Derek Brazil

Derek Michael Brazil (born 14 December 1968) is an Irish former professional footballer. During his career he made over 200 appearances in the Football League and represented Ireland at youth and B levels. After being spotted playing football in his home country, Brazil joined the youth system at Manchester United, making two league appearances for the first-team, and later captained the club's reserve side.

He spent time away from Old Trafford on loan at Oldham Athletic and Swansea City before leaving the club on a permanent basis in August 1992, joining Cardiff City for a fee of £85,000. In his first season at Ninian Park, he helped the side win the Third Division title and the Welsh Cup and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club before moving into non-league football in 1996 with Newport County.

Personal life Raised in Finglas, During his time at Old Trafford, Atkinson was replaced as manager by Alex Ferguson and he later handed Brazil his debut as a substitute during a 2–1 defeat to Everton on 10 May 1989. He went on to make over 100 appearances for the Bluebirds during a four-year spell at the club. He was dismissed in November 2010 following disappointing results at the start of the 2010 season.

However, in a strange turn of events, his successor as manager, Gavin Chesterfield, resigned due to complicated work commitments. The Haverfordwest board were thus left with no alternative than to reinstate Brazil in late February 2011. Brazil expressed his amazement at his reinsation. Regarding the whole debacle, he added in a Western Telegraph article: "in hindsight, it was probably the right one for both parties. It has given me valuable time to spend with my family and I have certainly been able to recharge my batteries. I now feel determined and with unfinished business to complete I have much more to give as a manager." His second spell as manager of the club ended in May 2011 after the relegation of the club from the Welsh Premiership.

In September 2011, he took over as manager of Welsh Football League side Goytre United, following the sacking of Robert Cooke, winning his first match in charge against Cwmaman Institute.

He also runs his own business teaching physical education and coaching football around the Cardiff area.

In July 2008, Brazil wore the United jersey again, when he took part in the Legends XI tournament in Northern Ireland. Brazil has enjoyed a successful career in football and is still playing today.

Honours Cardiff City Football League Third Division winner: 1992–93 Welsh Cup winner: 1993