Tony Capaldi
Encyclopedia
Anthony Charles "Tony" Capaldi (born 12 August 1981 in Porsgrunn
, Telemark
) is a Norwegian
-born Northern Ireland
international footballer, who plays as a defender
for Oxford United
. He is also a long-throw
specialist.
, where he came through the youth ranks as a trainee. During his time at Birmingham he spent time on loan at Hereford United
before signing for Plymouth Argyle
near the end of the 2001–02 season
without making a first-team appearance for Birmingham.
Capaldi was forced to sit out for much of the first part of the 2004–05 season
after breaking a leg during a game, but in December 2004 he signed a two-year extension to his contract, extending his career with Plymouth until June 2007.
, joining on a Bosman
free transfer. Capaldi began the season as first-choice left back but after struggling to perform consistently found himself dropped from the side, being replaced by Chris Gunter
. Following the sale of Gunter on 1 January, he returned to the first-team squad and began to settle more comfortably into the side, including playing in all six of the club's matches on their run to the FA Cup Final
.
The start of the 2008–09 season saw Capaldi sidelined due to a knee problem. After sitting out the first fortnight of the season, he returned to first-team action on 26 August in a 2–1 Carling Cup
victory over Milton Keynes Dons
, only for him to suffer a recurrence of the problem. Capaldi spent over three months on the sidelines with the injury and, after being named on the bench for several games, he made his return as a substitute for Chris Burke
during a 0–0 draw with Arsenal
in the fourth round of the FA Cup on 25 January. The injury meant that he featured in just 5 matches for the club throughout the season. On 18 August 2009, Capaldi was sent off for a second bookable offence away to his old club Plymouth Argyle. Cardiff won the match 3–1 with Michael Chopra scoring a hat-trick. Capaldi returned to the side in a 3–2 loss to South Wales rivals Swansea City
, playing on the left of midfield in place of the injured Peter Whittingham. However, due to a lack of appearances, Capaldi stated that he might need to look elsewhere for first-team football.
leaders Leeds United
on loan until 4 January 2010, with a view to a permanent deal, and was given permission to play for Leeds in the FA Cup. Having been recommended a move to Leeds by the club's assistant manager Glynn Snodin
and Cardiff team-mate Warren Feeney
, he made his debut in a 1–1 draw against Kettering Town
in the second round of the FA Cup
, before making his league debut against Oldham Athletic
. After playing against Huddersfield Town
, Capaldi re-iterated his desire to join Leeds permanently in January.
Capaldi was dropped for the following game against Kettering Town
, being replaced by Aidy White
, but White suffered an injury during the game and Capaldi came on to replace him. With White still out injured in the next game Capaldi came back into the starting lineup for a 0–0 draw with Brentford. However, with the return of Andy Hughes
from injury, Capaldi was dropped from the squad for four consecutive games before being an unused substitute for the final game of his loan spell, a 1–0 win over Manchester United
in the FA Cup
.
, Crystal Palace
and Heart of Midlothian
, before signing a short-term deal with Morecambe
on 16 September 2010, reuniting him with former Northern Ireland
manager Sammy McIlroy
. Capaldi had a trial with Scottish Premier League
side Aberdeen
in early 2011 and featured in two friendly matches.
In March 2011 a series of 'Tweets
' became public. The derogatory comments contained, such as referring to Morecambe as a "pub team" caused a great deal of anger among Morecambe fans, much of it expressed on the fan's forum Shrimps Voices. Capaldi subsequently issued a brief apology via Twitter although the account was later deleted. Capaldi was not named in the squad for the next Morecambe game on 26 March.
from Morecambe on a 2-year deal.
at the senior level, making his debut in March 2004 in a 1–0 victory over Estonia
as well as playing in their famous 1–0 victory over England in September 2005. Capaldi broke the record for international appearances made by a Plymouth Argyle
player when he was awarded his 21st cap in a friendly against Wales
. In doing so, he beat the 80-year old record of Welshman Moses Russell
.
Football League Trophy
Porsgrunn
is a town and municipality in Telemark county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Grenland. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Porsgrunn....
, Telemark
Telemark
is a county in Norway, bordering Vestfold, Buskerud, Hordaland, Rogaland and Aust-Agder. The county administration is in Skien. Until 1919 the county was known as Bratsberg amt.-Location:...
) is a Norwegian
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
-born Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
international footballer, who plays as a defender
Defender (association football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
for 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...
. He is also a long-throw
Throw-in
A throw-in is a method of restarting play in a game of Association football.-Procedure:The throw-in is taken from the point where the ball crossed the touch-line. The throw-in is taken by the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when it crossed the touch-line, either on the ground or...
specialist.
Club career
Capaldi began his career at Birmingham CityBirmingham 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...
, where he came through the youth ranks as a trainee. During his time at Birmingham he spent time on loan at Hereford United
Hereford United F.C.
