Graham Gartland
Meath,County Meath
Summary
A dedicated football professional with exceptional communication and team skills, honed through extensive experience in multiply age groups. Adept at conveying clear and concise ideas during training and maintaining effective communication under pressure during matches. Proven ability to foster teamwork and hard work, essential for building successful teams. Committed to understanding the emotional dynamics of young players, aiming to leverage these insights in a coaching role to develop resilient and exciting teams.
Charismatic and driven, possessing strong communication abilities and deep analytical thinking. Versatile in public speaking and connections with young players, making complex topics accessible and engaging. Ready to bring fresh perspective and create meaningful connections in this coaching role.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
2000
2000
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Academy Coach
Shamrock Rovers Football Club
2020.01 - 2024.02
- Coached various age groups at National league.
- Helped identify and review individual player performances, providing one-to-one guidance on tactical and technical work.
- Played a role in the development of over 30 players to underage international level.
- Played a role in the development of players to League of Ireland appearances at Shamrock Rovers and other clubs across Europe and Ireland.
- Helped implement a high intensity, possession-based approach to attacking football within the club which achieved success at numerous age groups:
- 2020 U15s National League: Head Coach 2006 Group
- 2021 U14s National League: Head Coach 2007 Group
- 2022 U14s National League: Head Coach 2008 Group
- 2023 U15s National League: Head Coach 2008 Group
Assistant Manager
Dundee Football Club
2017.06 - 2018.10
- Assistant Manager and coaching duties including tactical, physical, and preparatory coaching sessions for Dundee FC in the Scottish Premiership.
- Acted as scout for first team and underage teams for the club, identifying and reporting back on potential players.
- Helped identify and review individual player performances, providing one-to-one guidance on tactical and technical work for first team and underage players.
- Instrumental in development of players to full international and underage international level.
- Helped implement a high intensity, possession-based approach to attacking football within the club in support of club manager Neil McCann.
- Appointed as the youngest Assistant Manager in the SPFL at 33 years
Studio Pundit / Co-commentator
RTÉ
2020.01 - 2026.03
- Regular position for RTÉ covering LOI games including 2 FAI cup finals, numerous punditry and commentary roles for underage and U21s Ireland games, along with regular contributions on RTÉ radio
Director of Coaching and Community Officer
Shamrock Rovers Football Club
2014.01 - 2017.06
- Helped establish and grow the first full time academy in Irish Football, with instrumental roles in developing the infrastructure and facilities.
- Lead the development of the coaching philosophy of all underage teams to implement the high intensity approach to attacking football through all ages from Under 8 to Under 18.
- Identified and recruited the most talented and committed young players at all age groups within the club.
- Helped develop players who would play underage International football and who would go on to represent the first team and win senior international honours.
- Instrumental in development of players to full international and underage international level.
Studio Pundit / Co-commentator
Virgin Media
- Regular position for Virgin Media of punditry and co-commentary on all European games.
Studio Pundit / Co-commentator
Premier Sport
- Punditry and co-commentary covering Irish teams in all Europa conference games, along with Champions League games
Newstalk Media
- Off The Ball- Regular contributor on Newstalk Radio station as studio guest
Professional Football Player
Shelbourne Football Club
2013.01 - 2013.11
- Played for Shelbourne first team in the League of Ireland.
Professional Football Player
Shamrock Rovers Football Club
2012.01 - 2012.11
- Played for Shamrock Rovers first team in the League of Ireland.
Professional Football Player
St. Johnstone Football Club
2009.01 - 2011.01
- Won Scottish First Division Title in 2008-09 season, gaining promotion to Scottish Premier League after a seven year absence.
- Played for St. Johnstone FC on their first return to the Scottish Premier League where the team managed an eight place finish in 2009-10, before qualifying for Europe with a sixth place finish in the 2010-11 season.
Professional Football Player
Drogheda United Football Club
2005.01 - 2009.01
- Member of the most successful Drogheda United team of all time, winning their first ever FAI Cup, two Setanta Cups, and helping the team to their first and only League of Ireland Premier Division title.
