NUAFC 1968-2018

2013
Bala's play-off hero departs
for New Zealand
DAYS after firing Bala Town into Europe for the first time,
defender John Irving has departed for a 12-month stay in New
Zealand. The 23-year-old Liverpudlian and ex-Everton youth scored
the 89th-minute goal that defeated Port Talbot Town in the Europa
League play-off final at the GenQuip Stadium a week last Saturday.
Irving, who has appeared for the England Under-16s, was
a consistent member of the Toffeemen's reserves, being named
player of the year two seasons running after being handed the
captain's armband in February 2007.
He never made a first-team appearance for Everton, but
was an unused substitute for the Uefa Cup match against AZ
Alkmaar in December 2007.
Irving was released from Goodison in June 2009 and
joined Bala at the end of August, becoming one of the Maes Tegid
outfit's outstanding performers at right back and making 104 full
Welsh Premier appearances, scoring twice.
Everton 2003-2009
John Irving is equally at home at right back and in the centre
of defence, where his pace and determination have been
acknowledged by England Under-16s.
Irving was encouraged to play football at a young age. He
played for Liverpool and Everton junior squads from the age of 7.
When he reached the age of 9 he had to make a choice
between the two clubs and decided to stay with team he supported,
Everton.
He comes from a large Evertonian family. His middle name,
Goodison, is named after the home of Everton.
When he was 14 he played his first international match for
the England Under-16s against Northern Ireland. John Irving is a
Liverpudlian defender who was a consistent member of Everton's
reserves, being named player of the year two seasons running after
being handed the captain's armband in February 2007.
Irving, who has appeared for the England Under-16s, was
released from Goodison in June 2009 and joined Bala Town at the end
of August.
15 appearances for Everton Reserves 2008-09
16 appearances for Everton Reserves 2007-08
17 appearances for Everton Reserves 2006-07
02 appearances for Everton Reserves 2005-06
21 appearances for Everton Under-18s 2005-06
08 appearances for Everton Under-18s 2004-05
01 appearance for Everton Under-18s 2003-04
07 appearances for Everton Under-17s 2003-04
Bala Town 2009 - 2013
Season App’s Sub’s Goals
2009-10 22 1 0
2010-11 31 0 1
2011-12 27 0 0
2012-13 24 0 1
398