Brett Ormerod
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Brett Ryan Ormerod (born 18 October 1976) is an English retired professional footballer.
Key Information
A forward, he made 340 appearances in the Football League, including 215 for Blackpool, for whom he is the only player to have scored in all of the top four divisions of English football for the same club. In his 20-year-long playing career, Ormerod played for Accrington Stanley, Southampton, Leeds United, Wigan Athletic, Preston North End, Nottingham Forest, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Wrexham, Padiham and Bamber Bridge.
Early and personal life
[edit]Ormerod went to school at Norden High School where he met Lisa Standring, who later became his wife. They married on her 24th birthday in June 2003 at the parish church in Rishton, Lancashire; their son was two years old at the time.[2] As of 2015, his wife is a Subway franchisee.[3] Ormerod worked at Hall and Letts textile factory in Great Harwood where he said he earned £130 a week.[4]
Club career
[edit]Accrington Stanley
[edit]Born in Blackburn, Lancashire, Ormerod was a youth team player at hometown club, Blackburn Rovers, but could not find his way into the first team that included Alan Shearer and Kevin Gallacher up front. He was released after their Premier League victory in 1995, having missed his final half-season of youth football following a double hernia operation.[5] He then signed for Accrington Stanley, playing semi-professionally in the Northern Premier League while working in a cotton mill to supplement playing part-time in non-League football. He made 54 league appearances, scoring 32 goals.[6][5]
Blackpool
[edit]Ormerod signed for Blackpool, who were then in Division Two, on 21 March 1997 for £50,000,[7] making his debut as an 82nd-minute substitute on 29 March in a 0–0 draw with Chesterfield at Saltergate.[8] His first league goal came the following season in a 1–1 draw with Carlisle United on 26 December 1997 at Brunton Park.[9]
He became a regular first-team player in the 1998–99 season, when he made 40 league appearances and scored eight goals.[10]
He spent four years with Blackpool, however he suffered a badly broken leg, breaking his tibia and fibula, in October 1999 that kept him out of the team in the 1999–2000 season when the club were relegated to the Third Division, something Ormerod would later describe as, "probably the lowest point of my career".[6] He made his return the following season, and after signing a contract extension in January 2001,[11] he helped the club to promotion through the play-offs. He scored the club's fourth goal in their 4–2 win over Leyton Orient in the play-off final at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on 26 May 2001.[12]
Ormerod made a blistering start to the 2001–02 season, and he was linked with a move to Wigan Athletic in November 2001, who were reported to have bid £1.5m for him. They were one of four clubs to have made an approach for Ormerod, with Premier League club Southampton having had a £1m bid rejected. Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston said on the club's official website: "We don't have to sell Brett and we don't need to sell him. It's testament to the club's achievements and how the team are playing that other clubs are looking at players at this club."[13] However, despite this, Ormerod was signed by Southampton for £1.75m on 7 December 2001. Southampton manager Gordon Strachan had been monitoring Ormerod while he was out of work, and vowed that when he was back in work he would immediately sign the player from Blackpool.[6] He had made a total of 150 appearances for The Seasiders, scoring 62 goals in all competitions. 21 games 13 goals had come in the 2001–02 campaign.[7][10]
Southampton
[edit]Ormerod made his debut for The Saints on 15 December 2001 as an 84th-minute substitute in a 2–0 home victory over Sunderland.[14] After a number of substitute appearances, he finally made his full debut on 2 March 2002, when he also scored his first goal for the club, in a 3–1 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.[15] He did not score again though until the following season, when he scored five goals in two games. On 2 October, he grabbed a hat-trick as The Saints beat Tranmere Rovers 6–1 in the second round of the 2002–03 Football League Cup.[16] He followed that up three days later by scoring both goals as Southampton beat Manchester City 2–0 at St Mary's Stadium.[17][18]
