Liam McAlinden
{{Short description|Irish footballer (born 1993)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2016}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Liam McAlinden
| image = Liam McAlinden.jpg
| caption = McAlinden playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2014
| fullname = Liam James McAlinden{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/202021/efl-squad-numbering-11.09.2020.pdf |title=Notification of shirt numbers: Morecambe |publisher=English Football League |page=44 |access-date=23 September 2020}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|9|26|df=y}}
| birth_place = Cannock, England
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=1}}{{soccerbase}}
| position = Striker
| currentclub = Rushall Olympic
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 2001–2010
| youthclubs1 = Wolverhampton Wanderers
| years1 = 2010–2016
| clubs1 = Wolverhampton Wanderers
| caps1 = 14
| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 2013
| clubs2 = → Shrewsbury Town (loan)
| caps2 = 9
| goals2 = 3
| years3 = 2014
| clubs3 = → Fleetwood Town (loan)
| caps3 = 5
| goals3 = 2
| years4 = 2015
| clubs4 = → Fleetwood Town (loan)
| caps4 = 14
| goals4 = 2
| years5 = 2015
| clubs5 = → Shrewsbury Town (loan)
| caps5 = 8
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2016
| clubs6 = → Crawley Town (loan)
| caps6 = 6
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2016–2018
| clubs7 = Exeter City
| caps7 = 61
| goals7 = 7
| years8 = 2018–2019
| clubs8 = Cheltenham Town
| caps8 = 6
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2018–2019
| clubs9 = → Brackley Town (loan)
| caps9 = 5
| goals9 = 1
| years10 = 2019
| clubs10 = → Kidderminster Harriers (loan)
| caps10 = 15
| goals10 = 0
| years11 = 2019–2020
| clubs11 = FC Halifax Town
| caps11 = 27
| goals11 = 10
| years12 = 2020
| clubs12 = Stockport County
| caps12 = 9
| goals12 = 2
| years13 = 2020–2021
| clubs13 = Morecambe
| caps13 = 28
| goals13 = 2
| years14 = 2021–2024
| clubs14 = Wrexham
| caps14 = 46
| goals14 = 1
| years15 = 2024
| clubs15 = Scunthorpe United
| caps15 = 11
| goals15 = 2
| years16 = 2024–
| clubs16 = Rushall Olympic
| caps16 = 0
| goals16 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2012
| nationalteam1 = Northern Ireland U21
| nationalcaps1 = 3
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2014
| nationalteam2 = Republic of Ireland U21
| nationalcaps2 = 1
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| club-update = 15:01, 9 August 2024 (UTC)
}}Liam James McAlinden (born 26 September 1993) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for National League North club Rushall Olympic.
McAlinden is a youth exponent of Wolverhampton Wanderers and has played for Exeter City, Cheltenham Town, Halifax Town, Stockport County, Morecambe and Wrexham, as well as a host of other clubs on loan. Born in England, McAlinden has represented both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at youth levels.
