Dougie Freedman
Encyclopedia
Douglas "Dougie" Freedman (born 25 May 1974 in Glasgow
) is a Scottish former professional football
player who played as a striker
. He is currently manager
at Championship
club Crystal Palace
, where he spent ten of his sixteen years as a player.
in 1992, but never made their first team. He moved to Third Division
Barnet
on a free transfer in July 1994, aged 20. He made his league debut in August 1994 and quickly became the club's leading player as he struck 24 goals in his debut season. A bright start to the following season attracted the interest of Crystal Palace
.
for a fee of £800,000 in September 1995. He instantly showed he could continue his goalscoring form at the higher level when he netted 20 times in the 1995–96
season. This haul included the second fastest hat-trick in Crystal Palace's history – 11 minutes – against Grimsby Town
on 5 March 1996.
The following, 1996-97 season saw a less prolific 11 goals but helped the club to the promotion play-offs. He then scored crucial goals in the 89th and 90th minutes of their Play Off semi-final tie with Wolves
after coming off the bench with 17 minutes left. Palace went on to win promotion in the Wembley Play Off final, beating Sheffield United
1–0.
Freedman's experience of Premier League football in the 1997-98 season proved short-lived though as he only managed seven top flight games before being sold to Wolves
, ironically the club he had helped deny promotion.
season. He was the team's top goalscorer with 13 in total in a season that saw Wolves fail to mount a serious promotion challenge. The emergence of striker Robbie Keane
during the season helped convince Wolves
to sell Freedman.
for a fee of £950,000. He made his first appearance for Forest on 17 August 1998 as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal. In his first full campaign in the top flight in 1998-99 he scored nine goals for Forest who were relegated that season to Division One
. In his second season at Forest in 1999-2000 the club languished in mid-table under manager David Platt. Freedman made a total of 83 appearances, and scoring 23 goals, before being sold to Crystal Palace
in October 2000.
, with three minutes left and no score. Dramatically, Freedman then scored the vital goal that kept Palace in the division, and relegated Huddersfield Town.
The following season saw Freeman bag 21 goals in all competitions, his best seasonal tally for Palace. This also earned him a call-up to the Scottish national team
, to add to his earlier Under 21 caps. However, the next season was less of a personal success as he was dropped from the Scotland side, and began to find his appearances limited at Palace, as manager Trevor Francis
largely preferred Ade Akinbiyi
, Dele Adebola
, and Andy Johnson to him.
His fortunes were revived in 2003–04
though, as he re-established himself as a first choice regular under new manager Iain Dowie
. A strong surge in the second half of the season saw the club go from relegation contenders to the promotion play-offs. Freedman scored during the penalty shootout victory at Sunderland
in the semi finals to help the club to the final. He was an unused substitute in the final though, which saw the club beat West Ham
, the second time he had been promoted with the club.
However, life in the Premier League in 2004–05
saw Freedman often overlooked as the team employed only one striker in most games, with Andy Johnson being the preferred choice in this role. Despite attracting interest from Leeds United
midway through the season, he remained committed to the Palace cause of consolidating Premier League
status by rejecting a loan bid from the Championship
contenders. He stayed to score his only top flight goal for the club in their vital final fixture at Charlton Athletic
, drawing them level at 1–1. However, the eventual 2–2 result saw the club endure a record third Premier League relegation.
Back in the Championship
, he remained down the pecking order behind England international Andy Johnson and Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison
. However, injuries to Johnson and Jon Macken
, and lack of form from Morrison brought him back into the team and he scored his 100th and 101st goals for Crystal Palace in a 3–2 win at rivals Brighton & Hove Albion
on 20 November 2005. This made him only the seventh player in Palace history to have reached the century mark.
He managed to stay in the line-up after Johnson's return, having made a great impression on Palace boss Iain Dowie
, who, later, made a public call to Scotland
boss Walter Smith
for the striker to be given another chance in the national side. He ended the season with seven league goals, as the club comfortably reached the play-offs. However, they were beaten by Watford
in their semi final tie to deny him a chance of a third promotion.
