Paul Osam facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 20 December 1967 | ||
| Place of birth | Dublin, Ireland | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder, defender, winger | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1988–1993 | St Patrick's Athletic | 91 | (10) |
| 1993–1994 | Shamrock Rovers | 18 | (1) |
| 1995–2004 | St Patrick's Athletic | 231 | (29) |
| Total | 340 | (40) | |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Paul Osam, born on December 20, 1967, is a former professional footballer from Ireland. He also worked in media for TV3. His father was from Ghana.
Contents
Paul Osam's Football Journey
Starting Out in Dublin
Paul Osam was born in Dublin, Ireland. He began his professional football career in the League of Ireland in 1988. He joined St Patrick's Athletic after being signed by manager Brian Kerr. Paul had previously played for a junior team called Mount Merrion.
During his first season, Paul worked hard to make his mark. He played his first league game on September 3, 1989. This happened after a teammate, Robbie Gaffney, got injured.
Becoming a Star Player
In the 1989–90 season, Paul became very well-known. Fans called him the "Black Pearl of Inchicore Mark III." This nickname was also given to other famous Black Irish players from St. Pats, like Paul McGrath and Curtis Fleming.
Paul scored a very important goal against the champions, Derry City FC. Many people say this goal changed the whole season for St. Pats. The team went on to win their first league title since 1956. Paul played a key role as a left winger, even though he was very tall.
Moving to Rivals and Injury
After winning the league, St. Pats faced money problems. They had to let go of many of their best players. Paul stayed longer than most. But in 1993, he moved to Shamrock Rovers, a rival team in Dublin.
Paul quickly made a big impact at Shamrock Rovers. The team won their first league title in ten years. However, near the end of the season, Paul suffered a serious knee injury. He missed the last eight games because of it.
Returning to St. Pats and More Trophies
Paul left Shamrock Rovers after just one season. He was close to joining Derry City, but his injury meant he missed the entire 1994–95 season.
In 1995, Brian Kerr signed Paul Osam for St. Pats again. Paul played in central midfield. He, along with Eddie Gormley and Noel Mernagh, helped the team win another league title.
Even with some changes in management, St. Pats continued to succeed. They won the league again in 1997–98 and 1998–99. This meant Paul had won five league titles in just ten years!
Player of the Year and Popularity
Paul's amazing performances in 1998–99 earned him many awards. He won Player of the Year from the PFAI (voted by players), the SWAI (voted by journalists), and the Football Association of Ireland. He is the only player to have won all three awards at the same time.
Paul was so popular that he became the first League of Ireland player to be in a national advertising campaign. He became a spokesperson for Weight Watchers in Ireland.
Later Career and Challenges
After a few quieter years, Paul captained St. Pats to win the League Cup in 2001. In the 2001–02 season, St. Pats finished at the top of the league again. However, the club was docked 15 points. This happened because they played a player, Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, who was not properly registered.
Even though the club argued there was no intention to cheat, the points deduction stayed. St. Pats players still received league winners' medals. The Champions League spot went to Shelbourne FC. St. Pats still believes they were the true winners of the league in 2002.
In April 2002, Paul received a special match called a testimonial from St. Pats. Many former players, including Paul McGrath, played to show their respect for Paul. Paul also scored goals in the 2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup against HNK Rijeka and K.A.A. Gent.
Under a new manager, Eamonn Collins, Paul captained St. Pats to win another FAI League Cup in 2003. They also reached the final of the FAI Cup that season. However, St. Pats lost the final, and Paul never won the FAI Cup. When he retired from football in 2004, he had won almost every other honor in Irish football.
International Recognition
Throughout his career, many people thought Paul should play for the Republic of Ireland national football team. However, the national team managers at the time, Jack Charlton and Mick McCarthy, did not pick any players from the League of Ireland. So, Paul often captained the League of Ireland XI team instead.
After Retirement
After retiring from playing, Paul stayed with St. Pats. He became the manager of the club's Under 21 team. He also continued his media work for TV3.
In January 2008, he left St. Pats to take on a coaching role with Bray Wanderers. Paul left Bray Wanderers in 2010.
Paul Osam's Family Life
Paul Osam is married and has a son named Evan. Evan is also a footballer. He played for the Republic of Ireland youth international team. Evan has played for clubs like Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, UCD, and currently plays for Bray Wanderers.
