Michael Timlin

Fulham

Timlin joined the Fulham Academy at a young age and has since spent loan spells at Scunthorpe United and Doncaster Rovers, first-team opportunities being limited at Fulham. Since making his debut in a League Cup match against Boston United in 2004, he has only played a few competitive games (four in total).

That debut season was otherwise one of frustration, as injuries to the back and metatarsal ruled the Irishman out for long period. Having initially played as a winger while at the Fulham Academy, he has now matured into central midfield, and captained the Ireland U-21s to victory in the 2006 Madeira Cup.

Swindon Town

In November 2006, he joined League Two promotion chasers Swindon Town. He made his debut for Swindon against Bury on 25 November. He scored his first goal for Swindon at home to Notts County, which earned them a point. Timlin's performances saw Paul Sturrock attempt to extend the loan deal. Chris Coleman agreed to the extension on the terms that Timlin extended his full contract with Fulham.

On 13 March 2008, Timlin rejoined Swindon on loan for the remainder of the season, making 10 appearances. On 3 May, hours after the conclusion of the 2007–08 League One season, it was announced that he had joined Swindon on a permanent two-year deal. He officially joined his new club on 1 July 2008. Ahead of the 2008–09 season, Timlin was given number 4 shirt.

Timlin began the 2008/2009 season in his preferred central midfield role. However, Maurice Malpas took Timlin out for the visit of Leeds United, and on his return to the squad a week later, he appeared on the left side of midfield. Towards the end of October, when Malpas' defensive-minded approach hadn't appeared to work, Timlin was moved to yet another new position on the left side of the defence to fill the gap of injured Jamie Vincent. Adapting well, Timlin also stood in as captain in the absence of Hasney Aljofree. Maurice Malpas was sacked in November, and Timlin moved back to central midfield under caretaker manager David Byrne.

As Danny Wilson took charge, Timlin was playing at left side of defence again, but after Wilson"s first game in charge, Timlin was moved to the left side of midfield and then back to central midfield. Timlin was ever-present in the middle of midfield for the remainder of the season, only missing two games through suspension. The 2009–10 season was frustrating for Timlin, as he spent most of the season on the bench, which during the time, the club was making their attempt to the Championship losing out to Millwall in the Playoff Final at Wembley.Despite lack of first opportunities, Timlin signed a new one-year deal after being offered a new contract.

At the start of the 2010–11 season, Timlin appeared on the bench for numbers of game before joining Southend United on loan. Upon his return from a loan spell with Southend United, Timlin made his return, where he made his first appearance since September, where Swindon Town played Brentford in the quarter final of Southern Section.

He signed a new two-year contract extension with Swindon on 23 June 2011. Timlin revealed he never considered leaving the Robins despite recurring interests from Southend United. Ahead of the 2011–12 season, Timlin praised newly manager Paolo Di Canio for his influence.

Southend United

On 15 September 2010, Timlin joined League Two side Southend United on a one-month loan. After making his debut, Timlin scored his first goal from a 30-yard free-kick, in a 3–1 win over Hereford United on 25 September 2010. Timlin make an impressive performance for Southend United that he's keen to extend his loan with Southend United beyond, as well as the club agreeing with him. However, the club changed their mind by recalling him back to Swindon Town.

On 31 August 2011, Timlin rejoined Southend United on loan for a 4-month spell for the second time. His last match on loan to Southend United was on Monday 2 January 2012 against Dagenham and Redbridge. In the evening of Thursday 5 January, three days after his loan spell came to an end, it was confirmed that he would be moving to Southend for an 'undisclosed fee'

On 5 February 2013, in a match against Leyton Orient, Timlin suffered a broken leg and was out of action for 8–9 months. He then missed the second leg of that game, the JPT Area Final, and the subsequent Wembley final. It was hoped that he would be back for the start of the next season 2013–14. Despite the injury, Timlin was offered a new contract and signed a two-year contract. He made his return after appearing on the bench for three match, where he came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute, in a 2–1 loss against Chesterfield on 24 August 2013. At the end of the 2014–15 season he played for Southend in the League Two play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers. Southend won in a penalty shoot-out and were promoted to League One.

On 2 July 2015 Timlin signed a new 2-year contract at Southend.

Personal life

On 5 June 2013, Timlin was sentenced to an 84-day prison sentence for perverting the course of justice in regards to traffic offences, although he was told he would only serve half. He was also given an £80 fine and four points on his driving license. On 17 July, Timlin was released from prison having served his 42 days. He linked up with the Southend squad to continue his rehabilitation on his broken leg and opened talks with manager Phil Brown about a new contract

Career statistics

Honours

Southend United