The appointment of Peter Taylor as manager in Summer 2006 limited Freedman's chances, and he could only manage three league goals. However, he extended his contract by a further two years at the conclusion of the season. Taylor was replaced by Neil Warnock
early in the 2007–08
season, but strong goalscoring form of Clinton Morrison
limited Freedman to rare substitute appearances.
season), decided to move to League One
club Leeds United
on loan until the end of the season.
He was in excellent form for Elland Road
club, scoring five goals to ensure a play-off place including a brace against Carlisle United in a 3–2 win at Elland Road, and also receiving praise from Leeds manager Gary McAllister
. This form earned him League One's "Player of the Month" award for April, while another vital late Play-off goal in the first leg of Leeds' semi-final tie with Carlisle United
and an assist for a last minute Jonny Howson
goal in the second leg helped the Whites to Wembley
, where he featured in the Play-off final on the day of his 34th birthday, as Leeds were downed 1–0 by Doncaster Rovers
. After the season ended Freedman revealed that he wanted to join Leeds permanently, however Leeds signed Luciano Becchio
and Freedman had to look elsewhere.
Freedman is still held in very high regard by the Leeds United's supporters to this day despite such a short spell at the club, his impact in helping the team to the playoff final and his impressive interviews during his time at Leeds he will always be remembered as a cult hero.
at Selhurst Park
which ended in a 0–0 draw.
Following this match, Warnock allowed Freedman to depart Selhurst. He was heavily linked with a permanent move to Leeds, this never materialised.
on a free transfer, scoring four goals in his first four outings for the Shrimpers. However his first season was plagued by injury. The following season saw the form of Lee Barnard
keep Freedman out of the side.
In March 2010 Freedman had his contract at Southend terminated by mutual consent to rejoin Palace as part of the coaching staff, signalling the end of his playing career.
debut on 6 October 2001, in a crunch match against Latvia
at Hampden Park
, for a place at the 2002 FIFA World Cup
. The Scots won the match 2–1, with Freedman scoring the equalising goal in the process (a header past then Palace teammate, goalkeeper Aleksandrs Koliņko
), after Andrejs Rubins
(another Palace teammate at the time) had given the Latvians the lead. Despite this victory, Scotland failed to gain a place in the Finals, and manager Craig Brown
resigned, being replaced by Berti Vogts
.
He only got one more Scotland cap following Vogts' appointment, playing the first 45 minutes of Scotland's 5–0 defeat at the hands of France
in a friendly.
in November 2007. He was in this role alongside his playing duties for the club's first team. This role ended when he joined Leeds United on loan the following March. Following his move to Southend United
, he began coaching alongside playing for the Shrimpers' first team.
Freedman became the assistant manager of Crystal Palace in March 2010. Freedman returned to Crystal Palace as assistant manager to Paul Hart
as manager and John Pemberton
as First Team Coach, helping secure survival for the Eagles. Following the appointment of George Burley
, Freedman was retained as Assistant Manager. When Burley was sacked on New Year's Day 2011, Freedman was given the Caretaker Manager role, which many expected to be for a few weeks until a new manager was appointed, but he was made the official manager of Crystal Palace
signing a two and a half year deal on 11 January 2011. He quickly moved to bring in Lennie Lawrence
as his Assistant Manager and former Palace team-mate Tony Popovic
as First Team Coach.
He was ultimately successful in guiding Crystal Palace out of the relegation zone, with the club achieving safety with a game to spare. Palace began the 2011-12 season well under their new manager, occupying the playoff places at the end of October and also enjoying a good run in the Football League Cup
, where they have qualified for the Semi-Finals against Cardiff City F.C., by beating Manchester United
2-1 at Old Trafford
in late November 2011.
midfielder Stephen Clemence
and daughter of former England international Ray Clemence
. He tends to use the anglicised abbreviation of his name 'Duggie' rather than 'Doo-gie,' the usual pronunciation for a Scotch person. Generally most Palace supporters use 'Doo-gie'.
by The Baha Men was played and fans sung along, replacing 'Dogs' with 'Doug'.
