Paul Heffernan

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Paul Heffernan

Heffernan playing for Doncaster Rovers
Personal information
Full namePaul Heffernan
Date of birth (1981-12-29) 29 December 1981
Place of birthDublin, Republic of Ireland
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Playing positionStriker
Club information
Current clubHibernian
Number24
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
1999–2004Notts County100(35)
2004–2005Bristol City27(5)
2005–2010Doncaster Rovers128(35)
2009→ Oldham Athletic (loan)4(1)
2010→ Bristol Rovers (loan)11(4)
2010–2011Sheffield Wednesday17(3)
2011–2013Kilmarnock56(20)
2013-Hibernian11(3)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 3 January 2014.
† Appearances (Goals).

Paul Heffernan (born 29 December 1981) is an Irish professional footballer, currently playing for Scottish side Hibernian after previously being with Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster Rovers, Notts County, Bristol City and Kilmarnock.

Career

Heffernan started his football career at Notts County and at age 18, he made his league debut, coming on as a substitute for Kevin Rapley in the 76th minutes, in a 1-0 loss against Oldham Athletic on 24 April 2000. Then, in the 2003-04 season, Heffernan scored two hat-tricks of his career: The first was in a game against Queens Park Rangers in a 3-3 draw on 26 December 2003[1] and the second was in a game against Stockport County, where he scored four times, in a 4-1 win on 21 February 2004.[2][3] Shortly after this, Heffernan rejected a two-and-a-half-year deal on improved terms with the club, whose contract expires at the end of the 2003-04 season.[4] His rejection of a new contract attracted interests from four clubs[5] after confirming the previous day that he walking out the club following their relegation.[6] Later on in his Notts County career, Heffernan would make 100 appearance and scoring thirty-five appearance.

Bristol City

In the summer transfer, Bristol City paid £150,000 for him in 2004.[7] Heffernan made his debut, on the opening game of the season, in a 1-1 draw against Torquay United on 7 August 2004 and then scoring his first goal against Stockport County in his fifth appearance for the club. Four months into joining the club, his form went sour that Notts County attempted to sign him on loan.[8] But the next day, Heffernan scored in a FA Cup match against Brentford, but lost in a penalty-shootout after a tie 1-1 in the regular time and kept after extra-time.[9] However, during the season due to the form of Steve Brooker and Leroy Lita,[10] his chances in the first team were limited and also injury as well.[11]

At the end of the 2004-05 season, Heffernan says he desire to leave Bristol City.[10] Oldham Athletic had their bid to sign Hefferman accepted,[12] which was followed up by Doncaster Rovers.[13]

Doncaster Rovers

He joined Doncaster Rovers in the summer of 2005 for £125,000, which was then a new record transfer fee paid by the club.[14] The Irishman weighed in with some key goals throughout his Doncaster Rovers career.

He made his debut, in the opening game of the season, in a 0-0 draw against his former club, and scored in the next game against MK Dons. Heffernan was involved in the squad in the League Cup that reached the quarter-finals, starting off beating Manchester City in a penalty shoot-out after a being 1-1 after extra-time. He converted the last penalty.[15] He also scored against Aston Villa in a 3-0 win,[16] before Rovers were finally beaten in a penalty shoot-out against Arsenal.[17] Later in the season, Heffernan was not included from the first team. He scored seven times in twenty-six appearances.

In 2006-07 season, under new manager Sean O'Driscoll, Heffernan made a return in the first team and was awarded League One Player of the Month for December after netting four times from five league games during the month.[18] Heffernan played a vital role when he scored twice in each leg of the Football League Trophy semi-final against Crewe Alexandra, goals which ultimately sent Rovers to the final of that competition.[19] Seven days later, Heffernan signed a new deal with the club, that would keep him there till 2010.[20] Shortly after that, Heffernan damaged his ankle against Port Vale and was out for a month.[21] He made his return just in time for the Football Trophy final and scored the second goal at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff against Bristol Rovers, which Doncaster won 3–2.[22] Soon afterwards, Heffernan, once again, damaged his ankle, against Millwall, which meant him missing the rest of the season, though he still made 43 appearances and scoring 21 goals, making him a the club's top-scorer for the season.

In 2007-08 season, Heffernan started by making nine appearances and scoring once. His playing time was reduced before not included in the starting eleven in late-October. By December, he sustained ligament damage to his ankle, which kept him out of action for five weeks.[23] Later in the season, Heffernan sparked a moment of controversy in the 2008 League One Play-off semi-final playing against Southend United, when he headbutted an opponent due to frustration in the final minute of the match. Heffernan was subsequently sent-off and was unable to play in the second leg, or the final against Leeds United at Wembley Stadium. After a three-two win, he finished his season, with 30 appearance and 8 goals in all competitions.

In 2008-09 season, O'Driscoll allowed Heffernan to leave the club, citing the club was re-building the squad.[24] Having been absent for the first-three matches, his future was uncertain after dropping down the pecking order in Sean O'Driscoll's plans.[25] Eventually, the move didn't happen and Heffernan fought his way to earn a first team place and went on to make 33 appearances and scored 10 goals, finishing as the club's top scorer in all competitions.

