| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Michael Terrence McElhatton | ||
| Date of birth | April 16, 1975 | ||
| Place of birth | Killarney, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland | ||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1991–1993 | AFC Bournemouth | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1993–1996 | AFC Bournemouth | 42 | (2) |
| 1996–1998 | Scarborough | 70 | (7) |
| 1998–2002 | Rushden & Diamonds | 69 | (16) |
| 2002 | →Chester City (loan) | 8 | (2) |
| National team | |||
| Republic of Ireland Schoolboys | |||
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals). |
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Michael McElhatton (born April 16, 1975, Killarney) is a former Irish footballer.
McElhatton began his career with AFC Bournemouth, progressing from the youth ranks to the first-team.[1] After a spell with Scarborough from 1996–1998, he switched to Conference side Rushden & Diamonds, where he would play for four years. Unfortunately he suffered a serious knee injury during this period,[1] leading to only limited action after Rushden were promoted to The Football League in 2001.
In February 2002 McElhatton joined Chester City on loan, with his two month stint with the club including two superbly taken goals in a 4–0 win at Stalybridge Celtic.[1] Unfortunately he was to never make another senior appearance after helping Chester win 2–0 at Forest Green Rovers in April 2002, as his persistent knee problems led him to retire from football at the age of 27.[1] He was rewarded with a benefit match by Rushden and returned to live in the Bournemouth area to work in the building trade.[1]