Anthony Pilkington
Encyclopedia
Anthony Neil James Pilkington (born 6 June 1988 in Blackburn, Lancashire
) is an Irish professional football player. He plays for Norwich City, and plays on either wing or as a forward.
, Manchester United
and home town club Blackburn Rovers
. He joined Stockport County
on 15 December 2006, from Atherton Collieries
, where he made his name scoring a hat-trick
against F.C. United of Manchester
and signed initially on a short term contract at Edgeley Park, and made an instant impact on the team, scoring three goals in his first four games for the club, including two against Shrewsbury Town
at Gay Meadow
. Pilkington then played a big part in County's record breaking run of results during January and February 2007.
He continued to help Stockport's push for the playoffs by scoring a further two goals in a season which saw County miss out on the play-offs only on goal-difference.
He scored the second goal for Stockport and assisted
the third in their 3–2 win over Rochdale
at Wembley Stadium
. He also picked up the official man-of-the-match award as they were promoted to League One
.
In January 2008, his brother Danny
also signed for Stockport.
on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
He made his debut in the 1–0 defeat by Yeovil Town
at Huish Park
on 27 January 2009. On 3 March, he scored his first league goal for Huddersfield against Colchester United
at the Galpharm Stadium
. The match ended 2–2. His first away goal for the Terriers came in the 2–1 win against Bristol Rovers
at the Memorial Stadium
on 31 March 2009.
Pilkington started the 2009–10 season well, scoring on the opening day of the season against Southend United
when Huddersfield were two goals down to make it 2–1, they eventually drew the game 2–2. He then scored two more in the second round of the Football League Trophy
in a 3–3 draw with Chesterfield
, eventually losing on penalties. His second league goal came in a 2–1 away loss at Charlton Athletic
with a 30 yard free kick just before half time.
Pilkington was a regular in the Huddersfield team throughout the 2009–10 season, only missing one league game all season. He made 45 league appearances with a further five coming in cup competitions, scoring seven league goals as Huddersfield made a play-off semi-final, with a further two goals coming in the Football League Trophy
.
Pilkington was a fans favouite and the fans often sung "Pilks, Pilks will tear you apart again" Pilkington had a good relationship with the Huddersfield fans.
In the 2–1 home win over Rochdale, on 8 March 2011, Pilkington suffered a dislocated left ankle as well as a break to the fibula bone above the ankle. On 30 June, the club announced that Pilkington had declared his intention to leave following their failure to win promotion from League One.
on 6 July 2011 and signed a three-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. The fee was reported to be around £2 million but rising to £3 million with add-ons.
He made his first appearance since his injury in the 1–1 friendly draw versus Real Zaragoza
on 3 August 2011, coming off the bench to replace Bradley Johnson
. Pilkington made his competitive Norwich debut in the opening day Premier League 1–1 draw at Wigan Athletic
, replacing Steve Morison
. Pilkington's first Norwich goal came on 17 September 2011, in a 2–1 win against Bolton Wanderers
at the Reebok Stadium
. Pilkington scored a double in the 3-1 win over Swansea City at Carrow Road on 15 October 2011.
, where he impressed and even hit the woodwork. Giovanni Trapattoni
and Marco Tardelli were reported to have been keeping an eye on him ahead of Ireland's participation in UEFA Euro 2012.
who plays for York City
Individual
Lancashire
Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston...
) is an Irish professional football player. He plays for Norwich City, and plays on either wing or as a forward.
Stockport County
Born in Blackburn, Pilkington spent time with the youth systems of Preston North EndPreston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
, Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
and home town club Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
. He joined Stockport County
Stockport County F.C.
Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
on 15 December 2006, from Atherton Collieries
Atherton Collieries F.C.
Atherton Collieries A.F.C. is an English football club based in Atherton in Greater Manchester. The club currently plays in the North West Counties League First Division, the tenth tier of English football, and is a full member of the Lancashire County Football Association.Between 1919 and 1965...
, where he made his name scoring a hat-trick
Hat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
against F.C. United of Manchester
F.C. United of Manchester
F.C. United of Manchester is an English semi-professional football club based in Bury, Greater Manchester that plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. It was formed in 2005 by Manchester United supporters opposed to American businessman Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover of the...
and signed initially on a short term contract at Edgeley Park, and made an instant impact on the team, scoring three goals in his first four games for the club, including two against Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town F.C.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club is an English Association football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, who play in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club was formed in 1886 and has played in all the bottom three divisions in various guises since being elected into the Football...
at Gay Meadow
Gay Meadow
The Gay Meadow is the former home ground of Shrewsbury Town FC, a football club in England. It was situated just outside the town centre of Shrewsbury, on the banks of the River Severn and it opened in August 1910....
. Pilkington then played a big part in County's record breaking run of results during January and February 2007.
He continued to help Stockport's push for the playoffs by scoring a further two goals in a season which saw County miss out on the play-offs only on goal-difference.
He scored the second goal for Stockport and assisted
Assist (football)
In association football, an assist is a contribution by a player which helps to score a goal. Statistics for assists made by players may be kept officially by the organisers of a competition, or unofficially by, for example, journalists or organisers of fantasy football competitions...
the third in their 3–2 win over Rochdale
Rochdale A.F.C.
Rochdale Association Football Club is an English professional football club based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Spotland Stadium. Formed in 1907, they were accepted into the Football League in 1921...
at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
. He also picked up the official man-of-the-match award as they were promoted to League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
.
In January 2008, his brother Danny
Danny Pilkington
Daniel Luke "Danny" Pilkington is an English footballer who plays for York City as a winger. He formerly played for Atherton Collieries, Kendal Town, Chorley and Stockport County.-Career:...
also signed for Stockport.