Scored the first non-Northampton Town
goal at Sixfields Stadium
for Barnet
on 15 October 1994.
He scored his 100th Palace goal against Palace's fierce rivals Brighton
in a 3–2 win for the Eagles.
Despite only spending a short spell at Barnet at the beginning of his playing career, Freedman was voted as the fans' favourite player in the club's all-time history in late 2007.
Leeds United
League One
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
) is a Scottish former professional football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
player who played as a striker
Striker
Forwards, also known as strikers, are the players on a team in association football who play nearest to the opposing team's goal, and are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals...
. He is currently manager
Coach (sport)
In sports, a coach is an individual involved in the direction, instruction and training of the operations of a sports team or of individual sportspeople.-Staff:...
at Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
club Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
, where he spent ten of his sixteen years as a player.
Barnet
Freedman began his career with top flight Queens Park RangersQueens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
in 1992, but never made their first team. He moved to Third Division
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
Barnet
Barnet F.C.
Barnet Football Club is an English football team from High Barnet, London, England, currently playing in Football League Two. The ground is in the town of Barnet within the London Borough of Barnet....
on a free transfer in July 1994, aged 20. He made his league debut in August 1994 and quickly became the club's leading player as he struck 24 goals in his debut season. A bright start to the following season attracted the interest of Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
.
Crystal Palace (first spell)
Freedman was signed by Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
for a fee of £800,000 in September 1995. He instantly showed he could continue his goalscoring form at the higher level when he netted 20 times in the 1995–96
1995-96 in English football
- Premiership :Newcastle United were 12 points clear at the top of Manchester United, but Alex Ferguson's relatively young and inexperienced side overhauled them during the second half of the season to win the title....
season. This haul included the second fastest hat-trick in Crystal Palace's history – 11 minutes – against Grimsby Town
Grimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
on 5 March 1996.
The following, 1996-97 season saw a less prolific 11 goals but helped the club to the promotion play-offs. He then scored crucial goals in the 89th and 90th minutes of their Play Off semi-final tie with Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
after coming off the bench with 17 minutes left. Palace went on to win promotion in the Wembley Play Off final, beating Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
1–0.
Freedman's experience of Premier League football in the 1997-98 season proved short-lived though as he only managed seven top flight games before being sold to Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
, ironically the club he had helped deny promotion.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Freedman joined Wolverhampton Wanderers initially on loan in October 1997, but after impressing with two goals in as many games, Wolves quickly signed him permanently in a £800,000 combined deal with Palace defender Jamie Smith. However, Freemans's time at Wolves only lasted until the end of the 1997–981997-98 in English football
The 1997-1998 season was the 118th season of competitive football in England.-Premier League:Arsenal overhauled Manchester United's lead during the final weeks of the season to win the Premiership title...
season. He was the team's top goalscorer with 13 in total in a season that saw Wolves fail to mount a serious promotion challenge. The emergence of striker Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane
Robert David "Robbie" Keane is an Irish association football player who plays as a striker for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer and captains the Irish national football team....
during the season helped convince Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
to sell Freedman.
Nottingham Forest
In August 1998 Freedman signed for newly promoted Premier League side Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest F.C.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
for a fee of £950,000. He made his first appearance for Forest on 17 August 1998 as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal. In his first full campaign in the top flight in 1998-99 he scored nine goals for Forest who were relegated that season to Division One
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
. In his second season at Forest in 1999-2000 the club languished in mid-table under manager David Platt. Freedman made a total of 83 appearances, and scoring 23 goals, before being sold to Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
in October 2000.
