Chris Swailes
Encyclopedia
Christopher William Swailes (born October 19, 1970, Gateshead
, County Durham
) is a retired English
footballer. He has previously played for Ipswich Town
under former Scotland
manager, George Burley
.
on March 28, 1991 for a fee of £10,000, after turning down a contract offered by the Ipswich manager at the time, John Lyall
. Five months later, he moved on to Boston United
of the Alliance Premier League on a free transfer, after feeling homesick for the North East
. He played only part-time for them, going out on loan to Kettering
and Third Division
Birmingham City
for a while, before signing for Bridlington Town
, again for free. After a short spell on loan to Guisborough Town
, he followed the Bridlington chairman Ken Richardson to Doncaster Rovers
, then in the Third Division, for no fee (once again).
In 54 appearances for Doncaster over the next 17 months, he scored one League Cup
goal in a first round, second leg, away fixture at Wrexham on August 23, 1994.
manager George Burley
paid £150,000 for Swailes to return to his former club. Unfortunately, in his first Premier League game for them at home to Aston Villa
on April 1, 1995, he scored an own goal
in stoppage time at the end of the match, to confirm a 1–0 defeat. Ipswich were relegated to the First Division
at the end of that season.
Over the next two-and-a-half years, he made just 47 appearances in League, Cup and other games for them, scoring only once. The bulk of his contribution came in the 1996–97
season, when he was given an extended run. Ipswich finished in fourth spot and entered the First Division playoffs, but lost on the away goals rule
after extra time in the semi-final second leg at home to Sheffield United
, Swailes being replaced by Kieron Dyer
in the 91st minute.
, the manager of Bury
, also in the First Division at that time, paid a club record fee of £200,000 for Swailes (which still stands). He was included in the Shakers’ team for their away match at Oxford United
two days later, and promptly scored an equalising goal for them in a 1–1 draw. Although Swailes subsequently found it hard to maintain a run of appearances in the first team under Ternent, his fortunes looked up a little after Neil Warnock
took over as manager in 1998, and he missed only three games through suspension
during the 1998–99
season. Despite this, Bury were relegated at the end of that term. Swailes was quoted as saying: "[P]robably Stan cracked the whip more than Neil did which in the end may have been the difference of gaining the extra couple of points we needed, but as professionals we must all share the blame". He was subsequently voted Player of the Year by the Bury Supporters' Association at their prize night in May 1999. "It really is a big surprise for me to get the award," he commented. "I thought I might make the top five at best. But it's a dream come true to be the fans' choice. They are the most important people at the club, they keep it alive and for them to vote for me is marvellous, but I suppose my goal against Bolton
helped!
"I like to think the fans can relate to me," he added. "I know I'm of limited ability but I always give 100 per cent on the pitch and I think the supporters appreciate that. But I'd gladly sacrifice the award for First Division survival."
Whilst with Bury, Swailes lived in Ramsbottom
with his wife Louise and their recent addition to the family, a daughter. However, the good fortune which had blessed him around that period was about to disappear.
During the following season, in a match at home to Millwall
on January 4, 2000 (his last game before a three-match ban was due to commence for getting sent off at Burnley
on Boxing Day
1999), Swailes suffered a double hernia
, but played on to the end of the match, and ended up in hospital. He was not fit enough to play for the reserves until mid-April, and did not taste first team football again until completing ninety minutes in the home Second Division
fixture against Blackpool
on April 22, 2000, which they won 3–2.
By this time, Andy Preece
had taken over as player/manager at Gigg Lane
, and things were never the same for Swailes after this period. In all, he made 148 appearances for them, scoring on 11 occasions.
Although he was offered a new one, in June 2001 Chris Swailes' contract with Bury expired, and he was then able to move on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling
. In reaction to an enquiry towards the end of May that year from Ronnie Moore
of Rotherham United
, Bury had asked for a £100,000 fee – however, they refused to pay this. On June 19, 2001, Swailes signed a contract with newly-promoted Rotherham, and looked forward to a new season playing in the Football League First Division.
