Stephen Warnock Explained

Stephen Warnock
Upright:0.9
Full Name:Stephen Warnock[1]
Birth Date:12 December 1981
Birth Place:Ormskirk, England
Height:[2]
Position:Left-back
Youthyears1:–2002
Youthclubs1:Liverpool
Years1:2002–2007
Clubs1:Liverpool
Caps1:40
Goals1:1
Years2:2002
Clubs2:Bradford City (loan)
Caps2:12
Goals2:1
Years3:2003–2004
Clubs3:Coventry City (loan)
Caps3:44
Goals3:3
Years4:2007–2009
Clubs4:Blackburn Rovers
Caps4:88
Goals4:5
Years5:2009–2013
Clubs5:Aston Villa
Caps5:84
Goals5:2
Years6:2012
Clubs6:Bolton Wanderers (loan)
Caps6:15
Goals6:0
Years7:2013–2015
Clubs7:Leeds United
Caps7:64
Goals7:3
Years8:2015–2016
Clubs8:Derby County
Caps8:27
Goals8:0
Years9:2016
Clubs9:Wigan Athletic (loan)
Caps9:11
Goals9:0
Years10:2016–2017
Clubs10:Wigan Athletic
Caps10:45
Goals10:0
Years11:2017–2018
Clubs11:Burton Albion
Caps11:14
Goals11:1
Years12:2018
Clubs12:Bradford City (loan)
Caps12:13
Goals12:0
Totalcaps:457
Totalgoals:16
Nationalyears1:1998
Nationalteam1:England U16
Nationalcaps1:1
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2008–2010
Nationalteam2:England
Nationalcaps2:2
Nationalgoals2:0

Stephen Warnock (born 12 December 1981) is an English former professional footballer who played as a left-back.

Starting off his career at Liverpool, he went on to also represent Coventry City, Bradford City, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, Bolton Wanderers, Leeds United, Derby County, Wigan Athletic and Burton Albion during a career that spanned between 2002 and 2018. A full international between 2008 and 2010, he was capped twice by the England national team and was part of the nation's squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Club career

Liverpool

Warnock was born in Ormskirk, Lancashire[1] where, in his childhood, he played for Rufford Colts (based at St Bede's RC High School) and also played for St Bede's RC High School. Following his time spent in the Liverpool youth academy and England youth set up, with his first international cap in the under-16s, he had loan spells at Bradford City (where he scored his first career goal against Sheffield Wednesday) and Coventry City.

Warnock made his first-team debut for Liverpool against Grazer AK on 10 August 2004, in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League third qualifying round match.[3]

In May 2005 he missed out on a place in the squad for the 2005 UEFA Champions League final, he was initially named in the squad but due to a mistake was removed by Rafa Benitez from the squad for the final.[4]

In his second season, he was asked to play primarily at left back, in rotation with John Arne Riise. Warnock scored his only goal for Liverpool against Fulham in a 5–1 win on 15 March 2006.[5]

Blackburn Rovers

In a media speculated swap deal, Blackburn's captain Lucas Neill was reported to being changing clubs with Warnock in both summer 2006 and winter 2007.[6] Eventually Neill joined West Ham United, while on 22 January 2007 Warnock joined Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee believed to be £1.5 million.[7] He made his debut in the FA Cup fourth round in a 4–0 away victory over Luton Town.[8]

On 31 January 2007, he played his first Premier League match for Rovers against Chelsea. He was dismissed for the match after two cautions in the 2–1 victory over Sheffield United on 3 February 2007. Warnock scored his first goal for Blackburn in the 3–0 victory over Portsmouth on 25 February 2007.

On 11 April 2009, before Blackburn Rovers' match against Warnock's former club Liverpool, Stephen presented a flower display displaying the numbers '96' in reference to the 96 Liverpool supporters who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster on 15 April 1989. Before the kick off Warnock presented the flowers in front of famous Spion Kop on behalf of Blackburn. This was greeted with chants of 'Stephen Warnock' from the Kop.[9]

Aston Villa

On 26 August 2009, it was confirmed that Aston Villa were in talks with Blackburn over a possible move for Warnock to the Villa Park club.[10] The next day it was confirmed that Warnock had signed a four-year contract with Villa.[11] He scored his first goal for Villa in the League Cup semi-final second leg victory over former club Blackburn Rovers on 20 January 2010, which ended 6–4 to Aston Villa.[12]

