Michael Timlin

Club

Dulwich Hamlet

Position

Central Midfield

Nationality

Ireland

Date of birth

1983-03-19

Birthplace

Lambeth, England

Height

175 cm

Weight

77 kg

Shirt number

22

Michael Anthony Timlin (born 19 March 1985) is an English-born Irish professional footballer who plays for Ebbsfleet United. A midfielder, he has made 262 appearances in the Football League, including 138 for Southend United.

Born in Lambeth, England, Timlin graduated through the Fulham Academy but failed to make his senior debut there. During this time he spent time on loan at Scunthorpe United, Doncaster Rovers and Swindon Town before joining Swindon permanently in 2008. In 2010, he moved to Southend United on loan, reuniting him with former Southend manager Paul Sturrock again having previously played under him at Swindon. In January 2012, Timlin made a permanent transfer to Southend United, after his second loan spell with them had ended. He helped the club to secure promotion out of League Two in 2014–15.

Timlin has played internationally for the Republic of Ireland eight times at under-21 level.

Club career
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