Darren Randolph

Darren Randolph

With Birmingham City in 2013 pre-season
Personal information
Full nameDarren Edward Randolph[1]
Date of birth12 May 1987
Place of birthBray, Ireland
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2]
Playing positionGoalkeeper
Club information
Current team
Birmingham City
Number1
Youth career
1998–2003Ardmore Rovers
2003–2004Charlton Athletic
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2004–2010Charlton Athletic16(0)
2004→ Welling United (loan)4(0)
2005→ Accrington Stanley (loan)14(0)
2006→ Gillingham (loan)3(0)
2008→ Bury (loan)14(0)
2008→ Hereford United (loan)13(0)
2010–2013Motherwell111(0)
2013–Birmingham City90(0)
National team‡
2006Republic of Ireland U2110(0)
2006Republic of Ireland B1(0)
2012–Republic of Ireland2(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 11:04, 26 April 2015 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 11:04, 26 April 2015 (UTC)

Darren Edward Randolph (born 12 May 1987) is an Irish footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Football League Championship club Birmingham City. He is a Republic of Ireland international, having previously played for the Republic of Ireland U-21 team. Randolph has also represented Ireland at basketball.[3]

Having progressed through the youth ranks at Ardmore Rovers and Premier League side Charlton Athletic, Randolph turned professional in 2004 with Charlton. He spent time on loan at Welling United, Accrington Stanley and Gillingham before making his Charlton debut in the last game of the 2006–07 season. Despite the club's relegation from the Premier League, he was unable to cement a regular starting position, and had two loan spells during 2008, at Bury and at Hereford United. Having made just fourteen appearances for Charlton in six years, he moved on to Scottish Premier League side Motherwell in July 2010. He played regularly for Motherwell over three years, then returned to England to join Birmingham City.

In 2006, Randolph made ten appearances for the Republic of Ireland under-21 side, and a single appearances for the Republic of Ireland B team. He made his full international debut for the Republic of Ireland in September 2012, in a 4–1 victory over Oman.

Club career

Early career

Randolph was born in Bray and played school football with Ardmore Rovers. He joined Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2003 by virtue of the links between the Irish and English clubs.[4] When leaving Ardmore Rovers, the club placed Randolph in the Hall of Fame.[5]

As a youngster, Randolph spent a month on loan at Conference South club Welling United in 2004; he played four league games and once in the FA Cup.[6] He spent the beginning of the 2005–06 season on loan at Accrington Stanley in the Conference Premier,[7] and at the end of the season, signed an extension to his Charlton contract to run until 2009.[8] In August 2006 he joined League One Gillingham on a month's loan.[9]

Charlton Athletic

Randolph made his first-team debut for the already relegated Charlton in their last match of the 2006-07 Premier League season, away against Liverpool. Replacing loanee Scott Carson, who was ineligible to play against his parent club, Randolph performed well, limiting Liverpool to two goals, one of which was a penalty kick in the 90th minute for a 2–2 draw.[10] He was second-choice behind Nicky Weaver in 2007–08, and in February 2008, joined Bury of League Two on loan.[11] After featuring fourteen times, Randolph was recalled by Charlton to cover for Weaver, who was sent off in a match against Plymouth Argyle.[12] He started Charlton's next match, at home to Southampton, and contributed to a farcical own goal when he appeared to catch a high ball, then dropped it into the net via teammate Paddy McCarthy.[13]

Loan spells

Randolph joined Hereford United on a season-long loan in July 2008.[14] He started 14 of the first 17 matches of the season, which included an "outstanding" performance against Leeds United at Elland Road, where he conceded only once from Leeds' 19 shots on target.[15]

On 11 November 2008 it came to light that Randolph had refused to play in an FA Cup match against Dagenham & Redbridge, amid speculation that another goalkeeper would be joining Hereford. He was fined two weeks' wages and it was announced he was unlikely to play for Hereford United again.[16] The following day, goalkeeper Matt Murray joined Hereford on a month's loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.[17] Graham Turner said in his Hereford Times column that it was a situation that he had never experienced before in nearly 30 years of management, it was not what he expected from a professional player, and had he been a contracted player, his contract would have terminated forthwith.[18] In response, Randolph expressed his unhappiness with Turner's statement, and received support from Charlton manager Alan Pardew.[19] Randolph made no more appearances for Hereford, and returned to Charlton in January 2009.[20]

