Simon Wright takes a look at the background to Hereford’s latest new arrival from the City of fine coffee.
Declan McGlynn aka “Decky” is 24 years old and is five foot 7 tall. He was born in Kirkland, variously described as either a city or a suburb east of Seattle. He is one of four children for his parents Karen and Gerard. For those who are unaware, Seattle is in the north West coast of the USA, close to the Canadian border. He was originally a forward but as time passed he has played more often as a second forward or on either wing.
What do we know?
There is much detailed information on Decky’s performances. Trouble is, it’s in American. That doesn’t translate well. Is being part of the “All WAC Freshmen team” significant or not? He’s mentioned playing “soccer ball” on social media. That’s a phrase to put your teeth on edge. As your former manager Yan Klukowski, who studied and played in the US, found out you’re basically starting again from scratch in England. A real wake up and smell the coffee moment.
Declan played for his school team at Lake Washington then a local academy before joining Seattle University in 2018. That summer he was part of a USA u19 international squad which held a training camp in Slovakia. As you do. He played in two of the matches so technically he has played for his country.
McGlynn studied at Seattle for four years until 2022 in between savouring skinny caramel lattes. He graduated the following year in Strategic Communications. Oh my, the in-depth PR discussions he could have with our media savvy club guys. As long as he doesn’t mention “soccer ball.”
McGlynn played 71 times for Seattle, scoring 27 goals with 20 assists. During that period, he also had spells on loan with Ballard FC , who are described a pre-professional club. A footballing nursery or showground if you prefer. Post University, he signed again for Ballard. They won their division in 22/23 and reached the play-offs in 23/24 although that’s less impressive in a league of 8 clubs. Their season runs only from May to July each year, a summer season to allow bigger clubs to bring them in for their winter season.
From what our Gaffer has said, Declan holds an Irish passport and relatives based in the West Midlands. He’s on a short-term trial with the Bulls for the “foreseeable future.” He’s a two footed player and is “brilliantly gifted” costing us nothing. The tip off came from the Birmingham City assistant manager.
What don’t we know?
Why he is here? Where he is living, and how he is supporting himself?
I can only speculate. Declan having been passed over by the big US “soccer ball” clubs, wants to try his luck in the home of football. He’s already a little old for the pro game with no understandable pedigree and small at 5 foot 7. With the Bluenoses having American owners, is there a link? Possibly interesting Birmingham City who need to see him play proper football in the UK before making a decision in January? Stressing this is my speculation based on the clues. We have several Birmingham-based players who could drive him to training and games. Welcome Declan and apologies for our poor coffee. And our weather.
Images courtesy of Andy Walkden & Graham Goodwin
