ℹ️ PERS. INFORMATION
Name: Thomas Maguire
Date of birth: 09/09/1999
Place of birth: Belfast
Nationality: Irish
Language: English
Club: Dungannon Swifts FC
Favourite position: Left wing
Favourite foot: Right
⚽️ CLUB HISTORY
| Club | Years |
|---|---|
| Rotherham United FC | Youth – 2018 |
| Cliftonville FC | 2018 – 2022 |
| Warrenpoint Town FC | 2021 (on loan) |
| Warrenpoint Town FC | 2021 – 2022 (on loan) |
| Warrenpoint Town FC | 2022 |
| Nova SE University (NE Sharks) | 2022 – 2023 |
| Larne FC | 2023 |
| Dungannon Swifts FC | 2023 – |
🎙️ INTERVIEW
Introduce yourself…
I would describe myself as a tricky winger who likes to get at defenders and try to make something happen.
What was it like, joining and growing up in the academy at Rotherham United — what were your biggest challenges and what did you learn there?
It was tough moving away from home at 16 but I feel that I learnt a lot both mentally and physically as many do when they join an academy in England. It was great to be doing something you loved every day at such a young age with a great group of lads. The biggest challenge was being away from family and friends at a young age but feel it helped to build resilience.
In 2018 you joined Cliftonville. What were your expectations at the time, and how did reality compare (in terms of playing time, competition for places, club culture)?
I loved my time at Cliftonville. It was my first taste of men’s football and playing in the Irish Premiership it took me a while to settle in and break into the team. I was playing alongside some brilliant players and it was good to be able to push myself in training.
The fans were amazing and I have some great memories playing there, most notably the County Antrim shield final in 2020.
You later went on loan to Warrenpoint Town. What was your mindset going into that loan?
I wanted regular game time and I was able to get it by going on loan to Warrenpoint.
Unfortunately at Warrenpoint you had a tough injury: a fibula fracture and re-fracture that required surgery. How did that injury and recovery affect you mentally and physically, especially at a young age?
Yeah unfortunately I sustained an injury shortly after I went on loan to Warrenpoint, however the club were great with me and looked after my recovery and extended the loan period so I was able to play the following season.
Mentally it was extremely tough to deal with, every athlete has experienced an injury setback at some stage of their career and on the back of surgery you are always cautious and questioning your future. Luckily the surgery was successful and I worked hard completing the rehab to get back on the pitch so it felt great to get back at it after.
What motivated your decision to travel to the United States and join Nova Southeastern Sharks. Was it mainly for education, football, or a combination?
I had a couple of offers in years previous to go to the states for a college soccer opportunity and I felt that it was something that I had to give a go.
How did playing in the U.S. (college-level football) compare with your previous experiences in Northern Ireland?
The standard of play and the professionalism really impressed me. It was a full time set up with amazing facilities and we had a fit team due to the intensity we were training at daily.
What made you decide to return from England back to Northern Ireland (joining Cliftonville)? Was it family, opportunity, a sense of “home”, or something else?
It didn’t quite work out in the States for a couple of different personal reasons so I came home and went on trial to a couple of different clubs, to then sign for Larne FC and be part of their first ever Irish premiership trophy squad which was a great experience.
Since joining Dungannon Swifts, you’ve made a noticeable impact (goals, form, recovery from earlier injury). How does it feel to have regular playing time again and to build consistency?
I have loved my time at Dungannon Swifts. It is a great group of players and a great club.
Finally: what does success mean for you personally now. Is it team success (winning trophies or staying up), individual performance, stability / longevity, or something else?
Personally success for me is being the fittest version of myself and helping the team in whatever way I can to succeed whether it be finishing high up the table or winning cups.
