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Warren Feeney
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Warren James Feeney (born 17 January 1981) is a Northern Irish football manager and former professional footballer who last manged Southern League Premier Division South club Weymouth.
Key Information
As a player he was a forward who began his professional career with Leeds United. He played in the Football League for AFC Bournemouth, Stockport County, Luton Town, Cardiff City, Swansea City, Sheffield Wednesday, Oldham Athletic and Plymouth Argyle, in the Scottish Premiership for Dundee United. He also had a spell in his native country for Linfield and played non-league football for both Salisbury City, Callington Town and Ards. He is a Northern Ireland former international and was capped 46 times, scoring 5 goals. In making his debut, he became the third generation of his family to receive an international cap, after his father Warren Feeney, Sr. and grandfather Jim Feeney.[3]
After retiring he moved into management and has had spells in charge of Linfield, Newport County, Ards and in Bulgaria with Pirin Blagoevgrad.Soccer Universities
Playing career
[edit]Early career
[edit]Feeney attended Ashfield Boys' High School.[4] He started his career when he joined St Andrews, once scoring 54 goals in one season. He signed as a trainee with Leeds United, in 1998, but never made the league side and was loaned out to AFC Bournemouth in 2001.
AFC Bournemouth
[edit]After 10 loan games, the loan to Bournemouth became permanent and he finally played in 108 games for Bournemouth, scoring 36 goals, before leaving at the end of the 2003–04 season. [citation needed]league 2 play off winner 2002
Stockport County
[edit]He joined Stockport County from Bournemouth for a fee of £45,000, making over 30 appearances for them, and scoring 15 goals, but in spite of his contribution the club were relegated at the end of the season.
Luton Town
[edit]Feeney moved on to Luton Town for £150,000.[5] He did not have a great start to his Luton career, scoring only 6 goals in 30 starts and 18 substitute appearances in the 2005–06 season, and although he finally clocked up 77 appearances in all, he only managed a haul of 8 goals in total, and in March 2007, he was allowed to join Cardiff City on loanleague 1 winner 2005
Cardiff City
[edit]
At the end of his loan spell at Cardiff he agreed a three-year deal with the club, but he failed to find the net in a competitive game, his only goal coming in a pre-season friendly against Dutch side FC Twente. However, considering the deal he had just signed it was perhaps surprising when he was loaned to Swansea City for four months from 21 August 2007[6]
Swansea City
[edit]He scored his first goal for Swansea on 2 October, in a 2–1 win over Swindon Town and began to establish himself in the side, scoring 5 goals in ten matches, but on 15 December, while playing for Swansea in a match against Southend United he sustained injury to an ankle ligament after a heavy tackle by Lewis Hunt. His injury ended his opportunity of a permanent switch to Swansea, who had already held talks with Cardiff about a permanent deal.[7]
Warren's grandfather, Jim Feeney had also played for Swansea in the 1940s, and also won international caps for Northern Ireland – they were the first grandfather/grandson to have played for the Swans.
In January 2008, Swansea manager Roberto Martínez put an end to the transfer speculation by stating that "it is going to be very, very difficult to agree something over Warren" meaning that he will not be moving to them in January but Martínez also mentioned that a summer move would not be out of the question.[8] league 1 winner with swansea 2007
Cardiff City
[edit]Back at Cardiff, he returned from the injury in March 2008, coming on as a 90th-minute substitute for Paul Parry during a 1–0 win over Hull City but suffered another injury two weeks later during a 0–0 with West Bromwich Albion which ended his season.
Dundee United
[edit]In July 2008, Feeney joined fellow Cardiff City player Willo Flood on loan at Scottish Premier League side Dundee United.[9] In only his third friendly game for Dundee United, he scored a hat-trick against Raith Rovers at Stark's Park, although he did not score his first competitive goal until November. He went on to score 6 league goals for the Scottish club by the end of the season, only for a groin injury to put an end to his loan spell.[10]
Return to Cardiff
[edit]After returning to Cardiff again his injury woes continued, and in July 2009 it was reported on the BBC website that Feeney would miss the start of the 2009–10 season as he would undergo hip surgery, he would also miss vital World Cup games for Northern Ireland.[11] This problem was believed to have come to light during a medical with League One side Leeds United, the club where he started his career, but after failing this medical the move was called off.[12]
He returned to action for Cardiff on 17 October 2009, when came on as a substitute for Chris Burke during a 1–1 draw with Crystal Palace.
