Lubomír Michalík
Encyclopedia
Ľubomír Michalík is a Slovakia
n footballer who plays as a centre back for Carlisle United
and the Slovakian national team
.
in January 2007 from FC Senec
of Slovakia on a three and a half year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee. On 28 April 2007, Michalík scored his first and only goal for Bolton, in a 2–2 away draw against Chelsea
at Stamford Bridge
.
on a one month loan deal. The defender's performances earned a great deal of credit from the Leeds faithful, particularly due to his match-winning goal on 7 April in a 2–1 victory over Plymouth Argyle
. As a result of his strong performances, then Leeds manager Dennis Wise
extended the Slovakian's loan deal until the end of the season, although Bolton recalled Michalik back due to a spate of injuries to their first choice centre-backs. Michalik played the rest of the season with Bolton and even managed to score against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. During his spell back at Bolton, Leeds were relegated to League 1.
Wise continued to reiterate his liking for the player, and attempted to re-sign the defender in the January 2008 transfer window. A deal was reported to be closed, believed to be involving a £500,000 fee, when Wise left the manager's post to head for Newcastle United
. However, upon the appointment of Gary McAllister
as Leeds boss, the Yorkshire side remained insistent on their determination to sign the Slovak. On the final day of the transfer window, a deal was concluded and Michalik signed a three-and-a-half-year deal. Bolton seemed willing to sell having recruited Gary Cahill
as a replacement. Michalik made 13 first-team appearances in the 2007–08 season.
Michalík managed to establish himself as one of Leeds' first-choice defenders, often partnering Paul Huntington
. On 6 September 2008, Michalik was sent off in a match for Leeds against Crewe Alexandra
for his second bookable offence. Leeds went on and won the match 5–2. During the middle of the 08/09 season after a number of inconsistent performances Michalik was dropped from the Leeds team by new manager Simon Grayson
in favour of new loan signing Richard Naylor
. Michalik never regained a starting place and found himself on the bench for the remainder of the season. A role which has continued into the 2009-10 season.
Michalik scored his second goal for Leeds which was his first since signing a permanent deal against Stockport County on 5 September 2009. He started the 2009-10 season mainly as a substitute, but had been required to come off the bench on several occasions and play a vital role for Leeds. It has been said his form has greatly improved under manager Simon Grayson
. Michalik had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside in the Carling Cup tie against Liverpool. Replays showed that Jermaine Beckford
and Luciano Becchio
were onside. Michalik started the game for Leeds against Brighton & Hove Albion, and with Richard Naylor
still injured Michalik once again partnered Patrick Kisnorbo
at centre back against Leyton Orient and kept consecutive clean sheets. Michalik started the game against Kettering Town and was judged to be at fault for the goal conceded with Casper Ankergren
also sharing the blame. Despite the error Michalik started his 4th game in a row in the league game against Oldham Athletic. Michalik kept his place in the Leeds team for the game against Huddersfield Town and the FA Cup replay against Kettering Town. Michalik is one of the free-kick takers for Leeds United and is known to strike a ball at over 100 MPH, although he is yet to score one of these. With injuries to fellow centre back's Patrick Kisnorbo
and Richard Naylor
at various points, Michalik has been able to get a regular run of games for Leeds.
Michalik came on as a late substitute in Leeds 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup 3rd round. Michalik came on as a half time substitute in Leeds' defeat to Swindon Town, he returned to Leeds' starting lineup against Colchester United and with Patrick Kisnorbo
still out injured Michalik retained his place in the side for the matches against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup replay, and also the league game against Hartlepool. With Kisnorbo still out injured Michalik retained his place in Leeds' JPT second leg game against Carlisle United but he was at fault for one of the goals conceded after a horrendous miskick gave the ball straight to Kevan Hurst
who slotted the ball home, Leeds lost the tie 6-5 on penalties. The following game Michalik dropped to the bench against Leyton Orient. Michalik made scarce appearances from then until the end of the season, after a spell out the squad he returned to the bench against Bristol Rovers a game which Leeds won 2-1 and saw them promoted to The Championship as runners up. Following promotion United manager, Simon Grayson
, transfer listed Michalik.
On 14 May 2010 after receiving a call up to Slovakia's provisional World Cup squad, Michalik was instructed by Leeds to find a new club and placed on the transfer list. He did not play a single game for Leeds' first team during the 2010-11 pre-season friendlies.
club Carlisle United on loan until 3 January 2011. Michalik made his debut in the 0-0 draw against Swindon Town after coming into Carlisle's starting 11 as a replacement for the recently departed Ian Harte
. Michalik's second game for Carlisle came against League leaders Sheffield Wednesday with Carlisle picking up a clean sheet and earning a 1-0 away win. Michalik helped Carlisle keep a 3rd successive clean sheet in his third game for the club against Brighton.