Crystal Palace (second spell)
Freedman signed for Palace in October 2000 for a transfer fee of £600,000. He rejoined the club during a relegation threatened campaign, but one which ended with perhaps his most famous goal for the club. Relegation to the third tier loomed in their final game of the season at Stockport CountyStockport 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...
, with three minutes left and no score. Dramatically, Freedman then scored the vital goal that kept Palace in the division, and relegated Huddersfield Town.
The following season saw Freeman bag 21 goals in all competitions, his best seasonal tally for Palace. This also earned him a call-up to the Scottish national team
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
, to add to his earlier Under 21 caps. However, the next season was less of a personal success as he was dropped from the Scotland side, and began to find his appearances limited at Palace, as manager Trevor Francis
Trevor Francis
Trevor John Francis , is a former footballer who won the European Cup with Nottingham Forest and played for England 52 times. He was England's first £1 million player...
largely preferred Ade Akinbiyi
Ade Akinbiyi
Adeola Peter Oluwatoyin "Ade" Akinbiyi is a professional footballer.Akinbiyi has had a much-travelled career with many different clubs with transfer fees totalling more than £11.5 million during his career, including being Leicester City's record signing .Born in England, Akinbiyi qualifies to...
, Dele Adebola
Dele Adebola
Bamberdele "Dele" Adebola is a Nigerian footballer, who plays as a striker for Hull City.-Early life:...
, and Andy Johnson to him.
His fortunes were revived in 2003–04
2003-04 in English football
The 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game....
though, as he re-established himself as a first choice regular under new manager Iain Dowie
Iain Dowie
Iain Dowie is a former footballer and manager. He is currently without a club. He has previously managed Hull City and Queens Park Rangers and was assistant manager of Newcastle United...
. A strong surge in the second half of the season saw the club go from relegation contenders to the promotion play-offs. Freedman scored during the penalty shootout victory at Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
in the semi finals to help the club to the final. He was an unused substitute in the final though, which saw the club beat West Ham
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
, the second time he had been promoted with the club.
However, life in the Premier League in 2004–05
2004-05 in English football
The 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League...
saw Freedman often overlooked as the team employed only one striker in most games, with Andy Johnson being the preferred choice in this role. Despite attracting interest from Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
midway through the season, he remained committed to the Palace cause of consolidating Premier League
FA Premier League
The Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier...
status by rejecting a loan bid from the Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
contenders. He stayed to score his only top flight goal for the club in their vital final fixture 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,...
, drawing them level at 1–1. However, the eventual 2–2 result saw the club endure a record third Premier League relegation.
Back in the Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
, he remained down the pecking order behind England international Andy Johnson and Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison
Clinton Morrison
Clinton Hubert Morrison is an English-born professional footballer who plays for Milton Keynes Dons, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday...
. However, injuries to Johnson and Jon Macken
Jon Macken
Jonathan Paul "Jon" Macken is an English-born Irish footballer who plays as a striker and currently plays for League One Walsall...
, and lack of form from Morrison brought him back into the team and he scored his 100th and 101st goals for Crystal Palace in a 3–2 win at rivals Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
on 20 November 2005. This made him only the seventh player in Palace history to have reached the century mark.
He managed to stay in the line-up after Johnson's return, having made a great impression on Palace boss Iain Dowie
Iain Dowie
Iain Dowie is a former footballer and manager. He is currently without a club. He has previously managed Hull City and Queens Park Rangers and was assistant manager of Newcastle United...
, who, later, made a public call to Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
boss Walter Smith
Walter Smith
Walter Smith, OBE is a Scottish football manager. His most recent job was at Scottish Premier League club Rangers.Smith had a relatively modest playing career, consisting of two spells with Dundee United which was split by a short time at Dumbarton.A pelvic injury meant he moved in to coaching at...
for the striker to be given another chance in the national side. He ended the season with seven league goals, as the club comfortably reached the play-offs. However, they were beaten by Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
in their semi final tie to deny him a chance of a third promotion.