Sheffield Wednesday
[edit]On 26 November 2009, Feeney joined Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on loan until the end of December.[13] Cardiff manager Dave Jones stated that Feeney would return to Cardiff at the end of his loan spell after only playing 13 minutes for Sheffield Wednesday, during which time the manager who signed him, Brian Laws, was sacked after a string of poor results.
Oldham Athletic
[edit]Following Cardiff's playoff final defeat, the club released five players, including Feeney.[14] On 14 July 2010, Feeney joined Football League One side Oldham Athletic.[15] He scored his first and only goal for the club in a FA Cup first round match on 6 November 2010 against Accrington Stanley.[16] On 3 August 2011, he had his contract terminated.[17]
Plymouth Argyle
[edit]Feeney signed a one-year contract with Plymouth Argyle in August 2011.[18] He made his debut in a 1–1 draw at Shrewsbury Town and scored his first goal in a 2–0 win against Macclesfield Town.[19] Having made 30 appearances in his first season with Argyle,[19] Feeney signed a one-year contract extension in May 2012.[20] He scored a further three goals in 22 appearances in 2012–13 before a knee injury sidelined him for the rest of the campaign.[19][21] Feeney was released at the end of the season,[21] but returned on trial in July to try and earn a new contract, and scored in one of the club's friendly matches.[22]
Salisbury City
[edit]He joined Salisbury City on 20 July 2013 as player-assistant manager to new manager Mikey Harris.[23][24] He left the club at the end of the 2013–14 season, after becoming manager of Linfield.
Return to playing
[edit]Following the end of his professional career, Feeney often featured in games for charity organisation the Argyle Legends, a side made up of players all with a link to Plymouth Argyle.
In January 2019, Feeney represented Northern Ireland at the 2019 Star Sixes tournament. Later that month it was revealed that Feeney had signed for Cornish side Callington Town, of the South West Peninsula League; the 10th level of English football.[25] In August 2019, Feeney made one appearance for NIFL Championship club Ards during his spell as manager.[26]
International career
[edit]Feeney is a Northern Irish former. He won 46 caps playing for his country, and also made eight appearances at under-21 level.[27] He scored his first international goal against Azerbaijan in September 2005, also netting in a friendly against Portugal. His third goal came against Denmark in the Euro 2008 Qualifier, heading an equaliser in the 61st minute. In April 2009, Feeney scored his fifth and final international goal, the only goal of the game as Northern Ireland beat Slovenia 1–0 in a World Cup Qualifier.[28]
International goals
[edit]Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first.
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 September 2005 | Windsor Park, Belfast | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 2 | 15 November 2005 | Windsor Park, Belfast | 1–1 | 1–1 | Friendly match | |
| 3 | 17 November 2007 | Windsor Park, Belfast | 1–1 | 2–1 | UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying | |
| 4 | 28 March 2009 | Windsor Park, Belfast | 1–0 | 3–2 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 5 | 1 April 2009 | Windsor Park, Belfast | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification |
Managerial career
[edit]Linfield
[edit]On 26 April 2014, it was announced that Feeney would replace David Jeffrey as manager of NIFL Premiership side Linfield in his native city of Belfast, Northern Ireland. He officially took charge of the club on 1 May 2014, signing a two-year contract.[29] Feeney later decided to combine his managerial role at the club with playing duties. He made his debut in a pre-season friendly against Loughgall on 24 June 2014, which Linfield won 2–1.[30] His competitive debut as a player came at "Big Two" rivals Glentoran with Feeney coming on as a substitute in a 3–2 win.[31]
His cousin, Lee Feeney, played for the club in two different spells between 1997–1999 and 2002–2003.
Newport County
[edit]On 6 October 2015 Feeney was appointed as assistant manager to John Sheridan at League Two club Newport County.
On 15 January 2016 Feeney was promoted to be the club's manager following Sheridan's move to Oldham. Andy Todd was appointed as his assistant manager.
Feeney ensured a good start to his tenure with a run of six wins in his first 11 games, gaining 21 points, and 21 points of a possible 36. As the season continued however, results then worsened, ending the season with a winless run of 11 games. Newport finished the season in 22nd place in League Two, avoiding relegation.