Club career
= Wolverhampton Wanderers =
McAlinden joined Wolverhampton Wanderers as an 8-year-old.{{Cite web |last=Adrian |first=Agius |date=6 December 2012 |title=Liverpool Monitoring Progress of Talented Youngster Liam McAlinden |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1434910-liverpool-monitoring-progress-of-talented-youngster-liam-mcalinden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209030540/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1434910-liverpool-monitoring-progress-of-talented-youngster-liam-mcalinden |archive-date=9 December 2012 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Bleacher Report}} At 17-years-old, in 2010, McAlinden signed his first professional contract with Wolves.{{Cite web |date=15 December 2010 |title=Wolves sign up Zeli Ismail and Liam McAlinden |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2010/12/15/wolves-sign-up-zeli-ismail-and-liam-mcalinden/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102132203/https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2010/12/15/wolves-sign-up-zeli-ismail-and-liam-mcalinden/ |archive-date=2 November 2022 |access-date=10 May 2010 |website=Express and Star}} He made his senior debut on 27 April 2013 as a substitute in a 1–2 defeat to Burnley.{{cite news |date=27 April 2013 |title=Wolverhampton 1–2 Burnley |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22228793 |publisher=BBC Sport}} He scored his first senior goal on 3 September 2013 in an EFL Trophy tie against Walsall.{{Cite web |date=4 September 2013 |title=Aaron McCarey is hero in Wolves-Walsall JPT shoot-out |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23959284 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507170022/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/23959284 |archive-date=7 May 2023 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}
In October 2013, McAlinden joined fellow EFL League One club, Shrewsbury Town, on a three month loan deal.{{Cite web |date=11 October 2023 |title=Liam McAlinden: Shrewsbury Town sign Wolves striker on loan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24490565 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507165004/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/24490565 |archive-date=7 May 2023 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=BBC Sport}} He scored on his club debut after coming on as a substitute against Gillingham,{{cite news |date=12 October 2013 |title=Shrewsbury 2–0 Gillingham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24407880 |publisher=BBC Sport}} the first of three goals in nine appearances before being recalled by Wolves in early December.{{cite news |date=6 December 2013 |title=Liam McAlinden: Wolves recall striker from Shrewsbury Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25267743 |publisher=BBC Sport}}
McAlinden scored his first league goal for Wolves, to earn them a 1–0 victory at MK Dons in March 2014.{{cite news |date=29 March 2014 |title=MK Dons 0–1 Wolves |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26694090 |publisher=BBC Sport}} He would play seven times in League One for Wolves, as they finished first, winning the league and earning promotion to the EFL Championship. McAlinden signed a new two-year deal with Wolves following their promotion.{{Cite web |date=25 April 2014 |title=Liam's Delight |url=https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/article/liam-mcalinden-1510402.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427000859/http://www.wolves.co.uk/news/article/liam-mcalinden-1510402.aspx |archive-date=27 April 2014 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Wolves}}
In October 2014, McAlinden moved on a three-month-loan deal to League One club, Fleetwood Town.{{Cite news |date=2 October 2014 |title=Liam McAlinden: Fleetwood Town bring in Wolves striker |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29456775 |publisher=BBC Sport}} However, after scoring twice in his first 5 appearances for Fleetwood, he was recalled to cover injuries at his parent club. On 15 January 2015, McAlinden returned on loan to Fleetwood for the remainder of the season,{{cite news |date=15 January 2015 |title=Liam McAlinden: Wolves striker returns to Fleetwood Town on loan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30831019 |publisher=BBC Sport}} where he scored two further goals during 14 appearances.
McAlinden returned to Shrewsbury Town for a second time on a half-season loan in July 2015.{{cite web |date=9 July 2015 |title=Liam McAlinden: Wolves striker rejoins Shrewsbury Town on loan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33463936 |access-date=9 July 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport}} In March 2016, he signed a loan deal with Crawley Town until the end of the 2015–16 season.{{cite news |date=10 March 2016 |title=Liam McAlinden: Crawley Town sign Wolves striker on loan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35774738 |access-date=10 March 2016 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC}} He scored his first and only goal for Crawley in a 2–2 draw against York City.{{Cite web |last=Talbot |first=Bruce |date=25 March 2016 |title=Report: York 2 Reds 2 |url=https://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/2016/march/report-york-2-reds-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204220023/https://www.crawleytownfc.com/news/2016/march/report-york-2-reds-2/ |archive-date=4 December 2023 |access-date=10 May 2023 |website=Crawley Town}}