From December 2010 onwards, Warnock was out of favour with Aston Villa manager Gérard Houllier and was forced to play with the reserve team. Warnock was widely expected to leave the club in the summer transfer window, with a number of teams reportedly interested in his signature. However, new manager Alex McLeish stated that he was impressed with Warnock's "phenomenal" attitude, and stated he would be given a clean slate, as with other players excluded by Houllier, all but guaranteeing his place in the squad.[13] On 15 October 2011, Warnock scored his first league goal away at Manchester City. Warnock made 34 appearances for Villa during the 2011–12 season, missing only three Premier League fixtures. During the 2012–13 season under new manager Paul Lambert, Warnock found his chances limited and was made to train with the development squad.[14]

Loan to Bolton Wanderers

On 21 September 2012, Warnock joined Bolton Wanderers on a three-month loan deal.[15] He was on the bench a day later in their 2–1 win against Sheffield Wednesday and made his debut in their next match, starting at left back in Bolton's 1–0 defeat against Crystal Palace. In his second appearance, at home against Leeds United, Warnock gave away a penalty (which was subsequently scored) as the match finished 2–2. Warnock would play 15 times for Bolton before returning to Villa.

Leeds United

On transfer deadline day 31 January 2013, Warnock signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Leeds United.[16] He made his Leeds debut on 9 February 2013, playing the whole match in the club's 2–2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.[17] Warnock scored his first goal from the penalty spot for Leeds on 2 March 2013 in a 1–0 win against Millwall.[18] Warnock was named as captain in Brian McDermott's first match in charge on 13 April against Sheffield Wednesday.[19] Before joining Leeds, West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce revealed that Warnock had turned down signing for the Premier League club as Leeds had offered Warnock a longer contract.[20]

In February 2014, in conditions such that, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, "the ferocious wind was man-of-the-match and the rain would have stripped paint", Warnock's free kick from distance was caught by the wind and dropped over the goalkeeper's head to give Leeds a 2–1 win away to Yeovil Town.[21]

Warnock scored the only goal in a 1–0 win against his former club Bolton on 30 August.[22] During the course of the 2014–15 season, Warnock replaced Jason Pearce as the new Leeds captain.[23] Warnock picked up an injury against Derby County on 30 December 2014, which kept Warnock out of the team and he was subsequently replaced at left back by Charlie Taylor, where Taylor came into the starting lineup for Leeds on 4 January 2015 in Leeds' FA Cup 1–0 defeat against Sunderland.[24]

Derby County

On 15 January 2015, Warnock signed for Derby County for an undisclosed fee.[23]

Wigan Athletic

Warnock joined Wigan Athletic on a one-year contract on 30 May 2016.[25]

Burton Albion

On 26 June 2017, Warnock signed for Championship club Burton Albion on a free transfer on a one-year contract.[26] He scored his first goal for Burton in a 2–1 win against Fulham on 16 September 2017.[27]

Bradford City and retirement

On 26 January 2018, Warnock joined Bradford City on loan for the rest of the 2017–18 season.[28] In April 2018, he announced that he would retire at the end of the season.[29]

International career

Warnock was capped by the England schools team[1] before making one appearance for the under-16s against Norway on 6 April 1998.[30]

Despite having made relatively few first team appearances for Liverpool, Warnock was called into the senior England squad for the first time on 29 August 2005, due to lack of cover in the squad at left back.[31] He was again called into the squad by England coach Fabio Capello in May 2008 for the friendlies against the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.[32] He made his England debut against the latter on 1 June coming on as a substitute for Wayne Bridge in the 84th minute.[33] [34]

After impressing with Aston Villa in the early 2009–10 season Warnock received a call up to the international squad once more for a friendly against Egypt.[35] On 11 May 2010, Warnock was named in the 30-man provisional squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.[36] On 1 June 2010, he was named in the final 23-man selection by manager Fabio Capello, ahead of other left back Leighton Baines.[37] Due to the widely accepted adeptness of Ashley Cole at left back, Warnock did not feature in any of England's matches during their short-lived run in the World Cup which ended against Germany.[38] On 7 June 2010, he played in a friendly match against Platinum Stars before the tournament.[39] This does not count towards a full cap, as it was not played against a full international side. He made his second and final appearance for England against France in November 2010.[40]

In May 2012, Scotland manager Craig Levein made an approach to Warnock to play for them. Warnock remained eligible for Scotland as his England caps all came in friendly matches.[41]

