Shayne Bradley
Encyclopedia
Shayne Bradley was a professional footballer before having to retire through an ankle
injury in 2003.
, and he signed associate schoolboy forms on his 14th birthday.
squad for the Victory Shield
matches against Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as friendlies against Brazil and Germany. Bradley was selected in the starting eleven for the first game against Wales, played at Spytty Park, Newport
. He played centre-forward, partnering current Manchester United
striker Michael Owen
; the team was captained by United defender Wes Brown
. Bradley played five times for the England squad, including against Germany at Wembley
.
and, at the expiry of this, his first professional contract. Between 1998 and 2001, Bradley was a regular scorer for the reserve team, but played only four games for the first team (all as substitute). He also played a number of first team games on loan at Exeter City
and Swindon Town
. After a meeting with Southampton manager Glenn Hoddle
, Bradley decided to move to Mansfield Town
to get more first team games. It was reported that the transfer fee of £100,000 was Mansfield's club record.
. In the 2001–02 season, Mansfield manager Billy Dearden left the club and was replaced by Stuart Watkiss
. At the time, Mansfield were chasing promotion from Division 3. The Stags suffered a dip in form under Watkiss, but were still able to gain promotion at the end of the season. Shayne was a regular scorer when he played, but he was beginning to have problems with a series of injuries.
Bradley began the 2002-2003 season by injuring his ankle in a pre-season friendly against Nottingham Forest
on 27 July 2002 and then, in his bid to return to fitness, damaged the ligaments in his other ankle in a reserve team game against Hull City
on 28 August 2002. The injury required surgery. In October Bradley's contract was paid up by the club, with manager Stuart Watkiss
stating that, as the club's record signing and one of its highest earners, "in terms of value for money, the deal has been catastrophic for the club". To try to obtain fitness, Bradley signed for non-league side Eastwood Town
.
, agreeing a contract until the end of the 2002-2003 season. He made his Chesterfield debut in the 1-0 home defeat to Oldham Athletic
on 21 December 2002 before scoring in his next two games. On 18 January 2003, Chesterfield
entertained Bradley's previous club Mansfield Town
, whom he had left under something of a cloud. In the build-up, he expressed the opinion that he did not think that Watkiss rated him as a player and that the club had treated him badly by playing him when he was not fully fit. The game, however, proved to be a disaster for Bradley when, just three minutes after coming on as a substitute, he was sent off for spitting at Mansfield defender Rhys Day
; Bradley later sent a personal personal letter of apology to Day.
Following the resulting suspension, Bradley struggled to make the first-team and, in March 2003, joined Lincoln City
on a month's loan, debuting in the 3-0 home victory over Hartlepool United
on 4 March 2003. A calf injury saw him limp off after 35 minutes of his second game against Southend United
at Roots Hall
and miss the following three games before making a goalscoring return in the 1-0 home victory over Kidderminster Harriers
on 25 March 2003. However, he sustained an ankle injury in the pre-match warm-up for the following game with Bristol Rovers
and returned to Chesterfield
, having been fit for just three of the seven games Lincoln played in the month.
. After a few years away from football, he was offered a coaching role with Gloucester City
's youth set-up where he is in charge of the U13s. In July 2008, he was appointed manager of Tuffley Rovers
in the Gloucestershire County League
, although he will continue his work with Gloucester. Outside of football, Bradley resides in Abbeymead
and works for E-on.
Ankle
The ankle joint is formed where the foot and the leg meet. The ankle, or talocrural joint, is a synovial hinge joint that connects the distal ends of the tibia and fibula in the lower limb with the proximal end of the talus bone in the foot...
injury in 2003.
Early years
Bradley began his football career playing for Robinswood Youth in the Gloucester and District Under 9's league. Consistent performances for his club and for Heron Primary School enabled him to achieve a call up for the Gloucester Primary Schools Football Association team in 1990 and 1991. After moving to Sir Thomas Rich's secondary school, Bradley helped his year group to win three Gloucestershire County Cup trophies. During this time he was approached by SouthamptonSouthampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
, and he signed associate schoolboy forms on his 14th birthday.
England schoolboys
During 1994 and 1995, Bradley was successful in a number of trials and was selected to play for the England schoolboysEngland national under-16 football team
-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the Victory Shield match against Scotland.-Recent call-ups:The following players have also been called up to the England U-16 squad and remain eligible.-External links:*...
squad for the Victory Shield
Victory Shield
The Victory Shield is an annual football tournament competed for by the under-16 teams of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The competition is broadcast live in the UK by Sky Sports who also sponsor the competition...
matches against Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as friendlies against Brazil and Germany. Bradley was selected in the starting eleven for the first game against Wales, played at Spytty Park, Newport
Newport
Newport is a city and unitary authority area in Wales. Standing on the banks of the River Usk, it is located about east of Cardiff and is the largest urban area within the historic county boundaries of Monmouthshire and the preserved county of Gwent...
. He played centre-forward, partnering current Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
striker Michael Owen
Michael Owen
Michael James Owen is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester United.The son of former footballer Terry Owen, Owen began his senior career at Liverpool in 1996. He progressed through the Liverpool youth team and scored on his debut in May 1997...
; the team was captained by United defender Wes Brown
Wes Brown
Wesley Michael "Wes" Brown is an English footballer who plays as a defender for Sunderland. Before joining Sunderland, Brown had spent his entire career at Old Trafford, having joined the Manchester United youth team in 1996...
. Bradley played five times for the England squad, including against Germany at Wembley
Wembley
Wembley is an area of northwest London, England, and part of the London Borough of Brent. It is home to the famous Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena...
.
