Peter Farrell (English footballer)
Encyclopedia
Peter John Farrell is an English
former football midfielder
noted for his excellent technical ability. He is now a coach at Brentford
.
He started his career with Bury
in 1975, before he made a £40,000 move to Port Vale
in 1978. Loaned out to Doncaster Rovers
and Shrewsbury Town
in 1981, he joined Rochdale
in 1982. He transferred to Crewe Alexandra
in 1985, before he finished his career at non-league Barrow
after a short tour of Europe. During this tour he played for IFK Göteborg
(Sweden), Keflavík
(Iceland), Hamilton Academical
(Scotland), and APOEL (Cyprus). He later spent ten years as a coach at Bolton Wanderers
.
Bury
in 1975. Under Bobby Smith, the "Shakers" posted mid-table finishes in 1975–76 and 1976–77, before continuing to finish an equally uneventful 1977–78 campaign in mid-table under the management of Bob Stokoe
. During his three years at the club Farrell made 54 league appearances, scoring nine goals.
Farrell joined Dennis Butler
's Port Vale
for a then-club record fee of £40,000 in November 1978. He became a regular in the Fourth Division
side, but was soon 'castigated' by Vale fans. He finished 1978–79
with four goals in 29 games. The "Valiants" avoided finishing second-from-bottom in 1979–80
following two wins in the final two games of the campaign – despite this Farrell scored five goals in 33 games, and Vale won in each of the five games in which he scored. There was also a managerial merry-go-round at Vale Park
, as Butler was replaced by Alan Bloor
and then John McGrath. Farrell made thirty appearances in 1980–81
, scoring twice, but found himself dropped by McGrath in February.
He went on loan to Third Division Doncaster Rovers
in August 1981 and Second Division
Shrewsbury Town
in October of that year. However he did not make a league appearances for either side, and played just four games for Vale in 1981–82
. He was given a free transfer in May 1982, and signed with Rochdale
.
Under manager Peter Madden
, the "Dale" finished 1982–83 outside of the re-election zone on goal difference, after Blackpool
were deducted two points. Rochdale finished third-from-bottom in 1983–84 under new manager Jimmy Greenhoff
, but their peers voted them back into the Football League
. The club improved under Vic Halom
's stewardship, and finished seventeenth in 1984–85, still only three points above the re-election zone. During these difficult times Farrell played 73 league games, hitting seventeen goals.
He joined Crewe Alexandra
for the 1985–86 campaign, playing 28 league games for Dario Gradi
's side, scoring four goals. He then moved to Sweden
to play for IFK Göteborg
, though he played just three games in the Allsvenskan
under manager Gunder Bengtsson
. Farrell then switched to Frank Upton
's Iceland
ic outfit IBK Keflavík
, playing 25 games in the Úrvalsdeild, scoring four goals. He later flew to Scotland
to play three games for Hamilton Academical
. After playing for APOEL in Cyprus
, he retired after a spell with English non-league side Barrow
.
and helped oversee the development of many players who have eventually made their way through to the first team, including: Kevin Nolan
, Nicky Hunt
, Joey O'Brien
, Ricardo Vaz Tê
, Chris Basham
and Tope Obadeyi
. In ten years he worked his way up from under-18 coach to assistant academy director.
In July 2011, he was appointed as first team coach at Brentford
by manager Uwe Rösler
.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
former football midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
noted for his excellent technical ability. He is now a coach at Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
.
He started his career with Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
in 1975, before he made a £40,000 move to Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
in 1978. Loaned out to Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers F.C.
Doncaster Rovers Football Club is an English football club, based at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The team currently competes in the Football League Championship, after being promoted via the League One play-offs in 2008, and have remained there since.The club was founded in...
and Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town F.C.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club is an English Association football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, who play in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club was formed in 1886 and has played in all the bottom three divisions in various guises since being elected into the Football...
in 1981, he joined Rochdale
Rochdale A.F.C.
Rochdale Association Football Club is an English professional football club based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Spotland Stadium. Formed in 1907, they were accepted into the Football League in 1921...
in 1982. He transferred to Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
in 1985, before he finished his career at non-league Barrow
Barrow A.F.C.
Barrow A.F.C. are an English football club founded in 1901 based in the town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. Following promotion at the end of the 2007–08 season, they currently play in the Conference National. The club spent over fifty years in the Football League between 1921 and 1972, and have...
after a short tour of Europe. During this tour he played for IFK Göteborg
IFK Göteborg
IFK Göteborg is a Swedish professional football club based in Gothenburg. Founded in 1904, the club has won 18 national championship titles, five national cup titles, and two UEFA Cups....
