Robert Kozluk

Robert Kozluk
Personal information
Full nameRobert Kozluk[1]
Date of birth5 August 1977[2]
Place of birthMansfield, England[2]
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[2]
Playing positionRight-Back
Youth career
1995–1997Derby County
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
1997–1999Derby County16(0)
1999–2007Sheffield United213(2)
2000→ Huddersfield Town (loan)14(0)
2001→ Wigan Athletic (loan)0(0)
2005→ Preston North End (loan)1(0)
2007–2010Barnsley75(0)
2010–2011Sheffield United8(1)
2011Port Vale6(0)
2012Bradford City17(0)
2013–Ilkeston?(?)
National team
1998England U212(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 00:00, 12 January 2012 (UTC).
† Appearances (Goals).

Robert Kozluk (born 5 August 1977) is an English footballer who plays for Ilkeston in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. He predominantly plays as a right-back, but can also operate on the left or at the centre of defence when needed.[3]

Born in Mansfield he came through the Derby County youth-team ranks before turning professional in 1997 before joining Sheffield United in March 1999. He spent eight years with the Blades, and made close to 250 appearances for the club, helping them to the Premier League at the end of the 2005–06 season. A three-year spell at Barnsley followed after which he returned to Sheffield United for a further season although by this time was a rarely used squad player. He joined Port Vale on a short-term deal in September 2011, before signing with Bradford City for the remainder of the season in January 2012. He joined Ilkeston in January 2013.

Kozluk has also had loan spells at Huddersfield Town in 2000, Preston North End in 2005 and seventeen days on loan at Wigan Athletic in 2001 where he failed to make a single first team appearance. He has also been capped twice for the England under-21s.

Club career

Derby County

Kozluk started his career at Premier League Derby County, where he made his debut in the League Cup on 16 September 1997, playing the full ninety minutes of a 1–0 win over Southend United at Roots Hall. The following month he won a second start, helping the club to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2–1 at White Hart Lane in the next round of the competition. He made his league debut at Anfield on 25 October, in what ended as a 4–0 win for Liverpool. He played four games in November, starting with a 3–0 win over Arsenal and ending with a 4–0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In all he made twelve appearances in 1997–98.

He was in and out of the first team in 1998–99, and made ten appearances, seven of which were in the Premiership, before his transfer in March 1999.

Sheffield United

In March 1999 Kozluk signed for Sheffield United, as part of a swap deal that took Vassilis Borbokis to Derby and made his United debut in a 3–2 defeat to Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.

The following season, retaining his first team place under new manager Neil Warnock, Kozluk made 43 appearances, however at the start of the 2000–01 campaign he joined First Division rivals Huddersfield Town on a three-month loan deal. Having made fourteen appearances for the Terriers he returned to Sheffield United where he managed to win back his first team spot and played regularly until the end of the season.

In September 2001 Kozluk again left Bramall Lane on loan, though this time he would not make it onto the pitch for Second Division side Wigan Athletic. He returned to the Blades but found himself out of favour, playing just nine games during the 2001–02 season. Back in the first team in 2002–03, he played 35 league games scoring his first-ever senior goal with a thirty-yard strike against Grimsby Town on 4 March.[4] United went on to have a memorable season as they pushed for promotion to the Premier League and reached the latter stages of both major cup competitions. Kozluk appeared in the play-off Final at the Millennium Stadium, where United lost 3–0 to Wolves.[5] and played in the club's FA Cup semi-final defeat to eventual winners Arsenal.

Kozluk made a total of 47 appearances in 2003–04, as the Blades recorded an eighth-place finish, during which he also scored the second goal of his career when he knocked one past Stoke City's Ed de Goey at the Britannia Stadium on 1 November.[6] Injuries at the start of the season meant that Kozluk lost his place in the first team missed the whole first half of the 2004–05 campaign, the inaugural season of the Championship. He was allowed to join Championship rivals Preston North End on a one-month loan in January 2005[7] where he played in one FA Cup and one league games for the Lilywhites before returning to Bramall Lane where he played a further nine games before the end of the season.

