Gary Deegan
Personal information
Full name Gary Richard Deegan[1]
Date of birth (1987-09-28) 28 September 1987
Place of birth Dublin, Ireland
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)[2]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Drogheda United
Number 8
Youth career
Shelbourne
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006 Shelbourne 0 (0)
2006 → Kilkenny City (loan) 18 (4)
2007 Longford Town 30 (3)
2008 Galway United 17 (0)
2008–2009 Bohemians 35 (5)
2010–2012 Coventry City 42 (5)
2012–2013 Hibernian 20 (0)
2013–2014 Northampton Town 27 (1)
2014–2016 Southend United 47 (0)
2016–2017 Shrewsbury Town 40 (0)
2017–2019 Cambridge United 83 (1)
2020 Shelbourne 18 (3)
2021– Drogheda United 99 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:09, 27 November 2023 (GMT)

Gary Richard Deegan (born 28 September 1987) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for League of Ireland Premier Division club Drogheda United. Beginning his career in his native Ireland, he played in the Scottish Premiership for Hibernian and various clubs in all three divisions of the English Football League.

Career

Ireland

Deegan started his career with Shelbourne. He made one competitive appearance for their first team, as a second-half substitute in a UEFA Intertoto Cup game against FK Vetra of Lithuania at Tolka Park on 24 June 2006, a match Shelbourne comfortably won 4–0. Soon after, Deegan was sent on loan to First Division strugglers Kilkenny City in July 2006 to gain experience and regular first team football.

Deegan left Shelbourne during the winter of 2006 following their financial meltdown and subsequently joined Longford Town in February 2007.[3] Deegan immediately broke into Longford's starting XI, making 35 league and cup appearances over the course of the season while scoring 3 goals. Following a difficult season on and off the pitch, Longford were relegated to the First Division, but Deegan helped Longford to the 2007 FAI Cup Final, which he missed due to a suspension. Deegan signed for Galway United on a full-time basis on 24 January 2008, but was released on 9 July due to financial difficulties at Galway.

Deegan was not to stay out of football for long as Pat Fenlon swooped to sign Deegan for Dublin club Bohemians until the end of the 2008 season.[4] He made his debut for the Gypsies in a 3–0 win over Cobh Ramblers at Dalymount Park on 1 August. He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–0 win over former club Galway on 22 August. Deegan made himself a regular in the Bohs' starting XI and his tremendous form was rewarded when he was named the Soccer Writers Association of Ireland (SWAI) Player of the Month for September.[5] The good times continued as a 2–1 win over Drogheda United secured the league title for Bohemians and a winners medal for Deegan. Deegan's outstanding form was rewarded when he was voted on to the Eircom League of Ireland Premier Division Team for 2008, receiving 28% of the votes for the centre midfield position.[6]

Deegan began the 2009 season well for Bohs with some powerful performances in midfield. He also excelled in Bohs UEFA Champions League qualifying tie against Red Bull Salzburg.[7] However Deegan and Bohs would depart that competition, cruelly losing 2–1 on aggregate. Worse was to come for Deegan as he got sent off twice in the space of three weeks and served a lengthy suspension. However, he returned for the final games of the season and picked up his second League of Ireland winners medal as Bohs pipped deadly rivals Shamrock Rovers to the title by four points. Deegan's talent was rewarded at the season's end when he was voted on to the 2009 PFAI Team of the Year.[8]

Coventry City

It was announced on 21 December 2009 he would be signing for English Championship club Coventry City on 4 January 2010 on a three and a half-year deal.[9] Deegan made his debut for Coventry as a second-half substitute against Barnsley on 9 January 2010.[10] He scored his first goal for Coventry on his second start for the club against Queens Park Rangers in a 1–0 win for Coventry on 13 February 2010.[11] His second goal for the club was a late equaliser in the M69 derby on 21 March 2010, with the match finishing 2–2.[12]