On 13 April 2003, after enduring a 24-game goalless drought Ormerod scored one goal and laid up another as Southampton beat Watford 2–1 in the semi-final of the 2002–03 FA Cup at Villa Park.[6] Ormerod then appeared in the FA Cup final on 17 May at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, which Southampton lost 1–0 to a Robert Pires goal in the 37th minute.[19]
Ormerod found first-team opportunities limited at Southampton and on 19 September 2004, in an attempt to secure some first-team football, he joined Leeds United on a one-month loan deal. Ormerod missed a penalty on his Leeds debut,[20] making six appearances. On 18 March 2005 he joined Wigan Athletic on loan for one month with a view to a permanent move.[21] The move was intended to last until the end of the season and he made six appearances, scoring two goals in their 2–0 win against Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium on 16 April,[22] before being recalled by Southampton manager Harry Redknapp on 26 April following an injury to Peter Crouch.[23]
After Southampton finished bottom of the Premier League in 2004–05 and were relegated to the Championship, he was able to play more often after the sale of several teammates who had been keeping him out of the team. Ormerod said of his time with the club, "I had some of the best years of my career at Southampton. It's a big club with great supporters. If I had my time again I would do exactly the same again, particularly as I got to play in a cup final."[24]
Preston North End
[edit]On 27 January 2006, Ormerod was snapped up on a free transfer by Preston North End, the arch-rivals of his former club Blackpool.[7] After signing a three-and-a-half-year contract, he said of the move, "It's a new start for me. Preston are a good team and I'm just really happy to be here." Four days later he scored just thirteen minutes into his debut as they beat Crystal Palace 2–0 at Deepdale.[24][25]
On 8 May, he broke his leg, ten minutes into Preston's 0–2 play-off semi-final second leg defeat to Leeds United, following a tackle by Leeds' Jonathan Douglas.[26][27] He made his return the following season as a 70th-minute substitute in a 4–1 home win over Sunderland on 14 October,[28] and scored his first goal of the season in a 3–2 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor on 27 October.[29] He fractured his cheekbone fifteen minutes into the 0–1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 10 February 2007.[27][30]
After making twenty league and cup appearances, scoring one goal in the 2007–08 season, Ormerod signed on loan for Nottingham Forest on 7 March 2008, until the end of the season.[31] He scored two goals for Forest in thirteen appearances against Walsall and Northampton Town, with his decent form helping Forest gain promotion to the Championship.[27][32]
On 15 October 2008 he joined League One club Oldham Athletic on a one-month loan deal, after falling out of favour at Preston and without making one appearance in the 2008–09 season.[32] He made two starts and three substitute appearances for The Latics, but was forced to return to Preston earlier than scheduled after sustaining a broken toe in training in early November.[33] His last game for Preston came in March 2008, he scored a total of thirteen goals in 62 league appearances.[34]
Return to Blackpool
[edit]On 30 January 2009, after being released by Preston by mutual consent, Ormerod rejoined his first professional club, Blackpool, on a permanent deal until the end of the 2008–09 season.[34][35] He made his debut for Blackpool the following day as a 90th-minute substitute in The Seasiders' single-goal victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.[36]
Ormerod scored the first goal in Blackpool's 2–0 victory over Norwich City at Bloomfield Road on 7 March 2009. It was his 100th league goal and his first goal since returning to the club.[37] On 25 April, Ormerod's goal in a 1–1 home draw with Nottingham Forest that secured The Seasiders another season in the Championship.
