Ben Gordon (footballer, born 1991)

For other people named Ben Gordon, see Ben Gordon (disambiguation).
Ben Gordon
Personal information
Full nameBenjamin Lawrence Gordon[1]
Date of birth2 March 1991[2]
Place of birthBradford, England
Height1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[2]
Playing positionLeft-back
Club information
Current team
Colchester United
Number3
Youth career
2005–2007Leeds United
2007–2009Chelsea
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2009–2013Chelsea0(0)
2010→ Tranmere Rovers (loan)4(0)
2010–2011→ Kilmarnock (loan)18(1)
2011→ Scunthorpe United (loan)14(0)
2011→ Peterborough United (loan)1(0)
2012→ Kilmarnock (loan)17(0)
2012–2013→ Birmingham City (loan)1(0)
2013Yeovil Town3(0)
2013–2014Ross County27(1)
2014–Colchester United18(0)
National team‡
2006–2007England U167(0)
2006–2008England U176(0)
2011England U202(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 11:07, 1 March 2015 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 30 August 2011 (UTC)

Benjamin Lawrence "Ben" Gordon (born 2 March 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Colchester United. As a youth, he began his career at Leeds United before sealing a move to Chelsea in 2007. He failed to break into the first-team at Chelsea, and instead was sent out on loan to Football League clubs Tranmere Rovers, Scunthorpe United, Peterborough United and Birmingham City. He also experienced two loan spells in the Scottish Premier League with Kilmarnock.

Gordon moved to Yeovil Town briefly in 2013 following his release from Chelsea, before spending one season in Scotland with Ross County in the Scottish Premiership. He then joined Colchester United in 2014. He has represented England at under-16, under-17 and under-20 levels.

Club career

Chelsea

Born in Bradford, West Yorkshire,[2] Gordon came through the academy system at Leeds United and was signed by Chelsea from Leeds in 2007 for compensation.[3] He progressed through the youth ranks at Chelsea, before graduating to the reserves where he became a regular player.[4]

Tranmere Rovers loan

Gordon signed for League One side Tranmere Rovers on an initial one-month loan deal on 25 March 2010.[4] Rovers' manager Les Parry brought Gordon in to help beat off the threat of relegation, replacing regular left-backs Zoumana Bakayogo and Aaron Cresswell who were both suspended at the time.[5] He made his Football League debut for the club two days later when they fell to a 3–0 away defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion.[6] Gordon made a total of four appearances for Rovers during his loan spell before returning to his parent club.[2]

Kilmarnock loan

Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock signed Gordon on a short-term loan deal on 5 August 2010,[7] and made his debut for the club on the opening day of the season on 14 August as Killie fell to a 2–1 away defeat to Rangers.[8] Manager Mixu Paatelainen was encouraged by his debutants performances in the game despite the defeat.[9] He scored his first professional goal on 10 November 2010 as Kilmarnock earned a third consecutive Premier League win against Hamilton Academical. Gordon opened the scoring with a curling shot into the top corner mid-way through the first half.[10] He was instrumental in a 2–1 victory over Hibernian on 18 December, laying on two goals for Liam Kelly.[11] His impressive form for Killie saw him and other in-form players linked with moves away from the club prior to the January transfer window.[12]

Gordon's loan spell with Kilmarnock was ended prematurely by his parent club on 3 January 2011, having been a key member of Paatelainen's team that held fourth position in the Scottish Premier League. The club cited that they would prefer Gordon to play the second half of the 2010–11 season on loan in England. He had hoped to extend his stay with Kille prior to his recall. He left the Ayrshire club on the back of a ten-game run which included seven wins and two draws,[13] and made a total of 18 league appearances, scoring once, in addition to three Scottish League Cup games.[2]

Scunthorpe United loan

Chelsea sent Gordon out on loan just three days after his return from Kilmarnock. He joined Championship strugglers Scunthorpe United until the end of the season. However, his debut was to be delayed due to a hamstring injury he had collected while on loan with Kilmarnock.[3] The announcement followed Gordon penning a new two-and-a-half-year extension to remain with the Stamford Bridge club.[14] Due to the injury, his loan move was delayed until the end of the transfer window,[15] with the move finally completed on 7 February.[16] His eventual debut arrived on 12 February in a 1–0 away defeat to Cardiff City.[17] Scunthorpe eventually ended the season bottom of the Championship and relegated to League One. Gordon made a total of 14 league appearances for the Iron during his stint at the club.[2]

Peterborough United loan

On 18 July 2011, it was leaked that Peterborough United were interested in signing Gordon from Chelsea.[18] Further to this, it was confirmed that a deal was in place to sign an unnamed England under-20 left-back once the player returned from international duty.[19] The deal was finally confirmed on 17 August, with Gordon due to stay with the Posh until 2 January 2012.[20] He made his one and only league appearance for the club as a 57th minute substitute for Mark Little in their 7–1 rout against Ipswich Town on 20 August.[21] He also made a League Cup appearance four days after the Ipswich win, but lost the tie 2–0 at home to Middlesbrough.[22] Finding his chances limited, Gordon returned from his loan spell in late September.[23]

