1. Overview
James Bannatyne is a former New Zealand association football goalkeeper who represented his country at the international level. Throughout his career, he played for several clubs in New Zealand and Australia, including Petone FC, Miramar Rangers AFC, Football Kingz, Canterbury United FC, and Team Wellington. He was a member of the New Zealand national squad for significant tournaments, including the 2002 OFC Nations Cup (which New Zealand won), the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He primarily served as a backup goalkeeper for the national team, notably to Glen Moss and Mark Paston.
2. Personal Information
James Bannatyne was born on 30 June 1975, in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. Standing at 77 in (195 cm) tall, he played as a goalkeeper throughout his professional association football career. He holds New Zealand nationality.
3. Early Life and Background
Born in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, James Bannatyne began his football journey in his home country. Further details regarding his childhood, upbringing, or specific educational background are not extensively documented in available sources.
4. Club Career
James Bannatyne's club career spanned across various teams in New Zealand and Australia, marking different phases of his professional development.
4.1. Early Career in New Zealand
Bannatyne commenced his club career in New Zealand, playing for Petone FC from 1993 to 1996. Following his time at Petone, he joined Miramar Rangers AFC, where he played from 1997 to 2000. He later had a second stint with Miramar Rangers AFC in 2002.
4.2. European Stint
From 2000 to 2001, Bannatyne moved to England to play for Yeading FC, marking a period of his career in European football.
4.3. Australian National Soccer League
After his time in England, Bannatyne played for Football Kingz FC in the now-defunct Australian National Soccer League. He had two spells with the club, first from 2001 to 2002, and again from 2002 to 2004.
4.4. Return to New Zealand Clubs
Following his time in Australia, Bannatyne returned to New Zealand to continue his club career. He joined Canterbury United FC, playing for them from 2004 to 2006. His final club was Team Wellington in the New Zealand Football Championship, where he played from 2006 until his retirement from club football in 2010.
5. National Team Career
James Bannatyne made significant contributions to the New Zealand national football team, known as the All Whites, representing his country in various international competitions.
5.1. Debut and International Appearances
Bannatyne made his full international debut for the All Whites on 18 June 2001, in a match against the Cook Islands, which New Zealand won 2-0. Between 2001 and 2002, he earned a total of three international caps for New Zealand, without scoring any goals. Throughout his international career, he generally served as a backup goalkeeper to established national team players such as Glen Moss and Mark Paston.
5.2. Participation in Major Tournaments
Despite his limited number of appearances, Bannatyne was consistently included in the national squad for several major international tournaments, highlighting his value to the team.
5.2.1. OFC Nations Cup
Bannatyne was part of the New Zealand squad for the 2002 OFC Nations Cup. In the final match of the tournament against Australia, he entered the game in the second half. New Zealand secured a 1-0 victory, winning the championship for the third time. He was also a member of the squad that won the 2008 OFC Nations Cup, which marked New Zealand's fourth title.
5.2.2. FIFA Confederations Cup
In 2009, Bannatyne was included in the New Zealand squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup held in South Africa. He was one of the non-professional players selected for the squad, alongside Aaron Scott and Andrew Barron.
5.2.3. FIFA World Cup
On 10 May 2010, James Bannatyne was named in New Zealand's final 23-man squad to compete at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. This selection marked a significant achievement in his international career.
5.3. International Match Statistics
The following table details James Bannatyne's international appearances and goals for the New Zealand national football team.
| Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1 | 0 |
| 2002 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 0 |
6. Family
James Bannatyne has a notable familial connection; his brother, Stu Bannatyne, is a renowned sailor who has achieved acclaim as a round-the-world sailor.
7. Retirement
Following his participation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, James Bannatyne announced his retirement from international football. After returning from the World Cup, he ceased playing for the national team.