(Sweden), Keflavík
Keflavík Football Club
Keflavík Football Club is an Icelandic football team, commonly known as Keflavík. It is a subdivision of Keflavík ÍF , based in the town of Reykjanesbær in Iceland. They play at Nettó-völlur in Keflavík.-Competition history:Keflavík have played in the Icelandic football league since 1956...
(Iceland), Hamilton Academical
Hamilton Academical F.C.
Hamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Academical, or Accies, are a Scottish football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire. They were established in 1874 from the school football team at Hamilton Academy. They remain the only professional club in British football to have...
(Scotland), and APOEL (Cyprus). He later spent ten years as a coach at Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
.
Playing career
Farrell played for Ormskirk, before turning professional at Third DivisionFootball League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
in 1975. Under Bobby Smith, the "Shakers" posted mid-table finishes in 1975–76 and 1976–77, before continuing to finish an equally uneventful 1977–78 campaign in mid-table under the management of Bob Stokoe
Bob Stokoe
Robert "Bob" Stokoe was an English footballer and manager who was able, almost uniquely, to transcend the traditional north-east rivalry between the region's footballing giants, Newcastle United and Sunderland....
. During his three years at the club Farrell made 54 league appearances, scoring nine goals.
Farrell joined Dennis Butler
Dennis Butler
Dennis Anthony Butler is an English former footballer and football manager. He played as a winger for Bolton Wanderers between 1959 and 1968, before ending his playing career following a five year spell at Rochdale...
's Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
for a then-club record fee of £40,000 in November 1978. He became a regular in the Fourth Division
Football League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
side, but was soon 'castigated' by Vale fans. He finished 1978–79
1978–79 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1978–79 season was Port Vale's sixty-seventh season of football in the Football League, and their first season back in the Fourth Division following their relegation from the Third Division. Bernie Wright was highly impressive with his fifteen goals, though the rest of the team limped to a...
with four goals in 29 games. The "Valiants" avoided finishing second-from-bottom in 1979–80
1979–80 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1979–80 season was Port Vale's sixty-eighth season of football in the Football League, and their second successive season in the Fourth Division. One of the club's worst ever seasons, Vale finished twentieth in the league, and exited both cup competitions at the first stage. They also lost a...
following two wins in the final two games of the campaign – despite this Farrell scored five goals in 33 games, and Vale won in each of the five games in which he scored. There was also a managerial merry-go-round at Vale Park
Vale Park
Vale Park is a football stadium in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England. It is the home ground of Port Vale F.C., who have played at the ground since 1950....
, as Butler was replaced by Alan Bloor
Alan Bloor
Alan Bloor is an English professional footballer and manager, now retired. He made close to 400 appearances in the Football League for both Potteries teams...
and then John McGrath. Farrell made thirty appearances in 1980–81
1980–81 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1980–81 season was Port Vale's sixty-ninth season of football in the Football League, and their third successive season in the Fourth Division. A difficult season, by February the club were bottom of the Football League, however they rallied to finish in nineteenth place, thus avoiding a...
, scoring twice, but found himself dropped by McGrath in February.
He went on loan to Third Division Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers F.C.
Doncaster Rovers Football Club is an English football club, based at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The team currently competes in the Football League Championship, after being promoted via the League One play-offs in 2008, and have remained there since.The club was founded in...
in August 1981 and Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town F.C.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club is an English Association football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, who play in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club was formed in 1886 and has played in all the bottom three divisions in various guises since being elected into the Football...
in October of that year. However he did not make a league appearances for either side, and played just four games for Vale in 1981–82
1981–82 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1981–82 season was Port Vale's seventieth season of football in the Football League, and their fourth successive season in the Fourth Division. John McGrath led his team to a seventh place finish, a big improvement on the previous two seasons. Top-scorer Ernie Moss and midfielder Mark...
. He was given a free transfer in May 1982, and signed with Rochdale
Rochdale A.F.C.
Rochdale Association Football Club is an English professional football club based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Spotland Stadium. Formed in 1907, they were accepted into the Football League in 1921...
.
Under manager Peter Madden
Peter Madden (footballer)
Peter Madden was a player for the English football club Rotherham United from 1955-1966. He was also manager of the English football clubs Darlington and Rochdale . After leaving Rochdale in March 1983 he stayed in the area and ran a public house in nearby Littleborough...
, the "Dale" finished 1982–83 outside of the re-election zone on goal difference, after Blackpool
Blackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
were deducted two points. Rochdale finished third-from-bottom in 1983–84 under new manager Jimmy Greenhoff
Jimmy Greenhoff
James "Jimmy" Greenhoff is an English former football player. He was a skilful forward and although capped five times at under-23 level, once as an over-age player, he never played for the full side, and is labelled as the finest English player never to play for England...