, Swailes was an ever-present, making 44 League appearances and scoring 6 League goals. However, the club exited both the FA Cup
and the League Cup early, and avoided relegation
only by having a better goal difference
than Crewe
, who went down occupying the third-from-bottom position in the First Division.
In the 2002–03
season, Swailes was sent off by referee Graham Laws
shortly before half-time in a First Division match at home to Portsmouth
on October 5, 2002. His manager, Ronnie Moore, bemoaned the referee's contribution to the game, saying: "One man has spoiled the game. It would have been a game, a hell of a game." The incident which led to Swailes' sending-off was described by The Guardian
thus:
Regarding the sending-off, Moore would only say: "If he [Todorov] could have scored from there, I'm a Dutchman".
Swailes and Rotherham finished the season just below mid-table. Much the same happened in the following season, although they were involved in a "sensational shoot-out
" following a 1–1 draw, after extra time, at Arsenal
in the League Cup third round on October 28, 2003. Arsenal won the penalty competition 9–8, after Swailes had missed his "sudden death" spot-kick, leaving Sylvain Wiltord
to claim victory by converting his.
However, in 2004–05
, despite Swailes playing 37 League games and scoring two goals, Rotherham were relegated from the newly-named Football League Championship
, winning only 5 matches and finishing bottom. Moore resigned as manager in January 2005, and took up the challenge of leading League One
Oldham Athletic
in March that year. This was to be a significant occurrence regarding the future of Chris Swailes.
and Rob Scott
to Boundary Park
in July 2005 on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract for Ronnie Moore. However, he was immediately injured in training, suffering a damaged heel. He would not make his debut for Oldham until the 0–0 home draw against Southend United
on January 7, 2006, coming on as a substitute in the 51st minute. He then aggravated the problem in a training session before the game at Blackpool on January 10, 2006.
He struggled on, "taking pills just to get through games", and played in only 15 matches that season, between his debut and April 15, 2006, when he had to be substituted in the 51st minute in a 3–0 loss at home to Barnsley
. However, despite surgery in the summer, which enabled him to play four times at the beginning of the 2006–07
season, Swailes had to undergo a further operation, about which he said: "I am again in a lot of pain and it has just got worse. I had a feeling I might need more surgery and I just have to hope for the best".
Following the sacking of manager Moore and the club's appointment of John Sheridan to replace him, the new man "decided to pay up the remainder of the player's contract", and Swailes was released.
Hamilton Academical
, registering in time to come on as a 23rd minute substitute in their away match at Clyde
on March 10, 2007. By April, manager Billy Reid
was so impressed, he offered Swailes a contract extension. "We’re going to sign Chris Swailes up on a pay-as-you-play contract. I think he’s been brilliant for us at the back and adds a wealth of experience," he said. "If Chris can get a pre-season under his belt, and we can get him, Mark McLaughlin
and Davie Elebert
playing together then we’re in healthy hands in defence."
In July 2007, he signed a further one-year deal, as a part-time player, allowing him to travel up for games from his base in the North East of England.
Since then, he has been an integral part of the team, making regular appearances in defence, scoring the second goal in a 2–0 win at Partick Thistle
in November 2007, but getting sent off in a Scottish Cup
tie away to Brechin
in January 2008.
, he joined his home town club Gateshead
on June 15, 2009 who had been newly promoted to the Conference National
. "I'm a Gateshead lad and a number of my friends are members of the Heed Army so this is a great move for me, and it would be great to end my career at Gateshead". Swailes made his debut for Gateshead against Tamworth
on August 18, 2009. Swailes scored his first goal for Gateshead in the FA Trophy
First Round replay away at Harrogate Town
on 15 December 2009. Swailes was released by Gateshead at the end of the 2009-10 season.
as assistant manager, and in addition was registered as a player. He scored his first goal for Blyth Spartans on 24 October 2010 with a super header as part of a 3–0 win over Hyde
.