Michalik scored his 1st goal for Carlisle against Hartlepool with a 40 yard freekick. After picking up a hamstring injury Michalik returned to Leeds to have his injury assessed. However, returned to Carlisle after only spending a few days having treatment at his parent club. After missing games with a hamstring injury, Michalik returned to the starting lineup against Bristol Rovers. Leeds refused permission for Michalik to play for Carlisle in the FA Cup against Tipton Town. Michalik was sent off in Carlisle's fixture against Rochdale for two bookable offences. Michalik scored his second goal for Carlisle against Sheffield Wednesday in the Football League Trophy to help Carlisle reach the Northern Area final. December 2010 Michalik revealed he was interested in extending his loan deal until the end of the season.
In January 2011, Michalik had the remaining six-months of his contract terminated by Leeds to allow him to find a new club. On 14 January, Michalik re-signed for Carlisle on a permanent deal.
game. His first international goal came in the same game. He played his second match against Republic of Ireland
on March 28, 2007.
On 1 October 2009, Michalík received an international recall for the World Cup
qualifiers against Slovenia and Poland. Michalik was an unused substitute in the World Cup Qualifier against Poland.
On 11 May 2010, Michalík was named in Slovakia's 29 man provisional squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
in South Africa. He was, however, left out of the final 23 man Slovakia World Cup Squad when it was announced on 3 June.
On 11 October 2011, Michalík became the first Carlisle United player to play in competitive match since Eric Welsh
who reprecented Northern Ireland
team in 1967 (although teammate Peter Murphy
did play in a friendly match for the Republic of Ireland in 2007). After Michalík played to full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw with Macedonia in a Euro 2012 qualifier, Michalík was denied a 89th minute winner by a Martin Bogatinov
save.
Carlisle United
Slovakia
The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It has a population of over five million and an area of about . Slovakia is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south...
n footballer who plays as a centre back for Carlisle United
Carlisle United F.C.
Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system....
and the Slovakian national team
Slovakia national football team
The Slovakia national football team represents Slovakia in association football and is controlled by the Slovak Football Association , the governing body for football in Slovakia. Slovakia's home stadium is Štadión Pasienky and their head coach is Vladimír Weiss...
.
Bolton Wanderers
Michalik signed for Bolton WanderersBolton 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....
in January 2007 from FC Senec
FC Senec
FC Senec was a football club from Senec. It existed in years 1994 - 2008. After 2007/2008 season it was merged with FK DAC 1904 Dunajská Streda.- Previous names :* 1990 - STK Senec* 1992 - FK Koba Senec* 1995 - FK VTJ Koba Senec* 2002 - FK Koba Senec...
of Slovakia on a three and a half year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee. On 28 April 2007, Michalík scored his first and only goal for Bolton, in a 2–2 away draw against Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge (stadium)
Stamford Bridge is a football stadium in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, West London, and is the home of Chelsea Football Club. The stadium is located within the Moore Park Estate also known as Walham Green and is often referred to as simply The Bridge...
.
Leeds United
In March 2007, Michalik made a loan switch to Leeds UnitedLeeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
on a one month loan deal. The defender's performances earned a great deal of credit from the Leeds faithful, particularly due to his match-winning goal on 7 April in a 2–1 victory over Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
. As a result of his strong performances, then Leeds manager Dennis Wise
Dennis Wise
Dennis Frank Wise is an English former football manager and player, and former Executive Director at Newcastle United....
extended the Slovakian's loan deal until the end of the season, although Bolton recalled Michalik back due to a spate of injuries to their first choice centre-backs. Michalik played the rest of the season with Bolton and even managed to score against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. During his spell back at Bolton, Leeds were relegated to League 1.
Wise continued to reiterate his liking for the player, and attempted to re-sign the defender in the January 2008 transfer window. A deal was reported to be closed, believed to be involving a £500,000 fee, when Wise left the manager's post to head for Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
. However, upon the appointment of Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister MBE is a Scottish former professional footballer.McAllister played primarily as a midfielder, in a successful career spanning over nineteen years. He started his career at local side Motherwell before moving south of the border to Leicester City at the age of 20...
as Leeds boss, the Yorkshire side remained insistent on their determination to sign the Slovak. On the final day of the transfer window, a deal was concluded and Michalik signed a three-and-a-half-year deal. Bolton seemed willing to sell having recruited Gary Cahill
Gary Cahill
Gary James Cahill is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Bolton Wanderers and the England national football team.-Club career:...
as a replacement. Michalik made 13 first-team appearances in the 2007–08 season.
