Michael Simpkins
Encyclopedia
Michael James Simpkins is an English
footballer, currently playing for Retford United.
A defender by trade, Simpkins was primarily a left back but now plays in the more familiar role of central defender. He began his professional career at Chesterfield
after progressing through the youth team. In 2001 he moved on to Cardiff City
but failed to make a significant impact on the first team at Ninian Park
and had loan spells at Exeter City
and Cheltenham Town
.
He moved on to Rochdale in 2003 on a two-year contract. He was the regular left back for manager Alan Buckley
but failed to endear himself to fans, particularly after trying to arrange a fight on the club car park with one of them while supposedly defending a corner. He was quickly dropped by new manager Steve Parkin
and persuaded to leave in the summer of 2004. He dropped into non-league, signing for Conference national side Burton Albion
, making 20 appearances in the 2004-2005 season, before moving to league rivals Leigh RMI in March 2005, but he could not prevent Leigh's relegation at the end of the season.
Simpkins then moved closer to his native Sheffield by linking up with Worksop Town ahead of the 2005-2006 season, and spent just over a year with the Tigers, establishing himself as a first-team regular; however, due to his poor disciplinary record, he was released early in the 2006-2007 season after a sending-off against Vauxhall Motors. Simpkins then signed for Buxton, but left the club after a change of heart very soon afterwards and instead joined Grantham Town
. He was named captain of the Gingerbreads and his impressive form for the Lincolnshire side earned a transfer bid from Conference North outfit Worcester City, but he declined the offer due to travelling concerns.
Budget cuts at Grantham forced Simpkins' departure in January 2008. He later signed for Retford United. Simpkins stayed with Retford in their successful title-winning side of 2007-2008 and has agreed to stay with the club for the 2008-2009 season.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
footballer, currently playing for Retford United.
A defender by trade, Simpkins was primarily a left back but now plays in the more familiar role of central defender. He began his professional career at Chesterfield
Chesterfield F.C.
Chesterfield Football Club is an English football club based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The club currently plays in Football League One, the third tier of English football. Despite being the fourth oldest Football League club in England, they have spent most of their existence in the lower...
after progressing through the youth team. In 2001 he moved on to Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
but failed to make a significant impact on the first team at Ninian Park
Ninian Park
Ninian Park was a football stadium in Leckwith, Cardiff, Wales. Until 2009, it was the home ground of Cardiff City F.C., who compete in the English Football League Championship...
and had loan spells at Exeter City
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
and Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town F.C.
Cheltenham Town Football Club is an English football club playing in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. Founded in 1887, the team has played at four different grounds, namely Agg-Gardner's Recreation Ground, Carter's Field and now the Abbey Business Stadium, although it is more...
.
He moved on to Rochdale in 2003 on a two-year contract. He was the regular left back for manager Alan Buckley
Alan Buckley
Alan Peter Buckley is an English football manager. He was manager of League Two side Grimsby Town until his dismissal in September 2008...
but failed to endear himself to fans, particularly after trying to arrange a fight on the club car park with one of them while supposedly defending a corner. He was quickly dropped by new manager Steve Parkin
Steve Parkin
Stephen John "Steve" Parkin is an English former footballer and manager, currently working as assistant manager at Bradford City.-Mansfield Town:...
and persuaded to leave in the summer of 2004. He dropped into non-league, signing for Conference national side Burton Albion
Burton Albion F.C.
Burton Albion Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club's home ground is the Pirelli Stadium, having moved from Eton Park in 2005...
, making 20 appearances in the 2004-2005 season, before moving to league rivals Leigh RMI in March 2005, but he could not prevent Leigh's relegation at the end of the season.
Simpkins then moved closer to his native Sheffield by linking up with Worksop Town ahead of the 2005-2006 season, and spent just over a year with the Tigers, establishing himself as a first-team regular; however, due to his poor disciplinary record, he was released early in the 2006-2007 season after a sending-off against Vauxhall Motors. Simpkins then signed for Buxton, but left the club after a change of heart very soon afterwards and instead joined Grantham Town
Grantham Town F.C.
Grantham Town F.C. is a football club, based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, currently playing in the Northern Premier League Division One South. They are nicknamed The Gingerbreads and they play their home matches at the South Kesteven Sports Stadium . They were established in August 1874...
. He was named captain of the Gingerbreads and his impressive form for the Lincolnshire side earned a transfer bid from Conference North outfit Worcester City, but he declined the offer due to travelling concerns.
Budget cuts at Grantham forced Simpkins' departure in January 2008. He later signed for Retford United. Simpkins stayed with Retford in their successful title-winning side of 2007-2008 and has agreed to stay with the club for the 2008-2009 season.