David Norris (footballer)

David Martin Norris (born 20 February 1981) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Lancaster City. Born in Stamford, he has played in the Football League for Hull City, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town, Portsmouth, Leeds United, Peterborough United, Yeovil Town and Blackpool. Norris has made more than 400 Football League appearances.

David Norris
Personal information
Full name David Martin Norris[1]
Date of birth (1981-02-20) 20 February 1981 (age 43)[2]
Place of birth Stamford, England[3]
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[4]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
Lancaster City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
0000–1999 Stamford
1999–2000 Boston United 26 (10)
2000–2002 Bolton Wanderers 0 (0)
2000–2001Boston United (loan) 5 (4)
2002Hull City (loan) 6 (1)
2002Plymouth Argyle (loan) 7 (1)
2002–2008 Plymouth Argyle 219 (26)
2008–2011 Ipswich Town 106 (13)
2011–2012 Portsmouth 40 (8)
2012–2015 Leeds United 30 (3)
2015 Peterborough United 8 (0)
2015 Yeovil Town 1 (0)
2015–2016 Blackpool 38 (1)
2016 Leatherhead 1 (0)
2017 Salford City 3 (0)
2017–2018 Shaw Lane
2018 Boston United 1 (0)
2018– Lancaster City 54 (16)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of the end of the 2019-20 season

Club career edit

Early years edit

Having started his career at Southern League Midland Division club Stamford, Norris joined Boston United in 1999,[5] who were playing one league higher at the time.[6] He scored ten goals in 26 league appearances in his first season and one more in five cup matches.[5] Boston won promotion to the Football Conference that season as Southern League Premier Division champions.[7] Norris was transferred to First Division club Bolton Wanderers for a fee in excess of £50,000 in January 2000, which was a record transfer fee received by Boston at the time.[5] He returned to Boston on loan in December and scored four goals in five league appearances.[5] In March 2002, Norris joined Football League Third Division club Hull City on loan, where he played in six matches and scored once. In two-and-a-half years with Bolton, he made one appearance in the FA Cup and four in the League Cup.

Plymouth Argyle edit

Norris initially joined Football League Second Division club Plymouth Argyle on loan for a month in October 2002.[8] He scored the decisive goal on his debut in a 1–0 win at Crewe Alexandra,[9] and made seven league appearances before joining the club permanently for an undisclosed fee in December.[10][11] Argyle won promotion to the EFL Championship as Second Division champions in 2004 with Norris scoring five goals in 45 league appearances that season.[10] He won the club's Player of the Year award in 2006 and, after more than five years at the club, Norris had made 243 appearances in all competitions, scoring 28 goals.[10]

Ipswich Town edit

In the January 2008 transfer window Ipswich Town had two bids rejected by the Plymouth board despite Norris handing in a transfer request. Ipswich lodged one final, increased bid which was finally accepted after brokering a deal with Bolton that would allow Plymouth to receive more than the 50% Norris' clause initially gave them. Norris finally signed for Ipswich Town on 31 January 2008 for an undisclosed fee, signing a contract until 2011. He scored his first goal for the club in the 1–1 draw with Southampton away from home.

In November 2008, Norris was heavily criticised for a controversial goal celebration against Blackpool, interpreted as a show of support for jailed friend and former Plymouth goalkeeper Luke McCormick.[12] McCormick was returning from Norris' wedding in June 2008 when he fell asleep at the wheel due to the effects of alcohol and caused the deaths of two young boys.[12] He was sentenced to seven years and four months prison time in October of that year.[13]

The family of the bereaved took offence at Norris' gesture and he was subsequently fined and warned by Ipswich.[14] He was once again caught out when he told the Ipswich website[15] he had not intended the celebration as a show of support to Luke McCormick and the statement was later changed by the club, adding further to the controversy. The statement now reads that the celebration was in fact a message to Luke McCormick. Later that week it was revealed that Norris was fined £25,000 by Ipswich and would make a face-to-face apology to Phil and Amanda Peak (the parents of the two boys).[16]

