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Martin Canning
Martin Canning
Martin Canning
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Martin Canning (born 3 December 1981) is a Scottish football player and coach. He is currently assistant head coach at Millwall.

Key Information

During his playing career, Canning played as a central defender for Ross County, Peterhead, Gretna, Hibernian and Hamilton Academical.

Playing career

[edit]
Canning playing for Hamilton Academical.

Canning became Gretna's record signing in January 2006 after joining from Ross County in a £60,000 deal.[1] He made 46 appearances for Gretna, scoring once against Livingston, and helped them to promotion to the Scottish Premier League in the 2006–07 season. He was cup tied for their run to the 2006 Scottish Cup Final.[2]

His contract with Gretna was terminated by mutual consent on 31 January 2008 due to the ensuing financial crisis at Gretna.[3] Canning had to waive money he was due by Gretna to ensure that he was released from his contract[4] and he was subsequently named in a creditors list published by Gretna's administrator in April 2008.[5]

In February 2008, Canning signed a 16-month contract[4] on 16 February 2008 with Hibernian after impressing in two reserve games while on trial.[6] Canning made 12 league appearances for Hibs, but was released on 1 September 2008 to make way for new signing Souleymane Bamba.[7] Canning then signed for Hamilton Academical on the same day.[8]

Canning started coaching Hamilton's under-17 team, while continuing his playing career, in the 2012–13 season.[9] He signed a new one-year contract with Hamilton in May 2013.[10] A year later, he was part of the Accies team which won promotion to the Scottish Premiership, via a play-off win over his previous club Hibernian.[11] Canning maintained his playing registration after being appointed Hamilton manager in 2015. Despite only making three first team appearances in the 2015–16 season due to injury, he extended his playing contract by another year in May 2016.[12]

Coaching career

[edit]

Canning became interim player-manager of Hamilton Academical in January 2015, after Alex Neil left to join Norwich City.[13] He was appointed manager on a permanent basis later that month, despite having lost all three matches as caretaker manager.[14]

Hamilton finished 11th in the 2016–17 Scottish Premiership, then avoided relegation by winning a play-off against Dundee United.[15][16] Hamilton again avoided relegation in 2017/18 by finishing in 10th place. Canning left Hamilton in January 2019 by mutual consent.[17][18]

Since departing Hamilton, Canning has been at Real Betis, Celtic, Leicester City, Preston North End, Aberdeen and Sunderland to assist with coaching.[19]

In August 2019, Canning took on the role as Head of Coaching at North Kelvin United on an interim basis. In November 2019, he was appointed permanently.[20]

Canning was appointed assistant manager of Stoke City in September 2022.[21] He left Stoke in December 2023.[22]

In December 2024, Canning was appointed assistant head coach of Championship side Millwall, once again supporting the newly appointed Alex Neil.[23]

Career statistics

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Ross County 1999–2000[24] Scottish Second Division 6 0 0 0 0 0 2[a] 0 2 0
2000–01[25] Scottish First Division 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1
2001–02[26] Scottish First Division 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
2002–03[27] Scottish First Division 25 2 0 0 3 0 2[a] 0 30 2
2003–04[28] Scottish First Division 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0
2004–05[29] Scottish First Division 33 4 3 0 2 0 4[a] 1 42 5
2005–06[30] Scottish First Division 19 2 1 0 2 0 2[a] 0 24 2
Total 111 9 4 0 7 0 10 1 132 10
Peterhead (loan) 2001–02[26] Scottish Third Division 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0
Gretna 2005–06[30] Scottish Second Division 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
2006–07[31] Scottish First Division 34 1 2 0 0 0 3[b] 0 39 1
2007–08[32] Scottish Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Total 41 1 2 0 0 0 3 0 46 1
Hibernian 2007–08[32] Scottish Premier League 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0
2008–09[33] Scottish Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 1[c] 0 2 0
Total 12 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 13 0
Hamilton Academical 2008–09[33] Scottish Premier League 30 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 32 1
2009–10[34] Scottish Premier League 37 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 40 1
2010–11[35] Scottish Premier League 23 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 26 0
2011–12[36] Scottish First Division 32 1 2 0 1 0 1[a] 0 36 1
2012–13[37] Scottish First Division 33 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 38 1
2013–14[38] Scottish Championship 34 1 1 0 3 0 4[d] 0 42 1
2014–15[39] Scottish Premiership 23 3 1 0 3 0 0 0 27 3
2015–16[40] Scottish Premiership 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Total 215 8 13 0 11 0 5 0 244 8
Career total 400 18 19 0 18 0 19 1 456 19
  1. ^ a b c d e Appearances in Scottish Challenge Cup
  2. ^ One Appearance in Scottish Challenge Cup and two in UEFA Cup
  3. ^ Appearance in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  4. ^ Appearances in Scottish Championship play-offs

