William Irwin, Newtownards, Northern Ireland, July 23, 1951. Known for his calmness under pressure and impressive reflexes, Bill Irwin’s professional journey took him from Northern Ireland’s domestic leagues to Wales, then across the Atlantic to the fast-growing North American Soccer League (NASL), before finally finding a calling in coaching in the United States.
Bill Irwin began his football career in Northern Ireland with Bangor, a club nestled in the shadow of the bigger Belfast sides. Bangor was far from a football powerhouse, but under the legendary guidance of Charlie Tully, the club experienced a resurgence. It was during Irwin’s tenure that Bangor claimed its first significant honors, including the County Antrim Shield and the City Cup in successive seasons. These victories highlighted the early promise of a goalkeeper who would soon be recognized for his standout performances. Moreover, it was Charlie Tully who saw in Irwin the potential to perform on a grander stage. Before his death, Tully recommended Irwin to Celtic, the club where Tully had made his name. However, fate had different plans. The Celtic move never materialized, and instead, Irwin found himself on the way to Welsh side Cardiff City in 1971. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would see Irwin ply his trade at a higher level.
When Bill Irwin arrived at Cardiff City, the Welsh side was in need of a reliable presence between the posts. He was brought in as a replacement for Frank Parsons and was immediately thrust into action. Cardiff’s faith in Irwin paid off quickly as the Northern Irishman proved his mettle with a string of solid performances. One of the standout moments of his time at Cardiff came in the FA Cup, during a 2-0 defeat to Leeds United in 1972. Despite the result, Irwin produced a stunning save that won him the BBC’s “Save of the Season” award, solidifying his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the league. In addition to his shot-stopping ability, Irwin was known for his strong character, something that would shine through in difficult moments. He became the first Cardiff goalkeeper to be sent off during a match, receiving his marching orders in the 1972-73 Welsh Cup final against Bangor City, the club where his professional journey had begun. This incident, while notable, did little to overshadow his overall contribution to the team. For four seasons, Irwin held the starting position, fending off competition from the likes of Frank Parsons and Jim Eadie. However, in football, changes are inevitable. In 1974, the arrival of Ron Healey, a younger and highly-rated goalkeeper, saw Irwin lose his place in the starting lineup. Though no longer the first choice, Irwin remained a trusted backup until his departure from the club in 1978.
Irwin’s move across the Atlantic to the NASL in 1978 marked a new phase in his playing career. The NASL was a growing league, attracting international talent to boost the profile of soccer in North America. Irwin joined the Washington Diplomats, one of the more high-profile NASL clubs, and quickly adjusted to the unique style of play in the U.S. Playing in the NASL was a markedly different experience from his time in the British leagues. The league emphasized a more attacking brand of football, with many games seeing a flurry of goals. Goalkeepers had to be more dynamic, and Irwin proved adaptable, using his positioning and reflexes to great effect. After his time with the Diplomats, he went on to play for the Dallas Tornado and Portland Timbers, two teams where he continued to perform at a high level. Moreover, Irwin’s impact on the NASL was felt beyond his individual play. The NASL was a league where many British and European players had to act as ambassadors for the game, helping local players and fans understand the intricacies of the sport. Irwin’s experience in the UK made him an asset not only on the field but also off it. Irwin’s playing career in the U.S. concluded with two seasons of indoor soccer in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), a variant of the game that was rapidly gaining popularity in North America. This transition to indoor football further showcased his versatility and willingness to adapt, and he became a valued player for his teams during this period.
In December 1984, after several years in the U.S., Irwin returned to Northern Ireland, signing with Crusaders for a brief stint that lasted until the end of January 1985. This return to his home country signified a swansong to his playing career, as he decided to focus on coaching after this brief spell. His decision to transition into coaching was not surprising given his deep understanding of the game and his reputation as a calm, thoughtful figure. Irwin’s coaching career would ultimately surpass his playing days in terms of longevity and influence. Partnering with former Cardiff teammate Clive Charles, he became an assistant manager at the University of Portland in the United States. There, Irwin found his true calling—goalkeeper development. His work at the university became a pipeline for professional-level goalkeepers, producing names like Kasey Keller, who went on to become one of the greatest American goalkeepers of all time. Furthermore, Irwin’s coaching excellence extended beyond the university level. After the passing of Clive Charles in 2003, Irwin was promoted to head coach, a role he took on with both respect and a sense of duty to continue Charles’ legacy. His influence expanded to the U.S. women’s national team programs, where he worked with various youth levels and eventually served as head coach of the U.S. under-23 women’s team. In 2007, his coaching career reached a new height when he led the U.S. team to a Nordic Cup victory, showcasing his ability to win on the international stage as well. As a goalkeeper, he was a model of consistency and resilience, traits that served him well in the cutthroat world of professional football. His transition to coaching allowed him to shape the next generation of talent, leaving an indelible mark on both American soccer and the broader footballing world.