Eventually, In August 2010, Norris became the Ipswich Town captain.[17] Norris was handed the captain's armband by Manager Roy Keane after the departure of the then captain Jonathan Walters to Stoke City.[18] In the summer of 2011 Norris turned down a new contract extension at Ipswich Town, with the club only prepared to offer him a two-year extension, a year short of the midfielders demands, with rival Championship club Leeds United heavily linked with signing him on a free transfer.[19]

Portsmouth edit

On 15 June 2011, Norris signed for Portsmouth on a free transfer after turning down a new two-year deal with Ipswich.[20] On 6 August, in his debut league appearance for Portsmouth, he scored against Middlesbrough in a game which ended 2–2.[21] He scored his second goal for Portsmouth in a match away at West Ham United, which ended 4–3 to the home team. At first it was believed that Benjani Mwaruwari had scored the goal, but replays later showed that Norris had already put the ball over the line when Benjani headed in the rebound.[22]

His first goal at Fratton Park came in a 2–0 home victory against Barnsley. With the match goalless, Karim Rekik headed the ball down to Norris, who controlled and then volleyed it into the net from the edge of the penalty area.[23] On 7 April 2012, Norris scored a spectacular equalising goal against arch-rivals Southampton in the 93rd minute to secure Portsmouth a point.

Leeds United edit

In July 2012, Norris agreed the deal to join Leeds United from Portsmouth, to join his former teammates Jason Pearce, Luke Varney and Jamie Ashdown.[24] Norris was allocated the number 19 shirt for the 2012–13 season on 3 August.[25]

Norris made his competitive début for Leeds in the first game of the season against Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup on 11 August. Norris was also named the Leeds United captain for the match and also scored his first goal in the same game.[26] Norris made his league début for Leeds in their 1–0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.[27] On 7 September, Norris was ruled out for a month after picking up a thigh injury,[28] as a result of the injury, Leeds signed Michael Tonge on loan to help cover his absence.[29] Norris made his first start since returning from injury against Charlton Athletic on 23 October, in the same game Norris scored his second goal of the season which was his first league goal for Leeds.[30] Norris scored his third goal of the season for Leeds against Huddersfield Town to help earn Leeds a 4–2 victory on 1 December.[31]

Norris missed the final three games of the season under new manager Brian McDermott due to a knee injury that required surgery,[32] and on 15 August 2013, with Leeds needing to raise finances to help fund signings, he was made available for transfer alongside teammates El Hadji Diouf and Adam Drury.[33]

Norris was out of favour throughout the 2013–2014 season under McDermott, making only one appearance in the League Cup.[34] He featured in the development squad,[35] but was also hampered by another knee injury that kept him out over the winter period.[36][37][38]

Norris made his first appearance for Leeds in over a year in the last game of Head Coach Dave Hockaday against Bradford City in the League Cup, providing an assist for striker Matt Smith who opened the scoring in a 2–1 defeat on 27 August 2014.[39]

He was finally released by Leeds United on 2 February 2015, when his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.[40]

Peterborough United edit

Norris joined League One side Peterborough United on a short-term contract on 13 February 2015, until the end of the 2014–15 season. He was allocated the number 23 shirt for the club.

Yeovil Town edit

On 21 August 2015, Norris signed for League Two side Yeovil Town on non-contract terms, linking up with his former Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock.[41] He made his only appearance in the 2–0 defeat against Oxford United, on 29 August 2015, and left the club on 1 September 2015.[42]

Blackpool edit

Norris joined Blackpool on 3 September 2015, on a contract until the end of the season.[43] He scored his first and only goal for Blackpool in a 5–0 win over Scunthorpe United on 16 January 2016.[44]

Leatherhead edit

In September 2016 he signed for non-league Leatherhead.[45]

Salford City edit

In February 2017 he signed for non-league Salford City.[46]

Shaw Lane edit

In August 2017, Norris joined Shaw Lane.[47]

Return to Boston edit

In September 2018, 18 years after initially leaving the club, Norris returned to Boston United.[48]

Lancaster City edit

In December 2018 Norris signed for Northern Premier League club Lancaster City. His first appearance was on 1 December at North Ferriby United, but North Ferriby left the league, with their record expunged in March 2019, so Norris's debut in real terms was the following week, when he appeared as a substitute in a home game against Gainsborough Trinity.