On 24 June 2009, Ormerod signed a new one-year contract, with an option for a further year, with Blackpool manager Ian Holloway saying, "I am delighted that Brett has signed again. He was a key player in the side that did well for the club towards the end of last season. He wants to be here, and is everything Blackpool stands for.'"[38] He scored the winning goal in the 45th minute of the 2010 Football League Championship play-off final against Cardiff City on 22 May.[39]
Ormerod became the first player to have played for the club in all four divisions, in Blackpool's Premier League debut on 14 August 2010, a 4–0 win over Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium. On 22 February 2011, he became the first Blackpool player to score for the club in all four divisions, after scoring their third goal against Tottenham Hotspur at Bloomfield Road.[40]
In June 2011, Ormerod signed a new one-year contract with Blackpool.[41] On 3 January 2012, he joined League One outfit Rochdale on loan for 28 days, joining Blackpool teammate Daniel Bogdanović.[42] At the end of the 2011–12 season his contract with The Seasiders expired.[43]
Wrexham
[edit]On 2 July 2012, he signed a two-year deal with Wrexham of the Football Conference.[44]
Ormerod made his Wrexham debut on the opening day of the 2012–13 season, playing 75 minutes of the 3–1 victory over Woking. Ormerod scored his first goal for the club in the FA Cup against Southport.[45] His first league goal in the fifth division came in an away 5–1 win over Braintree Town in November 2012. His next goal came in a boxing day home match against AFC Telford United, a game which he scored a double. In March 2013 Ormerod played at Wembley for the third time in as many years in the FA Trophy final against Grimsby Town, the game ended 1–1 and Wrexham eventually won on penalties extending Ormerod's trophy collection. Ormerod left Wrexham by mutual consent in April 2014.[46]
Later career and coaching career
[edit]After leaving Wrexham, Ormerod signed for Padiham in the Northern Premier League Division 1 North.[47] In 2015, he joined Bamber Bridge, where he partnered another former Premier League striker in Jon Macken.[3] On 21 January 2016, he confirmed his decision to retire, stating "At 39, it's time to hang up the boots, a big thanks to family and friends and everyone who has supported me, it's been a crazy ride thanks!".[48]
In October 2019, Ormerod and John Hills became caretaker managers of AFC Fylde following the departure of Dave Challinor, leading them to a 6–1 victory over Peterborough Sports in the FA Cup and a 2–0 league win over Boreham Wood in the National League.[49] On 19 December 2019, Ormerod returned to Bamber Bridge when he was added to Jamie Milligan's first team staff on a part-time basis.[50]
In December 2024, he was appointed the assistant kit manager at Bolton Wanderers, reuniting with his former Blackpool teammates Ian Evatt, Stephen Crainey and Matt Gilks.[51]
Career statistics
[edit]| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Accrington Stanley | 1995–96 | Northern Premier League Premier Division | ||||||||||
| 1996–97 | Northern Premier League Premier Division | |||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||
| Blackpool | 1996–97[52] | Division Two | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| 1997–98[53] | Division Two | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3[a] | 0 | 12 | 2 | |
| 1998–99[54] | Division Two | 40 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 9 | |
| 1999–2000[55] | Division Two | 13 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 5 | |
| 2000–01[56] | Division Three | 41 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4[b] | 6 | 49 | 27 | |
| 2001–02[57] | Division Two | 21 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2[a] | 2 | 27 | 20 | |
| Total | 128 | 46 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 150 | 63 | ||
| Southampton | 2001–02[57] | Premier League | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 18 | 1 | |
| 2002–03[58] | Premier League | 31 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 3 | - | 39 | 9 | ||
| 2003–04[59] | Premier League | 22 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 6 | |
| 2004–05[60] | Premier League | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | - | 12 | 1 | ||
| 2005–06[61] | Championship | 19 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | - | 21 | 2 | ||
| Total | 99 | 12 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 116 | 19 | ||
| Leeds United (loan) | 2004–05[60] | Championship | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 6 | 0 | |
| Wigan Athletic (loan) | 2004–05[60] | Championship | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 6 | 2 | |
| Preston North End | 2005–06[61] | Championship | 15 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[c] | 0 | 17 | 4 |
| 2006–07[62] | Championship | 29 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 31 | 9 | ||
| 2007–08[63] | Championship | 19 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 21 | 1 | ||
| 2008–09[64] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total | 63 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 69 | 14 | ||
| Nottingham Forest (loan) | 2007–08[63] | League One | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 |
| Oldham Athletic (loan) | 2008–09[64] | League One | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Blackpool | 2008–09[64] | Championship | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 15 | 2 | |
| 2009–10[65] | Championship | 36 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3[c] | 1 | 42 | 14 | |
| 2010–11[66] | Premier League | 19 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | - | 21 | 2 | ||
| 2011–12[67] | Championship | 16 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 1 | |
| Total | 86 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 94 | 19 | ||
| Rochdale | 2011–12[67] | League One | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
| Wrexham | 2012–13 | Conference National | 39 | 7 | 0 | 0 | - | 3 [d] +? [e] | 1 [d] + ? [e] | 42 + ? [e] | 8 + ? [e] | |
| 2013–14 | Conference National | 35 | 5 | 2 | 0 | - | ? [e] | ? [e] | 37 + ? [e] | 5 + ? [e] | ||
| Total | 74 | 12 | 2 | 0 | - | 3 + ? [e] | 1 + ? [e] | 79 + ? [e] | 13 + ? [e] | |||
| Padiham | 2014–15 | Northern Premier League Division One North | ||||||||||
| Bamber Bridge | 2015–16 | Northern Premier League Division One North | ||||||||||
| Career total | 450 | 98 | 22 | 10 | 19 | 12 | 491 | 120 | ||||
Honours
[edit]Southampton
Blackpool
Wrexham
References
[edit]- ^ "Brett Ormerod Player Profile". Blackpool FC. Archived from the original on 15 March 2011. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
- ^ Dillon, Jonathon (16 June 2003). "Striker Brett nets school sweetheart". Accrington Observer. Retrieved 11 December 2014.
