Jonny Irving proved to be a Jack of all trades recently with his stunning performance as an emergency goalkeeper for promotion-chasing Eccleshill United.
He’s this week’s Player Profile and he tells us all about himself.
Name
Jonny Irving
Age
31
Current Club
Eccleshill United
Previous Clubs
AFC Emley, Nostell Miners Welfare
Day Job
Joiner
Best mate in football
I’ve got far too many to name them all. Probably All the current eccy lads and my old mate Joe Howson.
Team you support
Leeds Leeds Leeds
Football Idol
As a kid I always liked Gerrard and Alan smith.
Biggest influence on football career
Probably my dad. He used to take me everywhere as a kid.
Career Highlight
The promotion (2017/18) season with Eccleshill. Even though I didn’t play in the play off final due to injury it was an unreal day and night.
Most Memorable Game
Probably the most recent one against Staveley. We were 3-0 down at half time and we managed to win 4-3. It was some dressing room afterwards.
Lowest moment in football
Definitely breaking my ankle, it was about five year ago and In a charity game to make things worse.
Biggest regret in football
I don’t have too many regrets but probably staying at Emley too long when I wasn’t getting regular first team football. I should have probably left a couple of years before I did.
Funniest moment in football
Not really too funny at the time but in the (2018 NCEL Division One) play off final against Grimsby Matt Mathers broke his cheekbone and there was a big dint in the side of his face. The same game Scott manning broke his leg and when the paramedics came they told Matt he needs to go with them and leave the game. He told them where to go and played the full 120mins and stayed out all night afterwards. Proper old school centre back. Used to have a footlong subway before every game.
First semi-professional manager
Darren Hepworth at Emley
Non League Debut
My first proper debut was for Emley when we beat Shaw Lane, 2-0 I think it was.
First Red Card in Non League
Was for Eccleshill against Bolsover. We were 4-0 up after about 30 mins then a Bolsover player decided to head-butt me. Ref sent us both off for some reason.
First and Best Non League Goal
I can’t really remember the first and I don’t really score many good goals but one of my best was probably against Grimsby earlier this season. Just top bin from edge of box.
What do you want to achieve in football in the future?
Would love to get promotion with Eccy this season but most importantly just to keep enjoying playing.
Favourite Non League Ground
I always like playing at Garforth (when it’s not windy).
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