- Represented the club in Champions League and UEFA Cup, and remain the clubs’ highest scorer in European football, including a goal against Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine.
- Was voted Player of the Year in my final season with the club.
Professional Football Player
Republic of Ireland
1997.01 - 2007.01
- Represented Republic of Ireland national teams from Under 14's to U21's and won a Senior 'B' Cap
Professional Football Player (Part Time)
Longford Town Football Club
2003.07 - 2005.01
- Member of the most successful Lonford Town team of all time, winning back to back FAI Cups and a League Cup.
- Balanced playing and training commitments with a full time job
Professional football Player
Dundee United Football Club
2002.03 - 2003.07
- Member of first team squad for Scottish Premier League team.
Professional Football Player
Barnsley Football Club
2000.07 - 2002.03
- Offered professional contract on my 17th birthday to become full time football player.
- Made reserve team debut within three months of signing for the club.
- Captained the Under-19 to victory over teams such as Chelsea, Newcastle, and Liverpool
Education
Leaving Certificate -
Skills
- Communication Skills: I have excellent communication skills This is essential in a multinational game where communication is vital during games and training Ideas must be clear and concise when training, while communicating under pressure in a match situation is vital for the benefit of the team
- Team Skills: I have played football in a team environment from a very young age Team skills are crucial when in a position of responsibility such as the centre half role demands I often have to cover for team mates, and they must cover for me I have played in successful teams that are built on a foundation of teamwork and hard work above all else I hope to further this in building successful teams on this foundation as a coach
- Emotional Skills: Understanding the high and lows of football and the emotional affect this has on young players during a critical time in their emotional development
Accomplishments
- Qualified UEFA A, B, and Youth Licence
- League of Ireland Champion - 2007
- Three Time FAI Cup Winner - 2003, 2004, and 2005 League Cup Winner - 2004
- Two Time Setanta Sports Cup Winner - 2006 and 2007
- PFAI Team of the Year – 2007, Player of the Year Drogheda United - 2008
- Tallaght Sports Star of the Year – 2006
Certification
- UEFA A Licence – 2015-06
- UEFA B Licence – 2013-06
- UEFA Youth Certificate – 2012-11
References
- Neil, McCann, Professional Footballer, Professional Footballer for Scotland, Glasgow Rangers, Southampton, Hearts, Dundee., Winner of 26 International caps, 3 Scottish Premier League Titles, 4 Scottish FA Cups, and 3 Scottish League Cups. Contact:+44 7551 158336,
- Paul, Sheerin, Assistant manager, Hearts Football club, Assistant manager at Hearts Football club in the Scottish Premiership, Ex-professional footballer with various teams across Scotland. Contact:+447751896464
- Derek McInnes- Manger at Hearts Football Club, Scottish International, ex premier league footballer, with managerial experience in both English and Scottish leagues. Contact: +447976220188
Timeline
Academy Coach
Shamrock Rovers Football Club
2020.01 - 2024.02
Studio Pundit / Co-commentator
RTÉ
2020.01 - 2026.03
Assistant Manager
Dundee Football Club
2017.06 - 2018.10
Director of Coaching and Community Officer
Shamrock Rovers Football Club
2014.01 - 2017.06
Professional Football Player
Shelbourne Football Club
2013.01 - 2013.11
Professional Football Player
Shamrock Rovers Football Club
2012.01 - 2012.11
Professional Football Player
St. Johnstone Football Club
2009.01 - 2011.01
Professional Football Player
Drogheda United Football Club
2005.01 - 2009.01
Professional Football Player (Part Time)
Longford Town Football Club
2003.07 - 2005.01
Professional football Player
Dundee United Football Club
2002.03 - 2003.07
Professional Football Player
Barnsley Football Club
2000.07 - 2002.03
Professional Football Player
Republic of Ireland
1997.01 - 2007.01
Studio Pundit / Co-commentator
Virgin Media
Studio Pundit / Co-commentator
Premier Sport
Newstalk Media