Bill Irwin (footballer)
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | William Irwin | ||
| Date of birth | 23 July 1951 | ||
| Place of birth | Newtownards, Northern Ireland | ||
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||
| Playing position | Goalkeeper | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1967–1971 | Bangor | ? | (?) |
| 1971–1978 | Cardiff City | 180 | (0) |
| 1978–1980 | Washington Diplomats | 73 | (0) |
| 1981 | Dallas Tornado | 28 | (0) |
| 1982 | Portland Timbers | 25 | (0) |
| 1982–1983 | Golden Bay Earthquakes (indoor) | 27 | (0) |
| 1983–1984 | Golden Bay Earthquakes | 50 | (0) |
| 1985–1986 | Minnesota Strikers (indoor) | 14 | (0) |
| 1986–1987 | Wichita Wings (indoor) | ||
| National team | |||
| 1971 | Northern Ireland amateur | 2 | (0) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 1987–2003 | University of Portland (assistant) | ||
| 2003–15 | University of Portland | ||
| 2007– | US women's U23 | ||
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. |
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William "Bill" Irwin (born 23 July 1951, in Newtownards) is a Northern Irish former professional footballer, currently working as director of soccer at the University of Portland and head coach of the United States women's under-23 side.
Irwin and his wife, Liz, live in Portland with their two sons Bryan, who played for the Portland university team, and Nicholas.
An Irish amateur international, Irwin began his career at Bangor where he was managed by Charlie Tully. During his spell at the club, he helped win the clubs first honours when they won the County Antrim Shield and the City Cup in successive seasons. Prior to his death Tully had recommended Irwin to his former club Celtic but the move never materialised and he eventually joined Welsh side Cardiff City in 1971.
Brought in to replace Frank Parsons, Irwin was thrown straight into the Cardiff side and performed admirably, including winning the 1971–1972 BBC save of the season award for a spectacular save during a 2–0 defeat in the FA Cup against Leeds United in February 1972. He also became the first Cardiff goalkeeper to be sent off during a match after receiving his marching orders against Bangor City during the 1972–73 Welsh Cup final. Irwin held the position of first choice goalkeeper for four seasons, beating off competition from Parsons and Jim Eadie, until the arrival of Ron Healey in 1974 saw him lose his place. He eventually left the club in 1978 and went to play for the Washington Diplomats in the NASL.
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