Manchester United Byrne began his career with
Premier League giants
Manchester United signing his first professional contract in 2003. On 25 November 2003, Byrne moved on loan to
Hartlepool United who were then in
League One and chasing for the play-offs. He made his Hartlepool debut in their 2–0 home win over
Swindon Town on 29 November 2003. He made one more appearance for Hartlepool in the league – a 4–1 loss to promotion rivals
Queens Park Rangers – and one in the
FA Cup, a 1–0 televised win over non-league
Burton Albion. He returned to Manchester United in December 2003 and was told his contract would not be renewed. Byrne left Manchester United in February 2004. He failed to make a single appearance for the Red Devils.
Non-league career Following his departure from Manchester United, Byrne had unsuccessful trials at
Reading and
Walsall. After several months as a free agent, Byrne signed for non-league side
Weymouth. After leaving Weymouth, Byrne went on to play non-league football for
Newcastle Town,
Mossley,
Flixton,
Southport,
Droylsden,
Runcorn F.C. Halton (on loan),
Leigh RMI,
Witton Albion,
Ashton United and
Salford City. While at Droyslden, he was nominated in the Non-League National Game awards. Also during his non-league career, Byrne had an unsuccessful trial with Scottish side
Dundee. ==International career==