Paul Osam facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 20 December 1967 | ||
| Place of birth | Dublin, Ireland | ||
| Playing position | 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) | |
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Paul Osam, born on December 20, 1967, is a well-known Irish former professional footballer. He played in different positions like midfielder, defender, and winger. After his playing days, he also worked in television. Paul's father was from Ghana.
Contents
Paul Osam's Football Journey
Starting Out in Dublin
Paul Osam was born in Dublin, Ireland. He started his League of Ireland career in 1988. He joined St Patrick's Athletic from a junior team called Mount Merrion. At first, it was tough for him to make a big impact. But he got his chance on September 3, 1989, when another player got injured.
During the 1989–90 season, Paul became very important. He was even called the "Black Pearl of Inchicore Mark III." This nickname was given to him because of other great Black Irish players who played for St. Pats before him. A goal he scored against Derry City FC was a turning point that season. St. Pats 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 Teams and Facing Challenges
After winning the league, St. Pats faced money problems. They had to let go of many of their best players. Paul Osam stayed longer than most. But in 1993, he moved to Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers. His arrival helped Rovers immediately, and they won their first league title in ten years.
However, towards the end of that season, Paul suffered a serious knee injury. This meant he missed the last eight games. Because of how his injury was handled by Shamrock Rovers, Paul left after just one season. He almost joined Derry City but missed the entire 1994–95 season due to his injury.
Returning to St. Pats and More Trophies
In 1995, Paul's former manager, Brian Kerr, signed him again for St. Pats. Paul played in central midfield. He, along with Eddie Gormley and Noel Mernagh, helped the team win another league title.
St. Pats continued their success. Under new managers, they won the league again in 1997–98 and 1998–99. This meant Paul Osam had won five league titles in just ten years! In 1998–99, Paul won all three major player of the year awards. These awards came from the players themselves, journalists, and the Football Association of Ireland. He is the only player to have won all three at the same time. Paul was so popular that he became the first League of Ireland player to be in a national advertising campaign for Weight Watchers.
Captaining the Team and Retirement
After a few quieter years, Paul captained St. Pats to win the League Cup in 2001. In the 2001–02 season, St. Pats finished first in the league again. However, the club lost 15 points because they played a player who was not properly registered. Even though the club said it was a mistake, the points deduction stayed. St. Pats players still received their league winners' medals.
In April 2002, St. Pats held a special match for Paul to celebrate his career. His former teammate, Paul McGrath, even played in it. This showed how much Paul was respected in Irish football. Paul also scored goals in European competitions for St. Pats in 2002.
Under a new manager, 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 the FAI Cup was the only major trophy Paul never won in Irish football. He retired from playing in 2004.
Paul was often considered for the Republic of Ireland national football team. But the national team managers at the time did not pick players from the League of Ireland. So, Paul often captained the League of Ireland's best players in special matches instead.
After retiring, Paul stayed with St. Pats as the manager of their Under 21 team. He also continued his media work for TV3. In 2008, he moved to Bray Wanderers for a coaching role, which he left in 2010.
Personal Life
Paul Osam is married and has a son named Evan. Evan is also a footballer and has played for the Republic of Ireland youth international teams. He has played for teams like Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, UCD, and Bray Wanderers.
Honours
St Patrick's Athletic
- League of Ireland Premier Division: 1989–90, 1995–96, 1997–98, 1998–99, 2001–02
- League of Ireland Cup: 2001, 2003
Shamrock Rovers
- League of Ireland Premier Division: 1993–94
Individual
- SWAI Personality of the Year: 1998–99
