Josh Magennis

Josh Magennis
Personal information
Full nameJoshua Brendan David Magennis[1]
Date of birth15 August 1990
Place of birthBangor, County Down, Northern Ireland
Height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Playing positionStriker
Club information
Current team
Kilmarnock
Number28
Youth career
Bryansburn Rangers
2005–2006Lisburn Distillery
2006–2007Glentoran
2007–2009Cardiff City
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2009–2010Cardiff City9(0)
2009→ Grimsby Town (loan)2(0)
2010–2014Aberdeen98(10)
2014→ St. Mirren (loan)13(0)
2014–Kilmarnock34(6)
National team‡
2007Northern Ireland U172(0)
2008–2009Northern Ireland U196(1)
2009–2012Northern Ireland U2117(4)
2010–Northern Ireland11(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 18:51, 25 April 2015 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 01:28, 5 April 2015 (UTC)

Joshua Brendan David "Josh" Magennis (born 15 August 1990) is a Northern Irish footballer who plays as a striker for Kilmarnock. Having spent the majority of his youth career as a goalkeeper, he switched to striker in 2008 before turning professional in 2009.[2] He has been described by former Cardiff City academy manager Neal Ardley as having "lightning-quick pace, a great leap and powerful in the air".[3] Magennis has previously played for Cardiff City, Grimsby Town, Aberdeen and St. Mirren.

Club career

Early career

Born in Bangor, County Down, Magennis began his career as an outfield player, playing up front, even representing County Down in the Milk Cup as a youngster, before eventually becoming a goalkeeper. He was a member of the Glentoran youth team before joining the youth team at Cardiff City.

Cardiff City

On 31 October 2007 Cardiff met Liverpool in the Football League Cup but with David Forde and on-loan goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel ineligible Magennis took a spot on the bench for the match. The decision to include Magennis was controversial because he had been called up to the Northern Ireland under-19 team but was not allowed to join the squad by manager Dave Jones due to the need to keep the youngster at Cardiff, with only one senior goalkeeper available for the match.[4] In April 2008 he reverted to playing as a striker, just before the FAW Welsh Youth Cup final where he came on as a substitute.

Magennis signed his first professional contract on 10 April 2009 for Cardiff City,[5] the only second year academy student to be offered a professional deal, and began working with reserve team coach Paul Wilkinson who had previously coached former Cardiff striker Cameron Jerome in a similar manner. On 8 August 2009 Magennis made his professional debut when he replaced Jay Bothroyd as a late substitute on the opening day of the 2009–10 season in a 4–0 win over Scunthorpe United.[6] In his fourth appearance for the club, Magennis scored his first professional goal during a 3–1 win over Bristol Rovers in the second round of the League Cup.[7]

The return of Ross McCormack and Warren Feeney from injury meant that Magennis fell down the pecking order at Cardiff and he was allowed to join League Two side Grimsby Town on a one-month loan deal on 15 October 2009[8] He made his debut against Rochdale on 17 October 2009, which was to be the last game managed by Mike Newell, who was sacked the following morning. Magennis made just one more appearance for the side before, on 29 October 2009, he was told that he and fellow loanee Arnaud Mendys loan contract's were to be terminated ahead of schedule. Caretaker manager Neil Woods commented that "As the caretaker manager I think I need to be fair to the players that we've got here first. They've been a little bit of a victim of the circumstances of the last two weeks. They are not going to get in the eighteen and I don't think it is fair to keep loan players here."[9]

Magennis made his first start for Cardiff on 9 January 2010 in a 1–1 draw with Blackpool,[10] but was forced off after just 35 minutes after suffering a fractured fibula.[11] He made his comeback as a substitute on the last day of the regular season against Derby County. He was given a free transfer by Cardiff at the end of the season along with Peter Enckelman, Warren Feeney, Tony Capaldi and Aaron Morris.[12]

Aberdeen

On 5 July 2010, Magennis signed a deal with Aberdeen, on their first day of pre-season training.[13] After signing for the club, Magennis said he was looking forward to developing at the club[14] and that he believed that then-manager Mark McGhee could help him become a better striker.[15]

He started in Aberdeen's first game of the 2010–11 season at home to Hamilton Academical, where he hit the crossbar in a 4–0 win and played 90 minutes.[16] On 6 November 2010, Magennis scored an own goal during a 9–0 defeat against Celtic, the scoreline was the biggest win in the SPL and also the biggest defeat in the history of Aberdeen.[17] He scored his 1st goal for the Dons on 8 January 2011, the final goal of their 6–0 Scottish Cup win over Second Division club East Fife and also set up a goal for Scott Vernon.[18] One month later, Magennis scored his first league goal in a 5–0 victory over Kilmarnock on 19 February 2011. Later in the season, Magennis scored against Dundee United (3–1 loss) and Hibernian (3–1 win) during the final games of the season.

