Andrew McNeil
Encyclopedia
Andrew "Andy" McNeil is a Scottish professional
association football goalkeeper
who currently plays for Livingston
. McNeil was previously with Hibernian
, for whom he played in the 2007 Scottish League Cup Final
win. He has also represented Scotland at three youth international levels.
, McNeil drew early inspiration, and an inclination towards goalkeeping, from watching Jim Leighton
play for his local side, Hibs. He opted to start his career in England, however, joining Southampton
in August 2003 through their academy
system, earning a professional contract in 2004. He was a member of Southampton's youth team that reached the 2005 FA Youth Cup Final, losing on aggregate to Ipswich Town
.
McNeil negotiated an early release from his contract when new Saints manager George Burley
signed a rival young goalkeeper, Bartosz Białkowski, in January 2006. Despite occasionally appearing on the substitute's bench, he did not make a competitive appearance during his time with Southampton.
, McNeil returned to Edinburgh
to sign for Hibernian
. McNeil made his debut for Hibs in a 2–0 victory over Dunfermline Athletic on 30 December 2006 after manager
John Collins had dropped Zbigniew Małkowski. He played in most of the games between then and the end of the season, including the 2007 Scottish League Cup Final
.
McNeil was criticised, however, for conceding soft goals in Edinburgh derby
defeats towards the end of the season. He lost his place in the team at the start of the 2007–08 season
after Collins signed Yves Makabu-Makalambay. He regained his place, however, later in the season after Makalambay sustained an injury. McNeil produced some good performances in this second period in the team, but lost his place early in the 2008–09 season
after Makalambay returned from the Olympics. McNeil publicly stated in December 2008 that he couldn't understand why he had lost his place and that he expected to leave Hibs during 2009. One of Mixu Paatelainen
's last acts as Hibs manager was to release McNeil, as expected.
During a period out of the game, McNeil worked for a gardening company ran by his father. He also made a guest appearance for Shamrock Rovers in a friendly against Newcastle
and appeared as a trialist for Livingston
and Clyde
.
club Montrose
in September 2009. McNeil played 29 times in the Third Division for Montrose before his contract expired at the end of the season. Although he was grateful for Montrose providing the opportunity of first team football, McNeil was surprised at having to drop down to semi-professional football.
club Raith Rovers
at the official end of the 2009–10 season on May 16. This deal was confirmed by the regulating body on May 20. McNeil played regularly in a Raith side that challenged for promotion to the SPL, but the club were overhauled by Fife derby
rivals Dunfermline
in the final weeks of the season. McNeil was one of 15 players who were released by Raith at the end of the season.
in July 2011, covering for a serious injury to Tony Bullock
.
squad for the 2006 UEFA U–19 Championships. He was the first choice goalkeeper as the young Scots reached the final, only to lose 2–1 to Spain
. Due to their performance in that competition, Scotland qualified for the 2007 FIFA U–20 World Cup
hosted in Canada. McNeil was selected for all Scotland's matches as they were knocked out in the group phase.
After leaving Raith Rovers, McNeil was selected for the Great Britain team participating in the 2011 World University Games
. McNeil was eligible for selection as he was studying at Telford College in Edinburgh for an HND in sports coaching
.
Professional sports
Professional sports, as opposed to amateur sports, are sports in which athletes receive payment for their performance. Professional athleticism has come to the fore through a combination of developments. Mass media and increased leisure have brought larger audiences, so that sports organizations...
association football goalkeeper
Goalkeeper (football)
In association football, the goalkeeper occupies a position that represents the last line of defence between the opponent's offence and his own team's goal. The primary role of the goalkeeper is to defend his team's goal and prevent the opposition from scoring a goal...
who currently plays for Livingston
Livingston F.C.
Livingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League First Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team...
. McNeil was previously with Hibernian
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
, for whom he played in the 2007 Scottish League Cup Final
2007 Scottish League Cup Final
The 2007 Scottish League Cup Final was played on 18 March 2007 at Hampden Park in Glasgow and was the 60th Scottish League Cup Final. The final was contested by Kilmarnock and Hibernian, who had never met before in a Cup Final...
win. He has also represented Scotland at three youth international levels.