- ^ a b Rose, Gary (9 October 2015). "FA Cup: Pilsners and Patrik Berger at Bamber Bridge". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "Brett Ormerod proud to be a quiz question". Accrington Observer. 4 March 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2014.
- ^ a b Welton, Blake (12 March 2023). "Brett Ormerod - how 'a scruffy Blackburn kid' became a Blackpool legend". Lancs Live. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ a b c d May, John (14 April 2003). "Ormerod earns reward". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ a b c "Brett Ormerod". Soccerbase. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Chesterfield 0–0 Blackpool". Soccerbase. 28 March 1997. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Carlisle United 1–1 Blackpool". Soccerbase. 26 December 1997. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ a b "Brett Ormerod - Southampton FC - Football-Heroes.net". Sporting-heroes.net. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
- ^ "Brett puts pen to paper". BlackpoolFC.co.uk. Blackpool Football Club. 9 January 2001. Archived from the original on 10 January 2001. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
- ^ "Blackpool 4–2 Leyton Orient". Soccerbase. 26 May 2001. Archived from the original on 20 May 2008. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Wigan target Ormerod". bbc.co.uk. 25 November 2001. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Southampton 2–0 Sunderland". Soccerbase. 15 December 2001. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Ipswich Town 1–3 Southampton". Soccerbase. 2 March 2002. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Southampton 6–1 Tranmere Rovers". Soccerbase. 2 October 2002. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Southampton 2–0 Manchester City". Soccerbase. 5 October 2002. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Ormerod outguns Man City". bbc.co.uk. 5 October 2002. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
- ^ Freedman, Dan (17 May 2003). "Gunners take home Cup". The Football Association. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
- ^ "Ormerod heads to Leeds". bbc.co.uk. 19 September 2004. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Wigan net striker Ormerod on loan". bbc.co.uk. 18 March 2005. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Leicester 0–2 Wigan". Soccerbase. 16 April 2005. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ May, John (26 April 2005). "Saints end Ormerod's Wigan loan". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ a b Sinnott, John (7 February 2006). "Ormerod looks for new beginning". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Preston 2–0 C Palace". Soccerbase. 31 January 2006. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Preston confirm Ormerod leg break". bbc.co.uk. 9 May 2006. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ a b c "Ormerod relishing Preston chance". bbc.co.uk. 4 July 2008. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Preston 4–1 Sunderland". Soccerbase. 14 October 2006. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Burnley 3–1 Preston". Soccerbase. 27 October 2006. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Preston 0–1 Wolves". Soccerbase. 10 February 2007. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Preston's Ormerod moves to Forest". bbc.co.uk. 7 March 2008. Retrieved 7 March 2008.
- ^ a b "Ormerod joins Oldham for a month". bbc.co.uk. 15 October 2008. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Ormerod ends Latics loan". Sportbox.tv. 10 November 2008. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
- ^ a b "Ormerod returns eight years on". bbc.co.uk. 30 January 2009. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
- ^ "Brett's Back!". Blackpool. 30 January 2009. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ "Report – Crystal Palace vs Blackpool". Blackpool. 31 January 2009. Retrieved 1 February 2009.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ "Blackpool vs Norwich City Match Report". Blackpool F.C. 7 March 2009. Archived from the original on 10 March 2009. Retrieved 8 March 2009.
- ^ "Ormerod Pens New Deal". Blackpool F.C. 24 June 2009. Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2009.
- ^ Live – Championship play-off final 22 May 2010, BBC Sport
- ^ "Brett Ormerod happy with Blackpool landmark goal". BBC Sport. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
- ^ "Brett Ormerod extends his Blackpool contract". BBC Sport. 3 June 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2026.
