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Andy Morrell
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Andrew Jonathan Morrell (born 28 September 1974) is an English former professional footballer. A striker, Morrell played 359 games in the Football League for Wrexham, Coventry City, Blackpool and Bury, scoring 96 goals.
Key Information
Initially handed the manager's role on an interim basis at Wrexham, after Dean Saunders left to manage Doncaster Rovers, Morrell was given the job until the end of the season after a run of seven wins in nine games, he continued his playing career serving as a player-manager, leaving the position in February 2014 after two and a half years as manager[2] with a win record at over 52%.[3]
Morrell has also served as assistant manager at Shrewsbury Town.
Career
[edit]Newcastle Blue Star
[edit]Born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire,[1] and brought up in Market Bosworth, and attending Twycross House School,[4] he played for the Leicestershire County Cricket Club from under-15 to under-19 level. He started his football career as a youth team player at Nuneaton Borough, before deciding to make the move north to Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne to study Sports science.[4] It was then that he started playing for Newcastle Blue Star making 31 appearances scoring 25 times in his season.
Wrexham
[edit]Morrell's first big break came when he started talking to Sky Sports presenter Rob McCaffrey, who was helping to write the autobiography of Joey Jones, Wrexham's first-team coach at the time. McCaffrey arranged for Morrell to have a trial at the club. After a week's trial he was kept on at Wrexham and was coached by their striking coach Ian Rush, from whom he learnt a great deal. With his new strike partner Lee Trundle he scored 34 league goals in 45 games in the 2002–03 season, making him top scorer in all four divisions that year, having only scored two goals the entire previous season.
Coventry City
[edit]After a very impressive spell with Wrexham, Morrell caught the eye of Coventry City manager Gary McAllister, who signed him on a free transfer in the summer of 2003. Morrell scored nine goals in 19 starts in his first season with Coventry; however, this decreased to six goals the following season following a transition to a wide midfield position. McAllister's replacement, Micky Adams, told Morrell he would be a squad player. Morrell challenged himself to make the first team, working hard in pre-season to make himself as fit as possible. Morrell was not named in the matchday squads for the first three games of the 2006–07 season.[5]
Blackpool
[edit]Blackpool manager Simon Grayson contacted Micky Adams about Morrell's availability, and the striker was allowed to discuss a possible move.[5] Morrell signed for Blackpool on a free transfer on 15 August 2006. He initially struggled to hold a place in the team, but on 16 September he scored his first goal for the club,[6] a last-minute equaliser in a 2–2 draw at home to Oldham Athletic which began a run of consistent appearances.[5]
On 5 May 2007, he scored four goals in Blackpool's 6–3 victory at Swansea City.[7] He also scored against Oldham Athletic in the second leg of the play-off semi-final, which put his league goals in his nine months with Blackpool at 17, which was the total he scored in three years with Coventry. He finished the 2006–07 season as Blackpool's top scorer with 20 goals in all competitions.
Bury
[edit]On 7 May 2008, Morrell was offered a new contract by Blackpool,[8] but with the form of Ben Burgess and Paul Dickov, Morrell declined the offer.[5] He joined Bury on 9 August, signing a two-year contract with the League Two club.[9] In his two seasons at Gigg Lane, Morrell made 78 appearances and scored 18 goals.
Return to Wrexham and start of managerial career
[edit]
After his two seasons with Bury, Morrell left the club and on 28 June 2010, and signed a two-year contract with his former club Wrexham.[10] Morrell scored the winning goal on his debut, a 1–0 win over Cambridge United in the first game of the season. Morrell took a major part in Wrexham's first team and played in the Conference Play-off semi-finals of the 2010–11 season but lost to rivals Luton Town.
On 23 September 2011, Morrell took over as caretaker player-manager at Wrexham, following the departure of Dean Saunders to Donaster Rovers.[11][12] After leading Wrexham to seven wins in nine games, he was appointed player-manager on a permanent basis on a contract until the end of the 2011–12 season on 29 October.[13] During his first season as Wrexham manager he led the reds to an FA Cup 3rd round match against Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion, with Wrexham taking the Albion to a replay in front of a packed Racecourse Ground. Wrexham lost the game on penalties 5–4 with Brighton keeper Peter Brezovan saving the first penalty taken by Wrexham captain Dean Keates.[14] Also Morrell guided Wrexham to the Play-offs after narrowly missing out on automatic promotion to Fleetwood Town even after gaining 98 points in the season. Morrell's side lost in the semi-final for the second year running once again to Luton Town who went on to lose to York City in the final.