Early life and Southampton
A former student at Leith AcademyLeith Academy
Leith Academy is a state school in Leith, Edinburgh. It currently educates around 1,000 pupils and around 2,800 part time adult learners.The former headteacher, Sandy Mcauley, resigned in 2008; Jack M Simpson was appointed headteacher in September 2008....
, McNeil drew early inspiration, and an inclination towards goalkeeping, from watching Jim Leighton
Jim Leighton
James "Jim" Leighton MBE is a Scottish former football goalkeeper. Among the clubs he played for are Aberdeen , Manchester United, Arsenal, Dundee and Hibernian.-Club:...
play for his local side, Hibs. He opted to start his career in England, however, joining Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
in August 2003 through their academy
Southampton F.C. Academy
Southampton Football Club Academy or Saints Academy is the youth organisation run by Southampton Football Club to encourage and develop young footballers in the South of England...
system, earning a professional contract in 2004. He was a member of Southampton's youth team that reached the 2005 FA Youth Cup Final, losing on aggregate to Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
.
McNeil negotiated an early release from his contract when new Saints manager George Burley
George Burley
George Elder Burley is a Scottish football manager and former player and manager, formerly the manager of Crystal Palace Football Club. Burley had a professional career spanning 21 years as a player making 628 appearances and earning 11 Scotland caps...
signed a rival young goalkeeper, Bartosz Białkowski, in January 2006. Despite occasionally appearing on the substitute's bench, he did not make a competitive appearance during his time with Southampton.
Hibernian
Two days after his departure from the St Mary's StadiumSt Mary's Stadium
St Mary's Stadium is the home of Southampton F.C., in the city of Southampton. It is a UEFA 4-star rated stadium and with a capacity of 32,689 is the largest football stadium in the south of England, outside of London.-History:...
, McNeil returned to Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
to sign for Hibernian
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
. McNeil made his debut for Hibs in a 2–0 victory over Dunfermline Athletic on 30 December 2006 after manager
Manager (association football)
In association football, a manager is responsible for running a football club or a national team. The manager of a professional club is responsible directly to the club president. The position of manager is almost exclusively used in British football...
John Collins had dropped Zbigniew Małkowski. He played in most of the games between then and the end of the season, including the 2007 Scottish League Cup Final
2007 Scottish League Cup Final
The 2007 Scottish League Cup Final was played on 18 March 2007 at Hampden Park in Glasgow and was the 60th Scottish League Cup Final. The final was contested by Kilmarnock and Hibernian, who had never met before in a Cup Final...
.
McNeil was criticised, however, for conceding soft goals in Edinburgh derby
Edinburgh derby
The Edinburgh derby is an informal title given to any football match played between Scottish clubs Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian , the two professional clubs based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The two clubs have a fierce rivalry that dates back to the clubs being founded in the mid-1870s, which...
defeats towards the end of the season. He lost his place in the team at the start of the 2007–08 season
Hibernian F.C. season 2007-08
Season 2007–08 for Hibernian could be split into three distinct parts: a great unbeaten start to the Scottish Premier League season that temporarily took the club to the top of the league; a terrible middle phase which saw a long winless run and the resignation of John Collins as Hibs...
after Collins signed Yves Makabu-Makalambay. He regained his place, however, later in the season after Makalambay sustained an injury. McNeil produced some good performances in this second period in the team, but lost his place early in the 2008–09 season
Hibernian F.C. season 2008-09
Season 2008–09 for Hibernian was their tenth consecutive season of play in the Scottish Premier League. The SPL season began on 9 August 2008 with a 1–0 defeat at Kilmarnock...
after Makalambay returned from the Olympics. McNeil publicly stated in December 2008 that he couldn't understand why he had lost his place and that he expected to leave Hibs during 2009. One of Mixu Paatelainen
Mixu Paatelainen
Mika-Matti Petteri "Mixu" Paatelainen is a former Finnish international football player and the current manager of the Finnish national team, having started the role in April 2011...
