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Ethan Brierley
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Ethan Craig Brierley (born 23 November 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Exeter City, on loan from Premier League club Brentford.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Brierley was born in Rochdale.[2] He attended Oulder Hill Community School in Rochdale.[3] Brierley was a childhood Rochdale supporter, having attended matches from the age of three onwards.[4]
Career
[edit]Brierley started playing junior football for local team Roach Dynamos in Heywood and after trials at the academies of Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City,
Rochdale
[edit]Brierley joined Rochdale's academy aged seven.[3] Brierley was named on Rochdale's bench for a FA Cup match against Newcastle United in January 2020, at the age of 15. Because of his age, Brierley had to get changed separately to the rest of Rochdale's first team.[5] He made his professional debut for Rochdale on 5 September 2020 in a 1–0 EFL Cup victory away to Huddersfield Town.[6] He signed his first professional contract with the club on 26 November 2020, having turned 17 earlier that week.[7] He made his league debut as a late substitute in a 2–0 defeat away to Ipswich Town on 26 September 2020, and made a further four league appearances across the 2020–21 season as Rochdale were relegated to EFL League Two after finishing 21st.[8][9]
Spennymoor Town (loan)
[edit]Having made just three cup appearances for Rochdale during the 2021–22 season,[10] Brierley joined National League North side Spennymoor Town on loan for the remainder of the season on 24 March 2022.[11] On 29 April 2022, Brierley was recalled from this loan spell by parent club Rochdale,[12] and started Rochdale's final two matches of the season.[10] He was nominated for the LFE League Two Apprentice of the Season award, but lost out to Junior Tchamadeu of Colchester United.[13][14]
Rochdale
[edit]In July 2022, Brierley agreed an extension to his contract with Rochdale until summer 2024.[15] He scored his first senior goal for the club in a 3–3 EFL Trophy draw away to Accrington Stanley on 30 August 2022.[16] In January 2023, Brierley spent time on trial at both Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers. Brierley was unable to sign for Sheffield United due to the club being under a transfer embargo, whilst a deadline day transfer to Blackburn fell through after the English Football League rejected their application to register the player. Blackburn appealed this decision unsuccessfully, and Brierley returned to first-team action for Rochdale in late February.[17][18][19] With Rochdale embroiled in a relegation battle, Brierley registered three assists in his first four games back as Dale picked up five points.[18] However, Rochdale were eventually relegated after finishing bottom on 38 points,[20] with Brierley having made 25 league appearances.[21]
Brentford
[edit]On 2 June 2023, it was confirmed that Brierley had signed for Brentford for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.[22][23]
Exeter City FC (loan)
[edit]On 26 June 2025, Brentford announced the player had signed a one-year loan deal with Exeter.[24]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of match played on 6 September 2025
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Rochdale | 2020–21[8] | League One | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3[a] | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| 2021–22[10] | League Two | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2[a] | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2022–23[21] | 25 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3[a] | 1 | 31 | 3 | ||
| Total | 32 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 45 | 3 | ||
| Spennymoor Town (loan) | 2021–22[2] | National League North | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Brentford | 2023–24[25] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024–25[26] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2025–26[27] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| Exeter City (loan) | 2025–26[27] | League One | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Career total | 46 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 60 | 4 | ||
- ^ a b c Appearances in EFL Trophy
References
[edit]- ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Rochdale" (PDF). English Football League. 11 September 2020. p. 59. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
- ^ a b Ethan Brierley at Soccerway. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
- ^ a b "Q&A with Rochdale AFC's Ethan Brierley". Rochdale Style Magazine (winter 2020 ed.). Retrieved 25 February 2024 – via issuu.