In the pre-season friendly against German side Borussia Mönchengladbach, which Aberdeen lost 5–2, Magennis scored from 45 yards.[19] After the match, Magennis then criticised the referee Max Ebbels for errors he'd made during the match.[20] He came on as a substitute in Aberdeen's first game of the 2011–12 season at home to St. Johnstone in a 0–0 draw. Magennis scored his first goal of the season in a 3–3 draw against Dunfermline Athletic on 26 November 2011. Soon in January, Magennis was told by the club's management to look for a new club,[21] but nothing happened in the transfer window. Magennis then vowed to try and earn a new contract.[22] Towards the end of season, Magennis played in the right back position, He said about playing in this position:"I feel more comfortable because the game is in front of me and I'm able to dictate play with overlaps and what passes I'm picking.It's good for my football knowledge. I'm able to read the game better so it's a better position for me.".[23] At the end of the 2011/12 season, Magennis signed a contract extension at Aberdeen, to run until the end of the 2012–13 season.[24]

In the 2012–13 season, Magennis continued to play at right back after Rory McArdle left the club.[23] On 23 September 2012, Magennis scored his first goal of the season, in injury time in a 3–3 draw against Motherwell.[25] His impressive performance caught the attention of the club's legend Billy Williamson who said he believed Magennis can achieve same the level of success at the club that he did.[26] Soon after scoring his first goal of the season, Manager Craig Brown began negotiating with Magennis to sign a new contract.[27] Due to the club's injury crisis, Magennis said he was willing to play in any position if any players suffered an injury.[28] on 27 November 2012, Magennis scored a brace in a 3–2 loss against Inverness Caledonian Thistle and on 16 March 2013, scored a brace in a 4–3 loss against Celtic. After the match, Craig Brown was confident that Magennis would sign a new contract at the club.[29] Magennis, himself, says he is aiming to sign a new contract.[30] Eventually, at the end of the season, Magennis was the only out of contract player to be offered a new deal as thirteen players were released and he signed one-year deal to stay with the club[31]

The following 2013–14 season, Magennis starts his season, mostly coming on as a substitute and wasn't until on 14 September 2013 when he scored his first goal of the season, in a 3–0 win over Partick Thistle.[32] However, his season was overshadowed of his knee injury, leading to have surgery.[33] At the end of the 2013–14 season, Magennis was released by the club[34] Upon his release, he was linked with a move to Scotland and England.[35]

St. Mirren (loan)

On 30 January 2014, it was announced that Magennis signed a loan deal with St. Mirren until the end of season 2013–14.[36] Magennis made thirteen appearances for the club, before his loan spell came to an end.[37]

Kilmarnock

Magennis signed a three-year contract with Kilmarnock in July 2014.[38] He made his debut on 9 August 2014, in a 1–1 draw with Dundee[39] and scored his first goal on 16 August 2014, as Kilmarnock won 2–1 away at Ross County.[40]

International career

While still playing as a goalkeeper, Magennis featured twice for the Northern Ireland Under-17 side, in a 2–0 defeat to Scotland under-17's and as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat to Netherlands under-17's. His step up to the under-19 side came following his change of position and he was handed his debut on 8 October 2008 in 3–1 defeat to Serbia under-19's. In July 2009, Magennis helped Northern Ireland retain their Milk Cup crown, scoring the first goal in their 2–0 final victory against Denmark.[41]

On 11 August 2009, Magennis made his debut for the Under-21 side, playing in a 2–1 defeat to Portugal.[42] He grabbed his first two goals for the Under-21 side after coming off the bench in their 6–2 defeat to Iceland on 8 September 2009.[43]

He made his full debut for Northern Ireland on 26 May 2010 against Turkey in a friendly.[44]

Career statistics

As of 25 April 2015
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals
Cardiff City 2009–10 90001100101
Grimsby Town (loan) 2009–10 2000000020
Aberdeen 2010–11 293512000364
2011–12 231202000271
2012–13 355203100406
2013–14 181101000201
Total 10510101810012312
St Mirren (loan) 2013–14 130000000130
Kilmarnock 2014–15 346102000376
Career total 163161111120018519

Personal life

His uncle Mark[45] currently plays for Northern Irish side Harland and Wolf Welders, but has played for Linfield and Bangor. Magennis revealed he once nearly quit football for rugby after struggling as a goalkeeper before eventually switching position to striker. .[46] On 28 January 2013, Magennis became a father after his partner, Amy, gave birth to a son.[47]