United finally won promotion to the Premier League in the 2005–06 season, finishing runners up in the Championship, during which Kozluk played 27 league games. A further 20 first team appearances followed in the top flight the following season but the club failed to consolidate their top-flight status and were relegated in a final day show-down with Wigan Athletic. With the club looking to rebuild and cut costs Kozluk was released by United at the end of the season.[8] At the time of his departure he was United's longest serving player, having made 236 league and cup appearances for the club.

Barnsley

In July 2007, Kozluk turned down a contract at Sheffield United and Leeds United to sign for Championship side Barnsley, after manager Simon Davey offered him the highest wages at the club.[9] The club described the signing as a 'massive coup'.[2] Helping the club to avoid relegation by the end of the 2007–08 season,[2] he also played a role in the club reaching the FA Cup FA Cup Semi-finals,[2] helping the Tykes to overcome Liverpool at Anfield,[10] and Chelsea at Oakwell,[11] before ultimately losing 1–0 to Cardiff City in the semi-finals at Wembley.

Kozluk was used on the left side of defence in the 2008–09 campaign, and recorded a total of 38 appearances throughout the season.[2] However he failed to hold down a first team place in 2009–10, and missed the last few months of the season with a knee injury.[2] With his contract expiring and the club looking to reduce the wage bill he was released by Barnsley in June 2010.[12]

Return to Sheffield United

In July 2010, Kozluk signed for Sheffield United for the second time on a one-year deal.[13] Signed as a squad player he made little impact on the Blades first team until he was given a run of games by new manager Micky Adams in January.[14] In his second start of the season he scored with a late volley against local rivals Doncaster Rovers to earn the "Blades" a 2–2 draw.[15] This was only his third career goal, and his first-ever goal at Bramall Lane in his two spells with the club. At the end of the campaign he was offered a new contract by Adams' replacement, Danny Wilson,[16] however he turned down the offer in the hope of finding a new club.[17]

Port Vale

Kozluk spent September 2011 training at Burton Albion whilst considering his options,[18] before rejoining his former boss Micky Adams at League Two club Port Vale on 22 September, signing a short term contract until 1 January 2012.[19] This was the first time the 34-year-old would play outside of the top two tiers of English football and he faced competition for the right-back slot from Adam Yates.[20] Having been limited to just seven appearances during his stay at Vale Park, Kozluk departed in search of a new club two days before Christmas.[21][22]

Bradford City

On 11 January 2012, Bradford City signed Kozluk on a contract lasting until the end of the 2011–12 season,[23] as manager Phil Parkinson looked to use Kozluk as cover for an injured Simon Ramsden.[24] He made his debut on 14 January in a 2–2 home draw with Morecambe,[25] but Kozluk was released from Bradford in May 2012 after being told his contract would not be renewed.[26] Parkison told the press that he was looking for a younger full-back, though did not rule out re-signing Kozluk as emergency cover.[27]

Ilkeston

Kozluk joined Northern Premier League side Ilkeston as a player-coach in January 2013, dropping outside of the Football League for the first time.[28] Manager Kevin Wilson said: "Although Rob has not been playing this season, he has been training regularly with Chesterfield and, in my opinion, he is still more than capable of doing a job for a Football League club. He has vast experience with more than 300 League games at a high level, and that’s a commodity that we feel we’re a bit short of at the moment. Obviously his ability to play in numerous positions will also be a big asset."[28] The club finished 12th in 2012–13 and 17th in 2013–14.

International career

Kozluk gained two caps for the England under 21s in summer 1998,[29] where he played in the Toulon Tournament alongside Frank Lampard and Emile Heskey.[29]

