John Devine

He is an Irish former footballer. Devine was capped for the Republic of Ireland at every level, winning thirty caps in all, with thirteen of those coming for the senior side. He made his senior debut on 26 September 1979 against Czechoslovakia, and his last cap came against Norway on 17 October 1984. He never played in a World Cup or European Championship finals, as Ireland did not qualify for any tournaments during that time, although most of his caps were won in European and World Cup Qualifying games. He began his career with English club Arsenal along with a number of fellow Irish apprentices, He progressed through the youth ranks at Highbury and played in the 1980 FA Cup Final defeat against West Ham United. In 1983, he signed for Norwich City. He spent two years at Carrow Road making 69 appearances and was an unused substitute in the 1985 Football League Cup Final. In the summer of 1985 he signed for Stoke City but after making 16 appearances he broke his leg. He later spent time abroad playing in Norway for IK Start and in India with East Bengal before returning home in 1989 to play for Shamrock Rovers. After his playing career he coached Shelbourne and was later head coach of Sporting Fingal.