Upon the expiration of his contract, McAlinden was released by Wolves at the end of the 2015–16 season, after he wasn't offered a renewal.{{Cite news |date=9 May 2016 |title=Contract decisions revealed |url=http://www.wolves.co.uk/news/article/news-contract-decisions-revealed-3105709.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509220844/http://www.wolves.co.uk/news/article/news-contract-decisions-revealed-3105709.aspx |archive-date=9 May 2016 |publisher=Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C |df=dmy-all}}
=Exeter City=
On 31 May 2016, McAlinden signed for League Two club Exeter City.{{cite web |last1=Roderick |first1=Oliver |title=Grecians Complete Third Signing Of The Summer |url=http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/article/grecians-complete-third-signing-of-the-summer-3130226.aspx |access-date=31 May 2016 |website=Exeter City FC}} He made his debut for Exeter on the 6 August 2016, in a 2–0 loss to Blackpool. A week later, he scored his first goal for Exeter in a 2–1 defeat to Hartlepool United.{{cite news |date=19 August 2016 |title=Exeter 1–2 Hartlepool |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36994203 |access-date=31 August 2016 |publisher=BBC}} Over his two year stint at the club, McAlinden scored 7 goals in 61 appearances, including one against Grimsby Town, which would later be voted the Goal of the Month by Exeter fans.{{Cite web |date=7 December 2017 |title=Liam McAlinden wins Vospers' Goal of the Month for November |url=https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2017/december/liam-mcalinden-wins-november-vospers-goal-of-the-month/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201055827/https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2017/december/liam-mcalinden-wins-november-vospers-goal-of-the-month/ |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Exeter City FC}} He was released by Exeter at the end of the 2017–18 season.{{cite web |date=5 June 2018 |title=Troy Archibald-Henville: Exeter City defender among seven released by club |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44367709 |access-date=5 June 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport}}
=Cheltenham Town=
Follow his release from Exeter, McAlinden joined Chesterfield Town as a trailist, scoring in a 4–0 victory against Gainsborough Trinity in a pre-season friendly.{{Cite web |date=17 July 2018 |title=England star watches on as Chesterfield cruise to friendly win at Gainsborough |url=https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/england-star-watches-on-as-chesterfield-cruise-to-friendly-win-at-gainsborough-46126 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804234037/https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/england-star-watches-on-as-chesterfield-cruise-to-friendly-win-at-gainsborough-46126 |archive-date=4 August 2021 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Derbyshire Times}} Ultimately, McAlinden signed a two-year deal with League Two side Cheltenham Town on 28 July 2018.{{cite web |date=28 July 2018 |title=Liam McAlinden: Cheltenham Town sign former Exeter City striker on two-year deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44992805 |access-date=28 July 2018 |work=BBC Sport}} He made his debut for Cheltenham on 4 August 2018, in a 1–0 loss to Crawley Town.{{Cite news |title=Cheltenham Town 0-1 Crawley Town |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44989423 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} With game time limited, on 15 December 2018, McAllinden joined Brackley Town on an initial one month loan.{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Jon |date=15 December 2018 |title=Cheltenham Town's former Wolves and Exeter City striker makes loan switch to Brackley Town |url=https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/cheltenham-towns-former-wolves-exeter-2331634 |access-date=21 April 2019 |website=Gloucestershire Live}} On 22 December 2018, he made his debut in a 2–1 loss to York City. On 29 December 2018, he scored his first goal for Brackley in a 3–1 win against Nuneaton Borough.{{Cite web |last=Joyce |first=Richard |date=31 December 2018 |title=Loan watch: McAlinden among the goals |url=https://www.ctfc.com/news/2018/december/loan-watch-mcalinden-among-the-goals/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926024840/https://www.ctfc.com/news/2018/december/loan-watch-mcalinden-among-the-goals/ |archive-date=26 September 2023 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=CTFC}} Following his loan deal, he returned to Cheltenham, but two days later he joined Kidderminster Harriers on loan for one month.[http://www.harriers.co.uk/news/2019/01/18/mcalinden-joins-harriers/ McAlinden joins Harriers], harriers.co.uk, 18 January 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2019. The club announced on 21 February 2019, that the loan deal had been extended until the end of the season.[http://www.harriers.co.uk/news/2019/02/21/mcalinden-extends-stay/ McAlinden extends stay], harriers.co.uk, 21 February 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2019. At the end of the 2018–19 season, Cheltenham announced they had transfer listed McAlinden.{{Cite web |date=13 May 2019 |title=2018/19 retained and released list |url=https://www.ctfc.com/news/2019/may/201819-retained-and-released-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731080626/https://www.ctfc.com/news/2019/may/201819-retained-and-released-list/ |archive-date=31 July 2023 |access-date=10 May 2023 |website=CTFC}} His contract with Cheltenham was cancelled in June 2019.{{Cite web |date=20 June 2019 |title=McAlinden leaves the Jonny-Rocks Stadium |url=https://www.ctfc.com/news/2019/june/mcalinden-leaves-the-jonny-rocks-stadium/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323005454/https://www.ctfc.com/news/2019/june/mcalinden-leaves-the-jonny-rocks-stadium/ |archive-date=23 March 2023 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=CTFC}}