, but their peers voted them back into the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
. The club improved under Vic Halom
Vic Halom
Victor Halom is a former footballer-Playing career:Halom featured as a player most prominently for Sunderland and Oldham Athletic. He played as center forward in the Sunderland team that won the FA Cup in 1973...
's stewardship, and finished seventeenth in 1984–85, still only three points above the re-election zone. During these difficult times Farrell played 73 league games, hitting seventeen goals.
He joined Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
for the 1985–86 campaign, playing 28 league games for Dario Gradi
Dario Gradi
Dario Gradi MBE is an Italian-born English football manager and former player, who was serving as manager of the Crewe Alexandra F.C. Academy. He is a former manager of Crewe Alexandra, with whom he has been associated for almost thirty years.Gradi is notable for his 24-year first spell as manager...
's side, scoring four goals. He then moved to Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
to play for IFK Göteborg
IFK Göteborg
IFK Göteborg is a Swedish professional football club based in Gothenburg. Founded in 1904, the club has won 18 national championship titles, five national cup titles, and two UEFA Cups....
, though he played just three games in the Allsvenskan
Allsvenskan
Allsvenskan is a Swedish professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Swedish football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Superettan...
under manager Gunder Bengtsson
Gunder Bengtsson
Gunder Bengtsson is a former Swedish association football coach.Bengtsson started his career as assistant coach under Sven-Göran Eriksson at IFK Göteborg. In 1982, after Eriksson won the UEFA Cup 1981–82 and left the club for Benfica, Bengtsson became head coach for a few months...
. Farrell then switched to Frank Upton
Frank Upton
Frank Upton was an English professional football player and manager.-Playing career:Upton, a hard tackling central defender, began his football career with Nuneaton Borough. He moved to Northampton Town in March 1953, making his league debut the same season...
's Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
ic outfit IBK Keflavík
Keflavík Football Club
Keflavík Football Club is an Icelandic football team, commonly known as Keflavík. It is a subdivision of Keflavík ÍF , based in the town of Reykjanesbær in Iceland. They play at Nettó-völlur in Keflavík.-Competition history:Keflavík have played in the Icelandic football league since 1956...
, playing 25 games in the Úrvalsdeild, scoring four goals. He later flew to Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
to play three games for Hamilton Academical
Hamilton Academical F.C.
Hamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Academical, or Accies, are a Scottish football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire. They were established in 1874 from the school football team at Hamilton Academy. They remain the only professional club in British football to have...
. After playing for APOEL in Cyprus
Cyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
, he retired after a spell with English non-league side Barrow
Barrow A.F.C.
Barrow A.F.C. are an English football club founded in 1901 based in the town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. Following promotion at the end of the 2007–08 season, they currently play in the Conference National. The club spent over fifty years in the Football League between 1921 and 1972, and have...
.
Coaching career
From the turn of the century he played a key role in youth development at Bolton WanderersBolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
and helped oversee the development of many players who have eventually made their way through to the first team, including: Kevin Nolan
Kevin Nolan
Kevin Anthony Jance Nolan is an English professional footballer who plays for and is the current club captain of West Ham United in the Football League Championship. An attacking midfielder, he has represented England at under-21 level....
, Nicky Hunt
Nicky Hunt
Nicholas Brett "Nicky" Hunt is an English footballer who plays for Bristol City as a right back.-Bolton Wanderers:Hunt made his professional debut as a substitute for Colin Hendry in the First Division match against Sheffield United on the final day of the 2000–01 season, shortly before Bolton won...
, Joey O'Brien
Joey O'Brien
Joseph Martin "Joey" O'Brien is an Irish international footballer who plays as a defender or midfielder for West Ham United.-Bolton Wanderers:O'Brien started his career with Bolton Wanderers in 2004....
, Ricardo Vaz Tê
Ricardo Vaz Té
Ricardo Jorge Vaz Tê is a Portuguese footballer who plays for Barnsley. Vaz Tê previously played for English clubs Bolton Wanderers and Hull City, Greek club Panionios and Scottish club Hibernian.- Early life :...
, Chris Basham
Chris Basham
Christopher Paul "Chris" Basham is an English footballer who plays for Blackpool. He can play in defence or midfield....
and Tope Obadeyi
Tope Obadeyi
Temitope Ayoluwa "Tope" Obadeyi is an English footballer of Nigerian heritage who plays for Chesterfield, on loan from Bolton Wanderers, as a striker.-Career:...
. In ten years he worked his way up from under-18 coach to assistant academy director.
In July 2011, he was appointed as first team coach at Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
by manager Uwe Rösler
Uwe Rösler
Uwe Rösler is a German football manager and former player. He is currently the manager of Brentford.Rösler was previously a successful player who played for several clubs, most notably Manchester City , where he was the leading goalscorer for three consecutive seasons from 1995–96 to 1997–98, and 1...
.