During the 2010–11 pre-season Deegan suffered a stress fracture of the ankle, putting him out of action for the duration of the season, only to come on as a substitute in the final game of the season in a 2–2 draw against Norwich City.[13] In 2012 Deegan was the subject of controversy after tweeting a pro-IRA slogan.[14] He was banned for two weeks by the club, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.[15]

Hibernian

Deegan signed for Hibernian, managed by Pat Fenlon (which the pair worked together at Bohemians), in August 2012 on a one-year deal.[16] After joining, Fenlon said that he believed Deegan would become a fan favourite at the club.[17] Deegan made his debut, making his first start and playing 90 minutes, in a 1–1 draw against Edinburgh derby rivals Heart of Midlothian. He helped the club improve its form in the early part of the 2012–13 season, but Deegan then suffered a broken jaw when he was the victim of an unprovoked attack in Edinburgh city centre.[18] Deegan resumed training exercises in late November.[19] A 27-year-old man was charged with assault in connection with the incident in December.[20] Deegan said that his injury left him only able to eat soup for five weeks.[21] Deegan made his return, coming on as a substitute, in a 3–2 loss against Motherwell on 15 December 2012. Deegan scored his first Hibs goal with a 30-yard strike in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup in a 1–0 victory over Aberdeen. He left Hibs at the end of his contract, after failing to secure a regular first team place.[22]

Northampton Town

On 25 July 2013, Deegan joined Northampton Town on a one-year deal after a successful trial.[23]

Southend United

Deegan joined Southend United on 22 August 2014 on a free transfer.[24] He made his début for the club against AFC Wimbledon and throughout the 2014–15 season established himself as a favourite among the fans due to the commitment and passion that he displayed on the pitch as well as his iconic beard.[25]

On 4 August 2015 Deegan signed a one-year contract with an option for a second year.[26]

In May 2016, Deegan had his contract extended after the clause was triggered, although the following day, Southend announced that his contract had been terminated by mutual consent after Deegan wanted manager Phil Brown to guarantee him first team football, which Brown refused to do.

Shrewsbury Town

After leaving Southend, Deegan joined fellow League One side Shrewsbury Town.[27] Despite being a first-team regular under Micky Mellon and his successor Paul Hurst as Shrewsbury avoided relegation, he was transfer-listed halfway through his two-year contract at the club, although Hurst commented "he's a man and true to his word... there's been no falling-out".[28] Deegan left the club by mutual consent on 31 May 2017.[29]

Cambridge United

Deegan signed a two-year contract at League Two side Cambridge United on 1 June 2017, following his departure from Shrewsbury Town the previous day.[30]

He was offered a new contract by Cambridge United at the end of the 2018–19 season.[31]

In July 2019 it was announced that he was suffering from blood poisoning.[32]

Return To Shelbourne

Deegan signed a contract at League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne, the club where he started his senior career, on 31 December 2019, following his departure from Cambridge United just minutes after it was announced both parties had agreed to terminate Deegan's contract.[33] He scored 3 goals in 18 league appearances as Shelbourne were relegated from the Premier Division after just one season back in the top flight. His contract ran out and he was released by the club in October 2020.[34]

Drogheda United

2021 season

On 12 December 2020, Deegan signed a one-year deal with League of Ireland First Division champions and newly promoted Premier Division outfit Drogheda United under manager Tim Clancy, a former teammate of Deegan's at Hibernian.[35] He featured in 32 of the club's 36 league games throughout the season, playing 2,787 minutes in total, and was nominated for the SSE Airtricity Player of the Month award in May.[36]

2022 season

After finishing in 7th place and avoiding relegation, Deegan signed a one-year contract extension at the club for the 2022 season, under new manager Kevin Doherty, who was previously assistant manager under Tim Clancy and another former teammate of Deegan's during their time together at Longford Town.[37] He scored his first goal for the club against UCD on 4 March 2022. On 27 May, in the absence of Dane Massey, he was given the captain's armband for the first time as Drogheda drew 1–1 away to Bohemians. In August 2022, he received another nomination for SSE Airtricity Player of the Month.[38] Deegan served 3 suspensions for bookings, but still managed 35 appearances throughout the season as Drogheda avoided relegation by finishing in 8th place.