Gateshead
Gateshead is a town in Tyne and Wear, England and is the main settlement in the Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead. Historically a part of County Durham, it lies on the southern bank of the River Tyne opposite Newcastle upon Tyne and together they form the urban core of Tyneside...
, County Durham
County Durham
County Durham is a ceremonial county and unitary district in north east England. The county town is Durham. The largest settlement in the ceremonial county is the town of Darlington...
) is a retired English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
footballer. He has previously played for Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
under former Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
manager, George Burley
George Burley
George Elder Burley is a Scottish football manager and former player and manager, formerly the manager of Crystal Palace Football Club. Burley had a professional career spanning 21 years as a player making 628 appearances and earning 11 Scotland caps...
.
Early days
Swailes was a trainee at Ipswich Town from 1989 to 1991, eventually moving to Peterborough UnitedPeterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
on March 28, 1991 for a fee of £10,000, after turning down a contract offered by the Ipswich manager at the time, John Lyall
John Lyall
John Angus Lyall was an English footballer and manager of Scottish descent. His mother, Catherine, was from the Isle of Lewis, his father, James, was from Kirriemuir. He was born in Ilford, Essex.- Youth team career :...
. Five months later, he moved on to Boston United
Boston United F.C.
Boston United Football Club are an association football club based in Boston, Lincolnshire, England. They currently play in the Conference North. The club is known as 'the Pilgrims' in reference to the Pilgrim Fathers, who fled from Boston to the USA and founded Boston, Massachusetts. The club's...
of the Alliance Premier League on a free transfer, after feeling homesick for the North East
North East England
North East England is one of the nine official regions of England. It covers Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear, and Teesside . The only cities in the region are Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland...
. He played only part-time for them, going out on loan to Kettering
Kettering Town F.C.
Kettering Town Football Club are a football club originating in Kettering, Northamptonshire but currently based in the nearby village of Irthlingborough. The club play in the Conference National after winning the Conference North in 2007–08...
and Third Division
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
for a while, before signing for Bridlington Town
Bridlington Town F.C.
Bridlington Town A.F.C. are an English football club, based in Bridlington, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. They were founded in 1918 and currently play in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division. The club's reserve team play in the Humber Premier League.-History:The club was founded in...
, again for free. After a short spell on loan to Guisborough Town
Guisborough Town F.C.
Guisborough Town F.C. are an English football club based in Guisborough, Redcar and Cleveland. They were founded in 1973 and currently play in the Northern League Division One. Their home ground is the in Guisborough....
, he followed the Bridlington chairman Ken Richardson to Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers F.C.
Doncaster Rovers Football Club is an English football club, based at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The team currently competes in the Football League Championship, after being promoted via the League One play-offs in 2008, and have remained there since.The club was founded in...
, then in the Third Division, for no fee (once again).
In 54 appearances for Doncaster over the next 17 months, he scored one League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
goal in a first round, second leg, away fixture at Wrexham on August 23, 1994.
Hitting the big time
However, in March 1995, the new Ipswich TownIpswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
manager George Burley
George Burley
George Elder Burley is a Scottish football manager and former player and manager, formerly the manager of Crystal Palace Football Club. Burley had a professional career spanning 21 years as a player making 628 appearances and earning 11 Scotland caps...
paid £150,000 for Swailes to return to his former club. Unfortunately, in his first Premier League game for them at home to Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
on April 1, 1995, he scored an own goal
Own goal
An own net occurs in goal-scoring games when a player scores a goal that is registered against his or her own team. It is usually accidental, and may be a result of an attempt at defensive play that failed or was spoiled by opponents....
in stoppage time at the end of the match, to confirm a 1–0 defeat. Ipswich were relegated to the First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
at the end of that season.
