Steve Simonsen
Encyclopedia
Steven Preben Arthur "Steve" Simonsen (born 3 April 1979) is an English footballer who plays for Sheffield United
as a goalkeeper. Born in South Shields
, Tyne and Wear
he started his senior career at Tranmere Rovers
before spells with Everton
and Stoke City
. Whilst at Tranmere he won four caps for the England U21
's.
but was spotted by Nottingham Forest
at the age of 15 whilst playing in his native South Shields
. After a spell in Nottinghamshire however he was released in the summer of 1996.
in August 1996 as a trainee. By November 1996 he had already made his League début for the club against one of the clubs he would later sign for, Stoke City
. After just 42 league and cup appearances for their first team, he was bought by Everton
for a record breaking £3.3 million in September 1998 (both clubs were under control of Peter Johnson at the time). At this point Simonsen was considered one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the country.
tie against Oxford United
, but only featured again in the Everton side during that campign. In July 2001 Simonsen was also rumoured to be involved in a transfer to Wigan Athletic
, however the deal fell through.
Simonsen did not get a chance to prove himself again until the 2001–02 season, when he made 25 League starts for Everton and finally became a regular first team player. Following the appointment of new manager David Moyes
however, Simonsen rarely got a chance to play for Everton again, making only three league starts during his last two seasons. Simonsen later rejected a one-year contract extension and was thus released by the club in May 2004.
season and was rewarded with a new three-year contract until July 2008.
In the 2006–07 season, Simonsen became the record holder for most consecutive clean sheets at Stoke City - seven - a feat he also achieved at Tranmere. The clean sheets consisted of four home matches and three away matches.
Simonsen signed a new contract with Stoke on 31 July 2007, to keep him at the club until June 2010. He went on to play an important part in Stoke's promotion to the Premier League, although lost his place in the side towards the end of the campaign, when Carlo Nash
was brought in on an emergency loan from Wigan Athletic
. Thomas Sørensen
was then signed at the start of the 2008–09
season and so Simonsen played second fiddle to the Danish international throughout the year, playing only when Sørensen was injured, which amounted to just five appearances. The 2009–10 season started in the same manner for Simonsen until an injury to Sørensen at home to Chelsea
mean that Simonsen made his first appearance of the season.
With their first choice keeper Paddy Kenny
suspended and previous loanee goalkeeper Mark Bunn
being recalled to Blackburn Rovers
, Simonsen signed a one-month loan deal with Sheffield United
in March 2010. He made his début the following day against Doncaster Rovers
, conceding an early goal for the game to end 1–1. Simonsen made seven starts for the Blades before returning to Stoke at the end of his loan period.
With his contract expiring Simonsen left Stoke in July of that year on a free transfer after spending six years at City making almost 200 appearances in total.
in July 2010. He was virtually ever present in his first full season at the club but the team suffered a torrid time as they went through four managers and were eventually relegated to League One.
, winning 4 caps.
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...
as a goalkeeper. Born in South Shields
South Shields
South Shields is a coastal town in Tyne and Wear, England, located at the mouth of the River Tyne to Tyne Dock, and about downstream from Newcastle upon Tyne...
, Tyne and Wear
Tyne and Wear
Tyne and Wear is a metropolitan county in north east England around the mouths of the Rivers Tyne and Wear. It came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972...
he started his senior career at Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
before spells with Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
and Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
. Whilst at Tranmere he won four caps for the England U21
England national under-21 football team
England's national Under-21 football team, also known as England Under-21s or England U21, is considered to be the feeder team for the England national football team....
's.
Early Days
Simonsen grew up a supporter of SunderlandSunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
but was spotted by 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...
at the age of 15 whilst playing in his native South Shields
South Shields
South Shields is a coastal town in Tyne and Wear, England, located at the mouth of the River Tyne to Tyne Dock, and about downstream from Newcastle upon Tyne...
. After a spell in Nottinghamshire however he was released in the summer of 1996.
Tranmere Rovers
After being released by Nottingham Forest, Simonsen started his career at Tranmere RoversTranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
in August 1996 as a trainee. By November 1996 he had already made his League début for the club against one of the clubs he would later sign for, Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
. After just 42 league and cup appearances for their first team, he was bought by Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
for a record breaking £3.3 million in September 1998 (both clubs were under control of Peter Johnson at the time). At this point Simonsen was considered one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the country.
Everton
Simonsen struggled to make it into the Everton first team on a regular basis however and in his five seasons at Everton, he was in the starting line-up just 35 times with another two substitute appearances. His Everton début did not come until the 1999–00 season, a League CupFootball 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...
tie against 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...
, but only featured again in the Everton side during that campign. In July 2001 Simonsen was also rumoured to be involved in a transfer to Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
, however the deal fell through.
