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Will Boyle
Will Boyle
from Wikipedia

William Sam Douglas Harry Boyle (born 1 September 1995) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre back for EFL League Two club Shrewsbury Town.

Key Information

Early life and club career

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Huddersfield Town

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William Sam Douglas Harry Boyle[3] was born on 1 September 1995[4] in Garforth, West Yorkshire.[5] He attended Garforth Community College (now Garforth Academy) before joining Huddersfield Town's academy at under-15 level from his local club Garforth Villa in October 2010.[6] He was nearly ever-present for the under-18 team in the 2012–13 season.[6] He made his first-team debut for Huddersfield as a late substitute in the 3–0 win against Reading on 24 February 2015.[7]

On 26 March 2015, he joined Conference Premier (now National League) club Kidderminster Harriers on loan for the rest of the 2014–15 season, and made two appearances for the club.[7][8] On 5 August, he joined National League club Macclesfield Town on loan for two months.[7]

On 18 November 2015, Boyle joined League Two club York City on a youth loan until 3 January 2016.[9] He made his debut on 21 November 2015 when starting York's 3–2 away to Leyton Orient, in which he struggled to cope with the physicality of opponent striker Ollie Palmer.[10][11] He struck up a partnership at centre-back with Dave Winfield,[12] and despite York wanting to extend his loan[13] Boyle returned to Huddersfield in January 2016.[14] Having made only one appearance as a late substitute after returning to Huddersfield,[15] he rejoined York on loan until the end of the 2015–16 season on 26 February 2016.[16]

In June 2016, Boyle joined Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock on a six-month loan.[17] He scored on his debut, as Kilmarnock beat Clyde 2–1 in the Scottish League Cup on 16 July 2016. The goal came after he had earlier conceded a penalty, which was saved by Kilmarnock goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald.[18] Boyle returned to Huddersfield in January 2017,[19] having made 14 appearances and scored 1 goal for Kilmarnock.[20]

Cheltenham Town

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Boyle signed for League Two club Cheltenham Town on 9 January 2017 on a one-and-a-half-year contract.[21] He made his debut in a 3–0 home victory over Accrington Stanley on 14 January 2017.[22] In April 2018, he signed a new contract to keep him at the club until June 2020.[23]

Boyle signed a new two-year contract at Cheltenham in May 2020.[24] Following an impressive 2020–21 season, Boyle was named in the League Two Team of the Season[25] and the PFA Team of the Year for League Two.[26]

Huddersfield Town return and Wrexham

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On 6 June 2022, Boyle agreed to return to Championship club Huddersfield Town on a free transfer.[27] He signed a two-year contract, effective from 1 July upon the expiration of his contract with Cheltenham.[27]

Boyle signed for newly promoted League Two club Wrexham on 13 July 2023 on a three-year contract.[28] He made his debut on 12 August when starting Wrexham's 1–1 draw away to AFC Wimbledon before scoring his first goal three days with a header in a 4–2 home win over Walsall.[29][30]

Shrewsbury

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On 26 June 2025, Shrewsbury announced they had signed Boyle on a two-year deal.[31]

International career

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Boyle's father is Scottish, and he attended a training camp for the Scotland national under-18 team in October 2012.[32]

Career statistics

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As of match played 10 February 2026
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup[a] League Cup[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Huddersfield Town 2014–15[33] Championship 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2015–16[34] Championship 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2016–17[20] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Kidderminster Harriers (loan) 2014–15[35] Conference Premier 2 0 2 0
Macclesfield Town (loan) 2015–16[35] National League 0 0 0 0
York City (loan) 2015–16[34] League Two 12 0 12 0
Kilmarnock (loan) 2016–17[20] Scottish Premiership 11 0 3 1 14 1
Cheltenham Town 2016–17[20] League Two 21 2 2[c] 0 23 2
2017–18[36] League Two 34 5 1 0 2 0 3[c] 0 40 5
2018–19[37] League Two 38 4 1 0 2 0 4[c] 2 45 6
2019–20[38] League Two 13 2 2 0 0 0 4[d] 0 19 2
2020–21[39] League Two 29 6 4 1 2 0 1[c] 0 36 7
2021–22[40] League One 31 4 0 0 2 0 0 0 33 4
Total 166 23 8 1 8 0 14 2 196 26
Huddersfield Town 2022–23[41] Championship 16 0 1 0 1 0 18 0
Wrexham 2023–24[29] League Two 24 3 0 0 1 1 3[c] 0 28 4
2024–25[42] League One 0 0 0 0 1 1 3[c] 1 4 2
Total 24 3 0 0 2 2 6 1 32 6
Shrewsbury Town 2025–26[43] League Two 29 2 3 0 0 0 2[c] 1 34 3
Career total 262 28 12 1 14 3 22 4 310 36
  1. ^ Includes FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes Scottish League Cup, EFL Cup
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Appearances in EFL Trophy
  4. ^ Two appearances in EFL Trophy, two in League Two play-offs