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 27 August 2022
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team Nat From To Record
G W D L GF GA GD Win %
Hamilton Academical (caretaker) Scotland 9 January 2015 23 January 2015 3 0 0 3 2 10 −8 000.00
Hamilton Academical Scotland 23 January 2015 29 January 2019 176 42 44 90 185 294 −109 023.86
Sunderland (caretaker) England 26 August 2022 30 August 2022 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 000.00
Total 180 42 44 94 187 305 −118 023.33

Honours

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Martin Canning

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Martin Canning (born 3 December 1981) is a Scottish professional football manager and former defender who is currently assistant head coach at club . Canning began his professional playing career in the lower tiers of Scottish football, featuring for clubs including Ross County and before joining Gretna in 2006, where he helped the team reach the 2006 Final. He moved to Hibernian in 2008 for a brief spell, making a handful of appearances in the . That same year, he signed with Hamilton Academical, becoming a key player and club captain over the next nine seasons, contributing to their promotion to the via the playoffs in 2014. Canning retired from playing in 2017 at the age of 35, having amassed over 200 appearances for Hamilton. In January 2015, while still a player, Canning was appointed interim player-manager of Hamilton following Alex Neil's departure to Norwich City; he was confirmed as permanent manager later that month. During his four-year tenure, he successfully kept Hamilton in the , achieving notable results such as a historic league victory over Rangers in December 2017 and a 10th-place finish in the 2017–18 season despite limited resources. Canning left the club by mutual agreement in January 2019 after a challenging period marked by the departure of key players. After a period away from senior management, Canning reunited with as assistant manager at in February 2022, aiding their promotion to the as League One winners that season. He followed to Stoke City in August 2022, serving as assistant manager until December 2023. In December 2024, Canning joined in the same role, continuing his long-standing professional collaboration with . Holding a Pro Licence, Canning is recognised for his defensive expertise and tactical acumen developed through over two decades in the game.

Early life

Childhood and family

Martin Canning was born on 3 December 1981 in , . Public information regarding his family background and childhood remains limited, with no specific details on his parents or siblings documented in available sources.

Youth football development

Prior to joining Ross County, Canning played junior football in the League at age 16, shortly before turning 17, an experience that toughened him up for his professional breakthrough. Martin Canning joined the youth setup at Ross County in June 1999 at the age of 17. Hailing from , he relocated to the Highland club to focus on his development in the sport. In the Ross County youth academy, Canning engaged in early training sessions and participated in matches within the Scottish lower leagues' youth systems during the late 1990s. As a centre-back, he built foundational skills suited to the physical demands of Scottish football through this structured environment. Canning later reflected on his initial years at the club from age 17 onward as formative, describing Ross County as an excellent place to begin his professional journey.

Playing career

Ross County (1999–2006)

Martin Canning joined Ross County as a youth player from in 1999, quickly progressing to the senior squad. He made his professional debut at age 17 on 24 August 1999, featuring in a 3–0 group stage victory over Greenock Morton at . Over seven seasons with Ross County, Canning primarily played as a central defender, accumulating 111 league appearances and scoring 10 goals across all competitions. His reliability in defense became evident as he transitioned from a promising youngster to a regular first-team member, contributing to the club's stability in the lower tiers of Scottish football. In the 2001–02 season, he was loaned to in the Scottish Third Division, where he made 21 appearances without scoring, gaining valuable experience in a more physical, non-league environment that enhanced his versatility and tactical awareness. Canning's tenure coincided with Ross County's competitive efforts in the Scottish leagues, including a third-place finish in the Second Division during the 1999–2000 season. Following promotion to the First Division in 2000, the club mounted several promotion pushes, achieving a strong fourth place in 2001–02 and consistent mid-table results thereafter, such as sixth in 2003–04 and 2004–05. As a key defensive figure, Canning helped provide the solidity that underpinned these performances, including narrow escapes from relegation and playoff challenges for higher division spots by 2004–06.

