Ian Robert Brightwell was born on 9 April 1968 and is an English former professional footballer and manager.
17 Facts About Ian Brightwell
1.
2.
Ian Brightwell joined Coventry City in 1998 before moving on to Walsall two years later.
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Ian Brightwell helped the "Saddlers" to win the Second Division play-offs in 2001 before he joined Stoke City in March 2002.
4.
Ian Brightwell was appointed as a coach at Vale Park in June 2003 before joining Macclesfield Town as a player-coach a year later.
5.
Ian Brightwell served the club as caretaker manager in October 2006 before being given the job permanently in June 2007.
6.
Ian Brightwell was part of the 1986 FA Youth Cup winning team that included the likes of Paul Lake and David White.
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Ian Brightwell became known as a versatile player who played at every single outfield position during his career at the club; however, he was most commonly used either as a right-back or on the right side of midfield.
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Ian Brightwell was capped four times by England under-21s, scoring twice, in 1988 and 1989.
9.
Ian Brightwell did not score many goals but did memorably shoot into the top corner from 25 yards on 3 February 1990 to earn City a draw with rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
10.
Ian Brightwell was powerless to prevent City from being relegated to the third tier for the first time in the club's history.
11.
Ian Brightwell was given a testimonial match and a free transfer, having made 382 league and cup appearances, scoring 19 goals, in an 18-year association with the Maine Road club.
12.
Ian Brightwell served the club as caretaker manager for less than 24 hours between Brian Horton's resignation and Martin Foyle's appointment in February 2004.
13.
In October 2008, Ian Brightwell was brought back to Port Vale by Dean Glover in a temporary coaching capacity.
14.
Ian Brightwell spent five months with the "Valiants", leaving the club at the end of February 2009.
15.
Ian Brightwell appeared in the Master's Tournament at the 2009 HKFC International Soccer Sevens, and began working at BBC Radio Manchester as a co-commentator.
16.
Ian Brightwell was born in Lutterworth but grew up in Congleton, with his parents; Olympic 800m gold medalist Ann Packer and 400m runner Robbie Ian Brightwell.
17.
Ian Brightwell is a married man and has two children with his wife Sally.