Huddersfield Town
On 23 January 2009, he was signed by fellow League One side Huddersfield TownHuddersfield Town F.C.
Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One...
on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
He made his debut in the 1–0 defeat by Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
at Huish Park
Huish Park
Huish Park is a football ground in the suburbs of Yeovil, Somerset, England and is the home ground of Yeovil Town Football Club. The stadium replaced the club's previous ground, The Huish famous for numerous FA Cup giant-killings was officially opened on 4 August 1990, with a match against then...
on 27 January 2009. On 3 March, he scored his first league goal for Huddersfield against Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
at the Galpharm Stadium
Galpharm Stadium
The Galpharm Stadium, formerly the Alfred McAlpine Stadium, is a multi-use sports in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, England. Since 1994, it has been the home ground of Huddersfield Town and Super League side, Huddersfield Giants.-The Stadium:...
. The match ended 2–2. His first away goal for the Terriers came in the 2–1 win against Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers F.C.
Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city....
at the Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium (Bristol)
The Memorial Stadium, also commonly known by its previous name of The Memorial Ground, is a sports ground in Bristol, England, dedicated to the memory of the rugby union players of the city killed during World War I...
on 31 March 2009.
Pilkington started the 2009–10 season well, scoring on the opening day of the season against Southend United
Southend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
when Huddersfield were two goals down to make it 2–1, they eventually drew the game 2–2. He then scored two more in the second round of the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
in a 3–3 draw with Chesterfield
Chesterfield F.C.
Chesterfield Football Club is an English football club based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The club currently plays in Football League One, the third tier of English football. Despite being the fourth oldest Football League club in England, they have spent most of their existence in the lower...
, eventually losing on penalties. His second league goal came in a 2–1 away loss at Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic F.C.
Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Greenwich. They compete in Football League One, the third tier of English football. The club was founded on 9 June 1905, when a number of youth clubs in the southeast London area,...
with a 30 yard free kick just before half time.
Pilkington was a regular in the Huddersfield team throughout the 2009–10 season, only missing one league game all season. He made 45 league appearances with a further five coming in cup competitions, scoring seven league goals as Huddersfield made a play-off semi-final, with a further two goals coming in the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
.
Pilkington was a fans favouite and the fans often sung "Pilks, Pilks will tear you apart again" Pilkington had a good relationship with the Huddersfield fans.
In the 2–1 home win over Rochdale, on 8 March 2011, Pilkington suffered a dislocated left ankle as well as a break to the fibula bone above the ankle. On 30 June, the club announced that Pilkington had declared his intention to leave following their failure to win promotion from League One.
Norwich City
Pilkington joined Norwich CityNorwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
on 6 July 2011 and signed a three-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. The fee was reported to be around £2 million but rising to £3 million with add-ons.
He made his first appearance since his injury in the 1–1 friendly draw versus Real Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza, S.A.D. is a Spanish association football team from Zaragoza in Spain. Founded on 18 March 1932, Real Zaragoza have spent the majority of their 78 year history in the Spanish top-flight. Real Zaragoza are Spain's 9th highest ranked team in overall league points...
on 3 August 2011, coming off the bench to replace Bradley Johnson
Bradley Johnson
Bradley Paul Johnson is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Norwich City. His primary position is a central midfielder, but he can also play as a left winger and as a left back.-Club career:...
. Pilkington made his competitive Norwich debut in the opening day Premier League 1–1 draw at Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
, replacing Steve Morison
Steve Morison
Steven William "Steve" Morison is a Welsh international footballer who plays for Norwich City as a striker.Morison started his career at Northampton Town at the age of 16, progressing through the club's centre of excellence...
. Pilkington's first Norwich goal came on 17 September 2011, in a 2–1 win against Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
at the Reebok Stadium
Reebok Stadium
The Reebok Stadium is the home stadium of English Premier League football club Bolton Wanderers, and is located on the Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. It is commonly known as 'The Reebok'...
. Pilkington scored a double in the 3-1 win over Swansea City at Carrow Road on 15 October 2011.
International career
He received a call-up to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad in October 2008; not knowing he was eligible to play for Republic of Ireland national sides until a scout enquired of his availability. He qualifies through his paternal grandmother from Dublin but has not yet declared his national side, so may still play for the English national team despite playing for the Republic of Ireland under-21s. He played in the 3–0 away victory over LithuaniaLithuania national under-21 football team
The Lithuania national under-21 football team is the feeder team for the Senior team.Coach: Vitalijus StankevičiusCaptain:-Goalkeepers:-Defenders:-Midfielders:-Forwards:-External links:*...
, where he impressed and even hit the woodwork. Giovanni Trapattoni
Giovanni Trapattoni
Giovanni Trapattoni , sometimes known as "Trap" or "Il Trap", is an Italian football coach and former player, considered the most successful club coach in the history of Serie A. As a player he was part of Italy's squad at the 1962 FIFA World Cup....
and Marco Tardelli were reported to have been keeping an eye on him ahead of Ireland's participation in UEFA Euro 2012.
Personal life
Pilkington has a younger brother, DannyDanny Pilkington
Daniel Luke "Danny" Pilkington is an English footballer who plays for York City as a winger. He formerly played for Atherton Collieries, Kendal Town, Chorley and Stockport County.-Career:...
who plays for York City
York City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
Honours
Stockport County:- Football League Two Play-OffFootball League TwoFootball League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
Winner: 2007–082007-08 in English footballThe 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool...
Individual
- PFA Team of the Year: 2010–11 League One2010–11 Football League OneThe 2010–11 Football League One is the seventh season of the league under its current title and nineteenth season under its current league division format...