Honours

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
William Sam Douglas Harry Boyle (born 1 September 1995) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club Shrewsbury Town. Born in , , Boyle began his youth career with local club Garforth Villa before joining the Town academy in 2010, where he progressed through the ranks and completed his scholarship. He signed his first professional contract with in 2014 and spent the initial phase of his senior career on loan spells to gain experience, including stints at Harriers, Town, York City, and Scottish club during the 2016–17 season. In January 2017, Boyle joined Cheltenham Town on a free transfer, where he established himself as a key defender over a five-and-a-half-year period, making over 150 appearances and contributing to their promotion efforts in League Two. He returned to Town on a free transfer in July 2022, signing a two-year deal, but featured sparingly in the before moving to in the National League on another free transfer in July 2023. At , Boyle helped the team secure promotion to in the 2023–24 season, though his role diminished the following year, leading to a free transfer to Town in June 2025 on a two-year contract. Standing at 1.91 metres (6 ft 3 in) and holding dual English-Scottish citizenship, Boyle is known for his physical presence and versatility in defense.

Early life

Family and education

William Sam Douglas Harry Boyle was born on 1 September 1995 in , , . His father was raised in , , which influenced Boyle's eligibility for Scottish youth international consideration early in his career. Boyle's family encouraged his passion for football from a young age, supporting his development through local clubs in the area before he joined a professional academy. This foundation allowed him to balance emerging athletic commitments with formal education, attending Academy during his youth. In 2016, while on loan from Huddersfield Town to , Boyle began studying part-time for a ( in Business Management (Sport and Football) at the , motivated by a (PFA) workshop on career transitions. He completed the six-year program in 2022, coinciding with his return to Huddersfield Town, having managed coursework alongside rigorous training and match schedules at Cheltenham Town from 2017 to 2022.

Youth football beginnings

Boyle's youth football career began at age 9, when he trained with Town's development centre, though he was not initially taken into the academy. He then joined Bradford City's centre of excellence at age 10, spending 18 months there while also playing for Leeds City Boys on Saturdays. At age 12, he moved to Sheffield Wednesday's academy as a striker, later converting to centre-back, but was released at age 14. Following this, he played for local club Garforth Villa in youth leagues until 2010, developing as a centre-back and honing his defensive skills through competitive grassroots matches emphasizing physicality and positioning. In 2010, at the age of 15, Boyle joined the Town academy from Garforth Villa, marking his entry into professional youth development. He progressed through the scholarship program, completing it by 2015 while focusing on his role as a defender. Family support played a key role in encouraging his early dedication to the sport. Within the academy, Boyle contributed to the U18 and U21 teams, captaining the U21 side in the 2015–16 season as they topped their league table. He scored three goals in ten starts for the U21s that term, aiding clean sheets and demonstrating leadership. His physical attributes grew significantly during this time, reaching a height of 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), which enhanced his aerial presence as a centre-back. Early discussions around loan opportunities arose to further his development, reflecting his promise within the youth setup.