Newport started the 2016–17 season poorly with Newport County bottom of League Two by September, and after defeats against Grimsby and relegation rivals Cambridge United,[32] Newport only had one win, and 6 points, from their opening 9 matches of the 2016–17 season.[33] Feeney and Todd were sacked by Newport on 28 September 2016.[33]
Newport captain Scott Bennett expressed his disappointment,[33] stating he was "gutted" at the news of Feeney's departure. Feeney met Newport again in League Two the following season as assistant manager of Crawley, losing the fixture 2–1.[34] A South Wales Argust columnist remarked one year on that Feeney thought the Newport board had been hasty in sacking him, given that his successor Graham Westley was sacked and Mike Flynn went on to lead the side to a spell of good form.[34]
Crawley Town and Notts County
[edit]On 25 May 2017, Feeney was appointed assistant manager to Harry Kewell at Crawley Town.[35] The duo led the side to a 14th-place finish in League Two for 2017–18.
The pair departed Crawley for Notts County in controversial fashion in August 2018, with some claiming Notts County were "raiding" the side of its best players including Enzio Boldewijn and Robert Milsom,[36] after only 15 months in charge.[37]
On 13 November 2018, Kewell and Feeney both left Notts County.[38] The pair were only given ten weeks in charge of the side, winning only three of their fourteen fixtures.[39]
Ards
[edit]In February 2019 Feeney returned to Northern Ireland as manager of NIFL Premiership side Ards.[40] Feeney's father Warren Sr, grandfather, and his cousins Lee and Cullen have all played for the side during their careers.[41] He appointed his cousin and former Ards forward Lee Feeney[42]
He began the 2019–20 season well, leading the side off the bottom of the table for the first time in months and managing a 3–1 victory against Newry to put the club in the 11th-placed play-off slot. He nearly ensured survival for Ards after a late run to secure 13 points from the last nine games but could not turn the season around.[43] The side dropped down to the NIFL Championship in 2019–20 after losing a promotion/relegation play-off to Carrick Rangers.
In May 2019 Feeney signed a two-year contract extension.[43]
OFC Pirin Blagoevgrad
[edit]Feeney joined Bulgarian second division side OFC Pirin Blagoevgrad as manager in November 2019 after a recommendation by an English former teammate who was assisting the side in their recruitment process. The side has recently been acquired by Dubai-based owners who are planning investment in the Bulgarian side.[44] Feeney was joined at the side by fellow Irish footballer Conor Henderson who has been with the club since August 2017. Feeney went on to lead Pirin Blagoevgrad to the league title and promotion to the A group of Bulgarian football. In early December 2021, Feeney and his technical team were released from Pirin following a cost cutting strategy at the club.[45]
Welling United
[edit]On 14 March 2022, a day after the departure of Peter Taylor, Feeney was appointed manager of Welling United.[46] Feeney left the club in June 2023, amid rumours linking him to the vacant Glentoran job.
Glentoran
[edit]He was announced as Glentoran's new manager on 5 June 2023.[47] Whilst Glentoran manager he gave a senior debut to his son George.[48] He left the club by mutual consent on 15 March 2024.
Weymouth
[edit]On 17 December 2024, Feeney was appointed manager of National League South bottom side Weymouth.[49] He got the club to place second from bottom but successive losses has led Weymouth to fall back to bottom. Feeney's first win as Weymouth manager came on 1 February 2025, in a 5–1 home victory against his former club, Welling United.