In 2009-10 season, Hefferman mostly spent time on the bench, coming on as a substitute in numbers of games after struggling to hold down a regular place. This lead him willing to go on loan to earn a first choice place.[26] In November, he joined Oldham Athletic on an initial month-long loan deal.[27] He went on make four appearances and scored once. In a match against Wycombe Wanderers, on 19 December 2009, Heffernman hit both the crossbar and the post.[28] On 31 December 2009, his loan spell with Oldham came to an end.[29]

Following his loan move to Bristol Rovers in February 2010,[30] he scored four times in 10 appearances. On 9 March 2010, Heffernan had his loan spell with Bristol Rovers extended until the end of the season.[31] However, on 5 April 2010, he was recalled by Doncaster because of injury problems.[32]

In May 2010, Doncaster announced that he was one of six players who would not be offered new contracts.[33] After his release, Heffernan was linked with Bristol Rovers[34] and Carlisle United.[35]

Sheffield Wednesday

On 9 June 2010, he joined Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer,[36] and given the number 9 shirt shortly after. However, Heffernan struggled to earn a first team place at the club, having spent time on bench behind Gary Madine, Clinton Morrison and Neil Mellor.[37] By the end of the 2010-11 season, Heffernan had made twenty-one appearances and scored three times in all competitions.

He left Sheffield Wednesday by mutual consent on 15 June 2011.[38]

Kilmarnock

Shortly after leaving Sheffield Wednesday, he signed for Kilmarnock.[39] Heffernan scored his first two goals for Kilmarnock in a 4 – 1 win over Hibernian at Rugby Park on 14 August 2011.[40] His good form continued as he went on to score a hat-trick in the Scottish League Cup third round match against Queen of the South in a 5–0 win.[41] Heffernan says scoring a hat-trick overcame his mistakes in the previous match.[42]

On 18 March, Heffernan played in the 2012 Scottish League Cup Final which Kilmarnock won after beating Celtic 1–0.[43] In his first season, Heffernan made thirty-six appearances and scored fifteen times in all competitions, joint top-scorer with Dean Shiels. Manager Danny Lennon compared Heffernan to Wayne Rooney, claiming it is similar up here with him.[44] Heffernan had thanked Kenny Shiels for putting his career back on track, by increasing his goals tally.[45]

In the 2012-13 season, Heffernan missed out the first nine matches due to a collarbone injury.[46] After two months out, Heffernan played his first game of the season in a 2-1 loss against St. Johnstone.[47] Following his five goal to his tally this season, he scored his first hat-trick in over a year, as Kilmarnock beat Hearts 3-0 on 16 February 2013.[48] Manager Shiels believed Heffernan should have won the February Player of the Month award, having scored six goals and appearance in February.[49] Heffernan wasn't able to score goals later in the season, following the arrival of Kris Boyd, but willing to form a partnership.[50]

Hibernian

On 30 August 2013, it was announced that Heffernan had agreed a deal with Kilmarnock's Scottish Premiership rivals Hibernian until the end of the 2014-15 season.[51] On 14 September, Heffernan was given his first start and scored the first Hibs goal in a 2–1 away win against St. Johnstone.[52]

Career statistics

As of 3 January 2014[53]
Club Season League Cup League Cup Other[note 1] Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Notts County 1999-00 2000000020
2000–01 1000001020
2001–02 235101020275
2002–03 36101011103911
2003–04 38202130104421
Total 1003541515011437
Bristol City 2004–05 275111021317
Total 275111021317
Doncaster Rovers 2005–06 2673343103413
2006–07 29114130794321
2007–08 287002121329
2008–09 28104010003310
2009–10 170100000180
Total 12835124104101016053
Oldham (loan) 2009–10 4100000041
Total 4100000041
Bristol Rovers (loan) 2009–10 114000000114
Total 114000000114
Sheffield Wednesday 2010–11 173202020233
Total 173202020233
Kilmarnock 2011–12 29113143003615
2012–13 2793300003012
2013–14 4000100050
Total 60206453007127
Hibernian 2013–14 113000000113
Career Totals 35810625102381911425135

Honours

Club

Doncaster Rovers
Kilmarnock

Individual

Doncaster Rovers

Notes

  1. ↑ Includes other competitive competitions, including the Football League Trophy.