In April 2012, Morrell signed a new two-year deal with Wrexham, one year as a player then an additional year as manager, working alongside assistant and goalkeeper coach Michael Oakes and Assistant Billy Barr.[15] In 2013 Morrell led his Wrexham team to Wembley on two occasions. The first against Grimsby Town, in the FA Trophy Final. Wrexham won the game on penalties after it finished 1–1 after extra time.[16] The second occasion was for the Conference Play Off Final.[17] Wrexham had beaten Kidderminster harriers 5–2 on aggregate to get to the final, but were beaten by fellow Welsh side Newport County 2–0. The following season began terribly for Morrell's Wrexham which saw them in the bottom half for most of the first half of the 2013–14 campaign, Morrell decided not to play in most games although on 23 November he came on as a sub in the first half for injured Brett Ormerod and scored a fantastic volley and earned the man of the match award against Forest Green Rovers.
On 23 February 2014, Morrell left his position as manager of Wrexham FC by mutual consent after a meeting with the board members, leaving the club after four years as a player, and two and a half years as player-manager.[18]
Shrewsbury Town
[edit]Morrell was appointed as assistant manager to his former Blackpool teammate Mike Jackson at Shrewsbury Town on 7 March 2014, on a deal that ran until the end of the season.[19] Following the club's relegation to League Two, Morrell left the club, with Jackson assuming assistant duties under new manager Micky Mellon.
Tamworth
[edit]On 23 September 2014, Morrell made his return to football management by taking over at Conference North side Tamworth.[20] He took over the side and quickly turned around their league campaign by taking them to the play-off spots, to the delight of the fans. He also played regularly for them, contrary of the previous seasons lack of games.
Redditch United
[edit]In February 2018, Morrell departed Tamworth.[21] Later in the same month, he joined Redditch United, scoring on his début in a 4–2 win over Gosport Borough on 20 February.[22]
Hednesford Town
[edit]Morrell was appointed manager of Hednesford Town in April 2020.[23] He was sacked in October of that year after three defeats and a draw from the opening four games of the season.[24]
Career statistics
[edit]| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other[a] | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Wrexham | 1998–99 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| 1999–2000 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 1 | |
| 2000–01 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 3 | |
| 2001–02 | 24 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 27 | 4 | |
| 2002–03 | 45 | 34 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 49 | 35 | |
| Total | 109 | 40 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 120 | 43 | |
| Coventry City | 2003–04 | 30 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 9 |
| 2004–05 | 34 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 7 | |
| 2005–06 | 34 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 3 | |
| Total | 98 | 17 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 111 | 19 | |
| Blackpool | 2006–07 | 40 | 16 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 48 | 20 |
| 2007–08 | 38 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 5 | |
| Total | 78 | 21 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 91 | 25 | |
| Bury | 2008–09 | 41 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 46 | 8 |
| 2009–10 | 32 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 33 | 9 | |
| Total | 73 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 79 | 18 | |
| Wrexham | 2010–11 | 41 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 10 |
| 2011–12 | 44 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 51 | 14 | |
| 2012–13 | 24 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 28 | 4 | |
| 2013–14 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | |
| Total | 115 | 25 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 127 | 29 | |
| Total | 473 | 121 | 23 | 6 | 15 | 3 | 17 | 4 | 528 | 134 | |
- ^ Includes Football League Trophy and play-offs.