The appointment of Peter Taylor as manager in Summer 2006 limited Freedman's chances, and he could only manage three league goals. However, he extended his contract by a further two years at the conclusion of the season. Taylor was replaced by Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock
Neil Warnock is an English former footballer who is currently manager of English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers....
early in the 2007–08
2007-08 in English football
The 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...
season, but strong goalscoring form of Clinton Morrison
Clinton Morrison
Clinton Hubert Morrison is an English-born professional footballer who plays for Milton Keynes Dons, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday...
limited Freedman to rare substitute appearances.
Leeds United (loan)
With Morrison keeping him out of the Palace side, Freedman, after initially rejecting the move (as he had done during the 2004–052004-05 in English football
The 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League...
season), decided to move 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....
club Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
on loan until the end of the season.
He was in excellent form for Elland Road
Elland Road
Elland Road is an all-seater football stadium in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has been the permanent residence of Leeds United A.F.C...
club, scoring five goals to ensure a play-off place including a brace against Carlisle United in a 3–2 win at Elland Road, and also receiving praise from Leeds manager Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister MBE is a Scottish former professional footballer.McAllister played primarily as a midfielder, in a successful career spanning over nineteen years. He started his career at local side Motherwell before moving south of the border to Leicester City at the age of 20...
. This form earned him League One's "Player of the Month" award for April, while another vital late Play-off goal in the first leg of Leeds' semi-final tie with Carlisle United
Carlisle United F.C.
Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system....
and an assist for a last minute Jonny Howson
Jonathan Howson
Jonathan Mark "Jonny" Howson is an English footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Football League Championship team Leeds United. A graduate of Leeds' prolific youth system, he serves as club captain....
goal in the second leg helped the Whites to Wembley
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...
, where he featured in the Play-off final on the day of his 34th birthday, as Leeds were downed 1–0 by Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers F.C.
Doncaster Rovers Football Club is an English football club, based at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The team currently competes in the Football League Championship, after being promoted via the League One play-offs in 2008, and have remained there since.The club was founded in...
. After the season ended Freedman revealed that he wanted to join Leeds permanently, however Leeds signed Luciano Becchio
Luciano Becchio
Luciano Héctor Becchio is an Argentine footballer who plays for Leeds United as a striker. Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Becchio began his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Europe on an Italian passport, where he established himself in the Spanish lower leagues.He moved to England in the...
and Freedman had to look elsewhere.
Freedman is still held in very high regard by the Leeds United's supporters to this day despite such a short spell at the club, his impact in helping the team to the playoff final and his impressive interviews during his time at Leeds he will always be remembered as a cult hero.
The end at Selhurst
After returning to Palace at the end of the season, Freedman was granted a testimonial match to reward him for ten years' service at the club over two spells, with the match to be a first-team pre-season friendly fixture against FulhamFulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
at Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park is an English football stadium located in the London suburb of South Norwood in the Borough of Croydon. It is the current home ground of Crystal Palace Football Club. Its present capacity is 26,309.-History:...
which ended in a 0–0 draw.
Following this match, Warnock allowed Freedman to depart Selhurst. He was heavily linked with a permanent move to Leeds, this never materialised.
Southend United
Instead Freedman moved to Southend UnitedSouthend 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...
on a free transfer, scoring four goals in his first four outings for the Shrimpers. However his first season was plagued by injury. The following season saw the form of Lee Barnard
Lee Barnard
Lee James Barnard is an English footballer currently playing for Southampton.Born in Romford, London Borough of Havering in 1984, he attended Billericay's Mayflower County High School.-Playing career:...
keep Freedman out of the side.
In March 2010 Freedman had his contract at Southend terminated by mutual consent to rejoin Palace as part of the coaching staff, signalling the end of his playing career.
