Young midfielder JJ McKiernan is being backed to continue his remarkable football journey after earning a one-year contract extension less than 18 months after being plucked from the fifth step of the National League system.
McKiernan was at college and playing for Andover Town Under-18s when he was spotted by Senior Scout Alan Randall in the winter of 2018. Former Head of Academy Recruitment Danny Dolan went to watch him playing at Portman Road against Ipswich Town in the FA Youth Cup in December 2018 and recommended him for a trial at the Academy.
McKiernan has not looked back since, playing for the Under-18s, the 23s, training with the first team and earning a call-up to the Northern Ireland Under-19 side in March.
“I'm thrilled for JJ as his story is brilliant,” said Tom Hart, the Professional Development Phase Coach. “When we brought him in, we had a friendly up at Leicester and we got the GPS stats after the game and he had run 12k. This is a kid who has never been in an Academy system, who has been playing part-time while at college and he's running a sort of distance you'd expect from midfielders in the first team.
“He had much to do technically and tactically, but he was full of energy, had a great attitude, affects both boxes, makes tackles and was worth a punt. It was a great decision as he's come on leaps and bounds. He loves coming in every single day and is like a sponge when it comes to passing on information. He's evolved his game, added to his game and is a real pleasure to work with.”
McKiernan also displays that versatility coaches love.
“He's a box-to-box midfielder,” said Hart, “but he's played on the outside of a diamond and as a No. 10. He's got attacking qualities and yet he's also back making tackles deep in his own half. I've challenged him to score more goals as he's got that in him and has a real attacking mindset. He's got so much to work with and I'm really excited to see how he does full-time with the 23s next season.
“I'm just buzzing for him and his family. We played a friendly at Southampton which is on his doorstep. His Dad and brother were there and when JJ scored, his brother ran down the line with McKiernan on the back of a Watford shirt. JJ is a credit to his family, himself and those at the club who have worked with him. I believe he can kick on again.”