Return to Charlton

In his second game back, on 17 January 2009, Randolph conceded four goals in a Championship match against Sheffield Wednesday;[21] This was his last appearance of the season. Nevertheless, he was offered, and eventually signed, a one-year contract ahead of the 2009–10 season.[22] He was again second choice, this time behind Rob Elliot, and made his first appearance of the season in November, in the FA Cup against Northwich Victoria. Despite "a string of stunning first half saves", the Conference North (sixth-tier) club won 1–0 to inflict what the local newspaper described as the "most embarrassing defeat in the club's 104-year history".[23] Randolph regained his starting place in March 2010 after Elliot was injured, and kept it for the remainder of the season, including the play-offs, in which Charlton lost on penalties to Swindon Town in the semi-finals.[24]

Motherwell

Randolph warming up for Charlton before the 2009 away game at Brentford

Although Charlton offered Randolph a new contract,[25] he chose instead to join Scottish Premier League club Motherwell on 1 July 2010 on a free transfer. He signed a three-year-contract at Fir Park.[26] Randolph made his Motherwell debut in the second qualifying round of the Europa League, in a 1–0 win over Icelandic side Breiðablik.[27] The club were eliminated by Danish club OB in the play-off round; Motherwell complained to UEFA about OB fans throwing cigarette lighters at Randolph during the first leg.[28] Randolph established himself as first-choice goalkeeper; in his first season, he broke John Ruddy's club record of 15 clean sheets on 27 February 2011 in a 2–0 win over Celtic.[29] He helped Motherwell reach the 2011 Scottish Cup Final, but they lost 3–0 to Celtic; he suggested afterwards that Motherwell had been unlucky.[30]

Randolph began the 2011–12 SPL season with four clean sheets, and finished it as an ever-present.[31] On 28 April 2012, he provided an assist for Henrik Ojamaa's second goal of the match in a 5–1 win over St. Johnstone.[32] He was the only Motherwell player to be named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.[33]

Because 2011–12 runners-up Rangers entered administration, they were ineligible for UEFA competitions, so Motherwell's third-place finish earned the club entry into the Champions League for the first time.[34] Randolph made his Champions League debut against Panathinaikos in the third qualifying round. Motherwell lost 3–0 on aggregate to go out of the competition,[35] but entered the Europa League play-off round. Randolph played in both legs against Spanish side Levante but his team were again eliminated.[36]

In a 0–0 draw against Heart of Midlothian on 24 November 2012, Randolph caught Hearts' Callum Paterson's head with his leg as he challenged for a high ball; no card was issued, leading Hearts' manager John McGlynn to describe Randolph as a "lucky man".[37] A few days later, the Scottish Football Association charged Randolph with "violent conduct by kicking an opposing player" and offered a two-match ban;[38] Motherwell appealed, but the ban was upheld.[39] Together with team-mates Shaun Hutchinson, Nicky Law and Michael Higdon, Randolph was named in the 2012–13 PFA Scotland Team of the Year.[40] Motherwell finished the season in second place behind Celtic, so qualified for Europe for the second year running.[41]

Birmingham City

With Randolph's contract due to expire at the end of the season, Motherwell manager Stuart McCall said in mid-April that there was only a "slim possibility" of keeping him at the club.[42] On 10 May 2013, McCall confirmed that Randolph would be leaving,[43] and four days later, English Championship club Birmingham City announced that Randolph would join them on a free transfer once his Motherwell contract expired. He signed a two-year contract to commence on 1 July.[41] He went straight into the starting eleven and made his debut in a 1–0 defeat at home to Watford on 3 August, and remained ever-present in Championship matches throughout the season, though Colin Doyle played in all Birmingham's cup ties.[44] The unbroken run continued until Randolph was sent off late in the home defeat to Bolton Wanderers on 18 October 2014 for bringing down Craig Davies (who missed the ensuing penalty), so was suspended for the next match.[45]