He was relegated with Weymouth on 5 April 2025. He also won the 2024–25 Dorset Senior Cup with Weymouth.[50]
He left the club on 26 August 2025.[51]
Managerial statistics
[edit]- As of match played 25 August 2025
| Team | From | To | Record | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | ||||||
| Linfield | 1 May 2014 | 6 October 2015 | 62 | 36 | 11 | 15 | 58.06 | |||
| Newport County | 15 January 2016 | 28 September 2016 | 34 | 7 | 8 | 19 | 20.59 | |||
| Ards | 19 February 2019 | 16 November 2019 | 11 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 27.27 | |||
| Pirin Blagoevgrad | 17 November 2019 | 3 December 2021 | 54 | 24 | 11 | 19 | 44.44 | |||
| Welling United | 14 March 2022 | 5 June 2023 | 62 | 20 | 17 | 25 | 32.26 | |||
| Glentoran | 5 June 2023 | 15 March 2024 | 46 | 23 | 10 | 13 | 50.00 | |||
| Weymouth | 17 December 2024 | 26 August 2025 | 32 | 5 | 10 | 17 | 15.63 | |||
| Total | 301 | 118 | 71 | 112 | 39.20 | |||||
Honours
[edit]As a Manager
[edit]Pirin Blagoevgrad
Weymouth
- Dorset Senior Cup: 2024–25
Individual
- Second Professional Football League Manager of the Year: 2020–21
References
[edit]- ^ Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 148. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
- ^ "International: Profile of Warren Feeney". Irish Football Association. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
- ^ Smyth, Rob (28 April 2010). "Have any matches been postponed because of natural disasters?". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ Bashford, Michael (27 January 2010). "Ashfield Boys' celebrate 30 years of top competition". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
- ^ "Luton complete signing of Feeney". BBC Sport. 24 March 2005. Retrieved 4 November 2007.
- ^ "Manager Jones calms Fowler fears". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2007.
- ^ "Rival clubs wait on Feeney injury". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 December 2007.
- ^ "Swansea call off Feeney pursuit". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 January 2008.
- ^ "Feeney signs Dundee Utd loan deal". BBC Sport. 7 July 2008. Retrieved 8 July 2008.
- ^ "Birthday gift". Evening Telegraph. 19 May 2009. Archived from the original on 22 May 2009. Retrieved 19 May 2009.
- ^ "Feeney to undergo hip operation". BBC News. 12 July 2009. Retrieved 27 May 2010.
- ^ "Feeney sad to miss out on Leeds move". The Yorkshire Post. 8 July 2009. Retrieved 18 October 2009.
- ^ "Feeney for Wednesday". cardiffcityfc.co.uk. 26 November 2009. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 10 September 2013.
- ^ "Jones releases five Bluebirds". TEAMtalk. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
- ^ "NI striker Warren Feeney signs for Oldham Athletic". BBC Sport. 14 July 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
- ^ "Accrington 3–2 Oldham". BBC Sport. 6 November 2010. Retrieved 6 November 2010.
- ^ "FEENEY LEAVES LATICS". oldhamathletic.co.uk. 3 August 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
- ^ "Plymouth Argyle sign striker Warren Feeney". BBC Sport. 4 August 2011. Retrieved 4 August 2011.
- ^ a b c "Warren Feeney". Greens on Screen. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
- ^ "Warren Feeney agrees new Plymouth Argyle contract". BBC Sport. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
- ^ a b Errington, Chris (30 April 2013). "John Sheridan announces retained list at Plymouth Argyle". The Herald. Plymouth. Archived from the original on 3 May 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
- ^ "Warren Feeney tries to earn new contract at Plymouth Argyle". The Herald. Plymouth. 15 July 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
- ^ "Warren Feeney named Salisbury City player-assistant boss". BBC Sport. 20 July 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
- ^ Holt, Joel (7 August 2013). "Plenty of optimism in rising Salisbury youngsters". Salisbury Journal. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
- ^ McPherson, Adam (15 January 2019). "FOUR NEW SIGNINGS FOR FIRST TEAM". Callington Town FC. Retrieved 16 January 2019.[dead link]
- ^ https://www.facebook.com/ardsfootballclub/posts/pfbid038K55eBMZHWtKLqW7ZzNeDnWmndKPjiMEjU78JMyEqcDCCnbxSs3ZJto3tJPwBMFol
- ^ "Cummings ban confirmed". BBC Sport. 6 October 2003. Retrieved 4 November 2007.
- ^ "N Ireland 1–0 Slovenia". BBC Sport. 1 April 2008. Retrieved 1 April 2009.