International career
Freedman made his ScotlandScotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
debut on 6 October 2001, in a crunch match against Latvia
Latvia national football team
The Latvian national football team is controlled by the Latvian Football Federation, the governing body for football in Latvia and represents the country in international football competitions, such as the World Cup and the European Championships. So far, they have never qualified for a FIFA World...
at Hampden Park
Hampden Park
Hampden Park is a football stadium in the Mount Florida area of Glasgow, Scotland. The 52,063 capacity venue serves as the national stadium of football in Scotland...
, for a place at the 2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
. The Scots won the match 2–1, with Freedman scoring the equalising goal in the process (a header past then Palace teammate, goalkeeper Aleksandrs Koliņko
Aleksandrs Kolinko
Aleksandrs Koļinko is a professional footballer, currently playing for FC Baltika Kaliningrad in Russian First Division.- Club career :...
), after Andrejs Rubins
Andrejs Rubins
Andrejs Rubins is a football midfielder from Latvia. He currently plays for FK Simurq Zaqatala in Azerbaijan. He also plays for the Latvia national team.-Club career:...
(another Palace teammate at the time) had given the Latvians the lead. Despite this victory, Scotland failed to gain a place in the Finals, and manager Craig Brown
Craig Brown (football)
James Craig Brown CBE is a Scottish former professional football player and manager. He is currently manager of Aberdeen....
resigned, being replaced by Berti Vogts
Berti Vogts
Hans-Hubert "Berti" Vogts is a German former footballer. He played for Borussia Mönchengladbach and won the World Cup with West Germany in 1974. He later managed Germany , Scotland and Nigeria...
.
He only got one more Scotland cap following Vogts' appointment, playing the first 45 minutes of Scotland's 5–0 defeat at the hands of France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
in a friendly.
Managerial career
Freedman's coaching career began when he was appointed as the reserve team manager of Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
in November 2007. He was in this role alongside his playing duties for the club's first team. This role ended when he joined Leeds United on loan the following March. Following his move to 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...
, he began coaching alongside playing for the Shrimpers' first team.
Freedman became the assistant manager of Crystal Palace in March 2010. Freedman returned to Crystal Palace as assistant manager to Paul Hart
Paul Hart
Paul Hart is an English football manager and former football defender, who is currently Academy Director at Charlton Athletic. The son of Johnny Hart, a football inside forward and manager, Hart had five-year spells with both Blackpool and Leeds United, while also playing for Nottingham Forest and...
as manager and John Pemberton
John Pemberton (footballer)
John Pemberton is an English former footballer who made more than 300 appearances in the Football League and Premier League playing as a defender for Rochdale, Crewe Alexandra, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Leeds United...
as First Team Coach, helping secure survival for the Eagles. Following the appointment of George Burley
George Burley
George Elder Burley is a Scottish football manager and former player and manager, formerly the manager of Crystal Palace Football Club. Burley had a professional career spanning 21 years as a player making 628 appearances and earning 11 Scotland caps...
, Freedman was retained as Assistant Manager. When Burley was sacked on New Year's Day 2011, Freedman was given the Caretaker Manager role, which many expected to be for a few weeks until a new manager was appointed, but he was made the official manager of Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
signing a two and a half year deal on 11 January 2011. He quickly moved to bring in Lennie Lawrence
Lennie Lawrence
Robin Michael Lawrence, commonly known as Lennie Lawrence, is a British football manager who is assistant manager of Crystal Palace. He has managed a number of English clubs and one Welsh club in a coaching career spanning over 30 years...
as his Assistant Manager and former Palace team-mate Tony Popovic
Tony Popovic
Anthony Popovic is a Croatian Australian former football player. He last played for Sydney FC. He is currently the First Team Coach of Crystal Palace. Popovic grew up in Fairfield, New South Wales.-Early career:...
as First Team Coach.
He was ultimately successful in guiding Crystal Palace out of the relegation zone, with the club achieving safety with a game to spare. Palace began the 2011-12 season well under their new manager, occupying the playoff places at the end of October and also enjoying a good run in the Football League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
, where they have qualified for the Semi-Finals against Cardiff City F.C., by beating 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...
