Adrian Mariappa

Biography

Adrian Joseph Mariappa (born 3 October 1986) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for Isthmian League Premier Division side St Albans City. Born in England, he represents the Jamaica national team. He is also currently assistant coach at Watford under-21s. He progressed through Watford's youth academy and started playing for the first team in the 2005–06 season. Although primarily a centre-back, he spent some of his early professional career at right back due to competition for places in the middle. In his first spell at Watford, he made 248 first-team appearances, including 19 in the Premier League. This included a run of 114 consecutive league appearances, the fourth-longest streak in Watford's history. Mariappa captained Watford at under-18, reserve and first-team levels, and was the club's vice-captain in his final few years at Vicarage Road. Mariappa accepted his first call-up to Jamaica's international team in May 2012. He won his first cap against Guyana later that month, and transferred to Premier League side Reading in July 2012. He made 29 league appearances for the club before joining Premier League side Crystal Palace in September 2013, following Reading's relegation to the Championship. Returning to Watford before the 2016–17 season, Mariappa made seven league appearances that season.