Conor Bradley: ‘He actually taught me things as a coach’ – the discovery and rise of Liverpool starlet
In September, Bradley impressed as a substitute right-back in Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland at Windsor Park, and was featured in Liverpool’s League Cup tie against Norwich City shortly after. He also performed well in his first appearance for Liverpool despite being awarded a penalty.
As a teenager, his talent was naturally recognized by international juniors and he was included in the Football Association of Ireland’s NI Club programme, which aims to prepare young elite footballers for a career in the professional game.
Former Derry City manager Declan Devine is one of the lead coaches on the initiative. He was impressed and surprised by the demands the teenager placed on himself and his coach.
“Conor immediately caught the attention of all the coaches. Immediately I thought ‘who is this kid?’ He was wearing light makeup, but no matter his size, he was eager to train, get better and make his presence felt. ,” Devine recalled.
“He always wants feedback – whether it’s good or bad – and will challenge you as a coach, which I love. It’s like he’s looking at me and thinking ‘Right, what did you give me today? What’s coming?’
“If you said something to him, it would stick. You didn’t have to repeat instructions to him. In fact, if you changed your concept or your idea, he would be the first to say ‘You told me six weeks ago That’s what you want me to do’. He actually taught me that as a coach.”
Despite taking over at Derry City a week before the final, Devine remained with Gela, another coach integral to Bradley’s development when Northern Ireland Under-16s won the Victory Shield in November 2018. De Boyle takes charge of the team. This is only the second time in the country’s history.
Bradley, making his second appearance in the tournament, was the obvious choice to captain this talented team.
“Very few kids get to play one year in the Victory Shield – Steven Davis comes to mind – but Connor was outstanding. In his second year, he made a huge impact on the team. A calming influence – the players really like him and respect him.
“They are a very talented group but they can all see that Connor is the fittest and fastest – he has all the attributes needed to be a top player. He is a natural leader, not a shouter Yelling people.”
