Michael Newberry

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. Born in England, he represented Northern Ireland internationally at youth level. He could operate as a centre-back or full-back.

Early life Newberry grew up in Newcastle upon Tyne, England but had familial background from Northern Ireland. from the Gosforth based club, Red House Farm JFC. Awarded the Wor Jackie Trophy in 2016, he was regarded as a prospect while playing for the club but never made an appearance for their first team. 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. In 2018, he went on loan to Iceland's Víkingur Ólafsvík before making the move permanent. In 2021, Newberry joined the Northern Irish club Linfield. During his time with Linfield, he won two NIFL Premierships and one Irish Cup. In 2024, he moved to Cliftonville. In the Autumn of 2015, he played for the Northern Ireland U19s in the European Championship qualification, but he was unable to take part in the elite round the following spring due to back injuries.

Death After having played in the Boxing Day North Belfast derby against Crusaders, Newberry died suddenly on 30 December 2024, his 27th birthday. Cliftonville and Linfield's scheduled matches that day were postponed as a mark of respect. Other matches in the NIFL Premiership held a minute's silence prior to kick-off.

Career statistics Club

Honours Linfield NIFL Premiership: 2020–21, 2021–22 Irish Cup: 2020–21 Irish League Cup: 2022–23, 2023–2024

Cliftonville Irish League Cup: 2024-25 (posthumous)