Managerial statistics
[edit]- As of 3 February 2018[25]
| Team | From | To | Record | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | Ref. | |||
| Wrexham | 23 September 2011 | 24 February 2014 | 140 | 73 | 31 | 36 | 52.14 | |
| Tamworth | 23 September 2014 | 7 February 2018 | 198 | 89 | 48 | 61 | 44.95 | |
| Total | 338 | 163 | 78 | 97 | 48.22 | — | ||
Honours
[edit]Player
[edit]Blackpool
Individual
Manager
[edit]Wrexham
Individual
- Conference Premier Manager of the Month: October 2011
- Conference North Manager of the Month: December 2014
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 205. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
- ^ "Andy Morrell quits as Wrexham manager". BBC Sport. 24 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
- ^ "Andy Morrell – Latest Betting Odds – Soccer Base". soccerbase.com. Archived from the original on 17 September 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ a b "Autumn 2011" (PDF). Twycross Times. p. 19. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d Official Blackpool FC (19 November 2025). Talking Tangerine sponsored by SBK | Andy Morrell. Retrieved 20 November 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Blackpool 2-2 Oldham". 16 September 2006. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ "Swansea 3–6 Blackpool". BBC Sport. 5 May 2007. Archived from the original on 4 January 2009. Retrieved 7 May 2008.
- ^ "Retained List Latest". Blackpool F.C. 7 May 2008. Archived from the original on 10 May 2008. Retrieved 7 May 2008.
- ^ "Shakers land Blackpool striker". Lancashire Telegraph. 9 August 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
- ^ "Reds Make Double Move". Wrexham F.C. 28 June 2010. Archived from the original on 1 July 2010. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
- ^ "Wrexham appoint Andy Morrell as caretaker manager". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
- ^ "Andy Morrell Takes on First Team Affairs". Wrexham F.C. 23 September 2011. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
- ^ "Andy Morrell appointed Wrexham manager". BBC Sport. 29 October 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
- ^ "Wrexham 1–1 Brighton (4–5 pens)". BBC Sport. 25 April 2018. Archived from the original on 25 April 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ "Manager Andy Morrell signs new Wrexham contract". BBC Sport. 5 April 2012. Archived from the original on 25 April 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ "FA Trophy final: Grimsby Town 1–1 Wrexham (1–4 on pens)". BBC Sport. 24 March 2013. Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ Hughes, Dewi (5 May 2013). "Newport 2–0 Wrexham". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ "Andy Morrell quits as Wrexham manager". BBC Sport. 24 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
- ^ "Shrewsbury Town: Andy Morrell and Yeovil's Sam Foley join". BBC Sport. 7 March 2014. Archived from the original on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
- ^ "BREAKING: Tamworth FC's new boss is ex-Wrexham manager Andy Morrell". Tamworth Herald. 23 September 2014. Archived from the original on 22 December 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
- ^ Panter, Matt (7 February 2018). "Tamworth FC Exclusive: Andy Morrell issues statement after axing". birminghammail.co.uk. Archived from the original on 6 February 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ "Borough's woes continue at Redditch". portsmouth.co.uk. Archived from the original on 22 February 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ "Andy Morrell named new Hednesford Town boss". Express and Star. 17 April 2020.
- ^ Judah, Nathan. "Hednesford Town sack manager Andy Morrell". Express and Star. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
- ^ "Andy Morrell's managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
- ^ McKechnie, David (28 April 2003). "Henry lands PFA award". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
External links
[edit]- Andy Morrell at Soccerbase
- Andy Morrell at Soccerway
Andy Morrell
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Family background
Andy Morrell was born on 28 September 1974 in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. He was raised in Market Bosworth, a village in Leicestershire, where he spent his early years just outside Nuneaton.[13] In a 2003 interview upon signing for Coventry City, Morrell noted, "Although I was born in Doncaster, I grew up in Market Bosworth, which is just outside Nuneaton."[13]Schooling and early sports
Andy Morrell attended Twycross House School in Leicestershire, where he developed an early interest in sports.[14] Growing up in Market Bosworth after his family relocated there, this local independent school provided the foundation for his academic and athletic pursuits during his formative years.[15] Morrell later pursued higher education at Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne, where he studied sports science.[8] This program aligned with his growing passion for athletics and complemented his semi-professional football involvement at the time. In addition to football, Morrell excelled in cricket during his youth, representing Leicestershire County Cricket Club at under-15 through under-19 levels, as well as the colts team.[15] He shared the field with promising talents such as Jimmy Ormond, who later played for England, and Darren Stevens, a long-time Leicestershire professional, highlighting the competitive caliber of his early involvement in the sport.[15]Playing career