Statistics

As of 5 May 2012.
Season Club Division League FA Cup League Cup Other[30] Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
1997–98[31]Derby CountyPremier League90102000120
1998–99[32]70201000100
Total 160303000220
1998–99[32]Sheffield UnitedFirst Division100000000100
1999–2000[33]390202000430
2000–01[34]270100000280
2000–01[34]Huddersfield Town (loan)First Division140000000140
2001–02[35]Sheffield United8000100090
2001–02[35]Wigan Athletic (loan)Second Division0000000000
2002–03[36]Sheffield UnitedFirst Division321402030411
2003–04[37]421302000471
2004–05[38]Championship9000000090
2004–05[38]Preston North End (loan)1010000020
2005–06[39]Sheffield United270101000290
2006–07[40]Premier League190001000200
Total 213211090302362
2007–08[41]BarnsleyChampionship240402000300
2008–09[42]370001000380
2009–10[43]140004000180
Total 750407000860
2010–11[44]Sheffield UnitedChampionship81101000101
Total 81101000101
2011–12[45]Port ValeLeague Two6010000070
Total 6010000070
2011–12[45]Bradford CityLeague Two170000000170
Total 170000000170
Career total 3503210200303943

Honours

with Sheffield United

References

  1. ↑ "Search 1984 to 2006 – Birth, Marriage and Death indexes". Findmypast.com. Retrieved 12 August 2010.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "Name: Rob Kozluk". barnsleyfc.co.uk. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  3. ↑ "Micky on New Signings". port-vale.co.uk. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  4. ↑ "Grimsby 1–4 Sheff Utd". BBC Sport. 4 March 2003. Retrieved 29 October 2009.
  5. ↑ "Wolves back in big time". BBC Sport. 26 May 2003. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  6. ↑ "Stoke 2–2 Sheff Utd". BBC Sport. 1 November 2003. Retrieved 29 November 2009.
  7. ↑ "Preston agree Kozluk loan deal". BBC Sport. 6 January 2005. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  8. ↑ "Gillespie offered new Blades deal". BBC Sport. 18 May 2007. Retrieved 18 May 2007.
  9. ↑ "Barnsley capture Kozluk & Werling". BBC Sport. 3 July 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2007.
  10. ↑ "Liverpool 1-2 Barnsley". BBC Sport. 16 February 2008. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  11. ↑ "Barnsley bounce Chelsea". thefa.com. 8 March 2008. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  12. ↑ "Hugo Colace offered new contract". BBC Sport. 3 May 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
  13. ↑ "Sheffield United re-sign Rob Kozluk". BBC Sport. 12 June 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
  14. ↑ "Rob Kozluk interview". Yorkshire Evening Post. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  15. ↑ "Sheffield Utd vs Doncaster". Sheffield United F.C. 3 January 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  16. ↑ "Kozluk offered fresh terms by the Blades". The Sheffield Star. 30 July 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  17. ↑ "Kozluk considering options". skysports.com. 8 September 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  18. ↑ "Adams makes double signing for Crewe game". The Sentinel. 23 September 2011. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
  19. ↑ "Port Vale sign Rob Kozluk and Liam Chilvers". BBC Sport. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  20. ↑ "Kozluk ready for first-team fight". The Sentinel. 9 November 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  21. ↑ "New Deals for McDonald and Roe". port-vale.co.uk. 23 December 2011. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
  22. ↑ "Port Vale release defender Rob Kozluk". BBC Sport. 23 December 2011. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
  23. ↑ "Kozluk completes City move". bradfordcityfc.co.uk. 11 January 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2012.
  24. ↑ "Bradford City sign Rob Kozluk on short-term deal". BBC Sport. 11 January 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  25. ↑ "Bradford 2-2 Morecambe". BBC Sport. 14 January 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  26. ↑ "Bantams clear-out gets underway". Skysports. 12 May 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
  27. ↑ Heppenstall, Ross (15 May 2012). "Phil Parkinson gives his reasons for letting so many Bradford City players go". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Ilkeston sign former Derby County defender Rob Kozluk". Derby Telegraph. 12 January 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "Experienced Kozluk happy to play part in promotion push". The Sentinel. 22 October 2011. Retrieved 22 October 2011.
  30. ↑ Includes other competitive competitions, including the Football League Trophy.
  31. ↑ "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 1997/1998". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  33. ↑ "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  36. ↑ "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  37. ↑ "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  39. ↑ "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  40. ↑ "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  41. ↑ "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  42. ↑ "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  43. ↑ "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  44. ↑ "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 "Games played by Robert Kozluk in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Retrieved 22 September 2011.

External links