Rory Loy

Rory Loy

Loy pictured training for Scotland U21's in 2009
Personal information
Full nameRory James Loy
Date of birth19 March 1988
Place of birthDumfries, Scotland
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Playing positionStriker/Left-Wing
Club information
Current team
Falkirk
Number33
Youth career
2004–2006Kilmarnock
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2006–2011Rangers2(0)
2008–2009→ Dunfermline Athletic (loan)18(3)
2010→ St. Mirren (loan)8(0)
2011–2013Carlisle United50(7)
2013–Falkirk60(29)
National team‡
2008–2009Scotland U21[1]5(1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 5 January 2015.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 10 January 2010

Rory James Loy (born 19 March 1988 in Dumfries) is a Scottish professional association football player playing for Scottish Championship side Falkirk.

Early life

Loy was born in Dumfries on 19 March 1988 and grew up in the town of Stranraer and the village of Sandhead, he attended Sandhead Primary School and Stranraer Academy.

Club career

Rangers

Loy, pictured in 2009, with the Scotland national under-21 football team.

Loy began his career with Kilmarnock in 2004 at age of fourteen[2] before being snapped up by Rangers for £20,000 in 2006. In October 2007, Loy signed a one-year extension to his Rangers contract to remain at Ibrox until the summer of 2009.[3] In March 2009 having impressed on loan, Loy signed a further two-year extension to his Rangers contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2011.[4]

He is a striker who made his first team debut in a Scottish Premier League match against Inverness CT on 1 November 2008, coming on as a substitute in the 56th minute.[5]

Loan spell at Dunfermline Athletic and St. Mirren

In December 2008, he joined Dunfermline Athletic on loan until 26 January 2009.[6] After the move, Loy revealed he joined Dunfermline Athletic because he couldn't turned down a chance to the club.[7] Loy made his debut, several days after joining the club, coming on as a substitute for Andy Kirk, in a 2–1 win over Queen of the South and on 17 January 2009, Loy scored his first goal for the club, in a 1–1 draw against Airdrie United. This was later extended till the end of the season .[8] Having signed a loan extension til the end of the season, Loy believed his first team at Dunfermline could help him earn a first team place.[9] Later in the season, Loy would scored two more goals in a separate match against Partick Thistle and Morton.

On 29 January 2010, Loy joined Scottish Premier League rival St. Mirren on a six-month loan deal.[10] He then made his debut, coming on as a substitute for Garry Brady, in a 1–0 loss against Hamilton Academical on 2 February 2010.[11] However, Loy wasn't in the starting line-up regularly, due to suffering an virus, along with team-mate Paul Gallacher, John Potter and Lee Mair.[12]

Carlisle United

Loy in a match against Brentford on 8 October 2011.

On 28 January 2011, English League One side Carlisle United announced the signing of Loy on a permanent deal from Rangers on a two and a half-year deal. Loy was secured for an undisclosed fee.[13] After the move, Loy stated leaving Rangers was to help revive his career by joining Carlisle United.[14]

In the last six games, Loy made a slow start for the club. But on 1 March 2011, Loy scored his first goal and set up a goal for Ben Marshall, who then, in turn, set up a goal for Loy, in a 3–1 win over Charlton. In the Football League Trophy Final, Loy played the final two minutes left until full-time after coming on as a substitute for Tom Taiwo, as Carlisle United beat Brentford.[15] With lack of the first team players, Manager Greg Abbott promised that he would give Loy and Paddy Madden first team opportunities next season.[16]

In his first full season, Loy scored three goals before ending his season, when he suffered a broken leg on Boxing Day in a fixture against Preston after a nasty challenge from David Gray, which led to a nine-minute delay during the match. Loy injuries would lead the club to suffer a strikers crisis.[17] His injury resulted in him going to surgery; which was successful.[18] His injury also led to Preston wishing Loy a speedy recovery, when the caretaker manager visited him.[19] Two months later, in mid-February, Loy managed to walk without using crutches.[20]

The next season, Loy would spend five months on the sidelines after having another setback injury.[21] On 31 December 2012, Loy made his first appearance since having his injury, coming on as a substitute for Brad Potts, in a 1–0 loss against Crewe.[22] Upon his return, Manager Greg Abbott said Loy has returned more sharp and positive.[23] In the start of February, Loy scored against Tranmere Rovers, Stevenage and Portsmouth in three consecutive games. After scoring in one of the matches, Loy says he is delighted to make his return and that, his absence helped him appreciate playing first-team football.[24] At the end of the season, Loy was among seven players to be released, upon the expiry of their contract.[25] Days after his release, Loy has attracted interest from a number of teams, according to his agent.[26] While Loy, himself, says on Twitter: "Met some people and made some memories at #cufc that will stick with me forever. Two years gone by in a flash. Loved every minute. Some real nice messages from the #cufc fans. Nice touch and always nice to know you were appreciated. Thank you."[27]

