David Norris (footballer)

David Norris
Personal information
Full name David Martin Norris[1]
Date of birth (1981-02-22) 22 February 1981
Place of birth Stamford, England[2]
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[3]
Playing position Midfielder
Club information
Current team
Leatherhead
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
0000–1999 Stamford
1999–2000 Boston United 26 (10)
2000–2002 Bolton Wanderers 0 (0)
2000–2001Boston United (loan) 5 (4)
2002Hull City (loan) 6 (1)
2002Plymouth Argyle (loan) 7 (1)
2002–2008 Plymouth Argyle 219 (26)
2008–2011 Ipswich Town 106 (13)
2011–2012 Portsmouth 40 (8)
2012–2015 Leeds United 30 (3)
2015 Peterborough United 8 (0)
2015 Yeovil Town 1 (0)
2015–2016 Blackpool 36 (1)
2016– Leatherhead

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 08:58, 20 April 2016 (UTC).


David Martin Norris (born 22 February 1981) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Leatherhead. Born in Stamford, he has played in the Football League for Hull City, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town, Portsmouth and Leeds United. Norris has made more than 400 Football League appearances.

Club career

Early years

Having started his career at Southern League Midland Division club Stamford, Norris joined Boston United in 1999,[4] who were playing one league higher at the time.[5] He scored ten goals in 26 league appearances in his first season and one more in five cup matches.[4] Boston won promotion to the Football Conference that season as Southern League Premier Division champions.[6] Norris was transferred to Premier League club Bolton Wanderers for a fee in excess of £50,000 in January 2000, which was a record transfer fee received by Boston at the time.[4] He returned to Boston on loan in December and scored four goals in five league appearances.[4] In March 2002, Norris joined Football League Third Division club Hull City on loan, where he played in six matches and scored once. In two-and-a-half years with Bolton, he made one appearance in the FA Cup and four in the League Cup.

Plymouth Argyle

Norris initially joined Football League Second Division club Plymouth Argyle on loan for a month in October 2002.[7] He scored the decisive goal on his debut in a 1–0 win at Crewe Alexandra,[8] and made seven league appearances before joining the club permanently for an undisclosed fee in December.[9][10] Argyle won promotion to the Football League Championship as Second Division champions in 2004 with Norris scoring five goals in 45 league appearances that season.[9] He won the club's Player of the Year award in 2006 and, after more than five years at the club, Norris had made 243 appearances in all competitions, scoring 28 goals.[9]

Ipswich Town

In the January 2008 transfer window Ipswich Town had two bids rejected by the Plymouth board despite Norris handing in a transfer request. Ipswich lodged one final, increased bid which was finally accepted after brokering a deal with Bolton that would allow Plymouth to receive more than the 50% Norris' clause initially gave them. Norris finally signed for Ipswich Town on 31 January 2008 for an undisclosed fee, signing a contract until 2011. He scored his first goal for the club in the 1–1 draw with Southampton away from home.

In November 2008, Norris was heavily criticised for a controversial goal celebration against Blackpool, interpreted as a show of support for jailed friend and former Plymouth goalkeeper Luke McCormick.[11] McCormick was returning from Norris' wedding in June 2008 when he fell asleep at the wheel due to the effects of alcohol and caused the deaths of two young boys.[12] He was sentenced to seven years and four months prison time in October of that year.[13]

The family of the bereaved took offence at Norris' gesture and he was subsequently fined and warned by Ipswich.[14] He was once again caught out when he told the Ipswich website[15] he had not intended the celebration as a show of support to Luke McCormick and the statement was later changed by the club, adding further to the controversy. The statement now reads that the celebration was in fact a message to Luke McCormick. Later that week it was revealed that Norris was fined £25000 by Ipswich and would make a face-to-face apology to Phil and Amanda Peak (the parents of the two boys).[16]

Eventually, In August 2010, Norris became the Ipswich Town captain.[17] Norris was handed the captain's armband by Manager Roy Keane after the departure of the then captain Jonathan Walters to Stoke City.[18] In the summer of 2011 Norris turned down a new contract extension at Ipswich Town, with the club only prepared to offer him a two-year extension, a year short of the midfielders demands, with rival Championship club Leeds United heavily linked with signing him on a free transfer.[19]

Portsmouth

On 15 June 2011, Norris signed for Portsmouth on a free transfer after turning down a new two-year deal with Ipswich.[20] On 6 August, in his debut league appearance for Portsmouth, he scored against Middlesbrough in a game which ended 2–2.[21] He scored his second goal for Portsmouth in a match away at West Ham United, which ended 4–3 to the home team. At first it was believed that Benjani Mwaruwari had scored the goal, but replays later showed that Norris had already put the ball over the line when Benjani headed in the rebound.[22]

His first goal at Fratton Park came in a 2–0 home victory against Barnsley. With the match goalless, Karim Rekik headed the ball down to Norris, who controlled and then volleyed it into the net from the edge of the penalty area.[23] On 7 April 2012, Norris scored a spectacular equalising goal against arch-rivals Southampton in the 93rd minute to secure Portsmouth a point.