2023 season

On 9 December 2022, Deegan signed a new contract with the club, being named as club captain for the 2023 season.[39] He received a straight red card for a late challenge in the Louth Derby against Dundalk on 29 April, a game which Drogheda would go on to narrowly lose 3-2. Deegan made his 100th appearance for Drogheda United in a 0-0 home draw against his former club Bohemians on 22 September. He played a total of 38 games in 2023, accumulating 3,381 total minutes on the pitch, and only missed 2 out of 36 league games.

Career statistics

As of match played 3 November 2023
Club Season League League National Cup[lower-alpha 1] League Cup[lower-alpha 2] Other Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Shelbourne 2006[40] League of Ireland Premier Division 0000001[lower-alpha 3]010
Kilkenny City (loan) 2006[40] League of Ireland First Division 184———184
Longford Town 2007[40] League of Ireland Premier Division 3034010—353
Galway United 2008[40] League of Ireland Premier Division 1700020—190
Bohemians 2008[40] League of Ireland Premier Division 13341——174
2009[40] 23240102[lower-alpha 4]0302
Total 365811020476
Coventry City 2009–10[41] EFL Championship 17200−−172
2010–11[42] 100000−10
2011–12[43] 2431000−253
Total 4251000−435
Hibernian 2012–13[44] Scottish Premiership 2002110−231
Northampton Town 2013–14[45] EFL League Two 27110101[lower-alpha 5]0301
Southend United 2014–15[46] EFL League Two 22010003[lower-alpha 6]0260
2015–16[47] EFL League One 25000101[lower-alpha 5]0270
Total 470101040530
Shrewsbury Town 2016–17[48] EFL League One 40030203[lower-alpha 5]0480
Cambridge United 2017–18[49] EFL League Two 42000101[lower-alpha 5]0440
2018–19[50] 41110102[lower-alpha 5]0451
2019–20[51] 0000000[lower-alpha 5]000
Total 831102030891
Shelbourne 2020[52] League of Ireland Premier Division 18320—0[lower-alpha 7]0203
Drogheda United 2021[52] League of Ireland Premier Division 32010——330
2022[52] 33120——351
2023[52] 34030–1[lower-alpha 8]0380
Total 99160—101061
Career total 4772429211015053225

