0 53 5
2012–13[34] 40 3 1 0 0 0 1[a] 0 42 3
2013–14[35] Conference Premier 36 5 2 0 — 2[b] 0 40 5
Barnet total 119 13 5 0 2 0 9 0 135 13
Newport County 2014–15[36] League Two 42 4 1 0 1 0 0 0 44 4
2015–16[37] 46 2 4 1 1 0 1[a] 0 52 3
Newport total 88 6 5 1 2 0 1 0 96 7
Gillingham 2016–17[38] League One 31 1 0 0 2 1 2[c] 0 35 2
2017–18[39] 42 3 3 0 0 0 2[c] 1 47 4
2018–19[40] 45 4 5 0 1 0 1[c] 0 52 4
2019–20[41] 18 0 3 1 1 0 1[c] 0 23 1
Gillingham total 136 8 11 1 4 1 6 1 157 11
Shelbourne 2020[25] League of Ireland Premier Division 10 0 2 0 — 1[d] 0 13 0
Bray Wanderers 2021[25] League of Ireland First Division 28 0 1 0 — 3[e] 0 32 0
Career total 457 39 26 3 9 1 19 1 518 42
  1. ^ a b c d Appearances in the Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in the FA Trophy
  3. ^ a b c d Appearances in the EFL Trophy
  4. ^ Appearances in the 2020 League of Ireland play-offs
  5. ^ Appearances in 2021 League of Ireland promotion/relegation playoffs

Honours

Individual

References

  1. ^ "List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/07/2011 and 31/07/2011" (PDF). The Football Association. p. 6. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
  2. ^ "Mark Byrne - Midfielder - First Team - Gillingham". www.gillinghamfootballclub.com. Gillingham F.C. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  3. ^ "Impressive Progress For Byrne". nottinghamforest.premiumtv.co.uk. Nottingham Forest F.C. 26 March 2008. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  4. ^ "CC's Pledge To Youngsters". nottinghamforest.premiumtv.co.uk. Nottingham Forest F.C. 5 June 2008. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  5. ^ "Forest midfielder Mark Byrne joins Burton". Nottingham Post. 13 March 2009. Archived from the original on 14 September 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  6. ^ "Diamonds sign Mark Byrne". thediamondsfc.com. Rushden & Diamonds F.C. 21 July 2009. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  7. ^ "Byrne & McGuinness Loan Deals Extended". thediamondsfc.com. Rushden & Diamonds F.C. 13 January 2010. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  8. ^ "Rushden & Diamonds 1 Oxford United 1". 29 April 2010. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  9. ^ a b c "Players Presentation Photos". thediamondsfc.com. Rushden & Diamonds F.C. 13 May 2010. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  10. ^ "Loan Rangers Return". nottinghamforest.co.uk. Nottingham Forest F.C. 5 January 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  11. ^ "Mark Byrne Re-Joins Bees". barnetfc.com. Barnet F.C. 2 March 2011. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  12. ^ "Barnet bring in midfielder Mark Byrne". BBC Sport. 17 June 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  13. ^ "Byrne Leaves Barnet FC". barnetfc.com. Barnet F.C. 13 May 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  14. ^ "Newport County sign Barnet midfielder Mark Byrne on a free". BBC Sport. 14 July 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  15. ^ Byrne Newport player of the year
  16. ^ "Exiles part company with skipper Byrne and three others as contract offers withdrawn". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  17. ^ "Mark Byrne: Gillingham sign midfielder after Newport County exit". BBC Sport. 15 June 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Watford 1–2 Gillingham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  19. ^ "Mark Byrne signs new contract with League 1 Gillingham". Kent Online. 25 June 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  20. ^ a b "Mark Byrne voted Player of the Year". www.gillinghamfootballclub.com. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  21. ^ "Gillingham release Ouss Cisse, Mark Byrne and Ben Pringle while Lee Hodson and Barry Fuller are free to look elsewhere". Kent Online. 11 June 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  22. ^ "Mark Byrne | Football Stats | Gillingham | Age 31 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  23. ^ "Mark Byrne signs for Shels". www.shelbournefc.ie. 21 August 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
  24. ^ "Shamrock Rovers 0 Shelbourne 0: Dublin derby stalemate dents Hoops' title hopes". www.irishmirror.ie. 21 August 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
  25. ^ a b c d "Republic of Ireland - M. Byrne - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  26. ^ Kent, David. "Longford Town promoted after beating Shelbourne in relegation playoff". Buzz.ie. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  27. ^ "New additions to squad". 22 February 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  28. ^ @crumlinunited (9 February 2022). "We welcome Mark Byrne back to the club" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  29. ^ Mark Byrne at Soccerbase
  30. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  31. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  32. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  33. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  34. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  35. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  36. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  37. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  38. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  39. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
  40. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  41. ^ "Games played by Mark Byrne in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  42. ^ @NewportCounty. "END OF SEASON AWARDS". www.newport-county.co.uk. Retrieved 18 June 2016.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mark Byrne.
Newport County A.F.C. Player of the Year
Gillingham F.C. Player of the Year
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