Hereford United Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Hereford. Founded in 1924, they are competing in Football League Two in the 2011–12 season. Hereford have played at Edgar Street for their entire history and are nicknamed 'The Whites' or 'The Lilywhites',...
before signing for 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...
near the end of the 2001–02 season
Plymouth Argyle F.C. season 2001-02
The 2001–02 season was the 107th season in the history of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, their 77th in the Football League, and 5th in the fourth tier of the English football league system...
without making a first-team appearance for Birmingham.
Capaldi was forced to sit out for much of the first part of the 2004–05 season
Plymouth Argyle F.C. season 2004-05
Summary of Plymouth Argyle for the 2004/05 season:-Notable events:*10 August 2004: Plymouth Argyle defeat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0, to go 2nd in the Championship.*13 August 2004: Argyle move into first place....
after breaking a leg during a game, but in December 2004 he signed a two-year extension to his contract, extending his career with Plymouth until June 2007.
Cardiff City
Capaldi rejected a new contract with Plymouth and on 25 May 2007 he signed a three-year contract with Cardiff CityCardiff 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...
, joining on a Bosman
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...
free transfer. Capaldi began the season as first-choice left back but after struggling to perform consistently found himself dropped from the side, being replaced by Chris Gunter
Chris Gunter
Christopher Ross "Chris" Gunter is a Welsh footballer who plays for Nottingham Forest, and the Wales national team, as a defender. Though a Newport native, he moved to Cardiff as a child and later joined Cardiff City's youth system...
. Following the sale of Gunter on 1 January, he returned to the first-team squad and began to settle more comfortably into the side, including playing in all six of the club's matches on their run to the FA Cup Final
2008 FA Cup Final
The 2008 FA Cup Final was a football match held at Wembley Stadium on 17 May 2008 and was the final match of the 2007–08 FA Cup competition. The match was the 127th FA Cup Final, and the second to be held at the new Wembley Stadium since its redevelopment. The match was contested by Portsmouth and...
.
The start of the 2008–09 season saw Capaldi sidelined due to a knee problem. After sitting out the first fortnight of the season, he returned to first-team action on 26 August in a 2–1 Carling 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...
victory over Milton Keynes Dons
Milton Keynes Dons F.C.
.Milton Keynes Dons Football Club is an English professional football club founded in 2004 and based since 2007 at Stadium mk, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire...
, only for him to suffer a recurrence of the problem. Capaldi spent over three months on the sidelines with the injury and, after being named on the bench for several games, he made his return as a substitute for Chris Burke
Chris Burke (footballer)
Christopher Robert "Chris" Burke is a Scottish footballer who plays for Birmingham City.Burke began his career with Scottish Premier League club Rangers, playing in almost 100 league games, but without establishing himself as a regular first team player. He then played more than 100 matches over...
during a 0–0 draw with 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 fourth round of the FA Cup on 25 January. The injury meant that he featured in just 5 matches for the club throughout the season. On 18 August 2009, Capaldi was sent off for a second bookable offence away to his old club Plymouth Argyle. Cardiff won the match 3–1 with Michael Chopra scoring a hat-trick. Capaldi returned to the side in a 3–2 loss to South Wales rivals Swansea City
Swansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
, playing on the left of midfield in place of the injured Peter Whittingham. However, due to a lack of appearances, Capaldi stated that he might need to look elsewhere for first-team football.
Loan to Leeds United
On 26 November 2009, Capaldi joined Football 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....
leaders Leeds United
Leeds 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 loan until 4 January 2010, with a view to a permanent deal, and was given permission to play for Leeds in the FA Cup. Having been recommended a move to Leeds by the club's assistant manager Glynn Snodin
Glynn Snodin
Glynn Snodin is a former professional footballer who was recently an assistant manager at Leeds United...
and Cardiff team-mate Warren Feeney
Warren Feeney
Warren Feeney is a Northern Irish footballer who plays for Plymouth Argyle as a forward. He is the third generation of his family to have been capped at international level by Northern Ireland, after his father Warren and his grandfather Jim.-Early career:Feeney, who comes from a particularly...
, he made his debut in a 1–1 draw against Kettering Town
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...
in the second round of 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...
, before making his league debut against 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...
. After playing against Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town F.C.
Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One...
, Capaldi re-iterated his desire to join Leeds permanently in January.
Capaldi was dropped for the following game against Kettering Town
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...
, being replaced by Aidy White
Aidan White (footballer)
Aidan 'Aidy' Peter White is an English-born Irish footballer who plays for Leeds United. He made his debut for the club aged 16...