2-1 at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
in late November 2011.
Personal life
Freedman is married to Sarah, sister of ex Tottenham HotspurTottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
midfielder Stephen Clemence
Stephen Clemence
Stephen Neal Clemence is a retired English football midfielder who last played for Leicester City where he was team captain....
and daughter of former England international Ray Clemence
Ray Clemence
Raymond Neal "Ray" Clemence, MBE is one of English and European football's most decorated goalkeepers ever and was part of the Liverpool team of the 1970s.-Scunthorpe United:...
. He tends to use the anglicised abbreviation of his name 'Duggie' rather than 'Doo-gie,' the usual pronunciation for a Scotch person. Generally most Palace supporters use 'Doo-gie'.
Miscellany
When Freedman scored at Palace's home games, Who Let the Dogs Out?Who Let the Dogs Out?
"Who Let the Dogs Out?" is a song written and originally recorded by Anslem Douglas for Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival season of 1998. It was heard and taped on a float by hairdresser Keith from the London salon Smile, who played it to Jonathan King, who recorded it and released it under the name...
by The Baha Men was played and fans sung along, replacing 'Dogs' with 'Doug'.
Scored the first non-Northampton Town
Northampton Town F.C.
Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season...
goal at Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium
Sixfields Stadium is a 7,653-capacity all-seater sports stadium in Northampton, England. It has been the home ground of Northampton Town Football Club following their move from the County Ground in October 1994....
for Barnet
Barnet F.C.
Barnet Football Club is an English football team from High Barnet, London, England, currently playing in Football League Two. The ground is in the town of Barnet within the London Borough of Barnet....
on 15 October 1994.
He scored his 100th Palace goal against Palace's fierce rivals Brighton
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
in a 3–2 win for the Eagles.
Despite only spending a short spell at Barnet at the beginning of his playing career, Freedman was voted as the fans' favourite player in the club's all-time history in late 2007.
Awards
- Championship Player of the Month: August 2003 whilst at Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
- League 1 Player of the Month: April 2008 whilst at Leeds United
Leeds United
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....
- Play Off Runners Up: 2007–08
Playing
- (correct as of 2 March 2010)
Club Season League Cup Europe UEFAThe Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....Play-Offs Total Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Barnet Barnet F.C.Barnet Football Club is an English football team from High Barnet, London, England, currently playing in Football League Two. The ground is in the town of Barnet within the London Borough of Barnet....1994–95 1994-95 in English football-Premiership:Blackburn Rovers ended their 81-year wait for the league title thanks to the strike partnership of Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton which scored a total of more than 50 league goals. Manchester United would have made it three league titles in a row if they had been able to turn a 1-1 draw...42 24 ? 42 24 ? Barnet Barnet F.C.Barnet Football Club is an English football team from High Barnet, London, England, currently playing in Football League Two. The ground is in the town of Barnet within the London Borough of Barnet....1995–96 1995-96 in English football- Premiership :Newcastle United were 12 points clear at the top of Manchester United, but Alex Ferguson's relatively young and inexperienced side overhauled them during the second half of the season to win the title....5 3 ? 2 0 ? 7 3 ? Total 1994–1996 47 27 ? 2 0 ? 49 27 ? Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...1995–96 1995-96 in English football- Premiership :Newcastle United were 12 points clear at the top of Manchester United, but Alex Ferguson's relatively young and inexperienced side overhauled them during the second half of the season to win the title....42 20 ? 2 0 ? 44 20 ? Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...1996–97 1996-97 in English footballThe 1996–1997 season was the 117th season of competitive football in England.Arrival into the league and exit out of the league returns in the fourth tier for the first time after its 3 season absence with only 1 relegation spot.- Premier League :...37 11 ? 3 1 ? 2 2 0 42 14 ? Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...1997–98 1997-98 in English footballThe 1997-1998 season was the 118th season of competitive football in England.-Premier League:Arsenal overhauled Manchester United's lead during the final weeks of the season to win the Premiership title...8 0 ? 1 0 ? 9 0 ? Total 1995–1998 93 31 ? 6 1 ? 