International career edit

Norris qualifies to play for the Republic of Ireland, through his mother, who has family in Kildare. Though he has never been selected to play for them, he was contacted by Steve Staunton (Ireland's former manager) about playing.[49]

Career statistics edit

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Boston United 1999–2000 Southern League Premier Division 17 8 1 0 0 0 18 8
Bolton Wanderers 2000–01[50] First Division 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0
2001–02[51] Premier League 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0
Total 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 5 0
Boston United (loan) 2000–01[50] Conference 5 4 0 0 0 0 5 4
Total 22 12 1 0 0 0 0 0 23 12
Hull City (loan) 2001–02[51] Third Division 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1
Plymouth Argyle 2002–03[52] Second Division 33 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 36 6
2003–04[53] Second Division 45 5 1 0 1 0 1[a] 0 48 5
2004–05[54] Championship 35 3 0 0 0 0 35 3
2005–06[55] Championship 45 2 1 0 1 0 47 2
2006–07[56] Championship 41 6 5 1 1 0 47 7
2007–08[57] Championship 27 5 1 0 2 0 30 5
Total 226 27 11 1 5 0 1 0 243 28
Ipswich Town 2007–08[57] Championship 9 1 0 0 0 0 9 1
2008–09[58] Championship 37 3 2 0 2 0 41 3
2009–10[59] Championship 24 1 1 0 0 0 25 1
2010–11[60] Championship 36 8 1 0 6 3 43 11
Total 106 13 4 0 8 3 0 0 118 16
Portsmouth 2011–12[61] Championship 40 8 1 0 1 0 42 8
Leeds United 2012–13[62] Championship 30 3 2 0 2 1 34 4
2013–14[63] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
2014–15[64] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
Total 30 3 2 0 4 1 0 0 36 4
Peterborough United 2014–15[64] League One 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0
Yeovil Town 2015–16[65] League Two 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Blackpool 2015–16[65] League Two 38 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 1
Career total 477 65 20 1 22 4 1 0 520 70
  1. ^ Appearance in Football League Trophy

Honours edit

Club edit

Boston United
Plymouth Argyle

Individual edit

References edit

  1. ^ "David Norris". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 13 May 2019.
  2. ^ "David Norris". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  3. ^ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 (43rd ed.). London: Headline. p. 515. ISBN 978-0-7553-6356-8.
  4. ^ Hugman, Barry (2007). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2007–08. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 301. ISBN 978-1-84596-246-3.
  5. ^ a b c d "Boston United Roll Call". The Boston United Archive. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  6. ^ Williams, Mike; Wright, Tony, eds. (2005). Non League Club Directory 2006. Tony Williams Publications. p. 1013. ISBN 978-1-869833-54-1.
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  15. ^ http://www.clubfanzine.com/ipswich_town/v2.showNews.php?id=15806. Retrieved 11 November 2008. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link]
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  50. ^ a b "Games played by David Norris in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  51. ^ a b "Games played by David Norris in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  52. ^ "Games played by David Norris in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  53. ^ "Games played by David Norris in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  54. ^ "Games played by David Norris in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  55. ^ "Games played by David Norris in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  56. ^ "Games played by David Norris in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  57. ^ a b "Games played by David Norris in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  58. ^ "Games played by David Norris in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  59. ^ "Games played by David Norris in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  60. ^ "Games played by David Norris in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  61. ^ "Games played by David Norris in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  62. ^ "Games played by David Norris in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  63. ^ "Games played by David Norris in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  64. ^ a b "Games played by David Norris in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  65. ^ a b "Games played by David Norris in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 May 2020.

External links edit