Over the next two-and-a-half years, he made just 47 appearances in League, Cup and other games for them, scoring only once. The bulk of his contribution came in the 1996–97
1996-97 in English football
The 1996–1997 season was the 117th season of competitive football in England.Arrival into the league and exit out of the league returns in the fourth tier for the first time after its 3 season absence with only 1 relegation spot.- Premier League :...
season, when he was given an extended run. Ipswich finished in fourth spot and entered the First Division playoffs, but lost on the away goals rule
Away goals rule
The away goals rule is a method of breaking ties in association football and other sports when teams play each other twice, once at each team's home ground. By the away goals rule, the team that has scored more goals "away from home" will win if scores are otherwise equal...
after extra time in the semi-final second leg at home to Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
, Swailes being replaced by Kieron Dyer
Kieron Dyer
Kieron Courtney Dyer is an English footballer who plays for Queens Park Rangers. Born in Ipswich, he is an attacking midfielder who played youth football for his home club before going on to make nearly 100 league appearances for the club's first team...
in the 91st minute.
Moving on
On November 13, 1997, Stan TernentStan Ternent
Francis Stanley "Stan" Ternent is an English former footballer and manager. He managed Blackpool, Hull City, Bury, Burnley, Gillingham and Huddersfield Town. He is currently a scout for Sunderland.-Career:...
, the manager of Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
, also in the First Division at that time, paid a club record fee of £200,000 for Swailes (which still stands). He was included in the Shakers’ team for their away match at Oxford United
Oxford United F.C.
Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The...
two days later, and promptly scored an equalising goal for them in a 1–1 draw. Although Swailes subsequently found it hard to maintain a run of appearances in the first team under Ternent, his fortunes looked up a little after Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock is an English former footballer who is currently manager of English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers....
took over as manager in 1998, and he missed only three games through suspension
Suspension (punishment)
Suspension is a form of punishment that people receive for violating rules and regulations.- Workplace :Suspension is a common practice in the workplace for being in violation of an organization's policy...
during the 1998–99
1998-99 in English football
-Premier League:Manchester United overcame close competition from Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea to win their fifth Premiership title in seven seasons thanks to the comeback of Roy Keane after his long-term injury and a transfer raid totalling nearly £30 million which netted Aston Villa striker...
season. Despite this, Bury were relegated at the end of that term. Swailes was quoted as saying: "[P]robably Stan cracked the whip more than Neil did which in the end may have been the difference of gaining the extra couple of points we needed, but as professionals we must all share the blame". He was subsequently voted Player of the Year by the Bury Supporters' Association at their prize night in May 1999. "It really is a big surprise for me to get the award," he commented. "I thought I might make the top five at best. But it's a dream come true to be the fans' choice. They are the most important people at the club, they keep it alive and for them to vote for me is marvellous, but I suppose my goal against Bolton
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
helped!
"I like to think the fans can relate to me," he added. "I know I'm of limited ability but I always give 100 per cent on the pitch and I think the supporters appreciate that. But I'd gladly sacrifice the award for First Division survival."
Whilst with Bury, Swailes lived in Ramsbottom
Ramsbottom
Ramsbottom is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Bury, Greater Manchester, England. It is situated on the course of the River Irwell, in the West Pennine Moors. Historically within Lancashire, it is located north-northwest of Bury, and north-northwest of Manchester...
with his wife Louise and their recent addition to the family, a daughter. However, the good fortune which had blessed him around that period was about to disappear.
During the following season, in a match at home to Millwall
Millwall F.C.
Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the...
on January 4, 2000 (his last game before a three-match ban was due to commence for getting sent off at Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
on Boxing Day
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is a bank or public holiday that occurs on 26 December, or the first or second weekday after Christmas Day, depending on national or regional laws. It is observed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth nations. In Ireland, it is recognized as...