Newcastle Blue Star
Morrell joined Newcastle Blue Star, a non-league club in the Northern Premier League, in July 1997 shortly after graduating from Newcastle University with a degree in sports science. While working part-time in a gym, he transitioned into semi-professional football as a centre-forward for the team, marking his entry into paid competitive play.[16][17] His standout performances, including consistent goal contributions that helped drive the team's attack, quickly garnered interest from professional scouts.[18] These achievements at Newcastle Blue Star paved the way for his professional breakthrough, as his form earned him an extended trial with Football League side Wrexham later that year.[19]Wrexham (first spell)
Andy Morrell joined Wrexham on a free transfer from non-league side Newcastle Blue Star on 24 December 1998, following an extended trial period that showcased his scoring prowess in lower-tier football.[20][21] Signed by manager Brian Flynn as a centre-forward, Morrell initially struggled to break into the first team during Wrexham's mid-table campaign in the Second Division, making just 10 appearances and scoring once in the 1998–99 season.[20] Over his first spell at the club, which lasted until May 2003, Morrell made 134 appearances across all competitions and scored 63 goals, establishing himself as a key attacking option.[1] His development was gradual; in the 1999–2000 season, relegated to the Third Division after finishing 23rd the previous year, he netted 15 goals in 21 appearances, including notable cup contributions in Wrexham's 2–1 FA Cup third-round upset against Premier League Middlesbrough on 11 December 1999.[19] That year, Morrell also scored seven goals in a single FAW Premier Cup quarter-final match against Merthyr Tydfil on 16 February 2000, equaling a club record for most goals in a game and helping Wrexham advance.[22][23] Morrell's form peaked in the 2002–03 season, as Wrexham mounted a promotion push from the Third Division under manager Denis Smith. Forming a prolific partnership with Lee Trundle, he scored 34 league goals in 45 appearances, finishing as the top scorer across all four divisions of the Football League and propelling the team to the title with 90 points.[20][18] His overall tally that season reached 39 goals in all competitions, including crucial strikes in promotion-clinching wins such as a 3–0 victory over Newport County in April 2003.[24][25] This standout campaign earned Morrell the club's Player of the Year award and cemented his legacy during Wrexham's return to the Second Division.[20]Coventry City
Andy Morrell transferred to Coventry City from Wrexham on a free transfer in May 2003, capitalizing on his proven goal-scoring record of 34 goals in the previous Third Division season.[26][27] Over the subsequent three seasons from 2003 to 2006, Morrell featured in 98 league appearances for the Sky Blues, netting 17 goals while often deployed as a substitute or in a supporting forward role.[27][28] Coventry competed in the First Division—now known as the Championship—a notably higher tier than Morrell's prior experience in the lower divisions, which brought intensified physical and tactical challenges as the club aimed to stabilize after recent relegations. The team endured inconsistent form, frequently battling in the lower half of the table amid defensive vulnerabilities and managerial changes under Eric Black and Micky Adams.[29] Injuries further hampered Morrell's consistency, including an ankle problem in early 2005 that sidelined him for key fixtures such as a home loss to Stoke City.[30] Despite these setbacks, he delivered standout contributions, exemplified by his acrobatic volley that clinched a 2-1 home win against West Ham United in October 2004, securing three vital points in a tightly contested match.[31]Blackpool
Morrell joined Blackpool on a free transfer from Coventry City on 15 August 2006, arriving with prior experience in the Championship.[32][27] During his two seasons at the club from 2006 to 2008, Morrell made 78 appearances in League One and scored 21 goals, revitalizing his career as a prolific forward for the Seasiders.[27] His goals provided crucial firepower, helping Blackpool mount a strong promotion challenge in the 2006–07 season, where he emerged as the team's top scorer with 20 goals across all competitions.[29] A highlight of his time at Blackpool came on 5 May 2007, when Morrell scored four goals in a 6–3 league victory over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, including a volley and finishes that showcased his clinical finishing.[33][34] Despite missing out on automatic promotion after finishing third, Blackpool advanced through the League One play-offs, defeating Oldham Athletic in the semi-finals and Yeovil Town 2–0 in the Wembley final to secure promotion to the Championship, with Morrell's overall contributions playing a key role in the triumph.[29][35]Bury
