Shay Given, Irish footballer and manager

Séamus John James Given, born on April 20, 1976, is an iconic figure in Irish football, renowned for his distinguished career as a professional goalkeeper. Hailing from Lifford, County Donegal, Given’s longevity and consistent performances at the highest level earned him widespread respect across the sport. He is celebrated as the second-most capped player for the Republic of Ireland, boasting an impressive 134 international appearances. Today, he continues to contribute his vast experience to the game as the first-team coach at Derby County.

Early Beginnings and a Flourishing Club Career

Given’s journey in professional football began in Scotland with Celtic. Despite being part of their youth setup, he never made a senior first-team appearance for the Glasgow giants. In 1994, he was released by Celtic and subsequently signed by Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer, marking his entry into the demanding English football landscape. While at Blackburn, Given quickly demonstrated his potential during crucial loan spells that saw him gain valuable competitive experience. He played a significant role in Sunderland's successful 1995–96 campaign, where he helped them clinch the Football League First Division title. That very same season, he also contributed to Swindon Town's triumph in the Football League Second Division, an unusual feat of winning two league titles with different clubs in the same year, albeit from separate divisions.

Defining Years at Newcastle United

The turning point in Given’s club career arrived in 1997 when he made a £1.5 million move to Newcastle United. It was on Tyneside that he truly established himself as a premier goalkeeper in the English game. Over more than a decade at St. James' Park, Given became a beloved figure among the passionate Newcastle faithful, known for his acrobatic saves and unwavering commitment. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in teams that reached the FA Cup final in both 1998 and 1999, narrowly missing out on silverware. His exceptional performances did not go unnoticed, earning him a place in the prestigious Premier League Team of the Season for both the 2001–02 and 2005–06 campaigns. Given also experienced the thrill of European football, featuring for Newcastle in both the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup, and was instrumental during the club’s ambitious title challenge in the 2001–02 season. Despite a brief period in 2000–01 when he submitted a transfer request after losing his starting position, it was denied, and his resolve saw him regain his place, reaffirming his dedication to the club.

Moving to Manchester City and Later Chapters

On February 1, 2009, Given embarked on a new chapter, transferring to the ambitious Manchester City for a fee of £6 million, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract. His time at the Etihad Stadium coincided with a period of significant investment and growth for the club. While Given was part of the squad, Manchester City achieved historic milestones, including qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time after finishing third in the Premier League. The club also lifted the FA Cup during his spell, although he did not feature in the specific league campaign that secured Champions League qualification nor did he play in the FA Cup final. After his time at City, Given continued his career in the Premier League, joining Aston Villa on July 18, 2011, for a fee reportedly around £3.5 million, where he signed a five-year deal. He later moved to Stoke City in July 2015, spending two seasons with the Staffordshire club before concluding his playing career.

An Illustrious International Career with the Republic of Ireland

Séamus Given’s international career is as celebrated as his club exploits. Having surpassed the century mark in appearances, he is a proud member of the FIFA Century Club, an exclusive group of players with 100 or more international caps. He earned his first senior international cap for the Republic of Ireland in 1996 and quickly established himself as the national team's undisputed number one. A defining moment came during the 2002 FIFA World Cup campaign, where he played in goal for every match, helping his country impressively reach the knockout stage in Japan and South Korea. Given was famously on the pitch in Paris during the dramatic 2010 FIFA World Cup play-offs, when Ireland were controversially eliminated by France. Undeterred, he played a crucial role in helping his team qualify for UEFA Euro 2012, where he featured prominently. He was also selected in Martin O'Neill's 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016, a testament to his enduring quality and experience, though he did not make an appearance in any of Ireland's four matches at that tournament. With an incredible 134 caps, Given stands as the second-highest capped Republic of Ireland player, a testament to his dedication and longevity, second only to fellow legend Robbie Keane. He officially announced his international retirement in July 2016, concluding a remarkable national career that included keeping 52 clean sheets for his country.

FAQs About Séamus Given

How many international caps did Séamus Given earn for the Republic of Ireland?

Séamus Given earned an outstanding 134 caps for the Republic of Ireland, making him the second-most capped player in the nation's history.

What major clubs did Séamus Given play for during his career?

Séamus Given played for several prominent clubs, including Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland (on loan), Swindon Town (on loan), Newcastle United, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Stoke City.

Did Séamus Given win any major trophies with his clubs?

While he was part of teams that won the Football League First Division (Sunderland) and Second Division (Swindon Town) titles on loan, and Manchester City won the FA Cup during his time there, he did not feature in the FA Cup final itself. His time at Newcastle saw him as a key player in teams that reached two FA Cup finals.

When did Séamus Given retire from international football?

Séamus Given announced his retirement from international football in July 2016, following the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament.

Is Séamus Given still involved in professional football today?

Yes, Séamus Given remains actively involved in professional football. He currently serves as the first-team coach at Derby County, sharing his vast experience and knowledge with the next generation of players.