- ^ "Ormerod makes Rochdale switch". Sky Sports. 3 January 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ^ "Mixed news for veteran duo". Sky Sports. 22 May 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
- ^ Randall, Liam (2 July 2012). "Wrexham FC Sign Former Blackpool Star Brett Ormerod". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 2 July 2012.
- ^ "BBC Sport – FA Cup: Wrexham 2–0 Southport". Bbc.co.uk. 20 October 2012. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
- ^ "BBC Sport – Brett Ormerod and Wrexham part company". Bbc.co.uk. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
- ^ Dan Black (22 September 2014). "Brett Ormerod signs for Padiham". Burnley Express. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
- ^ Thornley, Ben (21 January 2016). "Former Wrexham AFC striker Brett Ormerod retires". Wrexham: Daily Post. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
- ^ CARETAKER MANAGEMENT TEAM TO TAKE CHARGE OF FA CUP FIXTURE, afcfylde.co.uk, 19 October 2019
- ^ BRETT ORMEROD ANTICIPATING BRIG RETURN, pitchero.com, 19 December 2019
- ^ https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/24767042.bolton-wanderers-add-ex-blackpool-man-backroom-staff/, Bolton Wanderers add ex-Blackpool man to backroom staff, The Bolton News, 2 December 2024
- ^ "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 1997/1998". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ a b c "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ a b c "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Games played by Brett Ormerod in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Arsenal retain FA Cup: Arsenal 1–0 Southampton". BBC Sport. 17 May 2003. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
- ^ "Football League Championship play-off final: Blackpool 3–2 Cardiff City". BBC Sport. 22 May 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
- ^ "Clockwatch: Blackpool 4–2 Orient". BBC Sport. 26 May 2001. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
- ^ Williams, Aled (24 March 2013). "FA Trophy final: Grimsby Town 1–1 Wrexham (1–4 on pens)". BBC Wales Sport. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
External links
[edit]- Brett Ormerod at Soccerbase
- Brett Ormerod player profile at pnefc.net
- Brett Ormerod player profile at nottinghamforest.co.uk
- Brett Ormerod player profile at blackpoolfc.co.uk
Brett Ormerod
View on GrokipediaEarly life and personal life
Early life
Brett Ormerod was born on 18 October 1976 in Blackburn, England.[2] He attended Norden High School in Rishton, where he developed an early interest in football alongside his education.[7] Ormerod's initial involvement in football came through local youth teams, including a stint as an apprentice at his hometown club Blackburn Rovers, where he served as a boot boy for players such as Alan Shearer and Nicky Marker. Released at age 18 following a double hernia operation, he transitioned to non-league football with encouragement from a family friend.[8] To support himself during this period, Ormerod worked at the Hall and Letts textile factory in Great Harwood, earning £130 a week, while playing semi-professionally. In October 1995, he signed a two-year contract with Accrington Stanley in the Northern Premier League, marking his entry into organized senior football.[9][10]Personal life
Ormerod was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, to a local family. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lisa Standring, in 2003 after they had been dating since she was 13 years old.[11][12] The couple welcomed their son, Dylan, in 2001, who served as pageboy at their wedding.[11] In 2015, Ormerod's wife Lisa acquired a Subway franchise in Blackburn, with Ormerod clarifying that he would not be directly involved in its operations.[13][14] Following his retirement from professional football, Ormerod has resided in Lancashire and participated in local community initiatives, including a 2022 charity auction to support the family of former footballer Tommy Spurr, alongside other regional football figures.[15]Club career
Accrington Stanley
Brett Ormerod signed a two-year professional contract with Accrington Stanley in October 1995 at the age of 18, marking his entry into semi-professional football in the Northern Premier League after earlier youth setbacks.[10] During his time at the club from 1995 to 1997, Ormerod made 54 appearances and scored 32 goals in the Northern Premier League, establishing himself as a prolific young striker while balancing football with part-time work in a local textile factory.[16][17][2] Ormerod played a key role in Accrington Stanley's competitive efforts within the league, contributing significantly to their mid-table stability and personal accolades as one of the division's leading non-league goalscorers during that period.[17] His impressive form, particularly in cup matches, attracted attention from higher-tier clubs, leading to a £50,000 transfer to Blackpool in March 1997.[8][18]Blackpool