- ^ "Warren Feeney is appointed new Linfield manager". BBC News. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
- ^ "Loughgall 1–2 Linfield". linfieldfc.com. 24 June 2014. Archived from the original on 14 August 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ^ Irish Premiership: Glentoran 2–3 Linfield
- ^ "2016/17 – A Season in Review". newport-county.co.uk. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ a b c "Newport County sack manager Warren Feeney". BBC Sport. 28 September 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
- ^ a b "ANDREW PENMAN: A year on from being sacked, Warren Feeney deserves respect from Newport County tonight". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ Feeney joins Crawley Town
- ^ Curtis, Leigh (1 October 2018). "'I am not going to sit here and lie and say it's just another team' – Kewell". nottinghampost. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ "'We hope he fails as this bit of business is truly disgusting' – fans react to Harry Kewell departure". crawleyobserver.co.uk. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ Aarons, Ed (13 November 2018). "Harry Kewell leaves Notts County amid flurry of Football League sackings". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ Fullerton, Gareth (13 November 2018). "Warren Feeney leaves Notts County after Harry Kewell is sacked". belfastlive. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ "Warren Feeney appointed new manager of relegation-threatened Ards". Belfast Live. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
- ^ Millar, Colin (10 October 2019). "Ards job more than just a family affair for Warren Feeney". belfastlive. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ "Warren Feeney appoints former Rangers striker as assistant at Ards". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ a b "Ards boss Warren Feeney to stay on after signing new two-year deal". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ "'I always wanted to experience club football abroad' – Warren Feeney excited by move to Bulgaria". BBC Sport. 17 November 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
- ^ "Пирин обяви раздяла с Фийни и неговия щаб" (in Bulgarian). sportal.bg. 3 December 2021. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
- ^ "Warren Feeney named Welling United manager". BBC Sport. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ^ "Feeney appointed new manager of Glentoran". BBC Sport. 5 June 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
- ^ Fullerton, Gareth (16 September 2023). "Warren Feeney opens up on tricky father-son dynamic at Glentoran". Belfast Live. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "Warren Feeney Appointed Manager". uptheterras.co.uk. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
- ^ Association, The Football. "Results". www.dorsetfa.com. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
- ^ "Club Statement – Warren Feeney". Weymouth Football Club. 26 August 2025. Retrieved 26 August 2025.
External links
[edit]- Warren Feeney at Soccerbase
- Northern Ireland stats at Irish FA
Warren Feeney
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background
Warren Feeney was born on 17 January 1981 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.[1] He comes from a storied footballing lineage, with his grandfather Jim Feeney earning two international caps for Northern Ireland—against Scotland on 27 November 1946 and England on 6 November 1949—[9][10] and his father Warren Feeney Sr. securing one cap against Israel in 1976.[10] This heritage positioned Feeney as the third generation in his family to represent the national team upon his own international debut.[11] The profound football involvement of his father and grandfather profoundly shaped Feeney's early dedication to the sport, fostering a rigorous work ethic and unwavering commitment that guided his career path from youth.[12] His father's ongoing counsel, rooted in personal experience as a player for clubs like Glentoran and Linfield, further reinforced Feeney's professional mindset and resilience in pursuing football.[13] Feeney is married to Katy Feeney, the principal of Banbridge High School.[14] Together, they have four children: Lucy, Darcy—who has represented Northern Ireland in netball—George, who is developing as a footballer, and Holly.[15]Youth career
Warren Feeney, born in Belfast on 17 January 1981, joined Leeds United's youth academy in 1998 at the age of 17 after playing for St Andrews Boys Club.[16] Coming from a family with a strong footballing legacy—his father Warren Snr and grandfather Jim both represented Northern Ireland—Feeney quickly adapted to the professional youth setup at Elland Road.[17] At Leeds, Feeney developed as a centre-forward, standing at 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) tall, with a playing style that highlighted his pace and clinical finishing.[1] Over the next three years (1998–2001), he progressed through the youth ranks and featured prominently in the reserve team, gaining valuable experience in competitive matches without securing a breakthrough to the first team.[18] His performances in the reserves showcased his potential as a dynamic striker, though opportunities at the senior level remained limited amid strong competition.[18] In the latter part of the 2000–01 season, Feeney was sent on loan to AFC Bournemouth in the Third Division, where he made his senior debut in a 1–0 victory over Bury on 31 March 2001.[2] The successful stint, which included contributing to the team's efforts in the lower leagues, led to a permanent transfer and his first professional contract with Bournemouth in the summer of 2001.[1] This move marked the end of his youth phase and the beginning of his established professional career.[18]Playing career