- ^ "A Proud Moment For Me". rochdaleafc.co.uk. Rochdale A.F.C. 2 October 2020. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ Walker, Michael (15 January 2020). "Bruce has Newcastle on the crest of a wave as Rochdale fail to repeat heroics". i. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ "Match Report – Huddersfield Town 0–1 Rochdale". rochdaleafc.co.uk. Rochdale A.F.C. 5 September 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ "Ethan Brierley Signs First Professional Contract". rochdaleafc.co.uk. Rochdale A.F.C. 26 November 2020. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ethan Brierley in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
- ^ "League One (Sky Sports)". SkySports. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ a b c "Games played by Ethan Brierley in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
- ^ "Ethan Brierley joins Spennymoor Town on loan". Rochdale AFC. 24 March 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
- ^ "Ethan Brierley recalled". Rochdale AFC. 29 April 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
- ^ "Ethan Brierley Nominated For LFE League Two Apprentice Of The Season". rochdaleafc.co.uk. Rochdale A.F.C. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ Davis, Joe (24 April 2022). "LFE Apprentice of the Season 2022 Winners Announced". League Football Education (LFE). Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ "Ethan Brierley Signs Extended Deal". rochdaleafc.co.uk. Rochdale A.F.C. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ "Match Report | Accrington Stanley 3-3 Rochdale (4-3 Penalties)". rochdaleafc.co.uk. Rochdale A.F.C. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ Holt, Chris (2 June 2023). "Highly-rated Sheffield United trialist joins Premier League side after embargo scuppered move". The Star. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ a b Sharpe, Rich (28 March 2023). "Ethan Brierley has 'come back a man' after Rovers experience". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ Sharpe, Rich (1 March 2023). "Arbitration panel rejects Rovers' appeal in bid to sign Lewis O'Brien". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ "League Two (Sky Sports)". SkySports. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ethan Brierley in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
- ^ "Ethan Brierley Joins Brentford B". Brentford FC. 2 June 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
- ^ "Ethan Brierley: Brentford B sign Rochdale midfielder for undisclosed fee". BBC. 2 June 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
- ^ "Ethan Brierley & Jayden Wareham: Exeter City midfielder and striker". BBC Sport. 26 June 2025. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
- ^ "Games played by Ethan Brierley in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Ethan Brierley in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ethan Brierley in 2025/2026". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
Ethan Brierley
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Early life and personal background
Childhood and family
Ethan Brierley was born on 23 November 2003 in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England.[1] Raised in Rochdale, Brierley grew up in a family environment deeply connected to local football culture, with his household supporting Rochdale AFC from his earliest years. His father played a key role in nurturing this passion, regularly taking him to watch Championship matches midweek and attending Rochdale's home and away games together. Brierley himself became a devoted Rochdale AFC supporter from the age of three, frequently accompanying family to matches at Spotland Stadium, which fostered his lifelong affinity for the club. This early exposure, combined with familial encouragement, laid the groundwork for his football aspirations in his hometown. His initial foray into organized play came briefly with Roach Dynamos in nearby Heywood around age five or six. After playing for Roach Dynamos, Brierley trialed at Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City before joining the Rochdale academy shortly after his seventh birthday.[5]Education and early interests
Brierley attended Oulder Hill Community School in Rochdale, where he balanced his studies with his growing involvement in football.[5] His early introduction to organized football came at around five or six years old, when he joined Roach Dynamos, a local junior team based in nearby Heywood. This initial experience marked the beginning of his structured play, fostering basic skills and team dynamics in a community setting.[5] Brierley's passion for the sport was deeply influenced by his lifelong support for Rochdale AFC, having become a fan from as young as three years old and regularly attending matches at Spotland Stadium. A particularly memorable game for him as a supporter was Rochdale's FA Cup third-round tie against Tottenham Hotspur in 2009, which highlighted the excitement of local football and reinforced his aspirations within the game.[5]Professional career
Time at Rochdale