=FC Halifax Town=
On 6 August 2019, McAlinden joined National League side, FC Halifax Town.{{cite news |year=2019 |title=FC Halifax Town: Striker McAlinden joins Shaymen |url=https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/football/fc-halifax-town-striker-mcalinden-joins-shaymen-1-9918311 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806193946/https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/football/fc-halifax-town-striker-mcalinden-joins-shaymen-1-9918311 |archive-date=6 August 2019 |access-date=9 August 2019 |work=Halifax Courier}}{{Cite web |last=Gilchrist |first=Kelly |date=6 August 2019 |title=NEW SIGNING FOR SHAYMEN |url=https://fchalifaxtown.com/news/new-signing-for-shaymen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802142603/https://fchalifaxtown.com/news/new-signing-for-shaymen/ |archive-date=2 August 2021 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=FC Halifax Town}} He made his debut on the same day, as an 83rd minute substitute in a 2–0 win against Hartlepool United.{{Cite news |title=FC Halifax Town 2-0 Hartlepool United |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49160111 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} He made his first league start and scored in a 1–0 win against Dagenham & Redbridge.{{Cite news |title=FC Halifax Town 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49216040 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} On 31 August 2019, McAlinden scored both goals in a 2–1 victory over Solihull Moors.{{Cite news |title=FC Halifax Town 2-1 Solihull Moors |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49456607 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} McAlinden left partway through the season, however his contribution helped Halifax finish 6th and in the play-offs. In his time at Halifax, McAlinden scored 10 times in 27 appearances.{{Cite web |title=LIAM MCALINDEN |url=https://fchalifaxtown.com/players/liam-mcalinden/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202184038/https://fchalifaxtown.com/players/liam-mcalinden/ |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=FC Halifax Town}}
=Stockport County=
Despite interest from football league clubs,{{Cite web |last=O'Rourke |first=Pete |title=FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHASE ON FOR HALIFAX ACE MCALINDEN |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/09/23/football-league-chase-on-for-halifax-ace-mcalinden/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024145320/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/09/23/football-league-chase-on-for-halifax-ace-mcalinden/ |archive-date=24 October 2020 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=HITC}} on 14 January 2020, he signed for fellow National League side, Stockport County.{{cite web |date=14 January 2020 |title=Striker McAlinden joins Hatters! |url=https://www.stockportcounty.com/striker-mcalinden-joins-hatters/ |website=www.stockportcounty.com}} On 18 January 2020, McAlinden made his debut for Stockport in a 0–0 draw against Sutton United.{{Cite news |title=Stockport County 0-0 Sutton United |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51073343 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} On 8 February 2020, he scored his first goal for Stockport in 1–1 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge.{{Cite news |title=Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Stockport County |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51337114 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Stockport's season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and McAlinden was released upon the expiry of his contract.{{Cite web |title=Squad Update From Jim Gannon |url=https://www.stockportcounty.com/squad-update-from-jim-gannon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116220917/https://www.stockportcounty.com/squad-update-from-jim-gannon/ |archive-date=16 November 2022 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Stockport County}}
=Morecambe=