Early professional career
Feeney joined AFC Bournemouth on loan from Leeds United in March 2001, making an immediate impact with four goals in three starts before securing a permanent transfer to the club that summer for an undisclosed fee.[19] Over the next three seasons (2001–2004), he established himself as a key forward, scoring 36 goals in 108 league appearances (37 goals in 125 appearances across all competitions) and helping Bournemouth reach the Division Three play-offs.[20][21] In the 2002–03 season, Feeney contributed significantly to Bournemouth's promotion push, netting 7 goals in 21 league outings as the team finished third in Division Three and advanced through the play-offs, culminating in a 2–1 victory over Lincoln City in the final at the Millennium Stadium.[22] His performances during this period also earned him his senior international debut for Northern Ireland in March 2002.[1] Feeney moved to Stockport County in July 2004 for a reported £45,000 fee, where he enjoyed a prolific single season in League One, scoring 15 goals in 31 league appearances despite the team's eventual relegation.[19] In March 2005, with Stockport's relegation looming, Feeney transferred to Luton Town for £150,000, arriving during the club's title-challenging League One campaign.[23] He made six appearances in the run-in, helping Luton secure the championship with 98 points and promotion to the Championship, before adding eight goals in 77 league games over the following two seasons.[19]Mid-career moves (2004–2010)
Feeney initially joined Cardiff City on loan from Luton Town in March 2007 before making the move permanent in June 2007. He struggled with persistent injuries that severely limited his involvement during the 2007–08 season, making only 14 appearances across all competitions for the Bluebirds that year, failing to score and spending much of the campaign on the sidelines recovering from ankle and other issues.[21][24] To regain form and match sharpness, Feeney was loaned to rivals Swansea City in August 2007 for an initial four-month period. During his time at the Liberty Stadium, he featured in 10 league matches, scoring 5 goals and adding 1 in the FA Cup, which helped Swansea maintain momentum in their promotion push. His contributions were notable in the early stages of the season, including key strikes that bolstered the Swans' attack as they clinched the League One title in 2008 with a record 92 points. However, an ankle ligament injury sustained in December 2007 cut his loan short, preventing a potential permanent transfer and forcing his return to Cardiff for treatment.[21][25] In July 2008, seeking regular football, Feeney moved on a season-long loan to Scottish Premier League side Dundee United alongside teammate Willo Flood. He adapted quickly, making 23 league appearances and netting 6 goals, including a hat-trick in a 4–0 League Cup win over Raith Rovers. Despite a strong start, recurring injuries hampered his consistency, leading to an early recall by Cardiff in January 2009 after 26 appearances and 6 goals in all competitions.[21][3][26] Upon returning to Cardiff, Feeney's opportunities remained scarce, prompting another loan in November 2009 to Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday for one month. The move yielded just 1 league appearance as a substitute, with no goals, and the deal was not extended amid the team's poor form. Back at Cardiff for the latter half of the 2009–10 season, he made only a handful of substitute outings, totaling 9 appearances across all competitions without scoring, as the club prioritized other forwards. Cardiff released Feeney at the end of his contract in July 2010, marking the end of a turbulent period characterized by frequent moves and injury setbacks.[21][27][28]Later career and retirement (2010–2019)
In July 2010, Feeney signed a two-year contract with League One club Oldham Athletic following his release from Cardiff City.[29] During the 2010–11 season, he made 23 appearances and scored once for the club before departing by mutual consent in August 2011.[30] Feeney then joined Plymouth Argyle in League Two on a one-year deal later that month.[31] Over the next two seasons (2011–13), he featured in 49 matches, netting five goals, though injuries limited his consistency, including an ankle issue that sidelined him for up to two months in early 2013.[32] His contract was not renewed, leading to his release in August 2013.[33] That summer, Feeney moved to non-league Conference Premier side Salisbury City, signing as a player-assistant manager under Mikey Harris.[34] In the 2013–14 season, he recorded 15 appearances without scoring before leaving in April 2014 to pursue a managerial opportunity.[35] Feeney returned to Northern Ireland in 2014, signing with NIFL Premiership club Linfield in a player-manager capacity upon his appointment as head coach.[36] He made eight appearances and scored one goal during the 2014–15 season, gradually shifting focus to management thereafter.[37] After several years in coaching roles, Feeney briefly returned to playing in 2019, signing with Southern League Division One South club Callington Town earlier in the year before joining NIFL Championship side Ards as manager. He made one appearance for Ards on 17 August 2019 against Ballinamallard United, marking his final competitive outing and effective retirement from playing.[38]International career