Gretna (2006–2008)

Canning joined Gretna from Ross County in January 2006 for a fee of £60,000, marking the club's record signing at the time and aligning with their rapid expansion under owner , who had invested significantly to propel up the Scottish leagues. Drawing briefly on his defensive experience from earlier loan spells at Ross County, Canning quickly became a mainstay in the backline during Gretna's push for promotion. Over his two seasons at Gretna, Canning made 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring once in a league match against Livingston, while providing crucial defensive solidity that helped anchor the team during their title-winning 2005–06 Scottish Second Division campaign—where he featured in the latter half of the season—and their subsequent promotion push. In the 2006–07 Scottish First Division, Gretna finished second and secured elevation to the through the promotion playoffs, defeating 3–0 on aggregate (0–0 first leg, 3–0 second leg) in May 2007, with Canning's reliable performances in central defense contributing to the clean sheets and overall resilience. This triumph marked Gretna's historic entry into the SPL as the competition's lowest-budget side, relying on collective grit rather than financial firepower to compete against established top-flight clubs. Canning's time at Gretna ended in February 2008 when he transferred to Hibernian on a free amid the club's deepening , which culminated in administration that March due to debts exceeding £4 million and the withdrawal of Mileson's funding. This departure signified the close of a transformative era for Gretna, as the club was soon relegated, liquidated, and removed from the structure.

Hibernian and Hamilton Academical (2008–2017)

Canning joined Hibernian on a free transfer in February 2008, making 12 league appearances as a central defender during the 2007–08 season without scoring. He featured primarily as a squad player, contributing to defensive efforts but without significant individual impact before departing for Hamilton Academical in 2008. This short stint marked his adaptation to top-flight football following promotion experience at Gretna. Canning signed for Hamilton Academical on a free transfer in September 2008, establishing himself as a reliable central defender over the next nine seasons. He accumulated 239 appearances and 9 goals across all competitions, including 210 league outings and 8 league goals, demonstrating longevity and consistency in both the and Premiership. As a key squad member, Canning provided defensive stability and leadership, often captaining the side in crucial matches. During the 2013–14 season, played a pivotal role in Hamilton's promotion to the , featuring regularly in the and the subsequent play-offs. Hamilton finished second in the league before overcoming Inverness Caledonian in the semi-finals and securing promotion after a aggregate draw with Hibernian in the final, winning 4–3 on penalties in the second leg at . 's experience as a defender was instrumental in the team's resilient play-off performances. In the 2014–15 Premiership season, Canning's on-field leadership proved vital during Hamilton's campaign, as the club finished 7th with 53 points. He continued as a regular starter, contributing to a solid defensive record that included notable draws and wins against higher-placed teams. In January 2015, following Alex Neil's departure to Norwich City, Canning transitioned to player-manager, balancing playing duties with managerial responsibilities while guiding the team to safety. This dual role underscored his evolution from squad player to club leader, though he gradually reduced his playing time by 2017.

Coaching and managerial career

Hamilton Academical (2015–2019)

Martin Canning was appointed as Hamilton Academical's interim player-manager on 9 January 2015, following Alex Neil's departure to Norwich City. He took permanent charge on 23 January 2015, retaining his playing registration while leading the team through a challenging mid-season period. Canning, who had served as club captain, guided Hamilton to an eighth-place finish in the , marking a brief top-half standing and securing their top-flight status. Over his tenure, managed 176 matches, recording 45 wins, 39 draws, and 92 losses, for a win percentage of approximately 25%. His tactical approach prioritized defensive organization, emphasizing compact structures and set-piece resilience to counter the financial disparities in the league. This solidity proved crucial in multiple relegation battles, including the 2015–16 season when Hamilton finished 10th with 43 points, comfortably avoiding the bottom play-off spot. In 2016–17, despite ending the regular season 11th with 35 points, Canning's side survived via a 2–0 aggregate victory over Dundee United in the Premiership play-off final. The 2017–18 campaign saw another 10th-place finish with 33 points, highlighted by strong home form that included notable wins against higher-ranked opponents. Canning also focused on youth integration, providing opportunities for academy graduates and young signings to bolster the squad amid resource constraints. Examples include the emergence of talents like on loan and promising defenders such as Xavier Tomas, who contributed to defensive stability. He officially retired from playing in August 2017, transitioning fully to management to concentrate on coaching and recruitment. Canning departed by mutual consent on 29 January 2019, after a run of three consecutive league defeats that left Hamilton in the relegation zone with 14 points from 23 games in the 2018–19 season. His exit was attributed to mounting pressure from poor results, exacerbated by the club's limited budget, which restricted spending on transfers compared to rivals, and frequent player sales that disrupted squad continuity. Despite these challenges, Canning's efforts ensured Hamilton's survival in the top flight for four consecutive seasons, laying a foundation for future stability at the club.