On 4 August 2020, McAlinden signed for League Two club Morecambe.{{cite web |date=4 August 2020 |title=Liam McAlinden Signs |url=https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2020/august/liam-mcalinden-signs/ |website=www.morecambefc.com}} On 12 September 2020, McAlinden made his debut in a 2–1 win against former club Cheltenham.{{Cite news |title=Cheltenham Town 1-2 Morecambe |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54038207 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} In the reverse fixture against Cheltenham, McAlinden scored his first goal for Morecambe as they won 1–0.{{Cite news |title=Morecambe 1-0 Cheltenham Town |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56465924 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} He featured in a 4–0 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup and a 7–0 loss to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup.{{Cite news |title=Werner scores as Chelsea see off Morecambe |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55575484 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |title=Newcastle thrash 10-man Morecambe |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54190613 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} In the league, Morecambe finished fourth and qualified for the play-offs. In the play-off semi-finals, Morecambe were placed against 7th place Tranmere Rovers. In the first-leg, McAlinden scored the second goal, as Morecambe won 2–1.{{Cite news |title=Morecambe gain slender win at Tranmere |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57096261 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} In the second leg, McAlinden provided the assist for Aaron Wildig's 9th minute strike.{{Cite news |title=Shrimps hold Tranmere to reach final |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57132083 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Morecambe drew the second-leg 1–1, but won the tie 3–2 on aggregate. McAlinden also featured in the play-off final against Newport County, but was substituted in the 75th minute. Morecambe won 1–0 after extra time and were promoted League One.{{Cite news |title=Shrimps go up with extra-time penalty |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57224523 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} He was released at the end of the season.{{cite web |date=11 June 2021 |title=Retained List |url=https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2021/june/retained-list/ |accessdate=13 June 2021 |publisher=Morecambe F.C.}}
=Wrexham=
On 9 July 2021, McAlinden signed for National League side Wrexham on a two-year deal.{{Cite news |title=Wrexham sign Brisley and McAlinden |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57784947 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Upon his arrival, manager Phil Parkinson revealed that Wrexham had to fight off league clubs to bring in McAlinden.{{cite web |date=9 July 2021 |title=Forward Liam McAlinden signs for Wrexham AFC |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/signed-forward-liam-mcalinden-signs-for-wrexham-afc |accessdate=9 July 2021 |website=www.wrexhamafc.co.uk}} On 21 August 2021, he made his debut as a 70th minute substitute in a 2–2 draw against Solihull Moors.{{Cite news |title=Drama as Sbarra denies Wrexham late on |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58229898 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} McAlinden scored his first and only league goal for Wrexham in a 6–0 victory over Barnet.{{Cite news |title=Wrexham hit Barnet for six to return to second |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60909592 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} Wrexham finished in second place, qualifying for the play-off semi-finals, where they faced sixth placed Grimsby Town. McAlinden featured off the bench as Wrexham lost 5–4 after extra time and were knocked out the play-offs.{{Cite news |title=Grimsby end Wrexham's play-off dreams in thriller |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61560268 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} McAlinden also started in the FA Trophy final against Bromley, though Wrexham lost 1–0.{{Cite news |title=Bromley beat Wrexham to lift FA Trophy |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61512965 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}
In the 2022–23 season, McAlinden featured less in the league, though played in 5 of the 7 FA Cup games, which saw Wrexham reach the fourth round and take Championship side, Sheffield United, to a replay.{{Cite news |title=Blades set up Spurs tie by ending Wrexham's run |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64528369 |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} In the league, Wrexham pipped Notts County to the title, which meant Wrexham were promoted to League Two. With promotion to League Two confirmed, McAlinden was offered a one-year contract extension, which he agreed to.{{Cite web |last=Henrys |first=Colin |date=23 May 2023 |title=NEW CONTRACT {{!}} Liam McAlinden signs Wrexham AFC contract extension |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/may/new-contract--liam-mcalinden-signs-wrexham-afc-contract-extension/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129131529/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/may/new-contract--liam-mcalinden-signs-wrexham-afc-contract-extension/ |archive-date=29 November 2023 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Wrexham AFC}}
In the 2023–24 season, McAlinden struggled even more for game time in League Two and agreed to a mutual termination of his contract on 1 February 2024.{{Cite web |title=CONTRACT NEWS {{!}} Liam McAlinden leaves Wrexham AFC by mutual consent |url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2024/february/contract-news--liam-mcalinden-leaves-wrexham-afc-by-mutual-consent/ |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=www.wrexhamafc.co.uk |language=en-gb}} McAlinden played 46 times in the league and scored once.
