| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 9 February 1985 | ||
| Place of birth | Dundrum, Republic of Ireland | ||
| Height | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)[1] | ||
| Playing position | Right striker/Right winger | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Darlington (on loan from Northampton Town) |
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| Number | 9 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2002–2004 | Leicester Celtic | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2004 | University College Dublin | 0 | (0) |
| 2005 | Kilkenny City | ? | (10) |
| 2006–2009 | Shamrock Rovers | 104 | (28) |
| 2010 | Darlington | 22 | (9) |
| 2010– | Northampton Town | 5 | (0) |
| 2011– | → Darlington (loan) | 4 | (1) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 18:46, 1 October 2011 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). |
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Tadhg Purcell (born 9 February 1985) is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Darlington on loan from Northampton Town. His main position is striker although he can play on the wing.
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Purcell was raised in Dundrum, Dublin and recently obtained a degree in Science at undergraduate level, in University College Dublin (UCD) after leaving St Benildus College. Before going to St Benidlus College he attended Catholic University School School (CUS) for three years before leaving for St Benildus College.
Purcell played most his schoolboy career at Leicester Celtic. He played alongside his ex-team mate Barry Murphy. He also gained success with his St Benildus team. He was part of the U-18s Dublin Soccer champions team at St Benildus College in 2003. They beat Malahide 1–0 in the final, which was held in Wayside Celtics ground. Conor Sammon (now of Wigan Athletic) was on the opposing Malahide team.
Purcell originally received a soccer scholarship from University College Dublin (UCD AFC), where he played the beginning of his senior career. Following a bust-up with then manager Pete Mahon, Purcell moved to Kilkenny City under the management of Pat Scully for the 2005 season. He scored his first League of Ireland goal on 9 April at Buckley Park. After one season there with Scully he then moved to Shamrock Rovers for the 2006 season, along with his manager Scully, after Kilkenny City failed to get promoted from the First Division. After an unsuccessful season he reassessed his footballing techniques at a complex training course with Sam Binns.
He made his Rovers debut in the opening game of the 2006 season.[2] Following a successful first season with the Hoops, he signed a two and a half year contract in July 2007.[3] Scully left the club by mutual consent in October 2008, and was replaced by Michael O'Neill. First team opportunities became limited and Purcell eventually departed the club in September 2009.[4] He was the first substitute to appear at Tallaght Stadium.[5] And was also a sub against Real Madrid.[6] His last goal for Rovers was his only goal in 2009.[7]
Purcell signed for English League Two club Darlington along with former St Patrick's Athletic midfielder Gary Dempsey in January 2010.[8] He made his league debut and scored his first goal against Rotherham United which ended in a 2–1 win for his new club.[9] He also scored on his home debut in a loss against Northampton, giving him a share of the team lead in goals scored with two for Darlington in only three games.[10]
Purcell signed a two year contract with League Two side Northampton Town on the 30 June 2010. Manager Ian Sampson stated that 'He is a good finisher, has a lot of physical strength and understands the game. He is a major signing for us and we are delighted.' [11] On his first start of the season against Wycombe Wanderers, Purcell was stretched off, it was later revealed that he would subsequently be ruled out for the remainder of the season.[12] He returned from his loan spell at Darlington and came on as a substitute in the 7-2 home defeat to Shrewsbury in November 2011
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