What Happened to Liverpool Star Conor Bradley’s Father? How Did Joe Bradley Die?

A new hero has emerged for Liverpool in the form of Conor Bradley in Trent Alexander Arnold’s absence through injury. However, just as the boy from Northern Ireland was making his name in the Premier League, he suffered a huge personal setback. His father, Joe Bradley, who would have proudly enjoyed his son scoring against Chelsea and getting his breakthrough in the soccer world, has sadly passed away. This will certainly be a difficult period for the 20-year-old and his family members. But he is a Liverpool player, and they do say, “You’ll never walk alone,” after all…

Liverpool released an official statement showing their support for Bradley and his family. The Reds wrote, “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of Conor’s father, Joe, today. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Conor and his family”. The devoted fanbase of Liverpool fans also expressed their condolences.

Joseph “Joe” Bradley, 58, was a successful businessman who ran a company called Derg Commercials in Castlederg, United Kingdom, alongside Conor’s mother Linda. Reportedly, he had been battling a serious illness for quite some time, and more details about it haven’t been revealed yet. Joe left for his heavenly abode on Saturday afternoon (February 3) in their Tyrone home, three days after young Conor’s player-of-the-match performance against Chelsea.

“His mum and dad have given Conor really sound advice over the years,” said Rodney McAree, Conor’s former manager at the Dungannon Swifts. As reported by the Belfast Telegraph, he added, “Conor is a strong boy but to lose your father can’t be easy, so we are thinking of him and Linda at this stage.” Considering his impact on Conor’s career, Joe Bradley will undoubtedly be proud of all the young player has achieved recently.

Conor Bradley became the first Northern Ireland-born player to score for Liverpool in England’s top flight in 70 years. Understandably, Jurgen Klopp has been full of praise for the fullback. “What a wonderful kid he is,” said Klopp. At this time, Liverpool has asked its fanbase to give Bradley and his family the privacy they need. But we can rest assured that Joe Bradley witnessed his son live his dream as the 20-year-old continues to script a journey through the ranks of English soccer’s top tier.

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The rise of Conor Bradley through the ranks of Liverpool

The story of the Liverpool right-back is nothing but pure inspiration for the players from the academy trying to make it big. His family realized their kid’s talent when he was 9. Conor Bradley started his youth career with his hometown club, St. Patrick’s FC. Liverpool recognized his talent soon enough and began training him at the club’s development center in Northern Ireland.

After representing Dungannon United Youth and Dungannon Swifts, Bradley and his family shifted to England when he was offered a 2-year scholarship by Liverpool in 2019. Two years later, he made his senior debut. For the 2022-23 season, he was on loan to Bolton Wanderers. After an impressive season, he finally got a run in Liverpool’s first team and burst onto the scene with a goal and two assists! There is no doubt that Conor Bradley will strive to work even harder to make his father even more proud!

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