=Scunthorpe United=
On 15 February 2024, McAlinden signed for National League North side Scunthorpe United on a short term contract until the end of the season.{{Cite web |title=Iron add Liam McAlinden to the ranks |url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2024/february/iron-add-liam-mcalinden-to-the-ranks/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk |language=en-gb}} On the 17 February 2024, he made his debut in a 0–0 draw against Scarborough Athletic.{{Cite web |last=Pullan |first=Jake |date=17 February 2024 |title=Report: Scarborough Athletic 0-0 Iron |url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2024/february/report-scarborough-athletic-0-0-iron/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329140245/https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2024/february/report-scarborough-athletic-0-0-iron/ |archive-date=29 March 2024 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Scunthorpe United}} On 2 March 2024, McAlinden scored his first goal in a 2–2 draw against Chester. However, in the same game, he mistimed his tackle Harrison Burke, arriving late and high, with studs showing, resulting in the referee showing him a red card.{{Cite web |last=Pullan |first=Jake |date=2 March 2024 |title=Report: Iron 2-2 Chester |url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2024/march/report-iron-2-2-chester/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329140245/https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2024/march/report-iron-2-2-chester/ |archive-date=29 March 2024 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Scunthorpe United}} Scunthorpe United finished second in the league, qualifying for the play-off semi-finals, where they faced sixth placed Boston United. McAlinden came on off the bench during the 0–0 draw, which saw the tie go to penalties. He took the sixth penalty for Scunthorpe, but his effort was saved by Boston 'keeper Cameron Gregory.{{Cite web |last=Singleton |first=Craig |date=27 April 2024 |title=Scunthorpe United 0-0 Boston United (4-5 on penalties) |url=https://www.bostonunited.co.uk/teams/24809/match-centre/0-5919433/report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427213216/https://www.bostonunited.co.uk/teams/24809/match-centre/0-5919433/report |archive-date=27 April 2024 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Boston United}} The missed penalty saw Scunthorpe knocked out of the play-offs.{{Cite web |last=Pullan |first=Jake |date=27 April 2024 |title=Report: Iron 0-0 Boston United (4-5 on pens) |url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2024/april/report-iron-0-0-boston-united-4-5-on-pens/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506042906/https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2024/april/report-iron-0-0-boston-united-4-5-on-pens/ |archive-date=6 May 2024 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Scunthorpe United}} Scunthorpe did not renew McAlinden's contract upon its expiry.{{Cite web |date=10 May 2024 |title=Iron retained list 2023-24 |url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2024/may/iron-retained-list-2023-24/ |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=Scunthorpe United}}
=Rushall Olympic=
On 9 August 2024, McAlinden signed for National League North side Rushall Olympic.{{Cite web |date=9 August 2024 |title=PICS ADD PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE WITH McALINDEN SIGNING |url=https://www.rofc.co.uk/news/breaking--pics-add-plenty-of-experience-with-mcalinden-signing |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Rushall Olympic FC}}
International career
Although born in England, McAlinden can represent Northern Ireland - through his grandfather - and the Republic of Ireland - through his parents.{{cite news |date=31 May 2012 |title=Wolves on the fringe |url=http://wolves.theoffside.com/team-news/wolves-on-the-fringe.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630102733/http://wolves.theoffside.com/team-news/wolves-on-the-fringe.html |archive-date=30 June 2013 |publisher=wolves.theoffside.com |df=dmy-all}} He represented Northern Ireland at Under-19 and Under-21 levels. However, in June 2013, he switched his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland,{{cite news |date=2 June 2013 |title=Liam McAlinden quits Northern Ireland for Republic |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22745927 |publisher=BBC Sport}} whom he has also represented at Under-21 level.