References

  1. ↑ "List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/10/2009 and 31/10/2009" (PDF). The Football Association. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  2. ↑ "Magennis switches from saver to scorer". South Wales Echo. 26 April 2008. Retrieved 1 May 2008.
  3. ↑ "Young Magennis hoping to be a shooting star at Cardiff". South Wales Echo. 14 July 2009. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
  4. ↑ "Goalkeeper row with Irish is solved". South Wales Echo. 30 October 2007. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
  5. ↑ "Magennis' goals help land senior contract". South Wales Echo. 11 April 2009. Retrieved 5 September 2009.
  6. ↑ "Cardiff 4–0 Scunthorpe". BBC Sport. 8 August 2009. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
  7. ↑ "Cardiff 3–1 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 26 August 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  8. ↑ "Mariners sign up Cardiff striker". BBC Sport. 15 October 2009. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  9. ↑ "Loanees exit". grimsby-townfc.co.uk. 29 October 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2009.
  10. ↑ "Cardiff 1–1 Blackpool". BBC Sport. 9 January 2010. Retrieved 9 January 2010.
  11. ↑ "Josh fracture confirmed". cardiffcityfc.co.uk. 9 January 2010. Retrieved 10 September 2013.
  12. ↑ "Joe Ledley set to be offered improved Cardiff City deal". BBC Sport. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  13. ↑ "Aberdeen sign new striker". Aberdeen F.C. 5 July 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  14. ↑ "Josh eyeing Dons development". Sky Sports. 6 July 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
  15. ↑ "I joined Aberdeen because I know Mark McGhee will make me a better striker, says ex-keeper Josh Magennis". Daily Record. 7 July 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  16. ↑ "Aberdeen 4–0 Hamilton Accies". BBC Sport. 14 August 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
  17. ↑ "Celtic 9 – 0 Aberdeen". BBC Sport. 6 November 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
  18. ↑ "Aberdeen 6 – 0 East Fife". BBC Sport. 8 January 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  19. ↑ "Borussia Monchengladbach v Aberdeen". Aberdeen. 9 July 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  20. ↑ "Aberdeen hitman Josh Magennis fires 45-yard wondergoal then slates ref for ruining match". Daily Record. 11 July 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  21. ↑ "Josh Magennis free to leave Aberdeen as Craig Brown begins to reshape squad". Daily Record. 10 January 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  22. ↑ "Aberdeen star Josh Magennis: I can prove I'm reliable team member by performing under pressure". Daily Record. 12 February 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Aberdeen utility man Josh Magennis models himself of Ashley Cole as he makes switch to defence". Daily Record. 22 September 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  24. ↑ "Josh Magennis signs new Aberdeen deal". BBC Sport. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
  25. ↑ "Aberdeen 3–3 Motherwell: Josh Magennis nets injury-time equaliser for Dons". STV. 23 September 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
  26. ↑ "Billy Williamson impressed by Aberdeen FC's Magennis". Evening Express. 25 September 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
  27. ↑ "Craig Brown's challenge as nine face contract talks with Aberdeen FC". Evening Express. 9 November 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  28. ↑ "Magennis will play in any position to help Aberdeen FC". Evening Express. 24 November 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  29. ↑ "Brown hopes new boss will keep Magennis at Aberdeen FC". Evening Express. 18 March 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  30. ↑ "Aberdeen FC striker Magennis targets new contract". Evening Express. 21 March 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  31. ↑ "Josh Magennis extends stay at Aberdeen". BBC Sport. 22 May 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
  32. ↑ "Partick Thistle 0–3 Aberdeen". BBC Sport. 14 September 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  33. ↑ "Aberdeen FC striker Josh Magennis to undergo surgery". Evening Express. 9 October 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
  34. ↑ "Aberdeen retain Russell Anderson, Barry Robson and Nicky Low but release trio". Sky Sports. 15 May 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
  35. ↑ "Transfer news: Josh Magennis eyes next move". Sky Sports. 20 May 2014. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
  36. ↑ "Josh Magennis: St Mirren sign Aberdeen player on loan". BBC Sport. 30 January 2014. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  37. ↑ "St Mirren board still unclear on future of Lennon". The Herald Scotland. 9 May 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2014.
  38. ↑ Kilmarnock: Josh Magennis signs after leaving Aberdeen, BBC Sport.
  39. ↑ McLeod, Liam (9 August 2014). "Dundee 1-1 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
  40. ↑ Thomson, Andrew (16 August 2014). "Ross County 1-2 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
  41. ↑ "N Ireland retain Elite Milk crown". BBC Sport. 31 July 2009. Retrieved 9 September 2009.
  42. ↑ "Portugal U21s edge past Northern Ireland". Portugoal.net. 11 August 2009. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
  43. ↑ "N Ireland U21 2–6 Iceland U21". BBC Sport. 8 September 2009. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
  44. ↑ "N Ireland 0–2 Turkey". BBC Sport. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 26 May 2010.
  45. ↑ "Josh Magennis interview". nigoalkeeping.com. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
  46. ↑ "Aberdeen's Josh Magennis reveals he nearly quit football after failing to make it as a 'keeper". Daily Record. 23 September 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
  47. ↑ "Oh baby, Josh aims for goal celebration". Evening Express. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.

External links