Stephen Glass (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Stephen Glass is a Scottish
professional footballer currently playing for Carolina RailHawks
in the North American Soccer League.
A midfielder
, Glass started his career at Aberdeen, with whom he won the 1995 Scottish League Cup
. In 1998 he moved to England, transferring to Newcastle United
of the Premier League. Shortly after joining Newcastle, Glass made an appearance for Scotland national football team
. He joined Watford
in the First Division
in 2001, before returning to Scotland in 2003 with Hibernian
. He joined Dunfermline Athletic
in 2007 and was released at the end of the 2009–10 season.
where he was regarded as one of Scotland
's brightest prospects. In Aberdeen's League Cup
final victory against Dundee
in November 1995, he set-up both goals in the Dons 2–0 success. His performance earned him the man-of-the-match award (a mountain bike) as well as a winner's medal.
in October 1998, making his first appearance for his country as a substitute in Scotland's
2–1 win over the Faroes Islands
. In his first season at St James' Park
, Glass made 29 appearances in all competitions, but was hampered by an injury in February. He did however recover to make a substitute appearance in the 1999 FA Cup Final
against Manchester United
at Wembley.
Injury, particularly a serious knee problem, blighted his second season in the Premiership. By the time Glass had regained full fitness, manager Bobby Robson
had decided that Glass was no more than a solid squad player. Glass played a bit-part role in Newcastle's following two campaigns, making only six league starts out of a possible seventy-six, although he did score the equaliser in a 1–1 home draw with Manchester Utd in December 2000. He left the club at the end of the 2000–01 season.
In the summer of 2001 Glass signed for Watford
on a free transfer, as part of Gianluca Vialli
's new-look side. He was one of the more successful Vialli signings, and one of the few to be kept on by his successor, Ray Lewington. However, due to financial constraints Glass had to be released when his contract ended in the summer of 2003. Ironically, after this announcement was made he scored a stunning free-kick in Watford's victory over Burnley
in the FA Cup quarter-final.
at the end of the 2002–03 season and then signed for Hibernian
on a three year contract. He came to Hibs at a time when the club were cutting their budget and several younger players were being introduced to the squad. Glass made his debut for Hibs in the 2–1 win over Dundee United
in August 2003 and also featured in an Edinburgh derby
win over Hearts
the following week. Despite flashes of his expected pedigree, Glass' first season at Easter Road was also blighted by injury.
His second season in Edinburgh
, however, proved much more successful and his performances under new boss Tony Mowbray
helped the club gain a UEFA Cup
place by finishing third in the SPL. Glass missed only two league games due to injury in 2004–05
and his presence helped hold together a Hibs midfield which was weakened by lengthy injuries to star players Scott Brown, Kevin Thomson
and Guillaume Beuzelin
. Along with numerous goal assists, Glass also chipped with two key goals in Hibs' league campaign. The first was a volley which proved to be a winning goal against Aberdeen
in December 2004, while his free-kick helped Hibs to a 2–1 over Dunfermline
the following week.
Glass was forced to start the 2005–06 season
on the bench for Hibs. Injury to left-back David Murphy
in November, however, saw him drafted in as cover and his dependable performances won him his midfield berth back after the new year. Although injuries and inconsistency thwarted Hibs bid for both a top-three finish and a Scottish Cup
final place, Glass nonetheless featured in Hibs' impressive wins over Rangers
and Hearts in 2006. He accepted Tony Mowbray's offer of a two-year contract extension in April 2006. Glass was overlooked for the vacant Hibs captaincy in favour of Gary Caldwell
and then Kevin Thomson in 2005 and 2006, perhaps because manager Mowbray no longer saw him to be certain of automatic first-team selection. When Mowbray was succeeded as Hibs manager by John Collins in October 2006, Glass fell further down the pecking order.
, he was allowed to move to Dunfermline Athletic
to gain more regular first team football. He joined the Pars on 25 January 2007 on loan until the end of the season. After impressing Pars then-manager Stephen Kenny, Glass signed a two year contract with the Fife club. At the start of the 2008–09 season
, Glass was made vice-captain to Scott Wilson by manager Jim McIntyre and for the 2009-10 season, was made captain after the departure of Scott Wilson. Glass was released by Dunfermline at the end of the season.
Glass then went on trial with SPL
side St. Mirren
and came on as a substitute in their pre-season friendly with Dumbarton on 19 July 2010. St. Mirren manager Danny Lennon
confirmed soon afterwards, however, that he would not be following up his interest in Glass.
on 7 March 2011.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
professional footballer currently playing for Carolina RailHawks
Carolina RailHawks FC
Carolina RailHawks FC is an American professional soccer team based in Cary, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
in the North American Soccer League.
A midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
, Glass started his career at Aberdeen, with whom he won the 1995 Scottish League Cup
Scottish League Cup
The Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
. In 1998 he moved to England, transferring to Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
of the Premier League. Shortly after joining Newcastle, Glass made an appearance for Scotland national football team
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
. He joined Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
in the First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
in 2001, before returning to Scotland in 2003 with Hibernian
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
. He joined Dunfermline Athletic
Dunfermline Athletic F.C.
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They currently compete in the Scottish Premier League....
in 2007 and was released at the end of the 2009–10 season.
Aberdeen
Glass started his career with AberdeenAberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
where he was regarded as one of Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
's brightest prospects. In Aberdeen's League Cup
Scottish League Cup
The Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
final victory against Dundee
Dundee F.C.
Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their shirt colour is dark blue. Dundee currently play in the Scottish First Division, having been relegated from...
in November 1995, he set-up both goals in the Dons 2–0 success. His performance earned him the man-of-the-match award (a mountain bike) as well as a winner's medal.
England
Glass moved to English Premier League team Newcastle United in 1998, for a fee of £650,000. Glass returned to PittodriePittodrie Stadium
Pittodrie Stadium is an all-seated football stadium situated in the Scottish city of Aberdeen. It was first used in 1899 and from 1903 has been the home of Aberdeen Football Club...
in October 1998, making his first appearance for his country as a substitute in Scotland's
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
2–1 win over the Faroes Islands
Faroe Islands national football team
The Faroe Islands national football team represents the Faroe Islands in association football and is controlled by the Faroe Islands Football Association, the governing body for football in the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands became a member of FIFA in 1988 and UEFA in 1990 and are the third...
. In his first season at St James' Park
St James' Park
St James' Park, known for sponsorship reasons as the Sports Direct Arena, is an all-seater stadium in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is the home of Newcastle United Football Club and is the sixth largest football stadium in the United Kingdom with a capacity of between 52,387 and 52,409.St James'...
, Glass made 29 appearances in all competitions, but was hampered by an injury in February. He did however recover to make a substitute appearance in the 1999 FA Cup Final
1999 FA Cup Final
The 1999 FA Cup Final took place on 22 May 1999 and was played at the old Wembley Stadium. It was contested between Manchester United and Newcastle United. Manchester United had finished as champions and Newcastle 13th in the Premier League that season. The Final was a one-sided affair, Manchester...
against 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...
at Wembley.
Injury, particularly a serious knee problem, blighted his second season in the Premiership. By the time Glass had regained full fitness, manager Bobby Robson
Bobby Robson
Sir Robert William "Bobby" Robson, CBE was an English footballer and manager, who coached seven European clubs and the England national team during his career....
had decided that Glass was no more than a solid squad player. Glass played a bit-part role in Newcastle's following two campaigns, making only six league starts out of a possible seventy-six, although he did score the equaliser in a 1–1 home draw with Manchester Utd in December 2000. He left the club at the end of the 2000–01 season.
In the summer of 2001 Glass signed for Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
on a free transfer, as part of Gianluca Vialli
Gianluca Vialli
Gianluca Vialli is an Italian football manager and former player. Since retiring, he has gone into management and punditry and is a commentator for Sky Sport Italia....
's new-look side. He was one of the more successful Vialli signings, and one of the few to be kept on by his successor, Ray Lewington. However, due to financial constraints Glass had to be released when his contract ended in the summer of 2003. Ironically, after this announcement was made he scored a stunning free-kick in Watford's victory over Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Hibernian
Glass was released by WatfordWatford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
at the end of the 2002–03 season and then signed for Hibernian
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
on a three year contract. He came to Hibs at a time when the club were cutting their budget and several younger players were being introduced to the squad. Glass made his debut for Hibs in the 2–1 win over Dundee United
Dundee United F.C.
Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...
in August 2003 and also featured in an Edinburgh derby
Edinburgh derby
The Edinburgh derby is an informal title given to any football match played between Scottish clubs Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian , the two professional clubs based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The two clubs have a fierce rivalry that dates back to the clubs being founded in the mid-1870s, which...
win over Hearts
Heart of Midlothian F.C.
Heart of Midlothian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Gorgie, in the west of Edinburgh. They currently play in the Scottish Premier League and are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian...
the following week. Despite flashes of his expected pedigree, Glass' first season at Easter Road was also blighted by injury.