Assistant coaching roles (2019–present)

Following his departure from Hamilton Academical in 2019, Martin Canning took up an interim role as head of at North United, a youth-focused club in , where he emphasized developing young players through grassroots programs. By early 2020, he had committed to the position on a more permanent basis, prioritizing youth development over potential returns to professional management and contributing to sessions that enhanced technical skills for junior teams. In February 2022, Canning joined Sunderland as assistant head coach under Alex Neil, supporting the team's successful promotion campaign to the via the League One play-offs in May 2022. His tenure at the lasted until August 2022, during which he assisted in tactical preparations that contributed to an unbeaten run in the play-off semi-finals against Sheffield Wednesday and the final against Wycombe Wanderers. Canning then moved to Stoke City in August 2022 as assistant manager to , where he played a key role in squad rebuilding efforts amid a challenging season. Over his 16-month stint, ending with Neil's dismissal in December 2023, the team focused on integrating new signings and stabilizing the defense, resulting in a 16th-place finish in the 2022–23 season and a mid-table position early in 2023–24 before a run of defeats. Canning, who holds a Pro Licence obtained through the Scottish FA's program, brought expertise in structured coaching methodologies to these rebuilding phases. In December 2024, reunited with Neil at , appointed as assistant on a long-term contract to aid in operations. As of November 2025, the duo has guided to a competitive standing near the play-off spots in the 2025–26 season, with contributing to defensive organization that has supported pushes for postseason qualification.

Career statistics

Playing statistics

Martin Canning's professional playing career spanned from 1999 to 2017, during which he made 438 appearances and scored 20 goals across Scottish leagues from the Second Division to the Scottish Premier League, including cup competitions. The following table provides a breakdown of his appearances and goals by club, including league, cup, and other competitions:
ClubLeague Apps (Goals)Scottish Cup Apps (Goals)League Cup Apps (Goals)Other Apps (Goals)Total Apps (Goals)
Ross County (1999–2006)104 (9)4 (0)7 (0)10 (1)125 (10)
Peterhead (loan, 2001–2002)21 (0)0 (0)0 (0)0 (0)21 (0)
Gretna (2006–2008)36 (1)2 (0)0 (0)3 (0)41 (1)
Hibernian (2008)12 (0)0 (0)0 (0)0 (0)12 (0)
Hamilton Academical (2008–2017)210 (8)13 (0)11 (1)5 (0)239 (9)
Career Total383 (18)19 (0)18 (1)18 (1)438 (20)
Note: Figures include substitute appearances in parentheses where applicable; totals reflect all verified domestic competitions.

Managerial statistics

Martin Canning's managerial career is dominated by his time as head coach of Hamilton Academical from January 2015 to January 2019, during which he guided the club through several challenging Scottish Premiership campaigns, achieving survival in the top flight for three consecutive full seasons (2015–16, 2016–17, and 2017–18), including a play-off win against Dundee United in 2017. His overall record reflects a defensive, pragmatic style suited to relegation battles, with a points-per-match average of 0.99. The following table summarizes his managerial statistics at Hamilton Academical (permanent role only):
ClubGamesWinsDrawsLossesWin %Points per Match
Hamilton Academical17645399225.6%0.99
These figures encompass league and cup competitions, highlighting consistent mid-to-lower table finishes that secured Premiership status, though the 2018–19 season ended prematurely amid a winless run. Canning held brief interim roles earlier at Hamilton (January 2015, 2 games, 0 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses) and later at (August 2022, 1 game, 0 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss to Norwich City), but detailed records for these caretaker periods are limited and not aggregated into full managerial tallies. His subsequent position as head of football at North Kelvin Sports Development Group (2019–2021) involved youth coaching without competitive senior managerial statistics.