Michalík managed to establish himself as one of Leeds' first-choice defenders, often partnering Paul Huntington
Paul Huntington
Paul Huntington is an English professional footballer. He plays primarily in the centre half position and currently plays for Yeovil Town.-Newcastle United:...
. On 6 September 2008, Michalik was sent off in a match for Leeds against Crewe Alexandra
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...
for his second bookable offence. Leeds went on and won the match 5–2. During the middle of the 08/09 season after a number of inconsistent performances Michalik was dropped from the Leeds team by new manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
in favour of new loan signing Richard Naylor
Richard Naylor
Richard Alan Naylor is an English footballer who plays as a centre back for Doncaster Rovers after leaving Leeds United where he had been Captain...
. Michalik never regained a starting place and found himself on the bench for the remainder of the season. A role which has continued into the 2009-10 season.
Michalik scored his second goal for Leeds which was his first since signing a permanent deal against Stockport County on 5 September 2009. He started the 2009-10 season mainly as a substitute, but had been required to come off the bench on several occasions and play a vital role for Leeds. It has been said his form has greatly improved under manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
. Michalik had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside in the Carling Cup tie against Liverpool. Replays showed that Jermaine Beckford
Jermaine Beckford
Jermaine Paul Alexander Beckford is an English footballer who plays for Leicester City as a striker. He started his career as a trainee at Chelsea...
and Luciano Becchio
Luciano Becchio
Luciano Héctor Becchio is an Argentine footballer who plays for Leeds United as a striker. Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Becchio began his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Europe on an Italian passport, where he established himself in the Spanish lower leagues.He moved to England in the...
were onside. Michalik started the game for Leeds against Brighton & Hove Albion, and with Richard Naylor
Richard Naylor
Richard Alan Naylor is an English footballer who plays as a centre back for Doncaster Rovers after leaving Leeds United where he had been Captain...
still injured Michalik once again partnered Patrick Kisnorbo
Patrick Kisnorbo
Patrick Fabio Maxime Kisnorbo is an Australian football player of Mauritian and Italian heritage who plays for Leeds United in The Championship of the English Football League. Kisnorbo is also an Australian international with 18 caps to his name. Also known by his nickname Paddy...
at centre back against Leyton Orient and kept consecutive clean sheets. Michalik started the game against Kettering Town and was judged to be at fault for the goal conceded with Casper Ankergren
Casper Ankergren
Casper Ankergren is a Danish professional football goalkeeper currently playing for English team Brighton & Hove Albion...
also sharing the blame. Despite the error Michalik started his 4th game in a row in the league game against Oldham Athletic. Michalik kept his place in the Leeds team for the game against Huddersfield Town and the FA Cup replay against Kettering Town. Michalik is one of the free-kick takers for Leeds United and is known to strike a ball at over 100 MPH, although he is yet to score one of these. With injuries to fellow centre back's Patrick Kisnorbo
Patrick Kisnorbo
Patrick Fabio Maxime Kisnorbo is an Australian football player of Mauritian and Italian heritage who plays for Leeds United in The Championship of the English Football League. Kisnorbo is also an Australian international with 18 caps to his name. Also known by his nickname Paddy...
and Richard Naylor
Richard Naylor
Richard Alan Naylor is an English footballer who plays as a centre back for Doncaster Rovers after leaving Leeds United where he had been Captain...
at various points, Michalik has been able to get a regular run of games for Leeds.
Michalik came on as a late substitute in Leeds 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup 3rd round. Michalik came on as a half time substitute in Leeds' defeat to Swindon Town, he returned to Leeds' starting lineup against Colchester United and with Patrick Kisnorbo
Patrick Kisnorbo
Patrick Fabio Maxime Kisnorbo is an Australian football player of Mauritian and Italian heritage who plays for Leeds United in The Championship of the English Football League. Kisnorbo is also an Australian international with 18 caps to his name. Also known by his nickname Paddy...
still out injured Michalik retained his place in the side for the matches against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup replay, and also the league game against Hartlepool. With Kisnorbo still out injured Michalik retained his place in Leeds' JPT second leg game against Carlisle United but he was at fault for one of the goals conceded after a horrendous miskick gave the ball straight to Kevan Hurst
Kevan Hurst
Kevan James D. Hurst is a footballer who currently plays for Walsall FC.A versatile player, he can play all across the midfield or forward line though his preferred position is left-wing...
who slotted the ball home, Leeds lost the tie 6-5 on penalties. The following game Michalik dropped to the bench against Leyton Orient. Michalik made scarce appearances from then until the end of the season, after a spell out the squad he returned to the bench against Bristol Rovers a game which Leeds won 2-1 and saw them promoted to The Championship as runners up. Following promotion United manager, Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul Grayson....