Media work

Since his retirement, Warnock has become a regular football pundit on radio and television, covering the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Copa Libertadores, and EFL for the BBC,[42] BT Sport,[43] DAZN,[44] Quest TV,[45] and NBC Sports.[46]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Liverpool2002–03Premier League0000000000
2003–04Premier League0000
2004–05Premier League190104060300
2005–06Premier League201201070301
2006–07Premier League1000303070
Total4013080160671
Bradford City (loan)2002–03First Division121121
Coventry City (loan)2003–04First Division4433020493
Blackburn Rovers2006–07Premier League1315020201
2007–08Premier League371002061452
2008–09Premier League3733030433
2009–10Premier League100010
Total8858050811096
Aston Villa2009–10Premier League3006051411
2010–11Premier League190002010220
2011–12Premier League3522010382
2012–13Premier League00000000
Total8428082101013
Bolton Wanderers (loan)2012–13Championship150150
Leeds United2012–13Championship16110171
2013–14Championship2710010281
2014–15Championship2110010221
Total6431020673
Derby County2014–15Championship701080
2015–16Championship2002000220
Total270300000300
Wigan Athletic (loan)2015–16League One110110
Wigan Athletic2016–17Championship4502010480
Total5602010590
Burton Albion2017–18Championship1410010151
Bradford City (loan)2017–18League One130130
Career total4571630028225155319

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
England200810
201010
Total20

Honours

Liverpool

2005[47]

Aston Villa

Wigan Athletic

2015–16[50]

