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United Kingdom Paul Ifill is a decorated former professional footballer and current manager, known for his dynamic play as a right winger for clubs like Millwall, Sheffield United, and Wellington Phoenix, and for representing Barbados internationally.
Paul Ifill was a professional footballer for the Wellington Phoenix, playing four Hyundai A-League seasons and establishing himself as one of the club's key players up front. He joined the club in 2009 and had a significant impact, scoring in multiple games and contributing to their success before retiring due to injury.
Paul Ifill played professional football for Millwall as part of his 17-year career, describing it as an "unbelievable club." He spent nearly seven years with the team, from 1998 to 2005, and was part of the squad that reached the FA Cup final in 2004.
Paul Ifill played professionally for Sheffield United, joining in 2005. He was part of the team that secured promotion to the Premier League in his first season. He later moved to Crystal Palace in 2007.
Paul Ifill is a former professional footballer for Crystal Palace, having transferred to the club in 2007 after spells with Millwall and Sheffield United.
Paul Ifill represented Barbados in international football. He played in World Cup qualifying games and scored a hat-trick during the Caribbean Nations Cup 2006/07. He captained his country in 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
Paul Ifill has helped build and support community-focused initiatives like Dressage Wairarapa.
Paul Everton Ifill was born on October 20, 1979, in Brighton, England. He began his football journey in Watford’s youth program, later moving to non-league Saltdean United where he played alongside his father. His professional career began in 1998 when he was scouted by Millwall, initially signing as a centre-forward. Despite facing a significant back injury that nearly ended his career, a correct diagnosis and treatment allowed him to resume playing. During his nearly seven years at Millwall, Ifill made over 200 league appearances and was a key member of the team that reached the 2004 FA Cup final.
In May 2005, Ifill transferred to Sheffield United for an £800,000 fee. In his first season, the club secured promotion to the Premier League. He later moved to Crystal Palace in 2007. A significant turning point in his career came in 2009 when he signed a two-year contract with Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand’s A-League. He quickly became a pivotal player, scoring his first goal in his second appearance and making a strong impact with multiple goals and assists. He signed a contract extension keeping him with the Phoenix until the 2011–12 season, eventually being forced into early retirement due to injury.
Following his playing career, Ifill transitioned into coaching. In 2015, he took on a player/coach role at Wairarapa United in the Men’s Central League. He has also established the Paul Ifill Football Academies in Nelson and Masterton. In February 2021, he was appointed coach of the Samoa women’s national football team. He also served as head coach for Christchurch United, leading them to back-to-back Southern League titles in 2022 and 2023, and a Chatham Cup victory in 2023. He later moved to Wellington Olympic as Director of Football, where the club won the Central League and Chatham Cup in 2024. Ifill represented Barbados internationally, earning 10 caps and scoring 6 goals between 2004 and 2008.
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