1999), Swailes suffered a double hernia
Hernia
A hernia is the protrusion of an organ or the fascia of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it. A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach protrudes into the mediastinum through the esophageal opening in the diaphragm....
, but played on to the end of the match, and ended up in hospital. He was not fit enough to play for the reserves until mid-April, and did not taste first team football again until completing ninety minutes in the home Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
fixture against Blackpool
Blackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
on April 22, 2000, which they won 3–2.
By this time, Andy Preece
Andy Preece
Andrew Preece is a part-time English footballer and manager. He is currently the player-manager at Northwich Victoria.-Career:...
had taken over as player/manager at Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Historically within Lancashire, it was built for Bury F.C. in 1885, and has been their home ever since.-History:...
, and things were never the same for Swailes after this period. In all, he made 148 appearances for them, scoring on 11 occasions.
Although he was offered a new one, in June 2001 Chris Swailes' contract with Bury expired, and he was then able to move on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling
Bosman ruling
Union Royale Belge des Sociétés de Football Association ASBL v Jean-Marc Bosman is a 1995 European Court of Justice decision concerning freedom of movement for workers, freedom of association, and direct effect of article 39 of the EC Treaty...
. In reaction to an enquiry towards the end of May that year from Ronnie Moore
Ronnie Moore
Ronald David "Ronnie" Moore is an English football manager and former player. He is considered one of the greatest Rotherham United players of all time, and is also considered the best manager Rotherham United have ever had, becoming a club legend. and went on to manage the Millers for seven years...
of Rotherham United
Rotherham United F.C.
Rotherham United Football Club are an English professional football club based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club's colours have traditionally been red and white, although these have evolved through history...
, Bury had asked for a £100,000 fee – however, they refused to pay this. On June 19, 2001, Swailes signed a contract with newly-promoted Rotherham, and looked forward to a new season playing in the Football League First Division.
A regular for Rotherham
Throughout season 2001–022001-02 in English football
The 2001-02 season was the 122nd season of competitive football in England.-Arsenal cruise to title glory:In what had earlier been one of the most closely fought Premiership title races for years, Arsenal won the championship by seven points. Their crown was won in the penultimate game of the...
, Swailes was an ever-present, making 44 League appearances and scoring 6 League goals. However, the club exited both the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
and the League Cup early, and avoided relegation
Promotion and relegation
In many sports leagues around the world, promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season. Through it, teams are transferred between divisions based on their performance that season...
only by having a better goal difference
Goal difference
In sports such as ice hockey and association football, goal difference is often the first tiebreaker used to rank teams which finish a league competition with an equal number of points....
than Crewe
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
, who went down occupying the third-from-bottom position in the First Division.
In the 2002–03
2002-03 in English football
The 2002-03 season was the 123rd season of competitive football in England.-Most Memorable rise:*Wigan Athletic marked their 25th season of Football League membership by winning the Division Two championship and reaching the league's second tier for the very first time.-Most Memorable...
season, Swailes was sent off by referee Graham Laws
Graham Laws
Graham Laws is an English association football referee who operates in the Football League, and has previously been a fourth official in the Premier League...
shortly before half-time in a First Division match at home to Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
on October 5, 2002. His manager, Ronnie Moore, bemoaned the referee's contribution to the game, saying: "One man has spoiled the game. It would have been a game, a hell of a game." The incident which led to Swailes' sending-off was described by The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
thus:
"...Chris Swailes, running side by side with Svetoslav TodorovSvetoslav TodorovSvetoslav Todorov is a Bulgarian International football player, who currently plays for Litex Lovech.-PFC Dobrudzha/Litex Lovech:...
, nudged his hip into the Portsmouth forward with as much menace as a ballroom partner. But Todorov went down and sent the referee Graham Laws reaching for red."
Regarding the sending-off, Moore would only say: "If he [Todorov] could have scored from there, I'm a Dutchman".