, but White suffered an injury during the game and Capaldi came on to replace him. With White still out injured in the next game Capaldi came back into the starting lineup for a 0–0 draw with Brentford. However, with the return of Andy Hughes
Andrew Hughes (footballer)
Andrew John Hughes is an English footballer, currently playing for Charlton Athletic in League One of the English Football League. Known for his versatility, his main position is as a central midfielder, but he has also played regularly at fullback during his career...
from injury, Capaldi was dropped from the squad for four consecutive games before being an unused substitute for the final game of his loan spell, a 1–0 win over 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...
in 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...
.
Return to Cardiff City
Capaldi returned to Cardiff on 5 January 2010 after Leeds decided against extending his loan spell. He made nine appearances during the final five months of the season before being released at the end of the year.Morecambe
Following his release, Capaldi spent time on trial with Plymouth ArgylePlymouth 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...
, Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
and Heart of Midlothian
Heart of Midlothian F.C.
Heart of Midlothian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Gorgie, in the west of Edinburgh. They currently play in the Scottish Premier League and are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian...
, before signing a short-term deal with Morecambe
Morecambe F.C.
Morecambe Football Club is an English football club based in Morecambe, Lancashire. It plays its football in League Two, the fourth division of English football, having been promoted in 2007 for the first time in their history to the Football League. They played their home matches at Christie Park...
on 16 September 2010, reuniting him with former 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...
manager Sammy McIlroy
Sammy McIlroy
Samuel Baxter "Sammy" McIlroy is a former Northern Ireland international footballer whose clubs included Manchester United....
. Capaldi had a trial with Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
side Aberdeen
Aberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
in early 2011 and featured in two friendly matches.
In March 2011 a series of 'Tweets
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
' became public. The derogatory comments contained, such as referring to Morecambe as a "pub team" caused a great deal of anger among Morecambe fans, much of it expressed on the fan's forum Shrimps Voices. Capaldi subsequently issued a brief apology via Twitter although the account was later deleted. Capaldi was not named in the squad for the next Morecambe game on 26 March.
Oxford United
In June 2011, Capaldi joined Oxford UnitedOxford 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...
from Morecambe on a 2-year deal.
International career
Capaldi has represented Northern IrelandNorthern 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...
at the senior level, making his debut in March 2004 in a 1–0 victory over Estonia
Estonia national football team
The Estonia national football team represents Estonia in international association football. Team members are selected by the head coach of Estonian Football Association . Estonia play their home matches at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn, Estonia....
as well as playing in their famous 1–0 victory over England in September 2005. Capaldi broke the record for international appearances made by a 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...
player when he was awarded his 21st cap in a friendly against Wales
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
. In doing so, he beat the 80-year old record of Welshman Moses Russell
Moses Russell
Moses Richard Russell was a Welsh international footballer, who played most of his career with Plymouth Argyle. A full back, he attained 23 caps for the Wales national football team.-Early career:...
.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | |||||
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| → Hereford United Hereford United F.C. Hereford United Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Hereford. Founded in 1924, they are competing in Football League Two in the 2011–12 season. Hereford have played at Edgar Street for their entire history and are nicknamed 'The Whites' or 'The Lilywhites',... (loan) |
2001–02 | 12 | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | 14 | — |
| Total | 12 | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | 14 | — | |
| 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... |
2002–03 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — |
| 2003–04 | 33 | 7 | — | — | 1 | — | 2 | — | 36 | 7 | |
| 2004–05 | 35 | 2 | 1 | — | 1 | — | |— | — | 37 | 2 | |
| 2005–06 | 41 | 3 | 1 | — | 1 | — | — | — | 43 | 3 | |
| 2006–07 | 31 | — | 4 | — | 1 | — | — | — | 36 | — | |
| Total | 141 | 12 | 6 | — | 4 | — | 2 | — | 153 | 12 | |
| 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... |
2007–08 | 44 | — | 6 | — | 4 | — | — | — | 54 | — |
| 2008–09 | 4 | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | 6 | — | |
| 2009–10 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | |
| → Leeds United (loan) | 2009–10 2009–10 in English football The 2009–10 season was the 130th season of competitive football in England.The season began on 8 August 2009 for the Championship, League One and League Two and 15 August 2009 for the Premier League... |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Morecambe Morecambe F.C. Morecambe Football Club is an English football club based in Morecambe, Lancashire. It plays its football in League Two, the fourth division of English football, having been promoted in 2007 for the first time in their history to the Football League. They played their home matches at Christie Park... |
2010–11 2010–11 in English football The 2010–11 season was the 131st season of competitive football in England.The season began on 6 August 2010 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier League and Football Conference both starting eight days later on 14 August 2010. The Championship, League One, and League Two ended on 7 May... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career Total | 213 | 12 | 15 | — | 13 | — | — | — | 243 | 12 | |
Football League Trophy
External links
- Tony Capaldi profile at cardiffcityfc.co.uk
- Plymouth Argyle career details
- Northern Ireland career details