3/1 To Win
Shay Given will join Frank Lampard’s coaching staff as Derby County’s Head Goalkeeping Coach.
It marks the first coaching role for the Republic of Ireland legend though his decorated career between the sticks will add valuable experience.
Here, dcfc.co.uk takes a look back at Given’s career so far…
The Early Days
Given’s playing career didn’t get off to the best start when he conceded seven goals in his debut for local amateur side Lifford Celtic in County Donegal.
However, by 14-years-old he had caught the eye of Celtic while the Scottish side were on a pre-season tour in Ireland and he signed for the club in 1991. He didn’t make a senior appearance for the club but he had caught the eye of Bhoys legend Kenny Dalglish at Blackburn Rovers and made the switch to Premier League side in 1994.
During his time at the Lancashire club, Given mainly spent his time on loan, first at Swindon Town then Sunderland. In his second spell he kept 12 clean sheets in his 17 games to help the Black Cats earn promotion to the Premier League.
In 1997 Dalgish became manager of Newcastle United and made Given one of his first signings. The shot-stopper went on to become one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
FIFA Century Club
Given earned his first international call up in 1996 aged 19 in a 2-0 defeat to Russia, 20 years later he eclipsed the record of Ireland’s longest-serving player when he appeared in a 2-1 defeat to Belarus before announcing his retirement.
During that time, Given amassed 134 appearances for his country and appeared at the 2002 FIFA World Cup where he played in every match as Ireland reached the knockout stage. In the next round they met Spain and were eliminated on penalties after the game ended 1-1.
Given, who is a patron of Macmillian Cancer Support and Beechwood Cancer Care, gave all his international playing fees to charity.
Coaching Career
Given will take his first official coaching role since his retirement announcement last year.
However, in April 2014 while at Villa, Given was appointed temporary assistant manager to Paul Lambert following the suspension of Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa. Villa managed to avoid relegation in the final weeks of the season.