Ethan Brierley joined the Rochdale AFC academy in 2010 at the age of seven, beginning his youth development as a local talent from the area. Over the next decade, he progressed through the various age groups, honing his midfield skills and earning recognition within the club's youth system. By 2020, Brierley had established himself as a promising prospect, benefiting from the academy's focus on nurturing homegrown players. Brierley's breakthrough came shortly after turning 16, when he made his senior debut for Rochdale on 5 September 2020 in the first round of the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield Town. Entering as a substitute, he contributed to a 1–0 victory that advanced the team, marking a significant milestone in his young career. Just weeks later, on 26 November 2020, he signed his first professional contract with the club, securing his future at Spotland following his impressive early showing. From the 2020–21 season through to 2022–23, Brierley integrated into the first team, making 31 appearances in League Two and scoring two goals. His most prominent season was 2022–23, during which he featured in 24 league matches, often starting and providing key contributions in midfield. However, Rochdale finished bottom of the table that year, suffering relegation to the National League after accumulating only 38 points. Brierley's time at Rochdale thus encapsulated his transition from academy product to established professional amid the club's challenges.Loan spell at Spennymoor Town
On 24 March 2022, Ethan Brierley joined Spennymoor Town on loan from Rochdale until the end of the 2021–22 season, providing the 18-year-old midfielder with his first opportunity for regular senior football in the National League North.[6] The move was intended to bolster Spennymoor's midfield options with a promising talent from League Two, allowing Brierley to gain competitive minutes in a lower-tier environment after limited first-team exposure at Rochdale.[6] During his brief spell, Brierley made 7 appearances and scored 1 goal, contributing to Spennymoor's efforts in the closing stages of the campaign.[7] His debut came shortly after signing, and he featured primarily as a central midfielder, adapting to the physical demands of non-league football while showcasing his technical abilities in possession-based play.[6] Brierley was recalled by Rochdale on 29 April 2022, ahead of their final matches, after just over a month at Spennymoor.[8] This short loan proved valuable for his development, offering essential exposure to senior-level competition outside the Football League and helping him build match fitness and confidence in a professional setting.[6]Transfer to Brentford
On 2 June 2023, Ethan Brierley signed a three-year professional contract with Brentford, moving from Rochdale for an undisclosed fee, with the deal including an option for an additional year.[9][10] At 19 years old, the midfielder transitioned from League Two football to the development system of a Premier League club, marking a significant step in his career.[11] Brierley integrated into Brentford's B team, competing in the Premier League 2 and other development competitions.[12] As of November 2025, he has not made any first-team appearances for the senior squad.[1] During the 2023–24 season, Brierley earned recognition as Brentford B's player of the season, showcasing his versatility and impact in midfield.[4] In the following 2024–25 campaign, he delivered his most prolific performances to date, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists across all competitions, including a hat-trick in a key match.[13] His contributions were instrumental in Brentford B winning the Under-21 Professional Development League trophy that season.[13]Loan to Exeter City
On 26 June 2025, Ethan Brierley joined Exeter City on a season-long loan from Brentford, lasting until the end of the 2025–26 campaign.[2][13] The move aimed to provide the 21-year-old midfielder with regular first-team experience in EFL League One, building on his development in Brentford's B team.[13] Brierley quickly established himself as a key player in Exeter's midfield, starting every League One match during the early part of the season.[14] As of 19 November 2025, he has made 16 appearances in the league, accumulating 1,414 minutes on the pitch, while contributing 2 assists but no goals.[15] His consistent involvement included full 90-minute outings in fixtures against teams such as Blackpool, Mansfield Town, and Plymouth Argyle, where he demonstrated reliability in defensive and transitional play.[15] Brierley has received two yellow cards during this period, reflecting his competitive edge without major disciplinary issues.[15] The loan has marked Brierley's adaptation to the physical and tactical demands of League One, a step up from his prior non-league exposure.[16] Commentators have noted his impressive performances, including strong showings in recent wins like the 2-0 victory over Halifax Town in the FA Cup, where he helped maintain midfield control.[14] This regular game time positions him for a potential breakthrough into consistent senior football, with Brentford viewing the spell as crucial for his long-term progression.[14]Career statistics and records
Domestic career statistics
Brierley's domestic career encompasses 55 appearances and 3 goals across Rochdale, Spennymoor Town (on loan), Brentford B, and Exeter City as of 19 November 2025, with all statistics reflecting senior professional matches in league competitions excluding international play and B team matches.[15][3] The breakdown by club highlights his contributions in key competitions, including 32 appearances and 2 goals for Rochdale (5 in League One and 27 in League Two), 7 appearances and 1 goal during his loan at Spennymoor Town in the National League North, and 16 appearances with no goals for Exeter City in League One.[15][17]| Season | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Rochdale | League One | 5 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | Rochdale | League Two | 2 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | Spennymoor Town (loan) | National League North | 7 | 1 |
| 2022–23 | Rochdale | League Two | 25 | 2 |
| 2025–26 | Exeter City | League One | 16 | 0 |
| Various | Brentford B | Various (B team) | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 55 | 3 |