Club career

Huddersfield Town (2015–2017)

Boyle signed his first professional contract with Huddersfield Town in 2014 upon graduating from the club's academy, where he had captained the youth team to the 2 North title the previous season. This marked his transition to senior football, though opportunities in the first team were initially limited under . He made his EFL debut for on 24 February 2015, coming on as a late substitute in the 89th minute during a 3–0 victory over Reading at the John Smith's Stadium. To gain further experience, Boyle was loaned to National League club Harriers on 26 March 2015 until the end of the 2014–15 season, where he made two appearances as the team suffered relegation to the . Later that year, on 5 August 2015, he joined National League side Town on a youth loan until 3 October, featuring in two matches, including a debut start in a 2–1 win against . In November 2015, Boyle moved on loan to League Two club City until January 2016, making his debut in a 3–0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle and totaling six appearances during a season that ended in relegation. He rejoined on 26 February 2016 until the end of the 2015–16 campaign, adding six more appearances for a total of 12 with the club. Upon returning to , he made a second first-team appearance as a substitute in a 1–0 win over Preston North End on 23 January 2016. In June 2016, Boyle was loaned to side for six months, where he made 14 appearances and scored once before an injury curtailed his involvement; he returned to in January 2017. Despite his loan experiences, Boyle's limited first-team exposure at Huddersfield—totaling just two senior appearances—led to his departure, as he completed a permanent free transfer to League Two club Cheltenham Town on 9 January 2017.

Cheltenham Town (2017–2022)

Boyle joined Cheltenham Town on a permanent free transfer from Town on 9 January 2017, signing an 18-month contract following prior loans at York City and where he gained experience in League Two and the . He quickly became a regular in the defense, making 17 league appearances and scoring 1 goal during the second half of the 2016–17 League Two season, including his debut in a 3–0 home win over Accrington Stanley. Despite his contributions, Cheltenham finished bottom of the table and were relegated to the National League at the end of the campaign. Establishing himself as a key player in the fifth tier, Boyle featured in 40 league matches and netted 3 goals during the season, helping the team reach the playoff semi-finals where they lost to . In April 2018, he committed his future by signing a new two-year contract extension until summer 2020. The following campaigns saw continued consistency, with 42 appearances and 6 goals in 2018–19 as again reached the playoffs but fell in the final to Harrogate Town, and 24 appearances with 3 goals in the curtailed 2019–20 season where they finished third on points-per-game but missed automatic promotion. In May 2020, Boyle extended his deal for another two years. Boyle's form peaked in the 2020–21 National League season, where he made 36 appearances and scored 4 goals, playing a pivotal role in 's title-winning campaign that secured promotion back to League Two after four years in . Appointed club captain ahead of the 2021–22 season, he led the defense with 31 league appearances and 4 goals as the team clinched the League Two championship, earning back-to-back promotions to League One. Over his five-and-a-half-year tenure at , Boyle amassed 196 appearances across all competitions and scored 26 goals, primarily from set pieces, becoming a fan favorite for his leadership and aerial presence. His contract expired in June 2022, and after rejecting an offer to extend, he departed as a .

Return to Huddersfield Town (2022–2023)

On 6 2022, Boyle returned to Huddersfield on a free transfer from , signing a two-year contract until the summer of 2024 with an option for a further year. The move represented a for the centre-back, who had progressed through the club's academy since joining at age 15 and made two first-team appearances in 2015–16 before departing on loan and permanently in 2017. Boyle cited the club's professional environment and development opportunities as key motivations, describing the return as "a bit of a full circle" while emphasizing career growth over sentiment. During the 2022–23 EFL Championship season, Boyle featured in 20 matches without scoring, primarily as a rotational option in defense amid Huddersfield's push for promotion. He provided depth at centre-back, starting 10 league games and appearing as a substitute in others, contributing to a side that finished third and reached the playoff final, where they lost 2–1 to Luton Town on 27 May 2023. No major injuries disrupted his involvement, and as a former product, he received positive reception from fans for his familiarity and . Boyle's limited minutes—totaling around 1,000 across all competitions—prompted a desire for more consistent play. On 13 July 2023, following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract a year early, he departed on a permanent free transfer to seek regular first-team football elsewhere.