's last acts as Hibs manager was to release McNeil, as expected.
During a period out of the game, McNeil worked for a gardening company ran by his father. He also made a guest appearance for Shamrock Rovers in a friendly against Newcastle
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
and appeared as a trialist for Livingston
Livingston F.C.
Livingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League First Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team...
and Clyde
Clyde F.C.
Clyde Football Club are a Scottish professional football team currently playing in the Third Division of the Scottish Football League. Although based for the last fifteen years in the new town of Cumbernauld, they are traditionally associated with an area that covers Rutherglen in South...
.
Montrose
McNeil signed a one year contract with Third DivisionScottish Football League Third Division
The Scottish Football League Third Division is the lowest division of the Scottish Football League and the fourth overall in the Scottish football league system....
club Montrose
Montrose F.C.
Montrose Football Club is a Scottish semi-professional football team, based in the town of Montrose, Angus. They are members of the Scottish Football League and currently play in the Third Division.- Early years :...
in September 2009. McNeil played 29 times in the Third Division for Montrose before his contract expired at the end of the season. Although he was grateful for Montrose providing the opportunity of first team football, McNeil was surprised at having to drop down to semi-professional football.
Raith Rovers
McNeil signed a pre-contract agreement to join First DivisionScottish Football League First Division
The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system....
club Raith Rovers
Raith Rovers F.C.
Raith Rovers Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Kirkcaldy, Fife. They are members of the Scottish Football League, currently playing in the First Division, having secured promotion from the Second Division as champions in 2009. Rovers have won one national trophy, the...
at the official end of the 2009–10 season on May 16. This deal was confirmed by the regulating body on May 20. McNeil played regularly in a Raith side that challenged for promotion to the SPL, but the club were overhauled by Fife derby
Fife derby
The Fife Derby is a football rivalry that is based in Fife, Scotland. Matches are contested between any two from Dunfermline Athletic, Raith Rovers, East Fife and Cowdenbeath....
rivals Dunfermline
Dunfermline Athletic F.C.
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They currently compete in the Scottish Premier League....
in the final weeks of the season. McNeil was one of 15 players who were released by Raith at the end of the season.
Livingston
McNeil signed a one year contract with LivingstonLivingston F.C.
Livingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League First Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team...
in July 2011, covering for a serious injury to Tony Bullock
Tony Bullock
Anthony Brian Bullock is an English professional football goalkeeper currently playing for Livingston.-Club career:Bullock started his career with Northwich Victoria...
.
International career
McNeil was selected ScotlandScotland national under-19 football team
The Scotland national under-19 football team, controlled by the Scottish Football Association, is Scotland's national football team for players of 19 years of age or under at the start of a European Under-19 Football Championship campaign....
squad for the 2006 UEFA U–19 Championships. He was the first choice goalkeeper as the young Scots reached the final, only to lose 2–1 to Spain
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
. Due to their performance in that competition, Scotland qualified for the 2007 FIFA U–20 World Cup
2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the sixteenth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup , hosted by Canada from June 30 to July 22, 2007. Argentina defeated Czech Republic in the title game by the score of 2–1, thus managing a back-to-back world title, its fifth in the past seven editions, and sixth...
hosted in Canada. McNeil was selected for all Scotland's matches as they were knocked out in the group phase.
After leaving Raith Rovers, McNeil was selected for the Great Britain team participating in the 2011 World University Games
2011 Summer Universiade
The 2011 Summer Universiade, the XXVI Summer Universiade, was hosted in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.-Bid selection:The cities of Kazan, Russia, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Shenzhen, China, Murcia, Spain, and Poznań, Poland were in contention for the Games. On 16 January 2007, FISU announced at the conference...
. McNeil was eligible for selection as he was studying at Telford College in Edinburgh for an HND in sports coaching
Coach (sport)
In sports, a coach is an individual involved in the direction, instruction and training of the operations of a sports team or of individual sportspeople.-Staff:...
.
External links
- Andrew McNeil, www.ihibs.co.uk