Second Kilmarnock loan spell

Gordon returned to Kilmarnock for a second loan spell on 11 January 2012.[24] He revealed how Chelsea manager André Villas-Boas persuaded him to return to Scotland in an attempt to force his way into the Blues' first team on the completion of the loan.[25] He made his second debut for the club in a 0–0 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie on 14 January.[26]

Gordon helped the club to their first ever Scottish League Cup win as they defeated Celtic 1–0 in the 2012 Scottish League Cup Final at Hampden Park on 18 March, earning his first silverware as a player.[27] In the summer of 2012, Gordon returned to Chelsea[28] having made 20 further appearances for Killie.[2]

Birmingham City loan

Birmingham City signed Gordon on loan from Chelsea on a six-month deal on 10 August 2012.[29] He made his debut on 25 August as the Blues suffered a 2–0 defeat at Watford.[30] This was to be his solitary league appearance, though he did feature in Birmingham's 3–2 extra time loss to Coventry City on 29 August.[31][32] On his return to Chelsea following the completion of his loan in January 2013, Gordon was released by the club without making a single first-team appearance.[33]

Yeovil Town

Following his release from Chelsea in January 2013, Gordon featured for Hull City Reserves on trial.[34] Shortly after, he signed a month-long contract with League One club Yeovil Town on 11 March 2013, with a view to an extension.[33] Gordon made his debut for Yeovil the following day, featuring for 67 minutes in a 2–2 draw with Crawley Town, his first game in over six months. He assisted the opening goal, crossing in for Byron Webster to head home after five minutes, before being substituted for Dominic Blizzard.[35] Gordon played just two more games for Yeovil, coming on as a substitute in both the 2–0 home defeat to Swindon Town on 19 March,[36] and the 3–3 away draw with Carlisle United on 23 March.[37] He left the club on 14 April following the expiry of his deal.[38]

Ross County

After attracting attention from English clubs Blackpool[39] and Notts County,[40] and failing to secure a long-term contract with Yeovil, Gordon returned to Scotland once again, this time with Ross County in the newly established Scottish Premiership. He signed a one-year deal on 27 June 2013.[41] He made his debut in the opening game 2–1 defeat at Celtic on 3 August.[42] Gordon scored his only goal for the club as the Staggies fought back from a 3–1 deficit to draw 3–3 with Partick Thistle on 11 January 2014, netting to bring the score to 3–2.[43] He ended the season with 27 Premiership appearances to his name, and made one League Cup appearance.[44]

It was reported on 17 June 2014 that Gordon had signed a one-year contract extension with the Dingwall club.[45] However, he decided to leave the club just ten days after the club announced that he had signed a contract extension, citing his desire to return to play in England.[46]

Colchester United

On 1 July 2014, Gordon signed a two-year contract with League One club Colchester United.[47] He made his debut for the club in the opening fixture of the 2014–15 season as Colchester held Oldham Athletic to a 2–2 draw at the Colchester Community Stadium.[48]

After falling out of favour under new Colchester manager Tony Humes having been ousted by loan signings, Gordon earned a recall on 20 December having been out of league action since early October. He helped his side to a 1–0 victory over his former club Yeovil Town.[49]

International career

Gordon has represented England at under-16, under-17 and under-20 levels. He made seven under-16 appearances, six at under-17 level and two under-20 appearances at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Colombia.[20][50] Gordon featured for England under-20s in their U-20 World Cup matches against Mexico, a 0–0 draw on 4 August 2011,[51] and England's 1–0 defeat to Nigeria six days later on 10 August.[52]

Career statistics

As of match played 28 February 2015.
Club performance League Cup League Cup Other Total
Club Season League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
England League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Chelsea 2009–10[53] Premier League 000000–00
2010–11[54] Premier League 000000–00
2011–12[22] Premier League 000000–00
2012–13[32] Premier League 000000–00
Total 000000–00
Tranmere Rovers (loan) 2009–10[53] League One 4000000040
Scotland League Scottish Cup League Cup Other Total
Kilmarnock (loan) 2010–11[54] Scottish Premier League 1810030–211
England League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Scunthorpe United (loan) 2010–11[54] Championship 1400000–140
Peterborough United (loan) 2011–12[22] Championship 100010–20
Scotland League Scottish Cup League Cup Other Total
Kilmarnock (loan) 2011–12[22] Scottish Premier League 1701020–200
England League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Birmingham City (loan) 2012–13[32] Championship 100010–20
Yeovil Town 2012–13[32] League One 3000000030
Scotland League Scottish Cup League Cup Other Total
Ross County 2013–14[44] Scottish Premiership 2710010–281
England League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Colchester United 2014–15[55] League One 180101000200
Career total 10322090001142

    Honours

    Kilmarnock
    All honours referenced by:[27]