Professional career
When he turned 16, Bradley was offered a YTS contract at SouthamptonSouthampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
and, at the expiry of this, his first professional contract. Between 1998 and 2001, Bradley was a regular scorer for the reserve team, but played only four games for the first team (all as substitute). He also played a number of first team games on loan 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 Swindon Town
Swindon Town F.C.
Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011...
. After a meeting with Southampton manager Glenn Hoddle
Glenn Hoddle
Glenn Hoddle is an English former footballer and manager who played as an attacking midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur, AS Monaco, Chelsea and Swindon Town and at international level for England....
, Bradley decided to move to Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
to get more first team games. It was reported that the transfer fee of £100,000 was Mansfield's club record.
Mansfield Town
Shayne started his Mansfield career well, scoring nine goals in his first half season and striking an effective partnership with Chris GreenacreChris Greenacre
Chris Greenacre is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League.-Club career:...
. In the 2001–02 season, Mansfield manager Billy Dearden left the club and was replaced by Stuart Watkiss
Stuart Watkiss
Stuart Watkiss is an English former footballer who notably played for Hereford United and Mansfield Town. He is currently Development Coach at Hull City.-Playing career:...
. At the time, Mansfield were chasing promotion from Division 3. The Stags suffered a dip in form under Watkiss, but were still able to gain promotion at the end of the season. Shayne was a regular scorer when he played, but he was beginning to have problems with a series of injuries.
Bradley began the 2002-2003 season by injuring his ankle in a pre-season friendly against Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest F.C.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
on 27 July 2002 and then, in his bid to return to fitness, damaged the ligaments in his other ankle in a reserve team game against Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
on 28 August 2002. The injury required surgery. In October Bradley's contract was paid up by the club, with manager Stuart Watkiss
Stuart Watkiss
Stuart Watkiss is an English former footballer who notably played for Hereford United and Mansfield Town. He is currently Development Coach at Hull City.-Playing career:...
stating that, as the club's record signing and one of its highest earners, "in terms of value for money, the deal has been catastrophic for the club". To try to obtain fitness, Bradley signed for non-league side Eastwood Town
Eastwood Town F.C.
Eastwood Town F.C. is a football club from Eastwood, Nottinghamshire formed in 1953, currently playing in the Conference North.-History:Although there was a football club named Eastwood Town operating in the Nottinghamshire Alliance in 1921, its was only in existence for two years. It was not until...
.
Chesterfield and Lincoln City
In December 2002, Bradley signed for Mansfield's local rivals ChesterfieldChesterfield 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...
, agreeing a contract until the end of the 2002-2003 season. He made his Chesterfield debut in the 1-0 home defeat to 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...
on 21 December 2002 before scoring in his next two games. On 18 January 2003, 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...
entertained Bradley's previous club Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
, whom he had left under something of a cloud. In the build-up, he expressed the opinion that he did not think that Watkiss rated him as a player and that the club had treated him badly by playing him when he was not fully fit. The game, however, proved to be a disaster for Bradley when, just three minutes after coming on as a substitute, he was sent off for spitting at Mansfield defender Rhys Day
Rhys Day
Rhys Day is a Welsh footballer who plays for Mansfield Town.Day mainly plays as a central defender, and has been capped several times for the Wales under-21 team.-Career:...
; Bradley later sent a personal personal letter of apology to Day.
Following the resulting suspension, Bradley struggled to make the first-team and, in March 2003, joined Lincoln City
Lincoln City F.C.
Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
on a month's loan, debuting in the 3-0 home victory over Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
on 4 March 2003. A calf injury saw him limp off after 35 minutes of his second game 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...
at Roots Hall
Roots Hall
Roots Hall is a multi-use sports stadium in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England, primarily used for football games and is the home of the Football League Two club Southend United. With a capacity of 12,392 Roots Hall is the largest football stadium in Essex, and is the current venue for the final of...
and miss the following three games before making a goalscoring return in the 1-0 home victory over Kidderminster Harriers
Kidderminster Harriers F.C.
Kidderminster Harriers F.C. are an English football club based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire formed in 1886 They currently play in the Conference National and have played at Aggborough Stadium since they were formed...
on 25 March 2003. However, he sustained an ankle injury in the pre-match warm-up for the following game with Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers F.C.
Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city....
and returned to 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...
, having been fit for just three of the seven games Lincoln played in the month.
After football
Bradley retired at the end of the 2002-2003 season after a double reconstruction of his right ankle and returned to his home town of GloucesterGloucester
Gloucester is a city, district and county town of Gloucestershire in the South West region of England. Gloucester lies close to the Welsh border, and on the River Severn, approximately north-east of Bristol, and south-southwest of Birmingham....
. After a few years away from football, he was offered a coaching role with Gloucester City
Gloucester City A.F.C.
Gloucester City Association Football Club is an English semi-professional association football club currently based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire in South West England, via groundshare agreement....
's youth set-up where he is in charge of the U13s. In July 2008, he was appointed manager of Tuffley Rovers
Tuffley Rovers F.C.
Tuffley Rovers F.C. are a football club based in Tuffley, Gloucester, England. In the 2011-12 season, the club is playing in the Gloucestershire County League, the 11th level of the English football league system. The club is affiliated to the Gloucestershire County FA.-History:In the 1988-89...
in the Gloucestershire County League
Gloucestershire County League
The Gloucestershire County League is a football league in England, founded in 1968. The league is affiliated to the Gloucestershire County FA....
, although he will continue his work with Gloucester. Outside of football, Bradley resides in Abbeymead
Abbeymead
Abbeydale and Abbeymead are modern and affluent suburbs of the city of Gloucester in the county of Gloucestershire, England. They lie approximately 3 miles south-east of the city centre, and are bounded by the suburbs of Coney Hill to the north west, Barnwood and Hucclecote to the north and north...
and works for E-on.