Senior career
Warren Feeney made his senior international debut for Northern Ireland on 27 March 2002, starting as a forward in a 0–0 friendly draw against Liechtenstein at Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz, Liechtenstein.[11][39] In doing so, he became the third generation of his family to represent the national team, following his grandfather James Feeney, who earned two caps in the late 1940s and early 1950s, and his father Warren Feeney Sr., who won one cap in 1976.[11] Over the course of his international tenure from 2002 to 2011, Feeney accumulated 46 caps while primarily operating as a centre-forward. He featured in numerous qualification campaigns for the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, contributing to Northern Ireland's efforts in competitive fixtures against stronger European opponents, though the team did not advance beyond the qualifying stages during his time.[40] His call-ups were often influenced by strong club form, particularly during spells at Bournemouth and Cardiff City, where his goal-scoring prowess earned him regular selection under managers like Sammy McIlroy and Nigel Worthington.[2] Feeney's international career concluded on 11 October 2011 with a substitute appearance in a 0–3 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying defeat to Italy, marking the end of his involvement after a period of limited opportunities stemming from persistent injuries sustained at club level.[41] These setbacks, including ankle ligament damage earlier in his career, restricted his availability and led to his retirement from international duty at age 30.[42]International goals
Feeney scored five goals in 46 appearances for the Northern Ireland national team.[22]| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 September 2005 | Windsor Park, Belfast | Azerbaijan | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 2 | 15 November 2005 | Windsor Park, Belfast | Portugal | 1–1 | 1–1 | Friendly |
| 3 | 17 November 2007 | Windsor Park, Belfast | Denmark | 1–1 | 2–1 | UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying |
| 4 | 28 March 2009 | Windsor Park, Belfast | Poland | 1–0 | 3–2 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 5 | 1 April 2009 | Windsor Park, Belfast | Slovenia | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification |
Managerial and coaching career
Early managerial roles (2014–2019)
Feeney transitioned into management as player-manager of Linfield in the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) Premiership, succeeding David Jeffrey on 26 June 2014.[48] During his tenure from July 2014 to October 2015, he oversaw 56 matches while continuing to play as a forward, retiring from playing duties on 1 July 2015 to focus fully on management.[5][49] Linfield finished second in the 2014–15 Premiership, two points behind champions Crusaders, and advanced to the second qualifying round of the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League, where they were eliminated by Swedish side AIK 1–2 on aggregate.[50][51] Feeney resigned from Linfield on 6 October 2015 to join Newport County as assistant manager under John Sheridan, marking his move to English football and full-time coaching.[49] At Newport in EFL League Two, Feeney served as assistant from October 2015 to January 2016 before being promoted to head manager on 15 January 2016 following Sheridan's departure.[52][53] He managed 34 games until his sacking on 28 September 2016, with the team prioritizing survival amid a relegation battle; Newport finished 21st, securing their League Two status by a five-point margin.[5][54] After a period out of management, Feeney returned to Northern Ireland in February 2019 as head manager of NIFL Premiership club Ards, who were bottom of the table.[55] His brief spell lasted until November 2019, encompassing 27 matches as the club suffered relegation to the NIFL Championship; Feeney later extended his contract post-relegation but departed for opportunities abroad.[5][56]Roles in England and Bulgaria (2019–2024)