Simonsen did not get a chance to prove himself again until the 2001–02 season, when he made 25 League starts for Everton and finally became a regular first team player. Following the appointment of new manager David Moyes
David Moyes
David William Moyes is an association football manager and former player, currently managing English Premier League club Everton. He was the 2003, 2005 and 2009 League Managers Association Manager of the Year...
however, Simonsen rarely got a chance to play for Everton again, making only three league starts during his last two seasons. Simonsen later rejected a one-year contract extension and was thus released by the club in May 2004.
Stoke City
Simonsen signed for Stoke City in July 2004 on a free transfer and was the club's ever present first choice goalkeeper, makin over 150 league appearances for the Potters. Simonsen was named as Stoke City player's player of the season in 2004–052004-05 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...
season and was rewarded with a new three-year contract until July 2008.
In the 2006–07 season, Simonsen became the record holder for most consecutive clean sheets at Stoke City - seven - a feat he also achieved at Tranmere. The clean sheets consisted of four home matches and three away matches.
Simonsen signed a new contract with Stoke on 31 July 2007, to keep him at the club until June 2010. He went on to play an important part in Stoke's promotion to the Premier League, although lost his place in the side towards the end of the campaign, when Carlo Nash
Carlo Nash
Carlo James Nash is an English footballer who plays for Stoke City as a goalkeeper.Nash started his career at non-League Rossendale United and Clitheroe before being signed by Crystal Palace and then moved back north to Stockport County...
was brought in on an emergency loan from Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
. Thomas Sørensen
Thomas Sørensen
Thomas Løvendahl Sørensen is a Danish professional football goalkeeper, who plays for Premier League club Stoke City. He has previously represented Premiership teams Sunderland and Aston Villa....
was then signed at the start of the 2008–09
2008–09 in English football
The 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while...
season and so Simonsen played second fiddle to the Danish international throughout the year, playing only when Sørensen was injured, which amounted to just five appearances. The 2009–10 season started in the same manner for Simonsen until an injury to Sørensen at home to 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...
mean that Simonsen made his first appearance of the season.
With their first choice keeper Paddy Kenny
Paddy Kenny
Patrick Joseph "Paddy" Kenny is a footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Queens Park Rangers in the Barclays Premier League.-Early career:...
suspended and previous loanee goalkeeper Mark Bunn
Mark Bunn (footballer)
Mark John Bunn is an English footballer who plays for Blackburn Rovers as a goalkeeper in the Premier League.-Northampton Town:...
being recalled to Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
, Simonsen signed a one-month loan deal with 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...
in March 2010. He made his début the following day against 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...
, conceding an early goal for the game to end 1–1. Simonsen made seven starts for the Blades before returning to Stoke at the end of his loan period.
With his contract expiring Simonsen left Stoke in July of that year on a free transfer after spending six years at City making almost 200 appearances in total.
Sheffield United
Released from his contract at the Potteries, Simonsen returned to Bramall Lane and signed a two-year contract with Sheffield UnitedSheffield 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...
in July 2010. He was virtually ever present in his first full season at the club but the team suffered a torrid time as they went through four managers and were eventually relegated to League One.
International career
Simonsen has appeared for the England Under 21sEngland national under-21 football team
England's national Under-21 football team, also known as England Under-21s or England U21, is considered to be the feeder team for the England national football team....
, winning 4 caps.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Tranmere Rovers Tranmere Rovers F.C. Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system... |
1997–98 | 30 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 0 |
| 1998–99 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 0 | |
| Total | 35 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 42 | 0 | |
| Everton Everton F.C. Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football... |
1999–00 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2000–01 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2001–02 | 25 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 | |
| 2002–03 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2003–04 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 30 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 0 | |
| Stoke City Stoke City F.C. Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts... |
2004–05 | 31 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |33 | 0 |
| 2005–06 | 45 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 50 | 0 | |
| 2006–07 | 46 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 49 | 0 | |
| 2007–08 | 36 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 0 | |
| 2008–09 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2009–10 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | |
| Total | 166 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 187 | 0 | |
| 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... |
2009–10 2009–10 Football League The Football League 2009–10, called the Coca-Cola Football League for sponsorship reasons, was the 110th completed season of the Football League. It began in August 2009 and concluded in May 2010, with the promotion play-off finals. The Football League is contested through three Divisions. The... |
7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| 2010–11 2010–11 Football League The Football League 2010–11, called the Npower Football League, was the 111th completed season of the Football League. It began in August 2010 and concluded in May 2011, with the promotion play-off finals.... |
45 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 47 | 0 | |
| 2011–12 2011–12 Football League The Football League 2011–12, called the Npower Football League, is the 112th season of the Football League. It began in August 2011 and will conclude in May 2012, with the promotion play-off finals.... |
14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 0 | |
| Total | 66 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 70 | 0 | |
| Career total | 297 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 336 | 0 | |
External links
- Profile at sufc.co.uk
- Steve Simonsen player profile at stokecityfc.com