Swailes and Rotherham finished the season just below mid-table. Much the same happened in the following season, although they were involved in a "sensational shoot-out
Penalty shootout (football)
A penalty shoot-out, referred to as kicks from the penalty mark in the Laws of the Game, is the FIFA official term for a method used in association football to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a tied game...
" following a 1–1 draw, after extra time, at Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
in the League Cup third round on October 28, 2003. Arsenal won the penalty competition 9–8, after Swailes had missed his "sudden death" spot-kick, leaving Sylvain Wiltord
Sylvain Wiltord
Sylvain Claude Wiltord is a French footballer who currently plays for FC Nantes. With the French national team, Wiltord has won Euro 2000 and reached the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup....
to claim victory by converting his.
However, in 2004–05
2004-05 in English football
The 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League...
, despite Swailes playing 37 League games and scoring two goals, Rotherham were relegated from the newly-named Football League Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
, winning only 5 matches and finishing bottom. Moore resigned as manager in January 2005, and took up the challenge of leading League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
Oldham Athletic
Oldham Athletic A.F.C.
Oldham Athletic Association Football Club is an English association football club based at Boundary Park, on Sheepfoot Lane in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The club currently competes in the Football League One, the third tier of the English league...
in March that year. This was to be a significant occurrence regarding the future of Chris Swailes.
Swailes reunited with Moore
Swailes followed his Rotherham teammates Paul WarnePaul Warne
Paul Warne is an English professional footballer playing in his second spell at Rotherham United and is well known for his hard working style....
and Rob Scott
Rob Scott
Robert "Rob" Scott is an English former professional footballer and current joint manager of Conference National club Grimsby Town alongside Paul Hurst. He is the younger brother of Rotherham United manager Andy Scott....
to Boundary Park
Boundary Park
Boundary Park is the main sports stadium of Oldham, in Greater Manchester, England. It lies at the northwestern extremity of Oldham, with the towns of Royton and Chadderton lying immediately north and west respectively, giving rise to the name Boundary Park....
in July 2005 on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract for Ronnie Moore. However, he was immediately injured in training, suffering a damaged heel. He would not make his debut for Oldham until the 0–0 home draw against Southend United
Southend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
on January 7, 2006, coming on as a substitute in the 51st minute. He then aggravated the problem in a training session before the game at Blackpool on January 10, 2006.
He struggled on, "taking pills just to get through games", and played in only 15 matches that season, between his debut and April 15, 2006, when he had to be substituted in the 51st minute in a 3–0 loss at home to Barnsley
Barnsley F.C.
Barnsley Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Nicknamed the Tykes, they were founded in 1887 under the name Barnsley St. Peter's...
. However, despite surgery in the summer, which enabled him to play four times at the beginning of the 2006–07
2006-07 in English football
The 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...
season, Swailes had to undergo a further operation, about which he said: "I am again in a lot of pain and it has just got worse. I had a feeling I might need more surgery and I just have to hope for the best".
Following the sacking of manager Moore and the club's appointment of John Sheridan to replace him, the new man "decided to pay up the remainder of the player's contract", and Swailes was released.
Off to Scotland
Swailes made his recovery on schedule in February 2007, and then went on trial to Scottish First DivisionScottish Football League First Division
The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system....
Hamilton Academical
Hamilton Academical F.C.
Hamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Academical, or Accies, are a Scottish football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire. They were established in 1874 from the school football team at Hamilton Academy. They remain the only professional club in British football to have...
, registering in time to come on as a 23rd minute substitute in their away match at Clyde
Clyde F.C.