References

  1. ↑ "Division Two Round-Up". Sky Sports. 26 December 2003. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  2. ↑ "Division Two Round-Up". Sky Sports. 21 February 2004. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  3. ↑ "Looking back: Heffernan's four-goal haul". Nottingham Post. 20 February 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  4. ↑ "Heffernan rejects new Magpies deal". Sky Sports. 27 February 2004. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  5. ↑ "Four linked with County star". Sky Sports. 28 April 2004. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  6. ↑ "Heffernan rejects Magpies". BBC Sport. 27 April 2004. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  7. ↑ "Heffernan arrives at Ashton Gate". Sky Sports. 28 June 2004. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  8. ↑ "Magpies want striker back". Sky Sports. 24 November 2004. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  9. ↑ "Bees claim shoot-out success". Sky Sports. 25 November 2004. Retrieved 10 August 2013. ,
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Heffernan may leave Ashton Gate". BBC Sport. 21 May 2005. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  11. ↑ "Groin woe for Robin". Sky Sports. 4 November 2004. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  12. ↑ "Robins accept Heffernan bid". Sky Sports. 2 June 2005. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  13. ↑ "Rovers enter Heff race". Sky Sports. 7 June 2005. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  14. ↑ "Heffernan seals move to Doncaster". BBC Sport. 8 June 2005. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  15. ↑ "Donny stun City on penalties". Sky Sports. 21 September 2005. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  16. ↑ "Sorry Villa crash to Rovers". Sky Sports. 29 November 2005. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  17. ↑ "Doncaster 2-2 Arsenal (aet)". BBC Sport. 21 December 2005. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  18. ↑ "Koumas tops for December". Sky Sports. 8 January 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  19. ↑ "Doncaster 3-2 Crewe (agg 6-5)". BBC Sport. 12 February 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  20. ↑ "Rovers striker signs on". Sky Sports. 19 February 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  21. ↑ "O'Driscoll confirms striker blow". Sky Sports. 27 February 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  22. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 2-3 Doncaster Rovers AET". BBC Sport. 1 April 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  23. ↑ "Fresh injury blow for Heffernan". BBC Sport. 10 December 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  24. ↑ "Heffernan attracts interest". Sky Sports. 1 July 2008. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  25. ↑ "Chase on for Heffernan". Sky Sports. 27 August 2008. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  26. ↑ "Heffernan eyes loan move". Sky Sports. 7 October 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  27. ↑ "Latics land Heffernan". Sky Sports. 26 November 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  28. ↑ "Oldham striker Paul Heffernan hits both posts and bar". BBC Sport. 21 December 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  29. ↑ "No Latics return for Heffernan". Sky Sports. 31 December 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  30. ↑ "Bristol Rovers sign Doncaster striker Paul Heffernan". BBC Sport. 8 February 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  31. ↑ "Heffernan extends Pirates stay". Sky Sports. 9 March 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  32. ↑ "Rovers keen on Heffernan". Sky Sports. 8 April 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  33. ↑ "Six players released from Rovers". Doncaster Rovers F.C. 5 May 2010. Archived from the original on 10 August 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2010. 
  34. ↑ "Rovers boss Trollope hoping for Heffernan deal". BBC Sport. 6 May 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  35. ↑ "Abbott rues Heffernan switch". Sky Sports. 11 June 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  36. ↑ "Sheffield Wednesday sign striker Paul Heffernan". BBC Sport. 9 June 2010. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  37. ↑ "Fight is on vows ‘Heff’". The Star. 17 January 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  38. ↑ "Paul could be Heff to Scotland". The Star. 15 June 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  39. ↑ "Striker signs on". Kilmarnock F.C. 15 June 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2011. 
  40. ↑ "Kilmarnock 4–1 Hibernian". BBC Sport. 14 August 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2011. 
  41. ↑ "Scottish Communities League Cup: Kilmarnock 5 Queen of the South 0". Daily Record. 21 September 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  42. ↑ "I hope cup hat-trick makes up for my Hibs howler, says Killie ace Paul Heffernan". Daily Record. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  43. ↑ "Celtic 0–1 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 18 March 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2012. 
  44. ↑ "St Mirren boss Danny Lennon wary of Rooney-esque Paul Heffernan". Daily Record. 23 September 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  45. ↑ "Kilmarnock striker Paul Heffernan thanks boss Kenny Shiels for getting him back on goal trail". Daily Record. 8 April 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  46. ↑ "New sponsorship deal for Killie". Sporting Life. 1 August 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  47. ↑ "All work and no play for busy Kilmarnock". Daily Record. 19 October 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  48. ↑ "Hearts 0 Kilmarnock 3: Paul Heffernan feared fan had nicked his hat-trick ball". Daily Record. 17 February 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  49. ↑ "Kenny Shiels says Paul Heffernan in the only candidate for the February's Player of the Month award". Daily Record. 7 March 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  50. ↑ "Kilmarnock striker Paul Heffernan is looking forward to Kris Boyd partnership". Daily Record. 8 March 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013. 
  51. ↑ "Striker Heffernan joins Hibernian". www.hibernianfc.co.uk. Hibernian FC. 30 August 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013. 
  52. ↑ Forsyth, Paul (16 September 2013). "St Johnstone 1-2 Hibs: New strikeforce earn points". The Scotsman (Johnston Publishing). Retrieved 16 September 2013. 
  53. ↑ Paul Heffernan career stats at Soccerbase

External links

Hibernian F.C. – current squad
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