    References

    1. ↑ "List of Temporary Transfers of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/08/2011 and 31/08/2011" (PDF). The Football Association. 31 August 2011. p. 2. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "Ben Gordon". Soccerbase. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Injured Chelsea reserve Ben Gordon makes Iron loan move". BBC Sport. 6 January 2011. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Tranmere Rovers sign Robinson and Gordon on loan". BBC Sport. 25 March 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
    5. ↑ Hilton, Nick (9 April 2010). "Defender Ben Gordon delighted to able to help Tranmere Rovers' cause". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    6. ↑ "Brighton 3–0 Tranmere". BBC Sport. 27 March 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
    7. ↑ "Kilmarnock sign Chelsea defender Ben Gordon on loan". BBC Sport. 5 August 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
    8. ↑ "Rangers 2–1 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 5 August 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
    9. ↑ "Mixu Paatelainen encouraged by Kilmarnock display". BBC Sport. 14 August 2010. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    10. ↑ "Kilmarnock 3–0 Hamilton". BBC Sport. 10 November 2010. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    11. ↑ "Kilmarnock 2–1 Hibernian". BBC Sport. 18 December 2010. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    12. ↑ "Kilmarnock win heartens Mixu Paatelainen". BBC Sport. 29 December 2010. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    13. ↑ "Kilmarnock's on-loan defender Gordon returns to Chelsea". BBC Sport. 3 January 2011. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    14. ↑ Emery, Kevin (6 January 2011). "Scunthorpe sign Chelsea youngster Ben Gordon on loan". Goal.com. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    15. ↑ "Scunthorpe United face new delay for Gordon debut". BBC Sport. 26 January 2011. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    16. ↑ "Chelsea's Ben Gordon completes Scunthorpe United move". BBC Sport. 7 February 2011. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    17. ↑ "Cardiff 1–0 Scunthorpe". BBC Sport. 12 February 2011. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    18. ↑ "Peterborough United boss Ferguson frustrated by leaks". BBC Sport. 18 July 2011. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    19. ↑ "Peterborough United's Mendez-Laing bid accepted". BBC Sport. 29 July 2011. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Peterborough United land Chelsea defender Ben Gordon". BBC Sport. 17 August 2011. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    21. ↑ Martyn, Steve (20 August 2011). "Peterborough 7 Ipswich 1: Ferguson in seventh heaven at Posh rout". Daily Mail. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 "Games played by Ben Gordon in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    23. ↑ "Peterborough United suspect long Lee Tomlin lay-off". BBC Sport. 26 September 2011. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    24. ↑ "Kilmarnock complete deals for Dean Shiels and Ben Gordon". BBC Sport. 11 January 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    25. ↑ Haggerty, Anthony (21 January 2012). "Kilmarnock loan star Ben Gordon: Chelsea boss told me coming here could help my chances at Stamford Bridge". Daily Record. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    26. ↑ "Aberdeen 0–0 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 14 January 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Celtic 0–1 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 18 March 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    28. ↑ "Kilmarnock add striker Rory Boulding". BBC Sport. 25 July 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    29. ↑ "Birmingham City sign Chelsea full-back Ben Gordon on loan". BBC Sport. 25 July 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    30. ↑ "Watford 2–0 Birmingham". BBC Sport. 25 August 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    31. ↑ "Coventry 3–2 Birmingham (aet)". BBC Sport. 29 August 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 "Games played by Ben Gordon in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "Ben Gordon: Ex-Chelsea left-back signs Yeovil Town deal". BBC Sport. 11 March 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    34. ↑ "Reserves Beat Mariners". Hull City AFC. 27 February 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    35. ↑ "Yeovil 2–2 Crawley Town". BBC Sport. 12 March 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    36. ↑ "Yeovil 0–2 Swindon". BBC Sport. 19 March 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    37. ↑ "Carlisle 3–3 Yeovil". BBC Sport. 23 March 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    38. ↑ Sweet, WG (14 April 2013). "Former Chelsea defender Ben Gordon leaves Yeovil Town". Western Daily Press. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    39. ↑ "Transfer news: Blackpool step up chase for out-of-contract Ben Gordon". Sky Sports. 18 June 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    40. ↑ "County interested in Gordon". Sky Sports. 16 May 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    41. ↑ "Ross County: Left-back Ben Gordon signs with Dingwall club". BBC Sport. 27 June 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    42. ↑ "Celtic 2–1 Ross County". BBC Sport. 27 June 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    43. ↑ "Partick Thistle 3–3 Ross County". BBC Sport. 11 January 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 "Games played by Ben Gordon in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    45. ↑ "Gordon pens new Ross deal". BT Sport. 17 June 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    46. ↑ "Gordon off in a flash". BT Sport. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    47. ↑ "Ben Gordon pens Colchester United deal". The Football League. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    48. ↑ "Colchester 2–2 Oldham". BBC Sport. 10 August 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
    49. ↑ "Yeovil 0–1 Colchester". BBC Sport. 20 December 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
    50. ↑ "Ben Gordon says Tranmere can get result against Norwich". BBC Sport. 1 April 2010. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    51. ↑ "Mexico 0:0 England". FIFA. 4 August 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    52. ↑ "Nigeria 1:0 England". FIFA. 10 August 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
    53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 "Games played by Ben Gordon in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 54.2 "Games played by Ben Gordon in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
    55. ↑ "Games played by Ben Gordon in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 July 2014.

    External links