Neill Byrne


Neill Byrne is an Irish footballer who plays as a defender for AFC Fylde.

Career

Byrne was born in Portmarnock, Ireland. He started his career with Irish sides Portmarnock and Belvedere before joining the Nottingham Forest F.C. Youth Academy at the age of 14. Despite interest from other clubs, two years later he signed apprentice terms with the club until 2011. Byrne was released by Forest in December 2011 and joined Rochdale on trial, scoring in a reserve game against Manchester City. After impressing on trial, Byrne signed an 18-month contract with the Football League One club on 1 January 2012. He made his debut for the Dale on 31 March 2012, in a 3–3 draw with relegation rivals Walsall. In November 2012, he joined Football Conference side Barrow on a one-month loan deal.
He joined AFC Telford United in June 2013 after being released by Rochdale. He had the chance to join several clubs including Southport but decided to join Telford. On 26 April 2014 he won promotion to the Conference Premier with Telford after they clinched the Conference North title on the final game of the season.

Gateshead

After two years with Macclesfield Town, including reaching the final of the FA Trophy with the club in the 2016/17 season, Byrne agreed to join Gateshead on 26 May 2017 until the end of the season. He made his debut on the opening day of the season in a 1–2 defeat against Woking, scoring his first goal for the club three days later in a 1–0 victory over Guiseley.

Career statistics

Honours

A.F.C. Fylde