Declan Perkins
Declan Perkins | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 17, 1975 England |
| Occupation | Professional footballer (retired) |
| Years active | 1990s–2000s |
| Known for | Football forward, Republic of Ireland youth international |
Declan Oliver Perkins (born 17 October 1975) is a retired professional footballer who operated primarily as a forward. Although English-born, he represented the Republic of Ireland at youth international levels.
Club career
Perkins initiated his football journey within the academy of Southend United, eventually making six appearances in the Football League. During his time there, he was loaned out to both Chelmsford City and Cambridge United. Following his stint at Southend, Perkins ventured abroad to Hong Kong, where he played for Happy Valley and Sing Tao. His career continued in South Africa with Hellenic before he returned to England to join Purfleet.
In October 1999, Perkins signed for Finn Harps competing in the League of Ireland Premier Division, where he made a single appearance prior to his release. Later that year, he came back to England and featured for Braintree Town and subsequently Dulwich Hamlet, remaining there for three seasons. He went on to represent clubs including Ford United, Waltham Forest, and in April 2004, St Albans City, where he appeared seven times and scored once.
During the 2004–05 campaign, Perkins was part of Barking & East Ham United, accumulating 22 appearances and netting eight goals across all competitions. He wrapped up his playing days with spells at Ilford and a second tenure at Redbridge.
International career
At the youth international level, Perkins donned the Republic of Ireland jersey for both under-18 and under-21 teams. Notably, on 10 June 1995, he scored two goals for the Ireland U21 side in a match against Austria U21.
Outside football
Beyond his playing career, Perkins appeared on screen in the television series Dream Team as well as the film Mike Bassett: England Manager. In June 2015, he took on the role of vice chairman at Hackney Wick F.C., supporting the club financially while also working locally as a publican.
Personal life
Perkins is related to actress Louise Lombard, who is his sister. His son, Sonny Perkins, has pursued a professional football career with Leyton Orient.