Ivan Sproule facts for kids
Sproule playing for Bristol City.
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ivan Sproule | ||
| Date of birth | 18 February 1981 | ||
| Place of birth | Castlederg, Northern Ireland | ||
| Position(s) | Winger | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2000–2001 | Moyola Park | ||
| 2001–2004 | Omagh Town | 95 | (19) |
| 2004–2005 | Institute | 11 | (2) |
| 2005–2007 | Hibernian | 71 | (12) |
| 2007–2011 | Bristol City | 119 | (6) |
| 2010 | → Yeovil Town (loan) | 2 | (0) |
| 2011 | → Notts County (loan) | 5 | (0) |
| 2011–2013 | Hibernian | 44 | (3) |
| 2013 | Ross County | 24 | (8) |
| 2014–2016 | Linfield | 31 | (5) |
| 2016 | → Ballinamallard United (loan) | 7 | (4) |
| 2016–2024 | Dergview | 18 | (2) |
| Total | 427 | (61) | |
| International career | |||
| 2005–2007 | Northern Ireland | 11 | (1) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 2018–2021 | Dergview | ||
| 2024–2025 | Dergview | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Ivan Sproule was born on February 18, 1981, in Northern Ireland. He is a retired professional footballer. He played as a winger, known for his amazing speed. After his playing career, he became a manager for the NIFL Premier Intermediate team Dergview.
Ivan started his football journey in Northern Ireland with clubs like Omagh Town and Institute. He became a full-time professional player in January 2005. This happened when he joined Scottish Premier League side Hibernian. He quickly made a big impression at Hibernian. He even scored three goals in one game against Rangers. His great playing also led to him being chosen for the Northern Ireland national team.
In 2007, Ivan moved to Football League Championship club Bristol City. He played there for four years. During this time, he also had short loan periods at Yeovil Town and Notts County. In May 2011, Ivan decided to go back to Hibernian. He played two more seasons with them. After that, he spent a year with Ross County. Then, Ivan Sproule returned to play in Northern Ireland.
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Ivan Sproule's Football Journey
Ivan Sproule was a winger famous for his incredible speed. Before becoming a full-time professional, he played for semi-professional clubs in the Irish Football League. These clubs included Omagh Town and Institute. At the same time, he worked as an engineer.
Joining Hibernian
In January 2005, Scottish Premier League club Hibernian invited Ivan for a trial. He had been put on the transfer list by Institute. Ivan really impressed the manager, Tony Mowbray. He then signed a professional contract with Hibernian until the end of the season. This meant he had to leave his job as a fabrication engineer. Hibs paid Institute about £5,000 for him.
Signing Ivan was a good decision for both him and Hibs. Even though he started slowly, he soon scored a goal in a 3–1 win against Celtic. Hibs offered him a longer contract, which he accepted. In August 2005, Ivan became famous for scoring three goals in a 3–0 win against champions Rangers. This game was played at Ibrox Stadium. His strong performances even led to rumors that a Ukrainian club, FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, wanted to buy him for £1 million.
Ivan continued to play well against Rangers. He helped Hibs knock them out of the 2005–06 Scottish Cup. Ivan scored one goal and helped set up another. Hibs won that game 3–0 at Ibrox again. He was also part of the team that won the 2007 Scottish League Cup Final. In his first time playing for Hibs, Ivan played in 94 games and scored 18 goals.
Time at Bristol City
On June 27, 2007, Ivan Sproule joined Bristol City. He signed a three-year contract. The transfer fee was not announced, but it was thought to be around £500,000. He played his first game for Bristol City on August 29, 2007. This was a League Cup match against Manchester City. He had to miss the first four games of the season because of a suspension from his time at Hibernian.
Ivan scored his first goal for Bristol City on October 24, 2007. It was in their 2–1 win over Southampton. Ivan was part of the Bristol City team that lost in the Championship 2008 play-off final. They were beaten by Hull City.
By 2010, Ivan was not playing as much for Bristol City. His last start for the first team was in August. He was loaned to Yeovil Town in November. Then, in March 2011, he was loaned to Notts County.
Returning to Hibernian
In April 2011, Ivan Sproule talked with Colin Calderwood about coming back to Hibernian. A month later, Ivan signed an agreement to return to the club. He played his first game back with Hibs in a 2–0 loss against Celtic. Two months later, he scored in his first match back, helping Hibs win 3–2 against St Johnstone. During the 2012–13 season, Ivan did not play as often for Hibs. He only started one game.
Playing for Ross County
Ivan moved to Ross County for free in January 2013. He scored two goals in his very first game for the club. This was a 4–1 victory against St Mirren on January 19. After the game, Manager Derek Adams praised Ivan's performance. Ivan himself said his debut was a 'dream'. A week later, Ivan scored again. This time it was against his old club, Hibs, in a 1–0 win. Ivan scored 8 goals in 24 games for Ross County. He decided to leave the club in November 2013 for personal reasons.
In December 2013, Ivan Sproule agreed to sign for Linfield.
Playing for Northern Ireland
Ivan Sproule was first called to play for the Northern Ireland squad in September 2005. This happened right after he scored three goals for Hibernian against Rangers. He came on as a substitute in the 1–0 win against England at Windsor Park. This was his first time playing for his country.
Ivan scored a goal in his first start for Northern Ireland. This was against Estonia on March 1, 2006. Ivan Sproule played a total of 11 games for Northern Ireland between 2005 and 2007.
Images for kids
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Sproule playing for Bristol City.
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Sproule playing for Bristol City in January 2010 in an FA Cup match against Cardiff City.
