Jonathan Flynn

[groo]

JOHNNY FLYNN



Full Name: Jonathan Flynn

Date of Birth: 18th November 1989, Belfast

Height: n/a

Weight: n/a

Position Played: Centre-Half

Current Club: Accrington Stanley (on loan from Blackburn Rovers)

Previous Clubs: Ballymena United, Chester City (loan).

Honours:
Northern Ireland: U21 International
Ballymena United: Carnegie Reserve League (2007)

Blackburn Rovers Career.
Date Signed: 21st January 2008.
Squad No’s: n/a
Debut: 8th August 2009, pre-season vs Dundee United (a) 0-2
Appearances n/a
Goals: n/a

Profile:
Johnny Flynn completed a move for Blackburn Rovers after impressing on a 2 week trial. He signed on 21st January 2008 for an undisclosed fee from Ballymena United on a 3 and a half year deal.

After creating a strong impression at the Academy, Flynn was quickly moved up to the Reserve team and was training with the senior's on a regular basis. In one of his first training session's he knocked out Benni McCarthy in a challenge and his highly regarded by his fellow players and staff.

This season Flynn made his 1st senior start in a pre-season fixture away to Dundee United. He has since been featuring regularly for the Reserves, before going on loan to Chester City and then to Accrington Stanley until the end of the season.

[groo]

FLYNN MAKES START TO 2008/09 SEASON IN STYLE

Current Northern Ireland U21 captain, Johnny Flynn got the 2008/09 season off to a great start during a 4-1 in over Sheffield Wednesday two weeks ago.


Flynn on the score-sheet against Sheffield Wednesday

Flynn made his first competitive start with the U18's as he playing for the reserves in pre-season and in between times he's been away on International duty with Northern Ireland.


Flynn celebrating Northern Ireland's victory in Milk Cup

Ten minutes into the 2nd half, Flynn rose highest to head in a free-kick from Michael Potts to score Rover's 3rd goal against Wednesday. However, it wasn't all good for Flynn as his attempted block on a cross looped over goalkeeper Bjorn Bussman, the Owls striker was left with a simple header at the back post.

As it stands the U18's have endured a strong start to the season, loosing only one game out of the opening five.

[groo]

U21 MANAGER GIVES FLYNN CAPTAIN’S ARMBAND.

Northern Ireland U21 manager Steve Beaglehole handed Johnny Flynn the captain’s armband against Germany, in a game which ended their European qualifying campaign. Despite loosing 3-0, Beaglehole has stated that Johnny is the right man to lead the U21’s.


Northern Ireland U21 manager, Steve Beaglehole.

"Jonny is very passionate about his country, you can see that when he pulls the shirt on," said Beaglehole, a coach at Coca-Cola League One side Leicester. "He sets good standards both on and off the field. No disrespect to the other lads, he stands out and is growing into the role. I like centre-halves being captains as they can see the whole picture and he has leadership qualities. "

[groo]

JOHNNY FLYNN
(updated February 2010)

2009/10 season has so far proved that Flynn has been making progress in his professional career. During the pre-season he had been away with the senior team and made his first appearance in a 2-0 defeat away to Dundee United.


Flynn in action during his 1st senior start for Blackburn Rovers vs Dundee United

He replaced England International, Stephen Warnock on 69 minutes to take up the position at centre-half partnering Zurab Khizanishvili, who had a game to forget as he gifted United both goals. Since then Flynn featureed regularly for the Reserves, playing alongside Michel Salgado, Steven Reid, Nikola Kalinic and Martin Olsson and captained the side on one occasion.

He since, moved to Chester City on an emergency 1-month loan deal in October 2009, where he made 5 appearances and scored one goal in the FA Cup against Barrow. The following month he then moved closer to home after sealing another 1-month loan deal, this time with Accrington Stanley.


Johnny warming up for the Stanley

The 1-month loan deal turned into a loan deal until the end of the season. He made his league debut in a 4-2 victory away to Torquay and has since made 2 further appearances. Off the field, Johnny agreed to become the President of the NIBRSA which will end at the end of this season.