Ormerod signed for Blackpool from non-league side Accrington Stanley in March 1997 for a transfer fee of £50,000.[19] During his initial spell with the club from 1997 to 2001, he made 150 appearances and scored 62 goals across all competitions.[20] This tally included goals in the Second and Third Divisions of the Football League, forming part of his unique achievement as the only Blackpool player to score in all four top divisions of English football.[21] The 2000–01 season marked Ormerod's breakthrough, as he netted 18 goals to help Blackpool finish fourth in the Third Division and earn a play-off spot.[22] His contributions peaked in the play-off final against Leyton Orient on 26 May 2001 at the Millennium Stadium, where he came off the bench to score Blackpool's fourth goal in a thrilling 4–2 comeback victory, securing promotion to the Second Division.[23]Southampton
Brett Ormerod joined Southampton from Blackpool on 5 December 2001 for a transfer fee of £1.75 million, a club record at the time for the Championship side, following his prolific form of 20 goals in 27 appearances that season.[24][25] Signed by manager Gordon Strachan, Ormerod made his Premier League debut for the Saints on 15 December 2001 in a 2-0 away win against Sunderland, coming on as a substitute and marking the start of his top-flight career after consistent scoring across lower divisions at Blackpool.[26] During his tenure at Southampton from 2001 to 2006, Ormerod made 74 appearances across all competitions, scoring 19 goals, though he often featured as a squad player behind established forwards like James Beattie and Kevin Phillips.[2] In league play alone, he recorded 62 appearances (18 starts, 44 as substitute) and 12 goals over five seasons, with notable contributions in the 2002–03 campaign where he netted five times amid Southampton's push for European qualification.[26] His role diminished after the arrivals of Peter Crouch and Phillips in 2004, leading to limited starts in the 2004–05 and 2005–06 seasons as the club suffered relegation from the Premier League in 2005.[2] A highlight of Ormerod's Southampton spell was his involvement in the club's historic FA Cup run during the 2002–03 season, reaching the final for the first time since 1927. He scored the opener in the semi-final against Watford on 13 April 2003, securing a 2-1 victory at Villa Park with a 29th-minute strike, and his cross led to an own goal by Paul Robinson for the second goal.[4] Ormerod started in the final on 17 May 2003 at the Millennium Stadium, where Southampton lost 1-0 to Arsenal, earning him a runner-up medal in what remains the club's most recent FA Cup final appearance.[2] To regain match fitness and first-team exposure amid reduced opportunities, Ormerod was loaned to Leeds United in September 2004 for one month, where he made six appearances in the Championship without scoring.[27] Later that season, he joined Wigan Athletic on a one-month loan in March 2005, featuring in six league games and scoring two goals, including a brace on his debut in a 2-1 win over Leicester City that aided Wigan's promotion push.[28][29]Preston North End
Brett Ormerod joined Preston North End on a free transfer from Southampton on 30 January 2006, bringing Premier League experience to the Championship club.[30] During his initial months at Deepdale, Ormerod showed promise as a versatile forward, contributing to Preston's push for a play-off spot in the 2005–06 season with key goals in the second half of the campaign.[31] Over his three-year spell at Preston from 2006 to 2009, Ormerod made 92 appearances across all competitions, scoring 18 goals. However, injuries, including a broken leg and a fractured cheekbone, hampered his consistency and limited his first-team opportunities under managers Paul Simpson and Alan Irvine.[30] Despite these setbacks, he provided depth in attack during Preston's mid-table Championship campaigns, often featuring as a substitute or in rotational roles. On 7 March 2008, Ormerod joined Nottingham Forest on loan from Preston until the season's end, where he made 13 appearances and scored 2 goals, helping the team secure promotion to the Championship.[30] Later that year, on 14 October 2008, Ormerod moved on a one-month loan to League One side Oldham Athletic, appearing in 5 matches without scoring as he sought to regain match fitness.[32] Ormerod's time at Preston ended on 30 January 2009 when he was released by mutual consent, allowing him to pursue opportunities elsewhere after a tenure marked by intermittent contributions amid injury challenges.[31]Return to Blackpool
