Cliftonville vs Linfield 04/05/24

LINFIELD BACKROOM STAFF

Words Matt Wright

David Healy Manager

Ross Oliver Assistant Manager

George McCartney Assistant Manager

Jonny Williamson Goalkeeping Coach

One of Northern Ireland's all-time football greats, David Healy was appointed manager of Linfield in October 2015. David achieved the domestic treble in the 2016-2017 season and in his short management career he has won five league titles, two Irish Cups, two League Cups and he was named Northern Ireland Manager of the Year four years in a row. The all-time leading scorer for Northern Ireland with 36 goals, he began his playing career at Manchester United. He turned professional at Old Trafford in 1999 before signing for Preston North End two years later. He spent three years with Preston, scoring 44 goals in 137 appearances, before transferring to Leeds United in 2004. At Leeds he netted 29 goals in 111 games. Subsequently he also played as a striker for Fulham, Sunderland, Rangers and Bury. Loan spells during his career included stints with Port Vale, Norwich City, Ipswich Town and Doncaster Rovers. He scored a total of 92 goals in 378 appearances for his various clubs. And he earned 95 caps for his country.

Ross joined Linfield in the 2015-2016 season as David Healy's assistant. Ross had previously coached at Ballyclare Comrades and was head coach of Ulster University (then University of Ulster). He also worked alongside current St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson when he was in charge of Northern Ireland youth international squads at the start of his coaching/managerial career.

George had a stellar playing career with Sunderland, West Ham United and Leeds United. During his career he also earned 34 senior caps for Northern Ireland. He joined Linfield as a coach during the 2021-22 season.

Jonny joined Linfield in the 2010-2011 season and has been looking after goalkeeping talents such as Roy Carroll, Chris Johns and many more at the club since then.

Ally Cooper Performance Coach

Willie McKeown Head of Recruitment Willie has been Linfield's Chief Scout since 2004, bringing the likes of Jamie Mulgrew to the club. Willie has worked for clubs such as Manchester City and Newcastle United during his career.

Ally is a PhD Researcher and Sports Performance Nutritionist who works with the players to maxmimise performance potential.

Gary Eccles Kit Manager

Lyndsay Corry Analyst Lyndsay is a former Northern Ireland senior women’s international and Linfield player who analyses team performance, set pieces and opponents.

Gary has been at Linfield for 40 years and is one of the Irish League's best known characters. He looks after the Linfield dressing room and the players’ daily needs.

33

www.irishfa.com