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 27 April 2024}}
| class=wikitable style="text-align: center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||
| rowspan=2|Club
!rowspan=2|Season !colspan=3|League !colspan=2|FA Cup !colspan=2|League Cup !colspan=2|Other !colspan=2|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan=5|Wolverhampton Wanderers
|2012–13{{Soccerbase season|69864|2012|access-date=6 September 2015}} |1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2013–14{{Soccerbase season|69864|2013|access-date=6 September 2015}}
|7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2{{efn|name=FLT|Appearances in Football League Trophy}} | 1 | 10 | 2 | |
| 2014–15{{Soccerbase season|69864|2014|access-date=6 September 2015}}
|Championship |6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 8 | 0 | ||
| 2015–16{{Soccerbase season|69864|2015|access-date=6 September 2015}}
|Championship |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 0 | 0 | ||
| colspan=2|Total
!14||1||1||0||2||0||2||1||19||2 | ||||||||||
| Shrewsbury Town (loan)
|League One |9 | 3 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 9 | 3 | ||||
| Fleetwood Town (loan)
|League One |19 | 4 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 19 | 4 | ||||
| Shrewsbury Town (loan)
|League One |8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2{{efn|name=FLT}} | 1 | 11 | 1 | |
| Crawley Town (loan)
|6 | 1 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 6 | 1 | ||||
| rowspan=3|Exeter City
|2016–17{{Soccerbase season|69864|2016|access-date=22 January 2022}} |League Two |32 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3{{efn|name=EFL}} | 2 | 37 | 7 | |
| 2017–18{{Soccerbase season|69864|2017|access-date=22 January 2022}}
|League Two |29 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2{{efn|name=EFL}} | 1 | 36 | 4 | |
| colspan=2|Total
!61||7||4||1||3||0||5||3||73||11 | ||||||||||
| Cheltenham Town
|2018–19{{Soccerbase season|69864|2018|access-date=22 January 2022}} |League Two |6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1{{efn|name=EFL}} | 0 | 8 | 0 | |
| Brackley Town (loan)
|2018–19{{cite web |title=L. McAlinden: Summary |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/liam-mcalinden/158883/ |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |accessdate=22 January 2022}} |5 | 1 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 1{{efn|name=FAT|Appearance(s) in FA Trophy}} | 0 | 6 | 1 | |||
| Kidderminster Harriers (loan)
|National League North |15 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 15 | 0 | ||||
| FC Halifax Town
|27 | 10 | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 0 | 0 | 28 | 10 | ||
| Stockport County
|National League |9 | 2 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | |||
| Morecambe
|2020–21{{Soccerbase season|69864|2020|access-date=22 January 2022}} |League Two |28 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5{{efn|Two appearances in EFL Trophy, three appearances and one goal in EFL League Two play-offs}} | 1 | 37 | 3 | |
| rowspan="4"|Wrexham{{Cite web |title=Liam McAlinden {{!}} Player Statistics {{!}} Wrexham (Wrexham AFC Archive) |url=https://www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk/player.php?id=2585 |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=www.wrexhamafcarchive.co.uk |language=en}}
|National League |32 | 1 | 3 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 2{{efn|name=FAT}} | 0 | 37 | 1 | ||
| 2022–23
|National League |11 | 0 | 5 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | ||
| 2023–24
|League Two |2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4{{efn|name=EFL|Appearances in EFL Trophy}} | 0 | 6 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!45||1||8||0||0||0||6||0||59||1 | ||||||||||
| Scunthorpe United
|10 | 2 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 1{{efn|Appearance in National League North play-offs}} | 0 | 11 | 2 | |||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!229||33||11||1||9||0||18||6||267||40 |
{{notelist}}
Honours
Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Football League One: 2013–14{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27016387 |title=Leyton Orient 1–3 Wolverhampton Wanderers |website=BBC Sport |date=21 April 2014 |access-date=2 February 2023}}
Morecambe
- EFL League Two play-offs: 2021{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57224523|title=League Two play-off final: Morecambe 1–0 Newport County - Shrimps Win Promotion|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 May 2021|accessdate=11 October 2021}}
Wrexham
- National League: 2022–23{{Cite news |date=22 April 2023 |title=Mullin the hero as Wrexham win to earn promotion |language= |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65283910 |access-date=22 April 2023}}
- FA Trophy runner-up: 2021–22{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61512965 |title=Bromley beat Wrexham to lift FA Trophy |author=Aled Williams |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 May 2022 |access-date=2 February 2023}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:McAlinden, Liam}}
Category:Footballers from Cannock
Category:Republic of Ireland men's association footballers
Category:Republic of Ireland men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Men's association footballers from Northern Ireland
Category:Northern Ireland men's under-21 international footballers
Category:English men's footballers
Category:English people of Irish descent
Category:English people of Northern Ireland descent
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. players
Category:Shrewsbury Town F.C. players
Category:Fleetwood Town F.C. players
Category:Crawley Town F.C. players
Category:Cheltenham Town F.C. players
Category:Brackley Town F.C. players
Category:Kidderminster Harriers F.C. players
Category:FC Halifax Town players
Category:Stockport County F.C. players
Category:Morecambe F.C. players
Category:Wrexham A.F.C. players
Category:Scunthorpe United F.C. players
Category:Rushall Olympic F.C. players
Category:English Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players