Career statistics

As of match played 25 April 2015
Club statistics
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Charlton Athletic 2004–05[46] Premier League 0000——00
2005–06[47] Premier League 0000——00
2006–07[48] Premier League 1000——10
2007–08[49] Championship 100020—30
2008–09[50] Championship 1010——20
2009–10[51] League One 11010002[lower-alpha 1]0140
Total 140202020200
Welling United (loan) 2004–05[6] Conference South 4010——50
Accrington Stanley (loan) 2005–06[47][52] Conference 14000—00140
Gillingham (loan) 2006–07[48] League One 30—100040
Bury (loan) 2007–08[49] League Two 140———140
Hereford United (loan) 2008–09[50] League One 130—1000140
Motherwell 2010–11[36][53] Scottish Premier League 37060306[lower-alpha 2]0520
2011–12[31] Scottish Premier League 3803010—420
2012–13[36][54] Scottish Premier League 36010104[lower-alpha 3]0420
Total 1110100501001360
Birmingham City 2013–14[44] Championship4600000—460
2014–15[55] Championship4401000—450
Total 900100000910
Career total 2630140901202980
  1. ↑ Appearances in Football League play-offs
  2. ↑ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  3. ↑ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, two in Europa League

International career

Randolph with Ireland in 2014

Randolph has represented Ireland at U15, U16, U17, U18, U19,[56] U21,[57] B,[58] and senior levels. He was called up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad for the first time in March 2011 for a game against Macedonia,[59] He was again called up in May, for games against Northern Ireland and Scotland in the Nations Cup,[29] but again did not feature.

Randolph made his full international debut in a friendly against Oman on 11 September 2012, coming on as a substitute in a 4–1 win.[60] His second Ireland appearance was against Spain on 12 June 2013, again as a substitute; he made a "brilliant fingertip save" from Santi Cazorla before conceding a late goal by Juan Mata as Spain won 2–0.[61]

Randolph is still eligible to play for the USA, via his father, as neither appearance for the Republic was in a competitive match.[62]

Personal life

His father Ed Randolph played basketball for UCD Marian and was one of the first American imports to the Irish Basketball League.[3] He is a past pupil of St. Cronan's Boys National School[63] and Presentation College, Bray.[64] He had a long-term relationship with Rochelle Wiseman from girl group The Saturdays,[64] which ended in late 2009.[65]