After his release from Preston North End by mutual consent, Ormerod rejoined Blackpool on a free transfer on 30 January 2009, marking the start of his second spell at the club where he had first risen to prominence.[33] At age 32, he quickly reintegrated into the squad under manager Ian Holloway, providing experience and depth as a forward during the latter stages of the 2008–09 Championship season. In the 2009–10 campaign, Ormerod emerged as a key contributor, scoring 11 goals in 36 league appearances to help Blackpool secure sixth place and a spot in the promotion play-offs.[34] His most pivotal moment came in the Championship play-off final against Cardiff City at Wembley Stadium on 22 May 2010, where he started and scored the opening goal in the 41st minute with a close-range finish, setting the tone for Blackpool's 3–2 victory that earned promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 1971.[35] This triumph highlighted his enduring loyalty to the club from his earlier stint, where he had been a prolific scorer across lower divisions. Following promotion, Ormerod featured regularly as a substitute in Blackpool's 2010–11 Premier League season, making 19 appearances and scoring once against Tottenham Hotspur in January 2011, a feat that made him the only player to net for the club in all four tiers of English football.[36] Despite the team's relegation, he signed a one-year contract extension in June 2011 at age 34, recommitting to the Championship challenge.[36] In January 2012, Ormerod joined Rochdale on a one-month loan, making 5 appearances and scoring 1 goal in League One. In 2011–12, he added 17 league appearances and one goal before departing on a free transfer in July 2012, concluding his second spell with 61 total appearances and 19 goals across all competitions.[37]Wrexham
Brett Ormerod joined Wrexham on a free transfer from Blackpool in July 2012, signing a two-year contract ahead of the 2012–13 Conference Premier season.[38] At 35 years old, the veteran forward brought significant experience from his time in the Football League, including play-off successes with Blackpool.[38] He made an immediate impact, debuting in the opening-day 3–1 victory over Woking and scoring his first goal for the club shortly thereafter.[39] During his two seasons with Wrexham, Ormerod made 75 appearances and scored 12 goals in the Conference Premier, contributing both on the pitch and as a guiding presence in the dressing room.[34] His experience proved invaluable in mentoring younger players, as he supported the squad's transition under managers Andy Morrell and later Kevin Wilkin, emphasizing professionalism and team development.[40] Ormerod's tenure culminated in a key leadership role during the 2013 FA Trophy campaign, where he was an integral part of the team that ended Wrexham's 149-year wait for major silverware. The highlight of Ormerod's time at Wrexham came in the 2013 FA Trophy final against Grimsby Town at Wembley Stadium on 24 March 2013.[41] Starting the match, Ormerod played 77 minutes before being substituted by Rob Ogleby, having earlier missed a notable chance to open the scoring in the 67th minute.[42] The game ended 1–1 after normal time, with Wrexham's goal coming from Neil Ashton in the 24th minute and Grimsby's equalizer from Ian Thomas-Moore in the 71st.[41] Wrexham triumphed 4–1 in the penalty shootout, with successful kicks from Dean Keates, Jay Harris, Adrian Cieslewicz, and Andy Morrell securing the victory and marking the club's first national trophy win since 1978.[41] Ormerod's involvement in the run-up to the final, including scoring in earlier rounds such as the semi-final second leg against Solihull Moors, underscored his importance to the squad's success.[43] Ormerod departed Wrexham by mutual consent in April 2014, with four league matches remaining in the 2013–14 season, allowing the club to integrate younger players into the first team.[40] In his final season, he had made 36 appearances and scored 5 goals, helping Wrexham finish fifth in the Conference Premier and reach the play-off semi-finals.[34] His contributions, both athletic and advisory, left a lasting impact on the club during a transitional period in the non-league pyramid.[40]Later clubs
After departing Wrexham in April 2014, Ormerod transitioned to non-league football by signing with Padiham FC in the Northern Premier League Division One North.[19] His time there was limited due to injury, resulting in just one appearance before an ankle issue sidelined him in early 2015.[44] Despite the setback, Ormerod demonstrated his enduring scoring touch earlier in the season, netting a hat-trick in a 4-2 FA Trophy replay victory over Brigg Town in October 2014.[45] In 2015, Ormerod joined Bamber Bridge in the same division, where he enjoyed a more substantial role during the 2015–16 season.[46] He made 25 appearances and scored 12 goals, including a brace in an Emirates FA Cup second qualifying round win against Clitheroe in October 2015, helping the team advance.[19][47] This stint showcased his maintained fitness and passion for the game at age 39, as he contributed significantly to the club's attacking efforts in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.[48] Ormerod announced his retirement from playing in January 2016, concluding a career that spanned professional and non-league levels while highlighting his adaptability in lower-tier football.[46]Post-playing career
