Meet the Players: Kevin McArdle

kevin mcardleName: Kevin McArdle

Age: 28

Occupation: Bathroom Salesman

Position: Anywhere! Haha. Most comfortable in midfield.

Previous Clubs: Rock Celtic, Dundalk & Shelbourne

Honours: Eight caps for the Republic of Ireland between U15 to U19. I won a bronze medal at the European Olympics with Ireland U18s.

Footballing Hero: David Beckham

What is the best ground you have played in? I don’t know the name of it but we played Italy U18s in Venice and the ground was a tidy little one. Held around 4000 people and the atmosphere was electric!

Any pre-match superstitions? Right boot always goes on before my left boot. Same with shin guards!

Your toughest ever opponent? Robert Bayly hands down – an incredible talent. I played with and against him at Shelbourne. He was at Leeds United for a few years but he’s now with St. Pat’s Athletic. Big pity he never went further in the game!

Who is the best player you have ever played with? Alan Judge was unreal. I played with him for Ireland at under-age level and also for The Dublin District team. Robert Bayly also – It was nice to be on his side sometimes!

What are your interests outside of football? Relaxing with my fiance and my son Tiernan who is five. I love pier jumping in the summer – Howth head is top class for it!

Who is the best player on the team at Newry? Everyone has different strengths but Jimmy Walker’s feet are ridiculous!

Who is the joker of the team? Ian Curran is some man for one liners but Mully is a different class – he always has everyone in stitches!

Who is the laziest player in the team? Ian Curran runs the least amount of distance I’ve ever seen but never looks out of place. Very intelligent footballer!

Who has the worst dress sense? Haha I’m not here long enough to judge that.

What’s your objective at Newry? To win the league and cup. Simple as. Nothing less will be good enough considering the squad we have.