Andy Morrell joined Bury on a free transfer from Blackpool in August 2008, signing a two-year contract after turning down an offer to remain with the Seasiders.[36][37] Carrying his goal-scoring form from Blackpool, Morrell quickly became a key figure in Bury's attack during their League Two campaign.[27] Over two seasons from 2008 to 2010, Morrell made 73 league appearances for Bury, scoring 18 goals, while totaling 79 appearances and 18 goals across all competitions.[27] His contributions were instrumental in helping Bury achieve mid-table stability, including a fourth-place finish in the 2008–09 season that secured a play-off spot, though they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Shrewsbury Town.[38][39] In the 2009–10 season, Morrell's goals, including a substitute appearance that ended a personal drought and boosted a late play-off push, supported Bury's ninth-place finish and ensured another year of consolidation in League Two.[40][41] Early in his tenure, he scored the winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Bournemouth on 28 March 2009, propelling Bury to second in the table and marking their first win in five matches.[42]Wrexham (second spell)
Morrell rejoined Wrexham on a free transfer from Bury on 28 June 2010, signing a two-year contract in an emotional homecoming to the club he had first represented from 1998 to 2005.[43] During his second spell, which extended until his departure in February 2014, Morrell made 135 appearances across all competitions and scored 33 goals.[1] In the 2010–11 season, he featured in 41 matches, netting 10 goals to help Wrexham finish fourth in the Conference Premier.[1] On 23 September 2011, following manager Dean Saunders' move to Doncaster Rovers, Morrell was installed as caretaker player-manager.[44] He was appointed to the role on a permanent basis until the end of the season on 29 October 2011, allowing him to balance leadership duties with his playing responsibilities.[45] As player-manager from 2011 onward, Morrell remained a key figure on the field, scoring 10 goals in 42 appearances during the 2011–12 campaign and adding 4 more in 24 outings the following season, while providing veteran guidance to the squad.[1]Tamworth
Andy Morrell was appointed as player-manager of Tamworth F.C. on 23 September 2014. As a player, he made 27 appearances and scored 4 goals across all competitions during his tenure.[4]Redditch United
Following his departure from Tamworth in February 2018, where he had served as player-manager, Andy Morrell signed a short-term deal with Redditch United in the Southern League Premier Division Central.[28][46] Morrell made a single appearance for the club on 20 February 2018, coming off the bench in a 4–2 home win against Gosport Borough and scoring his only goal for the team in the process.[47][46][28] This brief stint served as a swan song to an extensive playing career that spanned over two decades and multiple leagues, after which Morrell officially retired from playing on 1 July 2018.[48]Managerial and coaching career
Wrexham
Andy Morrell began his managerial career at Wrexham, where he was appointed as caretaker player-manager on 23 September 2011 following the departure of Dean Saunders to Doncaster Rovers.[44] After guiding the team to seven wins in nine matches, he was confirmed as permanent manager on 29 October 2011, with his contract running until the end of the 2011–12 season.[45] Morrell initially combined the roles of manager and player, appearing in matches during the early part of his tenure.[49] Over his full tenure, which lasted until his resignation on 24 February 2014, Morrell managed Wrexham in 140 matches, achieving 73 wins for a 52.14% win rate.[50] His time in charge saw the club stabilize in the Conference Premier, reaching the play-offs in both the 2011–12 and 2012–13 seasons, though they were eliminated in the semi-finals and final respectively.[50] A highlight of Morrell's tenure was leading Wrexham to victory in the 2013 FA Trophy, the club's first win in the competition. In the final at Wembley Stadium on 24 March 2013, Wrexham defeated Grimsby Town 1–1 after extra time, prevailing 4–1 in the penalty shoot-out to become the first Welsh team to claim the trophy.[51] This success provided a significant boost amid ongoing efforts to secure promotion back to the Football League, with Wrexham topping the Conference Premier table at the time of Morrell's departure in early 2014.[18]Shrewsbury Town