99 32 ? Wolverhampton Wanderers Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...1997–98 1997-98 in English footballThe 1997-1998 season was the 118th season of competitive football in England.-Premier League:Arsenal overhauled Manchester United's lead during the final weeks of the season to win the Premiership title...29 10 ? 6 2 ? 35 12 ? Total 1997–1998 29 10 ? 6 2 ? 35 12 ? Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest F.C.Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...1998–99 1998-99 in English football-Premier League:Manchester United overcame close competition from Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea to win their fifth Premiership title in seven seasons thanks to the comeback of Roy Keane after his long-term injury and a transfer raid totalling nearly £30 million which netted Aston Villa striker...31 9 ? 5 3 ? 36 12 ? Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest F.C.Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...1999-00 34 9 ? 7 2 ? 41 11 ? Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest F.C.Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...2000–01 2000-01 in English footballThe 2000–01 season was the 121st season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Manchester United secured their 3rd Premiership title in succession and their 7th title in just nine seasons...5 0 ? 1 0 ? 6 0 ? Total 1998–2001 70 18 ? 13 5 ? 83 23 ? Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...2000–01 2000-01 in English footballThe 2000–01 season was the 121st season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Manchester United secured their 3rd Premiership title in succession and their 7th title in just nine seasons...26 11 ? 2 0 ? 28 11 ? Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...2001–02 2001-02 in English footballThe 2001-02 season was the 122nd season of competitive football in England.-Arsenal cruise to title glory:In what had earlier been one of the most closely fought Premiership title races for years, Arsenal won the championship by seven points. Their crown was won in the penultimate game of the...40 20 ? 2 1 ? 42 21 ? Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...2002–03 2002-03 in English footballThe 2002-03 season was the 123rd season of competitive football in England.-Most Memorable rise:*Wigan Athletic marked their 25th season of Football League membership by winning the Division Two championship and reaching the league's second tier for the very first time.-Most Memorable...29 9 0 5 2 0 34 11 0 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...2003–04 2003-04 in English footballThe 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game....35 13 1 4 2 0 1 0 0 40 15 1 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...2004–05 2004-05 in English footballThe 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League...20 1 0 3 2 0 23 3 0 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...2005–06 2005-06 in English footballThe 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether...34 6 6 4 2 0 2 0 0 40 8 6 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...2006–07 2006-07 in English footballThe 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...34 3 4 3 0 0 37 3 4 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...2007–08 2007-08 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...19 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 1 2 Total 2000–2008 237 64 13 24 10 0 0 0 0 261 74 13 Leeds United Leeds United A.F.C.Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
(loan)2007–08 2007-08 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...11 5 3 3 1 0 14 6 3 Total 2008 11 5 3 3 1 0 14 6 3 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...2008–09 17 5 4 2 0 0 19 5 4 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...2009–10 20 1 1 3 0 0 23 1 1 Total 2008–2010 37 6 5 5 0 0 42 6 5 Career totals 524 160 26 56 18 0 9 3 0 577 179 13
International goals
- Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first.
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 6 October 2001 Hampden Park Hampden ParkHampden Park is a football stadium in the Mount Florida area of Glasgow, Scotland. The 52,063 capacity venue serves as the national stadium of football in Scotland...
, GlasgowGlasgowGlasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
1–1 2–1 2002 World Cup qualifier
Managerial statistics
All competitive league games (league and domestic cup) and international matches (including friendlies) are included.- As of 30 November 2011
| Team | Nat | From | To | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | ||||
| Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C. Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in... |
 |
1 January 2011 | Present |
|||||
External links
- Palace Legends – Dougie Freedman Crystal Palace FC
- Profiles – Dougie Freedman Crystal Palace FC
- http://www.holmesdale.net/page.php?id=82&story=3977 Player Fact File resume by Palace supporters' website