Martin Devaney (born 1 June 1980 in Cheltenham) is an English football midfielder currently playing for Barnsley. Born of Irish parents, Devaney has played for the Republic of Ireland under-16s.

[edit] Career

Devaney started playing football for Charlton Rovers AFC and attended Balcarras School in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham.^{[citation needed]} He was on Coventry City's books as a youngster, but was released from the then Premier League club, and after playing pre-season for hometown club Cheltenham Town the then manager Steve Cotterill offered him a contract.

His initial efforts as a striker for the Robins were fairly underwhelming, despite occasional flashes of brilliance, although he did become the first Cheltenham player to score a Football league hat-trick in September 2000 against Plymouth Argyle. Towards the end of his spell at Cheltenham he was played as a wide midfielder, typically on the right wing, although occasionally on the left.

Devaney left Cheltenham in July 2005, initially joining Watford, however, Adrian Boothroyd could not find a place in his squad for the winger, and he was allowed to join Barnsley at the end of August. In his first season at the club he helped them to promotion, beating Swansea City on penalties in the play-off final. This meant all three sides Devaney represented during 2005 were promoted via the play-offs at the end of the 2005–06 season.

Devaney remained in the side with Barnsley competing in the Championship. He was in the sides that beat Premiership Liverpool and Chelsea in consecutive rounds to reach the FA Cup semi-finals in the 2007–08 season. In both games he provided the assist for a Barnsley goal, each an excellent cross to allow Stephen Foster (vs. Liverpool) and Kayode Odejayi (vs. Chelsea) to score.

On 29 October 2009 Devaney joined Football League One side Milton Keynes Dons on a month-emergency loan. He then scored his first goal for the Dons in a stunning FA Cup encounter with Exeter City FC. After the Dons were losing 3-2, Martin came off the bench to score a header from outside of the box. That being his first touch. The Dons then went on to win 4-3 in a memorable 2nd round tie.

[edit] External links

• Martin Devaney profile at barnsleyfc.co.uk
• Martin Devaney career stats at Soccerbase