Individual

2003–04[51]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Barry J. . Hugman . The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 . 2010 . Mainstream Publishing . Edinburgh . 978-1-84596-601-0 . 429.
  2. Web site: FIFA Club World Championship Japan 2005 – Official Rosters . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . 4 December 2005 . https://web.archive.org/web/20051219093824/http://www.fifa.com/documents/tournaments/cwc/CWC_2005_sl-latest.xls . 19 December 2005 . dead .
  3. Web site: Warnock: It was a horrible moment. Liverpool F.C.. 27 January 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131224113325/http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/warnock-it-was-a-horrible-moment. 24 December 2013.
  4. Web site: Liverpool icon Rafa Benitez's management was horrid – he had no idea how to talk to us. 8 May 2024. Liverpool Echo. 9 May 2024.
  5. Web site: Fulham FC.
  6. Web site: Rafa choose Warnock over Neill. September 2006. thisisanfield.co.uk. 27 January 2013.
  7. News: Bolton: Stephen Warnock positive ahead of Blackburn return. BBC Sport. 27 January 2013.
  8. Web site: Luton Town v Blackburn Rovers, 27 January 2007 . 11v11.com . AFS Enterprises . 26 January 2018.
  9. Web site: Liverpool career stats for Stephen Warnock. LFChistory. 27 January 2013.
  10. Web site: Warnock latest. Aston Villa F.C.. 10 April 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150923181242/http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~1769494,00.html. 23 September 2015.
  11. Web site: Warnock signs. Aston Villa F.C.. 10 April 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150923181246/http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~1779654,00.html. 23 September 2015.
  12. News: A Villa 6-4 Blackburn (Agg 7-4). 20 January 2010.
  13. Web site: Warnock impresses. Aston Villa F.C.. 16 July 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110716124300/http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2393192,00.html. 16 July 2011.
  14. News: Lambert unmoved over full-back . Sky Sports . 14 August 2013 . 14 August 2013.
  15. Web site: Warnock Joins Wanderers. Bolton Wanderers F.C.. 21 September 2012.
  16. Web site: Villa defender joins the club . Leeds United F.C. . 31 January 2013 . 10 April 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140413154755/http://origin-www.leedsunited.com/news/20130131/villa-defender-joins-the-club_2247585_3060637 . 13 April 2014 . dmy-all.
  17. News: Wolves 2–2 Leeds United . BBC Sport . 9 February 2013 . 9 February 2013.
  18. News: Leeds 1–0 Millwall . BBC Sport . 8 February 2014 . 8 February 2014.
  19. Web site: Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday . 10 April 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
  20. News: Sam Allardyce's work just wasted after Stephen Warnock snub . Daily Express . London . 30 January 2013 . 30 January 2013.
  21. News: Yeovil Town 1 Leeds United 2: Renewed stability is seen on and off-field . Phil . Hay . Yorkshire Evening Post . Leeds . 10 February 2014 . 25 May 2014.
  22. News: Leeds Vs Bolton Wanderers. 30 August 2014. 30 August 2014. Leeds United F.C..
  23. News: Leeds United: Defender Cooper looks set to be Whites' new captain. 15 January 2015. 15 January 2015. Yorkshire Evening Post. Leeds. 17 January 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150117190931/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-defender-cooper-looks-set-to-be-whites-new-captain-1-7053911. dead.
  24. News: Sunderland 1 Leeds 0. 4 January 2015. 4 January 2015. Sky Sports.
  25. News: Wigan Athletic: Derby's Stephen Warnock to complete move on one-year contract . BBC Sport . 30 May 2016 . 14 June 2016.
  26. News: Stephen Warnock: Burton Albion sign full-back on one-year deal . BBC Sport . 26 June 2017 . 26 June 2017.
  27. News: Burton 2–1 Fulham . BBC Sport. 16 September 2017. 18 September 2017.
  28. News: Bradford City: Ryan McGowan, Stephen Warnock and Matty Lund join . BBC Sport . 26 January 2018 . 26 January 2018.
  29. News: Stephen Warnock: Former England full-back to retire at end of season . BBC Sport . 13 April 2018 . 2 May 2018.
  30. Web site: Stephen Warnock . The Football Association . 14 April 2017 . 9 January 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160109112458/http://www.thefa.com/England/All-Teams/Players/W/Stephen-Warnock . dead .
  31. News: Warnock joy after England call-up. . 29 August 2005 . 29 November 2023.
  32. News: Warnock shock at England call-up. 12 May 2008. 3 June 2008. BBC Sport.
  33. Web site: Progress pleases Gerrard. The Football Association . 2 June 2008 . 10 April 2014.
  34. [Jim Barrett Sr.|Jim Barrett]
  35. News: Ryan Shawcross named in England squad for Egypt match. . 27 February 2010 . 29 November 2023.
  36. News: England's provisional World Cup squad includes Carragher and King. Guardian. 11 May 2010 . 29 November 2023.
  37. News: World Cup 2010: Theo Walcott left out of England squad. . 1 June 2010 . 29 November 2023.
  38. Web site: TheFA.com Announcement. 1 June 2010. The Football Association.
  39. News: McCarra . Kevin . World Cup 2010: Fabio Capello's purpose served as England toil . 21 November 2019 . The Guardian . 7 June 2010.
  40. News: England 1 - 2 France. . 17 November 2010 . 29 November 2023.
  41. News: Scotland eye Warnock: Villa defender could be approached by Craig Levein. Sky Sports. 14 May 2013. 14 May 2013.
  42. BBC 5 Live Sport . 5liveSport . 1043416862103691264 . 22 September 2018 . "I spoke to him and I couldn't believe how positive he is already." @StephenWarnock3 on his former teammate Stephen Darby, who was earlier this week diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. https://t.co/HL02BQQp0a . en . 29 December 2020.
  43. Football on BT Sport . btsportfootball . 1091708103123496960 . 2 February 2019 . 'I could've gone in and righted the ship, Bruce and Hughes too..' Paul Ince backs himself to have had the same success as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Stephen Warnock isn't so sure.. #SaturdaySav https://t.co/3gRLMah2Vq . en . 29 December 2020.
  44. DAZN Canada . DAZN_CA . 1103083271355695105 . 5 March 2019 . There's more to come tomorrow. While Spurs and Ajax were securing their progress through to the quarter-finals, @StephenWarnock3 checked in on PSG and Manchester United ahead of their clash in Paris... https://t.co/h39FnLelAZ #UCL https://t.co/eSyi4OYk8o . en . 29 December 2020.
  45. Quest . QuestTV . 1120426086830157824 . 22 April 2019 . Play-offs it is for #LUFC? @ColinMurray and @StephenWarnock3 discuss where it's gone wrong for Marcelo Bielsa's side in the race for automatic promotion Watch this until the end, #NCFC fans #EFLonQuest @Radebe_Leeds @RITGK @NorwichCityFans @TalkNorwichCity https://t.co/jiv4jsbm3g . en . 29 December 2020.
  46. Arlo White . ArloWhite . 1449057616106242054 . 15 October 2021 . Sometimes in this job, the story finds you… ⚫️ ⚪️ Saturday Community Stadium ⏰ 12:30pm ET ⚽️ @BrentfordFC v @ChelseaFC @NBC @LeeDixon2 Sunday St James' Park ⏰ 11:30am ET ⚽️ @NUFC v @SpursOfficial NBCSN @StephenWarnock3 (welcome back!) https://twitter.com/arlowhite/status/1449057616106242054 . en . 20 March 2022.
  47. News: Liverpool 3–1 CSKA Moscow (aet) . BBC Sport . 26 August 2005 . 12 December 2017.
  48. News: Sao Paulo 1–0 Liverpool . BBC Sport . 18 December 2005 . 12 December 2017.
  49. News: Phil . McNulty . Aston Villa 1–2 Man Utd . BBC Sport . 28 February 2010 . 12 December 2017.
  50. Web site: S. Warnock: Summary . Soccerway . Perform Group . 6 May 2018.
  51. News: Andy . Turner . Warnock gets your vote . Coventry Telegraph . 11 May 2004 . 12 December 2017.
  52. News: John . Ley . Premier League's best players: How did the clubs vote? . The Daily Telegraph . London . 5 June 2009 . 12 December 2017.