Honours

Accrington Stanley

Motherwell

Individual honours

References

  1. ↑ Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2009). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10. Mainstream Publishing. p. 346. ISBN 978-1-84596-474-0.
  2. ↑ "Player profiles: Darren Randolph". Birmingham City F.C. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Under 21 – 2006/07 Squad Profile". Football Association of Ireland. 11 August 2006. Archived from the original on 5 October 2006.
  4. ↑ "Hall of Fame – Darren Randolph". Ardmore Rovers F.C. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  5. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "2004–05 Player stats". and "2004–05 Fixture list". Winning Isn't Everything. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  6. ↑ "Stanley keeper crisis continues". BBC Sport. 26 August 2005. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  7. ↑ "Valley View". This is Local London. 15 May 2006. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  8. ↑ "Gills loan for Addicks goalkeeper". BBC Sport. 18 August 2006. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  9. ↑ "Randolph impresses on Charlton debut". Wicklow People. 17 May 2007. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  10. ↑ "Randolph makes loan switch to Bury". Wicklow People. 14 February 2008. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  11. ↑ "Sodje could miss rest of season". BBC Sport. 7 April 2008. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  12. ↑ "Charlton 1–1 Southampton". BBC Sport. 12 April 2008. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  13. ↑ "Bulls bag keeper". Sky Sports. 11 July 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2008.
  14. ↑ "United pass the Bulls test". Yorkshire Evening Post. 29 September 2008. Retrieved 4 May 2009.
  15. ↑ "Randolph refused to play – Turner". BBC Sport. 11 November 2008. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  16. ↑ "Murray heads for Hereford on loan". BBC Sport. 12 November 2008. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
  17. ↑ Turner, Graham (13 November 2008). "Randolph refused point blank to play in cup tie". Hereford Times. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  18. ↑ "Randolph 'unhappy' with Turner". Sky Sports. 12 November 2008. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  19. ↑ "Bulls complete three loan deals". BBC Sport. 6 January 2009. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  20. ↑ Sheff Wed 4–1 Charlton BBC Sport, 17 January 2009, retrieved 4 May 2009
  21. ↑ "Addicks let six players go". Sky Sports. 6 June 2009. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
    "Randolph pens Addicks extension". Sky Sports. 31 July 2009. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  22. ↑ Green, Paul (8 November 2009). "Northwich stun Addicks in Cup humiliation". News Shopper (Bromley). Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  23. ↑ Fletcher, Paul (17 May 2010). "Charlton 2–1 Swindon (agg 3–3)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  24. ↑ "Addicks to retain Randolph". Sky Sports. 28 May 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  25. ↑ "Charlton goalkeeper Darren Randolph joins Motherwell". BBC Sport. 1 July 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  26. ↑ McDermott, Scott (15 July 2010). "Europa League: Motherwell 1 Breidablik 0". Daily Record. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  27. ↑ "Motherwell complain over missiles thrown at Randolph". BBC Sport. 19 August 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  28. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Forsyth, Roddy (18 May 2011). "Darren Randolph: pressure is all on Celtic against Motherwell in Scottish Cup final". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  29. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Parks, Gordon (23 May 2011). "Scottish Cup Final: Motherwell keeper Darren Randolph bemoans lady luck as Steelmen crash to defeat". Daily Record. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  30. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Games played by Darren Randolph in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  31. ↑ "Motherwell 5–1 St Johnstone". BBC Sport. 28 April 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  32. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Ross, Jack (4 May 2012). "PFA Scotland SPL Team of the Year". PFA Scotland. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  33. ↑ Greechan, John (3 May 2012). "Motherwell in the Champions League! McCall delight as Scottish underdogs join Europe's top table". Daily Mail. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  34. ↑ "Greek tragedy: Motherwell bow out of Champions League at first hurdle". Daily Record. 8 August 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  35. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 "D. Randolph". Soccerway. Global Sports Media. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  36. ↑ "John McGlynn Darren Randolph lucky to avoid red card". Sky Sports. 25 November 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  37. ↑ "Motherwell keeper Darren Randolph faces ban over challenge". BBC Sport. 27 November 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  38. ↑ "Motherwell goalkeeper Darren Randolph two-match ban upheld". BBC Sport. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  39. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Wishart, Fraser (2 May 2013). "PFA Scotland Teams of the Year". PFA Scotland. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  40. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 "Darren Randolph: Birmingham City sign Motherwell keeper". BBC Sport. 14 May 2013. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  41. ↑ "Stuart McCall braced for Darren Randolph's Motherwell departure". BBC Sport. 18 April 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  42. ↑ "Stuart McCall confirms Nicky Law and Darren Randolph are heading for Motherwell exit". Daily Record. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  43. ↑ 44.0 44.1 "Games played by Darren Randolph in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  44. ↑ Tattum, Colin (18 October 2014). "Lee Clark: Birmingham City deserved something from the defeat to Bolton Wanderers". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  45. ↑ "Games played by Darren Randolph in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  46. ↑ 47.0 47.1 "Games played by Darren Randolph in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  47. ↑ 48.0 48.1 "Games played by Darren Randolph in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  48. ↑ 49.0 49.1 "Games played by Darren Randolph in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  49. ↑ 50.0 50.1 "Games played by Darren Randolph in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  50. ↑ "Games played by Darren Randolph in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  51. ↑ "Keeper Randolph set to miss out". BBC Sport. 5 October 2005. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  52. ↑ "Games played by Darren Randolph in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  53. ↑ "Games played by Darren Randolph in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  54. ↑ "Games played by Darren Randolph in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  55. ↑ "Under 19 – 2005/06 Squad Profile". Football Association of Ireland. 20 March 2006. Archived from the original on 1 February 2009.
  56. ↑ "England 3–0 Republic of Ireland". Football Association of Ireland. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  57. ↑ "McCarthy makes case for Stan's defence as B's fail to buzz". Irish Eaxminer. 15 November 2006. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  58. ↑ "Randolph gets first call". Motherwell F.C. 14 March 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  59. ↑ Foley, Alan (12 September 2012). "Coleman performs well as Ireland hammer Oman". Donegal Democrat. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  60. ↑ McDonnell, Daniel (12 June 2013). "Spain see off brave Ireland". Irish Independent. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  61. ↑ "Yankee Doodle Randy". The Scottish Sun (subscription required). 17 June 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  62. ↑ "St Cronan's Newslatter". St Cronan's Parents Activities Committee. May 1999. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  63. ↑ 64.0 64.1 Fogarty, Mary (8 April 2009). "Bray soccer star Darren linked to Saturdays' girl". Bray People. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  64. ↑ McLean, Euan (8 August 2010). "My football career can flourish now my relationship with pop star is over, admits Motherwell No1 Darren Randolph". Daily Record. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  65. ↑ Geldard, Suzanne (24 May 2010). "Burnley linked with Charlton Athletic goalkeeper". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 15 January 2015.

External links