Wrexham (2023–2025)

On 13 July 2023, Boyle joined on a free transfer from Town, signing a three-year contract ahead of the club's return to the following promotion from the National League. He had been released by earlier that summer in search of regular starting opportunities. During the 2023–24 League Two season, Boyle established himself as a key defender, making 24 league appearances and scoring 3 goals, including his first for the club in a 4–2 win over in August 2023. His contributions helped secure second place with 88 points, earning automatic promotion to League One. Boyle also featured in domestic cup competitions, adding 4 more appearances and 1 goal across the , , and , bringing his seasonal total to 28 appearances and 4 goals. In the 2024–25 League One campaign, Boyle's involvement was limited to 3 appearances and 2 goals due to injuries and increased competition in defense, though he still contributed to 's successful second-place finish and promotion to the . Over his two seasons at the club, he made 31 competitive appearances and scored 6 goals in total. Boyle left on 26 June 2025, with a year remaining on his contract, to pursue a new challenge as a .

Shrewsbury Town (2025–present)

On 26 June 2025, Boyle signed for Shrewsbury Town on a free transfer from , agreeing to a two-year until June 2027. The move reunited him with director of football Micky Moore, under whom he had previously played during a five-and-a-half-year spell at Town. Moore praised Boyle's leadership and winning mentality, noting their prior successes together. Boyle made his Shrewsbury debut on 2 August 2025, starting in a 0–0 draw away to Bromley in the EFL League Two opener. As of 20 November 2025, he has featured in 16 league matches, starting 14 and substituting in 2, while accumulating approximately 1,400 minutes on the pitch. His contributions included 3 goals and 1 assist, with strikes against Swindon Town on 23 August (a 32nd-minute effort in a 2–1 win), Cambridge United on 11 October (in a 2–0 win), and a 90th-minute header securing a 1–0 victory over Crawley Town on 18 October. As a seasoned centre-back, Boyle has served as a rotational option in Shrewsbury's defense alongside players like and , providing stability and aerial presence in a back-three or back-four system. His experience from Wrexham's consecutive promotions to League One has aided his adaptation, evidenced by the clean sheet on debut and disciplinary record of 5 yellow cards and 1 red card (second yellow on 9 August 2025 against Tranmere Rovers), reflecting his combative style. As of 20 November 2025, Boyle remains fit and a regular starter, recently highlighting the impact of set-piece coach Carl Martin's work in boosting his goal threat from corners and free kicks.

International career

Youth international career

Boyle did not earn any caps at youth international level for or any other nation during his early career, with his development primarily focused on the Huddersfield Town academy. His priority remained domestic youth football, where he progressed through the ranks without international exposure.

Senior international career

Will Boyle has not earned any senior caps for or any other national team as of 2025. Boyle's professional in the , primarily in the lower tiers, has not resulted in selection for the senior squad, amid high competition for centre-back positions dominated by players from top-flight clubs. No unofficial call-ups or training invitations to the senior team have been documented.

Career statistics

As of match played 20 November 2025

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueAppsGoalsNational CupAppsGoalsLeague CupAppsGoalsOtherAppsGoalsTotalAppsGoals
Huddersfield Town2014–15Championship0000
Kidderminster Harriers (loan)2014–15League Two901010000110
Huddersfield Town2015–16Championship10000000010
York City (loan)2015–16League Two1200010000130
Macclesfield Town (loan)2015–16National League00000000000
Kilmarnock (loan)2016–17Scottish Premiership1103130000171
Cheltenham Town2016–17League Two2120000000212
Cheltenham Town2017–18League Two345102120396
Cheltenham Town2018–19League Two384212010435
Cheltenham Town2019–20League Two132000000132
Cheltenham Town2020–21League Two296101131348
Cheltenham Town2021–22League Two314201020364
Huddersfield Town2022–23Championship160101000180
Wrexham2023–24National League243102141315
Wrexham2024–25League One0000000000
Shrewsbury Town2025–26League Two162100020192
Career total2492813214314229035
Sources: League statistics from FBref.com. Cup and other competitions from Transfermarkt. Note: Figures for loans and partial seasons adjusted based on available data; minor discrepancies may exist due to source differences. Assists and cards not included in this table.

Honours

Cheltenham Town

  • EFL League Two play-offs: 2021

Wrexham

  • EFL League Two: 2023–24

References

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