Leeds United

In July 2012, Norris agreed the deal to join Leeds United from Portsmouth, to join his former teammates Jason Pearce, Luke Varney and Jamie Ashdown.[24] Norris was allocated the number 19 shirt for the 2012–13 season on 3 August.[25]

Norris made his competitive début for Leeds in the first game of the season against Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup on 11 August. Norris was also named the Leeds United captain for the match and also scored his first goal in the same game.[26] Norris made his league début for Leeds in their 1–0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.[27] On 7 September, Norris was ruled out for a month after picking up a thigh injury,[28] as a result of the injury, Leeds signed Michael Tonge on loan to help cover his absence.[29] Norris made his first start since returning from injury against Charlton Athletic on 23 October, in the same game Norris scored his second goal of the season which was his first league goal for Leeds.[30] Norris scored his third goal of the season for Leeds against Huddersfield Town to help earn Leeds a 4–2 victory on 1 December.[31]

Norris missed the final three games of the season under new manager Brian McDermott due to a knee injury that required surgery,[32] and on 15 August 2013, with Leeds needing to raise finances to help fund signings, he was made available for transfer alongside teammates El Hadji Diouf and Adam Drury.[33]

Norris was out of favour throughout the 2013–2014 season under McDermott, making only one appearance in the League Cup.[34] He featured in the development squad,[35] but was also hampered by another knee injury that kept him out over the winter period.[36][37][38]

Norris made his first appearance for Leeds in over a year in the last game of Head Coach Dave Hockaday against Bradford City in the League Cup, providing an assist for striker Matt Smith who opened the scoring in a 2–1 defeat on 27 August 2014.[39]

He was finally released by Leeds United on 2 February 2015, when his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.[40]

Peterborough United

Norris joined League One side Peterborough United on a short term contract on 13 February 2015, until the end of the 2014–15 season. He was aollocated the number 23 shirt for the club.

Yeovil Town

On 21 August 2015, Norris signed for League Two side Yeovil Town on non-contract terms, linking up with his former Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock.[41] He made his only appearance in the 2–0 defeat against Oxford United, on 29 August 2015, and left the club on 1 September 2015.[42]

Blackpool

Norris joined Blackpool on 3 September 2015, on a contract until the end of the season.[43]

Leatherhead

In September 2016 he signed for non-league Leatherhead.[44]

International career

Norris qualifies to play for the Republic of Ireland, through his mother, who has family in Kildare. Though he has never been selected to play for them, he was contacted by Steve Staunton (Ireland's former manager) about playing.[45]

Career statistics

As of match played on 3 May 2014.
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other 1 Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Boston United
1999–2000 178100000188
2000–01 5400000054
Total22121000002312
Bolton Wanderers
2000–01 0000200020
2001–02 0010200030
Total0010400050
Hull City
2001–02 6100000061
Total6100000061
Plymouth Argyle
2002–03 336300000366
2003–04 455101010485
2004–05 353000000353
2005–06 452101000472
2006–07 416511000477
2007–08 275102000305
Total22627111501024328
Ipswich Town
2007–08 9100000091
2008–09 373202000413
2009–10 241100000251
2010–11 3681063004311
Total1061340830011816
Portsmouth
2011–12 408101000428
Total408101000428
Leeds United
2012–13 303202100344
2013–14 0000100010
Total303203100354
Career total 430642012141047269