In November 2019, Warren Feeney was appointed manager of Bulgarian Second Professional Football League side OFC Pirin Blagoevgrad, following a recommendation from a former teammate scouting in the region.[57] Over his two-year tenure, he managed 56 matches, achieving a points-per-match average of 1.54, and overhauled the squad with a focus on domestic talent to foster a winning culture.[58] Feeney's side achieved 13 wins in their final 18 league matches during the 2020–21 season, culminating in promotion to the Bulgarian First League after clinching the second-division title.[59] He departed by mutual consent in December 2021, shortly after the promotion, having transformed a mid-table team into champions.[60] Returning to England, Feeney took charge of National League South club Welling United in March 2022, replacing Peter Taylor amid a challenging relegation battle.[61] In his 56 games at the helm, he recorded a points-per-match average of 1.25, guiding the Wings to survival in 2021–22 before securing mid-table finishes of 16th in 2022–23.[62] His tenure emphasized defensive solidity and youth integration, though the club parted ways with him in June 2023 as he pursued opportunities back in Northern Ireland.[63] Feeney then returned to the Irish League as manager of Glentoran in June 2023, aiming to restore the club's competitive edge in the NIFL Premiership. Across 38 matches, he attained a points-per-match average of 1.66, highlighted by a memorable 4–0 league victory over rivals Linfield and progress in cup competitions, including reaching the Irish Cup quarter-finals.[64][65] Despite these successes, inconsistent league form led to his departure by mutual consent in March 2024, after nine months in charge.[66] In December 2024, Feeney was appointed manager of struggling National League South side Weymouth, who sat bottom of the table.[6] He oversaw 26 matches with a points-per-match average of 0.81, achieving a notable highlight by winning the 2024–25 Dorset Senior Cup but ultimately unable to prevent relegation from the National League South.[67][68] Feeney left the club by mutual consent on August 26, 2025, following a poor start to the new season.[7]Recent appointments (2024–present)
In October 2025, following his departure from Weymouth FC in August, Warren Feeney was appointed assistant manager at Hanoi FC in Vietnam's V.League 1, working under head coach and close friend Harry Kewell.[5][8] The move marked Feeney's return to an assistant role abroad after previous head coaching positions in Europe, with a focus on supporting Kewell's vision for the club rather than leading independently.[69] Feeney described the opportunity as a "no-brainer," motivated by his prior success managing in Bulgaria and a desire to contribute to a major club like Hanoi FC, which was aiming to climb from mid-table in the V.League 1.[8] He has long been inspired by managers like Graham Potter in seeking overseas challenges to broaden his coaching experience and aid league development through tactical and cultural exchanges.[70] Family support and his passion for football further influenced the decision, aligning with his pattern of embracing international roles.[8] As of November 2025, Feeney's tenure remains ongoing, emphasizing assistant duties such as player development and match preparation to elevate Hanoi FC's performance in the competitive V.League 1.[71] He has expressed enthusiasm for adapting to Asian football's unique style and culture, drawing on lessons from his time in Eastern Europe to navigate the fast-paced, technically demanding environment.[8]Career statistics
Playing statistics
Warren Feeney made 381 appearances and scored 91 goals across his senior club career from 2001 to 2020.[72] He represented the Northern Ireland senior national team on 46 occasions between 2002 and 2011, netting 5 goals.[41][40] The table below summarizes his club playing statistics by club, aggregating appearances and goals across all competitions (league, cups, and playoffs) for each stint, excluding youth and reserve matches.[73][74]| Club | Seasons | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFC Bournemouth | 2001–2004 | 112 | 30 |
| Stockport County | 2004–2005, 2006–2007 | 65 | 21 |
| Luton Town | 2005–2007 | 45 | 7 |
| Cardiff City | 2007–2010 | 19 | 6 |
| Swansea City | 2007–2008 | 12 | 6 |
| Dundee United | 2008–2009 | 25 | 6 |
| Sheffield Wednesday | 2009–2010 | 10 | 0 |
| Oldham Athletic | 2010–2011 | 13 | 6 |
| Plymouth Argyle | 2011–2013 | 40 | 5 |
| Salisbury City | 2013–2014 | 22 | 3 |
| Linfield | 2014–2015 | 8 | 1 |
| Newport County | 2015–2016 | 9 | 0 |
| Ards | 2019–2020 | 1 | 0 |
| Career total | 381 | 91 |
Managerial statistics
Warren Feeney's managerial record across his head coaching roles totals 293 matches, with 132 wins, 62 draws, and 99 losses, yielding a win percentage of 45.05%. Including his assistant role at Ha Noi FC, where he has been involved in 3 matches (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss), the overall involvement reaches 296 games with a win percentage of 44.93% as of November 19, 2025.[5] These figures exclude periods as a pure assistant prior to his head coaching appointments.| Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linfield | 56 | 35 | 8 | 13 | 62.50% |
| Newport County | 34 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 29.41% |
| Ards | 27 | 12 | 5 | 10 | 44.44% |
| OFK Pirin | 56 | 27 | 11 | 18 | 48.21% |
| Welling United | 56 | 22 | 13 | 21 | 39.29% |
| Glentoran | 38 | 18 | 8 | 12 | 47.37% |
| Weymouth | 26 | 8 | 7 | 11 | 30.77% |
| Ha Noi FC (assistant) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 33.33% |
