Derek Brazil
Encyclopedia
Derek Michael Brazil is an Irish
former footballer who played for the Republic of Ireland B
team. A defender he began his career with Rivermount Boys Club before being signed by Manchester United
where he played under both Ron Atkinson
and Alex Ferguson
, making two first team appearances.
Raised in Finglas, the Brazil family were keen sportsmen. His father was a champion boxer and footballer. His younger brother Stephen won numerous titles with Home Farm and played League of Ireland for Bohs. However a knee injury ended his career prematurely.
During his time at Old Trafford, he played on loan with Oldham Athletic and Swansea City
before joining Cardiff City
in 1992 for £85,000. Brazil then spent four years at Cardiff and was part of the side that won the division three title in 1993.
In October 2006 Brazil was appointed team manager of Haverfordwest. 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.
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.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
former footballer who played for the Republic of Ireland B
Republic of Ireland B national football team
Republic of Ireland B is the reserve team of the Republic of Ireland national football team. There are no competitions for B teams. However since 1957 the Football Association of Ireland has arranged occasional friendlies.-Early B internationals:...
team. A defender he began his career with Rivermount Boys Club before being signed by Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
where he played under both Ron Atkinson
Ron Atkinson
Ronald Ernest Atkinson, commonly known as "Big Ron" and "Bojangles" is an English former football player and manager. In recent years he has become one of Britain's best-known football pundits...
and Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson
Sir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE is a Scottish association football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United, where he has been in charge since 1986...
, making two first team appearances.
Raised in Finglas, the Brazil family were keen sportsmen. His father was a champion boxer and footballer. His younger brother Stephen won numerous titles with Home Farm and played League of Ireland for Bohs. However a knee injury ended his career prematurely.
During his time at Old Trafford, he played on loan with Oldham Athletic and Swansea City
Swansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
before joining Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
in 1992 for £85,000. Brazil then spent four years at Cardiff and was part of the side that won the division three title in 1993.
In October 2006 Brazil was appointed team manager of Haverfordwest. 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.
He also runs his own business teaching physical education and coaching football around the Cardiff
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for...
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.