Coaching roles
Following his retirement from playing in 2016, Brett Ormerod began transitioning into coaching roles within non-league football. In October 2019, he served as assistant to John Hills in a caretaker management capacity at AFC Fylde for the club's FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie against Peterborough Sports, which Fylde won 6-1.[49] This temporary stint extended to the subsequent first-round proper match against Boreham Wood, resulting in a 2-0 victory, before Jim Bentley was appointed permanent manager on 28 October.[50] Ormerod contributed to training sessions by drawing on his extensive experience as a forward, emphasizing player confidence and tactical preparation to help the squad perform effectively during this transitional period.[51] Later that year, Ormerod joined Bamber Bridge—where he had briefly played earlier in his career—as part of the coaching staff on a part-time basis under manager Jamie Milligan, starting on 19 December 2019.[52] In this role, he assisted with overall squad training while focusing particularly on developing the forwards, leveraging his background as a prolific striker across multiple professional divisions to mentor younger players in finishing and movement.[52] His involvement aligned with the club's attacking philosophy, and he expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the team's progress through hands-on coaching.[53]Administrative roles
In December 2024, Brett Ormerod was appointed as assistant kit manager at Bolton Wanderers in the EFL League One, marking his entry into a non-coaching operational role within professional football.[6] At age 48, Ormerod assists head kit manager Craig Rowson in sorting and organizing equipment, ensuring availability for matches that require additional staff support.[6] His duties extend to matchday preparation and team logistics, including on-field assistance during training sessions and participation in shooting practices to aid player development.[54][55] This position represents a transition for Ormerod from his prior coaching stints at non-league clubs such as AFC Fylde and Bamber Bridge, as well as punditry work with BBC Radio Lancashire, to a behind-the-scenes support function focused on logistical efficiency.[6] Having recently stepped away from his coaching role at Bamber Bridge, Ormerod viewed the Bolton opportunity—prompted by a conversation with manager Ian Evatt—as a timely return to the professional game after a period outside full-time football involvement, including a brief stint at Red Bull.[54][55] The part-time nature of the role allows him to leverage his extensive playing experience in operational ways, contributing to the club's promotion aspirations through practical player support.[55] Ormerod has expressed enthusiasm for expanding his contributions beyond kit management, positioning himself as a resource for players and hinting at potential future engagement with the club's youth setups to foster emerging talent.[54][55]Career statistics and achievements
Club statistics
Brett Ormerod's club career spanned from 1996 to 2016, during which he made 564 appearances and scored 146 goals in league matches across the English football league system and non-league equivalents, including loan spells at several clubs.[56] His statistics encompass domestic leagues from the Premier League down to non-league, as well as playoffs where applicable (though totals here are league only). Ormerod's most productive period came during his two spells at Blackpool, where he recorded 215 league appearances and 60 goals between 1997 and 2001, and again from 2009 to 2012; this included notable contributions in promotion playoffs.[8] The following table summarizes his league appearances and goals by club, aggregating domestic league competitions (including loans listed separately where significant); totals exclude cup competitions but include non-league league games for completeness.| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accrington Stanley | 1996–1997 | 54 | 32 |
| Blackpool (first spell) | 1997–2001 | 128 | 45 |
| Southampton | 2001–2006 | 98 | 12 |
| Leeds United (loan) | 2004 | 6 | 0 |
| Wigan Athletic (loan) | 2005 | 6 | 2 |
| Preston North End | 2006–2009 | 62 | 13 |
| Nottingham Forest (loan) | 2008 | 13 | 2 |
| Oldham Athletic (loan) | 2008 | 5 | 0 |
| Blackpool (second spell) | 2009–2012 | 87 | 15 |
| Rochdale (loan) | 2012 | 5 | 1 |
| Wrexham | 2012–2014 | 74 | 12 |
| Padiham | 2014 | 1 | 0 |
| Bamber Bridge | 2015–2016 | 25 | 12 |
| Total | 1996–2016 | 564 | 146 |