His second season in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, however, proved much more successful and his performances under new boss Tony Mowbray
Tony Mowbray
Anthony Mark "Tony" Mowbray is an English former professional football player, who is currently the manager of Middlesbrough...
helped the club gain a UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
place by finishing third in the SPL. Glass missed only two league games due to injury in 2004–05
2004-05 in Scottish football
The 2004–05 season was the 108th season of competitive football in Scotland.-2004:*6 July 2004 - Nacho Novo from Dundee to Rangers, £450,000*1 July 2004 - Dado Prso from AS Monaco to Rangers, Bosman...
and his presence helped hold together a Hibs midfield which was weakened by lengthy injuries to star players Scott Brown, Kevin Thomson
Kevin Thomson
Kevin Thomson is a Scottish association footballer who plays for Middlesbrough and the Scotland national football team. Thomson began his career with Hibernian before joining Rangers in 2007 for a £2m transfer fee. He plays as a defensive midfielder with key attributes of passing and tackling...
and Guillaume Beuzelin
Guillaume Beuzelin
Guillaume Beuzelin is a French former professional footballer. He played for Le Havre, AS Beauvais, Hibernian, Coventry City, Hamilton Academical and Olympiakos Nicosia.-Hibernian:...
. Along with numerous goal assists, Glass also chipped with two key goals in Hibs' league campaign. The first was a volley which proved to be a winning goal against Aberdeen
Aberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
in December 2004, while his free-kick helped Hibs to a 2–1 over Dunfermline
Dunfermline Athletic F.C.
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They currently compete in the Scottish Premier League....
the following week.
Glass was forced to start the 2005–06 season
2005-06 in Scottish football
The 2005–06 season was the 109th season of competitive football in Scotland.-2005:*1 June: Gordon Strachan officially takes charge of Celtic after the resignation of Martin O'Neill...
on the bench for Hibs. Injury to left-back David Murphy
David Murphy (footballer)
David Paul Murphy is an English professional footballer who plays for Birmingham City. Murphy, born in Hartlepool, County Durham, is a defender who plays at left back.-Club career:...
in November, however, saw him drafted in as cover and his dependable performances won him his midfield berth back after the new year. Although injuries and inconsistency thwarted Hibs bid for both a top-three finish and a Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
final place, Glass nonetheless featured in Hibs' impressive wins over Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
and Hearts in 2006. He accepted Tony Mowbray's offer of a two-year contract extension in April 2006. Glass was overlooked for the vacant Hibs captaincy in favour of Gary Caldwell
Gary Caldwell
Gary Robert Caldwell is a Scottish footballer who is currently the captain of Wigan Athletic and also plays for the Scotland national football team....
and then Kevin Thomson in 2005 and 2006, perhaps because manager Mowbray no longer saw him to be certain of automatic first-team selection. When Mowbray was succeeded as Hibs manager by John Collins in October 2006, Glass fell further down the pecking order.
Dunfermline Athletic
Having made only two first-team starts for Hibs during the first half of the 2006–07 season2006-07 in Scottish football
The 2006–07 season was the 110th season of competitive football in Scotland.-2006:*9 July: Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen is banned for the club's pre-season trip to South Africa, following an incident on the outbound flight. Manager Paul Le Guen cited "wholly inappropriate and...
, he was allowed to move to Dunfermline Athletic
Dunfermline Athletic F.C.
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They currently compete in the Scottish Premier League....
to gain more regular first team football. He joined the Pars on 25 January 2007 on loan until the end of the season. After impressing Pars then-manager Stephen Kenny, Glass signed a two year contract with the Fife club. At the start of the 2008–09 season
2008-09 in Scottish football
The 2008–09 season was the 112th season of competitive football in Scotland.-Overview:* Hamilton Academical competed in the Scottish Premier League for the first time, their first season in the top-flight since the 1988–89 season, after being promoted as First Division champions the...
, Glass was made vice-captain to Scott Wilson by manager Jim McIntyre and for the 2009-10 season, was made captain after the departure of Scott Wilson. Glass was released by Dunfermline at the end of the season.
Glass then went on trial with SPL
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
side St. Mirren
St. Mirren F.C.
St Mirren Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Paisley, Renfrewshire who play in the Scottish Premier League, having been promoted from the First Division in 2005–06.St...
and came on as a substitute in their pre-season friendly with Dumbarton on 19 July 2010. St. Mirren manager Danny Lennon
Danny Lennon
Danny Lennon is a former association football player and current manager of Scottish Premier League club St. Mirren. Lennon played internationally for the Northern Ireland B national football team.-Club career:...
confirmed soon afterwards, however, that he would not be following up his interest in Glass.
United States
Glass was signed by Carolina RailHawks of the second division North American Soccer LeagueNorth American Soccer League (2010)
The North American Soccer League is a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico which began league play on April 9, 2011. It has been provisionally sanctioned as the second tier of soccer in the United States soccer pyramid, behind Major League Soccer in the...
on 7 March 2011.