, transfer listed Michalik.
On 14 May 2010 after receiving a call up to Slovakia's provisional World Cup squad, Michalik was instructed by Leeds to find a new club and placed on the transfer list. He did not play a single game for Leeds' first team during the 2010-11 pre-season friendlies.
Carlisle United
On 31 August Michalik joined League OneFootball 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....
club Carlisle United on loan until 3 January 2011. Michalik made his debut in the 0-0 draw against Swindon Town after coming into Carlisle's starting 11 as a replacement for the recently departed Ian Harte
Ian Harte
Ian Patrick Harte is an Irish international footballer who plays for Reading in the Football League Championship. Best known for his spell at Leeds United and also his ability to score goals from long range, including being a free kick specialist...
. Michalik's second game for Carlisle came against League leaders Sheffield Wednesday with Carlisle picking up a clean sheet and earning a 1-0 away win. Michalik helped Carlisle keep a 3rd successive clean sheet in his third game for the club against Brighton.
Michalik scored his 1st goal for Carlisle against Hartlepool with a 40 yard freekick. After picking up a hamstring injury Michalik returned to Leeds to have his injury assessed. However, returned to Carlisle after only spending a few days having treatment at his parent club. After missing games with a hamstring injury, Michalik returned to the starting lineup against Bristol Rovers. Leeds refused permission for Michalik to play for Carlisle in the FA Cup against Tipton Town. Michalik was sent off in Carlisle's fixture against Rochdale for two bookable offences. Michalik scored his second goal for Carlisle against Sheffield Wednesday in the Football League Trophy to help Carlisle reach the Northern Area final. December 2010 Michalik revealed he was interested in extending his loan deal until the end of the season.
In January 2011, Michalik had the remaining six-months of his contract terminated by Leeds to allow him to find a new club. On 14 January, Michalik re-signed for Carlisle on a permanent deal.
International career
Michalík's international debut came in the second half of the Slovakia versus United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates national football team
The United Arab Emirates national football team represents United Arab Emirates in association football and is controlled by the United Arab Emirates Football Association, the governing body for football in United Arab Emirates...
game. His first international goal came in the same game. He played his second match against Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
on March 28, 2007.
On 1 October 2009, Michalík received an international recall for the World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
qualifiers against Slovenia and Poland. Michalik was an unused substitute in the World Cup Qualifier against Poland.
On 11 May 2010, Michalík was named in Slovakia's 29 man provisional squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
in South Africa. He was, however, left out of the final 23 man Slovakia World Cup Squad when it was announced on 3 June.
On 11 October 2011, Michalík became the first Carlisle United player to play in competitive match since Eric Welsh
Eric Welsh
Eric Welsh is a retired Northern Irish footballer. He played in the right wing position. He was born in Belfast.-Club career:...
who reprecented Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national football team
The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. Before 1921 all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association...
team in 1967 (although teammate Peter Murphy
Peter Murphy (footballer)
Peter Michael Murphy is a football player for Carlisle United. Murphy plays as a defender for Carlisle, and also the Republic of Ireland national football team.-Club career:...
did play in a friendly match for the Republic of Ireland in 2007). After Michalík played to full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw with Macedonia in a Euro 2012 qualifier, Michalík was denied a 89th minute winner by a Martin Bogatinov
Martin Bogatinov
Martin Bogatinov is a Macedonian footballer playing for Karpaty Lviv as a goalkeeper.Bogatinov signed with Karpaty on 23 January 2011 from the Macedonian club FK Rabotnički.-Honours and awards:*FK Vardar**Macedonian Cup: 1...
save.
Honours
Leeds United- League One runner-up (promoted): 2009–10
Carlisle United
- Football League Trophy winnerFootball League TrophyThe Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
: 2010–112010–11 Football League TrophyThe 2010–11 Football League Trophy, known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is the 27th season in the history of the competition. It is a knock-out tournament for English football clubs in League One and League Two, the third and fourth tiers of the English football.In all,...