Andy Morrell was appointed as assistant manager of Shrewsbury Town on 7 March 2014, joining caretaker manager Mike Jackson for the remainder of the 2013–14 season.[52][53][11] This short-term role came shortly after Morrell's resignation from his position as player-manager at Wrexham, where he had stepped down to explore new opportunities in coaching.[53][54] During his tenure, Morrell contributed to Shrewsbury's efforts in a crucial League One relegation battle, participating in 13 matches as the team fought to maintain their status in the third tier.[11] Shrewsbury ultimately finished 23rd in the table with 42 points, confirming their relegation to League Two on 26 April 2014 following a 4–2 home defeat to Peterborough United.[55][56] Morrell's contract with Shrewsbury expired on 30 June 2014, marking the end of his brief stint at the club.[11] He departed to pursue head management opportunities elsewhere, subsequently taking charge at Conference North side Tamworth in September 2014.[57][58]Tamworth
Andy Morrell was appointed as player-manager of Tamworth F.C. on 23 September 2014, following his departure from Wrexham, with his first match in charge being a 3-1 victory over Lowestoft Town in the National League North. Under his leadership, the club experienced an immediate resurgence, embarking on a remarkable 12-game winning streak across all competitions during his debut campaign, which propelled Tamworth to a seventh-place finish in the 2014–15 National League North season and secured qualification for the playoffs, though they were eliminated in the first round.[59] Morrell guided Tamworth to another seventh-place finish in the 2015–16 season, establishing consecutive mid-table campaigns that solidified the club's position in the sixth tier.[60] His tenure emphasized squad building amid financial constraints and player turnover, with strategic signings such as former Wrexham colleagues helping to foster team cohesion and competitiveness. However, subsequent seasons brought escalating challenges, including persistent injury issues and inconsistent form that placed the team under relegation pressure by the 2017–18 campaign, culminating in a 12th-place standing at the time of his dismissal. Over his 3.5-year spell, Morrell managed 144 matches in all competitions, achieving 65 wins, 33 draws, and 46 losses for a win rate of approximately 45 percent and an average of 1.58 points per match.[61] As a player-manager, he made occasional cameos on the pitch to boost morale during key moments. His contract was terminated on 7 February 2018, shortly after a goalless draw with York City, as the board sought a change to address the club's faltering results.[60]Hednesford Town
Andy Morrell was appointed as manager of Hednesford Town on 17 April 2020, bringing his experience from previous roles including at Tamworth to the Southern League Premier Division Central club.[62][63] The appointment came amid significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the start of the 2020-21 season and limited pre-season preparations for non-league teams like Hednesford.[63] Morrell's tenure proved extremely brief, as he oversaw just four league matches following the league's resumption in late 2020. These games resulted in three defeats and one draw, yielding a 0% win rate and placing the team in early relegation peril.[64][65] The poor early results, compounded by an FA Cup exit, led to Morrell's dismissal on 7 October 2020, marking the end of his managerial stint at the club after less than six months.[64][66] The decision was announced by the club's owners, who cited the need for a change to address the team's faltering start.[64]Statistics
Playing statistics
Andy Morrell made 359 appearances in the Football League, scoring 96 goals during his time with Wrexham, Coventry City, Blackpool, and Bury.[67] The table below summarizes his career appearances and goals across all clubs and competitions, aggregated by club (with yearly spans for context); data is drawn from Soccerbase records, where appearances include both starts and substitute outings.[21] Assists are not comprehensively recorded across all competitions and clubs in available sources. Note: Wrexham totals here (245 apps, 72 goals) differ from club archive figures of 269 apps and 96 goals, likely due to source variations in competition inclusion.| Club | Years | Total Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrexham (first spell) | 1998–2003 | 120 | 43 |
| Coventry City | 2003–2006 | 111 | 19 |
| Blackpool | 2006–2008 | 91 | 25 |
| Bury | 2008–2010 | 78 | 18 |
| Wrexham (second spell) | 2010–2014 | 125 | 29 |
| Tamworth | 2014–2016 | 3 | 3 |
| Redditch United | 2017–2018 | 1 | 1 |
| Career Total | 1998–2018 | 529 | 138 |
Managerial record
Andy Morrell's managerial career spans stints at Wrexham, Tamworth, and Hednesford Town, where he managed a total of 276 competitive matches. His overall win percentage stands at approximately 46.7%, with notable success at Wrexham during his player-manager role from 2011 to 2014, though results were more mixed at Tamworth and poor at Hednesford Town.[68][69] The following table summarizes his record at each club:| Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points per Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrexham | 128 | 64 | 29 | 35 | 1.73 |
| Tamworth | 144 | 65 | 33 | 46 | 1.58 |
| Hednesford Town | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0.25 |
| Total | 276 | 129 | 63 | 84 | 1.63 |