^1 Football League Trophy

Honours

Club

Boston United
Plymouth Argyle

Individual

References

  1. David Norris profile at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)
  2. Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 (43rd ed.). London: Headline. p. 515. ISBN 978-0-7553-6356-8.
  3. Hugman, Barry (2007). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2007–08. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 301. ISBN 978-1-84596-246-3.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Boston United Roll Call". The Boston United Archive. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  5. Williams, Mike; Wright, Tony, eds. (2005). Non League Club Directory 2006. Tony Williams Publications. p. 1013. ISBN 978-1-869833-54-1.
  6. Abbink, Dinant (24 July 2005). "England – Southern League Final Tables". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 10 December 2010. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  7. "Argyle secure Norris deal". BBC Sport. BBC Sport. 10 October 2002. Archived from the original on 20 December 2002. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  8. "Crewe 0–1 Plymouth". BBC Sport. BBC. 19 October 2002. Archived from the original on 27 October 2002. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  9. 1 2 3 "David Norris". Greens on Screen. Archived from the original on 21 March 2014. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  10. "Argyle close in on Norris". BBC Sport. BBC. 9 December 2002. Archived from the original on 21 March 2002. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  11. Gregg Roughley (10 November 2008). "Guardian: Family of killed boys 'disgusted' by Norris goal celebration". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 13 November 2008. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
  12. McGee, Simon (8 June 2008). "Drink-drive quiz for soccer star in motorway crash that killed two brothers aged eight and ten". Mail Online. London: Daily Mail. Archived from the original on 8 June 2008. Retrieved 8 June 2008.
  13. "Footballer killed boys in crash". BBC News. 6 October 2008. Archived from the original on 9 October 2008. Retrieved 6 October 2008.
  14. "Club fines 'handcuff' footballer". BBC News. 10 November 2008. Archived from the original on 21 March 2014. Retrieved 2 January 2010.
  15. http://www.clubfanzine.com/ipswich_town/v2.showNews.php?id=15806. Retrieved 11 November 2008. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  16. "Portsmouth agree deal for David Norris". BBC Sport. 15 June 2011. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010.
  17. "David Norris calm over Ipswich Town contract". BBC Sport. 15 October 2010. Archived from the original on 18 October 2010.
  18. "Leeds United: Whites chase Ipswich Town skipper". Yorkshire Evening Post. Archived from the original on 19 May 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  19. "Portsmouth agree deal for Norris". BBC Sport. 15 June 2011. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010.
  20. "Middlesbrough 2–2 Portsmouth". BBC Sport. 6 August 2011.
  21. Neil Weld. "Westham4-Pompey 3". Boleyn Ground: Portsmouth official site. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012.
  22. "Pompey 2 Barnsley 0". Portsmouth official site. Archived from the original on 17 October 2011.
  23. "Portsmouth midfielder David Norris agrees Leeds United move". Archived from the original on 26 July 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
  24. "New squad numbers announced". Leeds United F.C. 3 August 2012. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  25. "Shrewsbury Live". Leeds United F.C. 11 August 2012. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  26. "Becchio goal secures win against Wolves...". Leeds United F.C. 18 August 2012. Archived from the original on 21 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  27. "Norris Injury Blow". Leeds United F.C. 7 September 2012. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
  28. "Midlefielder signs up in loan deal". Leeds United F.C. 13 September 2012. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
  29. "United Charlton". Leeds United F.C. 23 October 2012. Archived from the original on 21 July 2010. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  30. "United dispose of Huddersfield". Leeds United F.C. 1 December 2012. Archived from the original on 4 December 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  31. "Leeds United work ethic pleases Brian McDermott". BBC Sport. 17 April 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  32. "Diouf made available for transfer by Leeds United". Yorkshire Evening Post. 15 August 2013. Archived from the original on 21 March 2014.
  33. David Norris, Soccerbase, retrieved 19 July 2014
  34. "Sam's in for Blues Trip". Leeds United. 16 September 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  35. "Blackburn: team named". Leeds United. 29 November 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  36. "Mowatt back for Rovers?". Leeds United. 31 December 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  37. "Huddersfield: team news". Leeds United. 31 January 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  38. "UNITED EDGED OUT AT BRADFORD". Sky Sports. 27 August 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
  39. "Leeds United: Norris leaves Whites by mutual consent". Yorkshire Evening Post. 2 February 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
  40. "David Norris: Yeovil Town sign former Plymouth and Leeds player". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 21 August 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  41. "David Norris departs Huish Park". Yeovil Town F.C. 1 September 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  42. "David Norris: Former Yeovil midfielder joins Blackpool". BBC Sport. 3 September 2015. Retrieved 3 September 2015.
  43. http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/latest-transfer-news/former-hull-city-midfielder-joins-the-tanners.html
  44. "Norris Not Picked for Ireland". Plymouth Argyle F.C. Archived from the original on 19 August 2007. Retrieved 17 December 2007.
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