Clyde Football Club are a Scottish professional football team currently playing in the Third Division of the Scottish Football League. Although based for the last fifteen years in the new town of Cumbernauld, they are traditionally associated with an area that covers Rutherglen in South...
on March 10, 2007. By April, manager Billy Reid
Billy Reid (football)
Billy Reid is a Scottish former footballer and is currently manager of Scottish First Division club Hamilton Academical.-Life and career:...
was so impressed, he offered Swailes a contract extension. "We’re going to sign Chris Swailes up on a pay-as-you-play contract. I think he’s been brilliant for us at the back and adds a wealth of experience," he said. "If Chris can get a pre-season under his belt, and we can get him, Mark McLaughlin
Mark McLaughlin
Mark McLaughlin is a Scottish footballer currently playing for Hamilton Academical.-Career:McLaughlin, a defender, began his career at junior club Arthurlie before moving to Clyde in 1999. After five years at Clyde, he joined Hamilton Academical in 2004...
and Davie Elebert
David Elebert
David Elebert is an Irish footballer who last played for then Scottish Premier League club Hamilton Academical.-Domestic:...
playing together then we’re in healthy hands in defence."
In July 2007, he signed a further one-year deal, as a part-time player, allowing him to travel up for games from his base in the North East of England.
Since then, he has been an integral part of the team, making regular appearances in defence, scoring the second goal in a 2–0 win at Partick Thistle
Partick Thistle F.C.
Partick Thistle Football Club are a professional association football club from Glasgow. Despite their name, the club are based in the Maryhill area of the city, and have not played in Partick since 1908...
in November 2007, but getting sent off in a Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
tie away to Brechin
Brechin City F.C.
Brechin City Football Club is a Scottish football team based in Brechin, Angus. They are members of the Scottish Football League and play in the Second Division in the 2010–11 season...
in January 2008.
Back home
Following Swailes release from HamiltonHamilton Academical F.C.
Hamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Academical, or Accies, are a Scottish football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire. They were established in 1874 from the school football team at Hamilton Academy. They remain the only professional club in British football to have...
, he joined his home town club Gateshead
Gateshead F.C.
Gateshead Football Club are a professional Association football club, based in Gateshead, England. They currently play in the Conference National, the fifth level of the English football league system.Ian Bogie is the current manager....
on June 15, 2009 who had been newly promoted to the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
. "I'm a Gateshead lad and a number of my friends are members of the Heed Army so this is a great move for me, and it would be great to end my career at Gateshead". Swailes made his debut for Gateshead against Tamworth
Tamworth F.C.
Tamworth Football Club are an English semi-professional football club based in the town of Tamworth, Staffordshire. Nicknamed 'The Lambs', they are currently members of the Conference National, the fifth highest tier in the English league system....
on August 18, 2009. Swailes scored his first goal for Gateshead in the FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
First Round replay away at Harrogate Town
Harrogate Town F.C.
Harrogate Town Football Club is an English semi-professional football club based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The club was founded in 1914 and currently competes in the Conference North division of the Football Conference.-History:...
on 15 December 2009. Swailes was released by Gateshead at the end of the 2009-10 season.
Blyth Spartans
In June 2010, Swailes joined Blyth SpartansBlyth Spartans A.F.C.
Blyth Spartans A.F.C. are a professional football club who play in the Conference North, and are based in the town of Blyth, Northumberland, England. They are often the most Northerly team in whichever league or cup they are playing in. They are managed by former Spartans player Steve Cuggy.They...
as assistant manager, and in addition was registered as a player. He scored his first goal for Blyth Spartans on 24 October 2010 with a super header as part of a 3–0 win over Hyde
Hyde F.C.
Hyde F.C. are an English semi-professional football club from Hyde, Greater Manchester, who are nicknamed The Tigers. Formed in 1885 the club changed its name to Hyde United in 1919, before reverting to Hyde F.C. in June 2010...
.
Honours
Hamilton Academical- Scottish Football League First DivisionScottish Football League First DivisionThe Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system....
: 2007–08Scottish First Division 2007-08The 2007–08 First Division season was the thirteenth season of the First Division in its current format of ten teams.The team which finished first were automatically promoted to the Scottish Premier League...
champions
External links
- Chris Swailes' Stats at BlythSpartansafc.co.uk