Honours

Galway United

Bohemians

Southend United

Notes

    References

    1. ↑ "Notification of shirt numbers: Cambridge United" (PDF). English Football League. p. 13. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
    2. ↑ "Gary Deegan – Midfielder – First Team – Cambridge United". Archived from the original on 8 November 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
    3. ↑ "New signings confirmed". Archived from the original on 10 October 2007.
    4. ↑ "Deegan signs for Bohs". Archived from the original on 1 August 2008.
    5. ↑ Deegan Player of the Month, Fai.ie
    6. ↑
    7. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20090718093628/http://www.bohemians.ie/match/match-reports/277-fc-red-bull-salzburg-1-1-bohemian-fc.html FC Red Bull Salzburg 1 – 1 Bohemian FC
    8. ↑ "PFAI Team of the Year 2009". RTÉ.ie. Archived from the original on 6 September 2010.
    9. ↑ Deegan signs for Coventry, Rte.ie
    10. ↑ "Deegan makes debut". BBC Sport. 9 January 2010.
    11. ↑ "Coventry 1–0 QPR". BBC Sport. 13 February 2010.
    12. ↑ "Leicester 2–2 Coventry". BBC Sport. 21 March 2010.
    13. ↑ "Deegan suffers injury setback". Archived from the original on 19 July 2010.
    14. ↑ "Coventry City player Deegan's IRA tweet probed". Belfasttelegraph.
    15. ↑ "Gary Deegan suspended by Coventry City over Twitter post". BBC Sport. 28 June 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
    16. ↑ "Midfielder Joins Hibernian". Hibernianfc.co.uk. 4 August 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
    17. ↑ "Hibs boss Pat Fenlon's Dee-light at capture of ex-Bohemians star". Daily Record. 7 August 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
    18. ↑ "Hibs' Gary Deegan out for weeks after jaw surgery". BBC Sport. 9 October 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2012.
    19. ↑ "Hibs reveal Gary Deegan will need time as he nears recovery from broken jaw". Daily Record. 14 November 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
    20. ↑ "Man charged over assault on Hibs player Gary Deegan". BBC News. 23 November 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
    21. ↑ "Fit-again Hibs star Gary Deegan reveals how jaw break left him living like a hermit". Daily Record. 15 December 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
    22. ↑ Haggerty, Anthony (15 June 2013). "Hibernian midfielder Gary Deegan quits the side for first team football". Daily Record. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
    23. ↑ "Northampton Town sign JJ Hooper and Gary Deegan". BBC Sport. 25 July 2013. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
    24. ↑ "Gary Deegan: Southend United deal for former Northampton man". BBC Sport. 22 August 2014. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
    25. ↑ "Southend United's Gary Deegan hopes famous beard gets to grace Wembley!". Echo.
    26. ↑ "Gary Deegan: Southend United midfielder agrees new deal". BBC Sport. 4 August 2015.
    27. ↑ "Gary Deegan: Shrewsbury Town sign Southend United midfielder on two-year deal". BBC Sport. 26 May 2016. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
    28. ↑ "Deegan to part Shrewsbury Town on good terms, says Paul Hurst". Shropshire Star. 20 May 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
    29. ↑ "Deegan moves on". Shrewsweb. 31 May 2017.
    30. ↑ "Gary Deegan: Cambridge United sign Shrewsbury Town midfielder". BBC Sport. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
    31. ↑ "David Forde: Cambridge United release former Millwall keeper". BBC Sport. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
    32. ↑ "Gary Deegan: Cambridge United midfielder out with blood poisoning". BBC Sport. 22 July 2019.
    33. ↑ Dollery, Paul (31 December 2019). "Deegan ends decade-long spell in the UK to join newly-promoted Shelbourne". The42.
    34. ↑ "Gary Deegan Signs For Shelbourne FC". Shelbourne FC. 31 December 2019.
    35. ↑ "Gary Deegan Signs For Drogheda United". droghedaunited.ie. 12 December 2020.
    36. ↑ "SSE Airtricity League on Twitter: "Congratulations to the @SSEAirtricity and SWI Player of the Month nominees for May"" – via Twitter.
    37. ↑ "Gary Deegan signs new deal for 2022". droghedaunited.ie. 6 December 2021.
    38. ↑ "SSE Airtricity League on Twitter: "This month's SSE Airtricity/@SoccerWritersIr Player of the Month nominations"" – via Twitter.
    39. ↑ "Gary Deegan signs new deal for 2023". droghedaunited.ie. 9 December 2022.
    40. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Gary Deegan – Soccer player profile & career statistics – Global Sports Archive". globalsportsarchive.com.
    41. ↑ "Games played by Gary Deegan in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
    42. ↑ "Games played by Gary Deegan in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
    43. ↑ "Games played by Gary Deegan in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
    44. ↑ "Games played by Gary Deegan in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
    45. ↑ "Games played by Gary Deegan in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
    46. ↑ "Games played by Gary Deegan in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
    47. ↑ "Games played by Gary Deegan in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
    48. ↑ "Games played by Gary Deegan in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
    49. ↑ "Games played by Gary Deegan in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
    50. ↑ "Games played by Gary Deegan in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
    51. ↑ "Games played by Gary Deegan in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
    52. 1 2 3 4 "Republic of Ireland – G. Deegan – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.
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