Honours and achievements

As a player

During his tenure at Gretna, which began in January 2006, Canning contributed to the club's continued ascent through the Scottish leagues, building on their recent Scottish Third Division title win in the 2004–05 season. He made 46 appearances for the side, including key matches that helped secure the Scottish Second Division championship in 2005–06 and promotion from the Scottish First Division via the 2006–07 title. These successes marked Gretna's rapid rise, culminating in entry to the . At Hamilton Academical, where Canning played from 2008 to 2017 and served as captain, he was instrumental in the team's promotion to the Scottish Premiership at the end of the 2013–14 season, secured through the Championship play-offs after a strong regular campaign. Canning amassed over 400 senior appearances across his career, primarily as a dependable central defender known for his solid performances in lower-tier Scottish football. While he earned no major individual accolades, his contributions were tied to these collective team achievements in promotions and titles.

As a manager

Canning's tenure as manager of Hamilton Academical from 2015 to 2019 is noted for guiding the club through multiple seasons of survival in the despite operating on the league's smallest budget. Under his leadership, Hamilton avoided relegation in the 2015–16 and 2017–18 campaigns by finishing in safe positions, while the 2016–17 season required a successful playoff run. In that playoff, Hamilton secured their top-flight status with a 1–0 aggregate victory over Dundee United, winning the second leg 1–0 at after a 0–0 first-leg draw. As assistant manager at , Canning helped secure promotion to the by winning the 2021–22 League One play-offs. Although Hamilton did not win any major titles during Canning's time in charge, his efforts were praised for stabilizing the club in the Premiership, a significant accomplishment for a resource-limited outfit that had only returned to the top flight in 2014. Canning's approach emphasized resilience and tactical discipline, enabling the team to outperform expectations in relegation battles year after year. Canning also received recognition for fostering the development of young players, aligning with Hamilton's established academy model and providing opportunities for emerging talents to break into the first team. This focus contributed to the club's long-term sustainability in the top division.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/martin-canning/profil/trainer/38293
  2. https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2024/december/31/martin-canning-joins-millwall-as-assistant-head-coach/
  3. https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe15027/martin-canning/
  4. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/26255-martin-canning
  5. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/30937644
  6. https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=16846
  7. https://spfl.co.uk/news/canning-leaves-hamilton
  8. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42250915
  9. https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2022/2/11/22928880/who-is-sunderlands-new-assistant-manager-the-lowdown-on-former-hamilton-boss-martin-canning
  10. https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2022/september/23/first-word---martin-canning/
  11. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/martin-canning-37196a90
  12. https://www.11v11.com/players/martin-canning-5613/
  13. https://cmfootballwriting.com/2024/10/23/martin-canning-on-management-playing-in-spfl-and-working-with-alex-neil/
  14. https://www.transfermarkt.com/martin-canning/profil/spieler/14736
  15. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ross-county-fc/jugendarbeit/verein/2759
  16. https://hamiltonacciesfc.co.uk/post-531/
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  23. https://spfl.co.uk/news/talking-kit--hamilton-201314
  24. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27464444
  25. https://spfl.co.uk/news/accies-promoted-after-dramatic-win
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  27. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/30749957
  28. https://www.sofascore.com/manager/martin-canning/784595
  29. https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/16840057.hamilton-manager-martin-canning-believes-finally-found-defender-fill-boots-back---matt-kilgallon/
  30. https://fbref.com/en/squads/7a899329/2017-2018/Hamilton-Academical-Stats
  31. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/martin-canning-opens-up-hamilton-13209688
  32. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hamilton-boss-martin-canning-retires-11032030
  33. https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/features/long-reads/time-hamilton-academicals-manager-martin-15704801
  34. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hamilton-boss-martin-canning-defends-13897606
  35. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/martin-canning-life-after-hamilton-20466937
  36. https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/ive-been-offered-chances-to-return-to-the-professional-game-but-working-with-kids-is-far-more-rewarding/
  37. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/feb/11/sunderland-appoint-alex-neil-as-head-coach-on-12-month-rolling-deal
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  40. https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe15027/
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  42. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cge5xewpn8lt
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  46. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40816168
  47. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40088753
  48. https://spfl.co.uk/news/previous-play-off-finals
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  51. https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hamilton-make-five-new-signings-in-the-space-of-24-hours-1428300
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