Michael Newberry (30 December 1997 – 30 December 2024) was an English professional footballer who played as a defender. He began his career at Newcastle United, before spells in Iceland with Víkingur Ólafsvík and in Northern Ireland with Linfield and Cliftonville.[1][2] Born in England, he represented Northern Ireland internationally at youth level. He could operate as a centre-back or full-back.[3]
Early life
Newberry grew up in Newcastle upon Tyne, England but had familial background from Northern Ireland.[4]
Career
Newberry joined the youth academy of English side Newcastle United at the age of 11,[5] from the Gosforth based club, Red House Farm JFC.[6] Awarded the Wor Jackie Trophy in 2016,[7] he was regarded as a prospect while playing for the club but never made an appearance for their first team.[8][9] This was attributed to the fact he had hairline fractures in his spine that led to eight months out after the injury recurred during rehabilitation.[4] In 2018, he went on loan to Iceland's Víkingur Ólafsvík before making the move permanent.[9] He played in 65 first time matches for them.[10] In 2021, Newberry joined the Northern Irish club Linfield.[11] During his time with Linfield, he won two NIFL Premierships and one Irish Cup.[12] In 2024, he moved to Cliftonville.[13]
International career
Newberry represented Northern Ireland internationally at youth level due to his family connections.[4][14] In the Autumn of 2015, he played for the Northern Ireland U19s in the European Championship qualification,[15][16] but he was unable to take part in the elite round the following spring due to back injuries.[17]
Death
After having played in the Boxing Day North Belfast derby against Crusaders,[18] Newberry died suddenly on 30 December 2024, his 27th birthday.[19][20][21][13][22] Cliftonville and Linfield's scheduled matches that day were postponed as a mark of respect.[23] Other matches in the NIFL Premiership held a minute's silence prior to kick-off.[24]
Career statistics
Club
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[25]
^"Northern Ireland U19's Win Opener". Irish FA. 12 November 2015. Retrieved 3 January 2025. The Side won 2–1 thanks to goals from Ben Kennedy and Michael Newberry.