Falkirk

In July 2013, Loy started training with Scottish First Division side Falkirk and played as a trialist in a friendly against Forfar, scoring both goals as the Bairns won 2–1. He also played in Falkirk's 2–2 friendly draw with Dunfermline. Loy signed a two-year contract with Falkirk on 31 July 2013. [28]

Loy quickly established himself in the Falkirk side, scoring a double in his first home appearance against Greenock Morton on 17 August 2013.[29] After scoring sixteen goals so far this season, Loy scored his first hat trick for Falkirk in a 5–0 win against Cowdenbeath on 5 April 2014.[30] Loy says he aims for the club winning the Scottish Championship, as they aren't surrender the loss to stay in Championship next season.[31]

Throughout the season he became renowned for his hard work and composed finishing, and this helped him set up a strong rapport with The Bairns faithful. Loy was nominated along with Peter MacDonald, Anthony Andreu and Kane Hemmings for the PFA Championship Player of the Year for season 2013/14, but lost out to Hemmings.[32][33] However, on 27 April 2014, he was awarded the Falkirk Supporters Player of the Year, along with the Players Player of the Year, capping an overall superb campaign.[34] He was also handed the Falkirk Herald's Starshot award for the season, previously won by fan favourites Michael McGovern, Mark Millar, Ryan Flynn and Scott Arfield. Loy would add up to his awards when he was named 2013–14 Scottish Championship team of year;[35] September's Player of the Month [36] and February's Player of the Month[37] and March's Player of the Month by the Falkirk supporters.[38]

Falkirk manager Gary Holt confirmed on 1 May 2014 that Loy was one of a few players to be offered an improved contract at the club. Loy's current deal runs until 2015,[39] after which he will join Dundee FC on a 3-year deal[40]

International career

Loy made his Scotland U21 debut against Northern Ireland in November 2008.[1] He gained four further caps at this level in 2009 against Albania, Austria, Belarus and Azerbaijan.[1] Loy scored a goal in the 4–0 win against Azerbaijan.[1]

Honours

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Rory Loy – U21 Squad". Scottish Football Association. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  2. ↑ "LISTEN TO US AND FIND OUT WHAT'S THE STORY OVER MOURNING RORY". Daily Record. 9 August 2006. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  3. ↑ "Contract Thrillers!". Rangers.co.uk. 24 October 2007.
  4. ↑ "Loy signs till 2011". Daily Record (Trinity Mirror). 3 March 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  5. ↑ "Rangers 5–0 Inverness CT". BBC Sport. 1 November 2008.
  6. ↑ "Rangers' Loy loaned out to Pars". BBC Sport website. 12 December 2008.
  7. ↑ "couldn't turn down chance of Dunfermline switch, says Rangers rookie Rory Loy". Daily Record. 16 December 2008. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  8. ↑ "Transfer Talk – January 28: Fergie watches Fleck, Kyle for Killie, Villa want Owen". Daily Record. 28 January 2009. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  9. ↑ "Dunfermline loan can help me into Rangers first team, says Rory Loy". Daily Record. 3 February 2009. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  10. ↑ "Rangers striker Rory Loy joins St Mirren on loan". BBC Sport. 29 January 2010.
  11. ↑ "Rory makes Saints debut". Paisley Daily Express. 2 February 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  12. ↑ "St Mirren stars sent home as bug sweeps through squad". Daily Record. 1 April 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  13. ↑ "Carlisle United sign Rangers striker Rory Loy". BBC Sport. 28 January 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  14. ↑ "Rory Loy: I had to leave Rangers to help save my career". Daily Record. 6 February 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  15. ↑ "Trophy Final – Match report". The Football League. 3 April 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  16. ↑ "Abbott offers duo playing hope". Sky Sports. 31 May 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  17. ↑ "Carlisle United striker Rory Loy breaks leg at Preston". BBC Sport. 27 December 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  18. ↑ "Loy gets leg up after surgery". Sky Sports. 28 December 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  19. ↑ "PRESTON SEND BEST WISHES TO CARLISLE UTD'S INJURED RORY LOY". News and Star. 29 December 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  20. ↑ "Carlisle midfielder Paul Thirlwell out with calf tear". BBC Sport. 24 February 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  21. ↑ "RORY LOY DEVASTATED BY LATEST INJURY SETBACK, SAYS CARLISLE UTD BOSS". News and Star. 14 August 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  22. ↑ "Crewe 1–0 Carlisle". BBC Sport. 31 December 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  23. ↑ "Carlisle United: Rory Loy return a lift for Greg Abbott". BBC Sport. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  24. ↑ "Carlisle United: Break made Rory Loy appreciate career". BBC Sport. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  25. ↑ "Carlisle United: Peter Murphy among seven released". Sky Sports. 29 April 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  26. ↑ "Duo weigh up options". Sky Sports. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  27. ↑ "MANSET THANKS CARLISLE UNITED AS HE SAYS AU REVOIR". News and Star. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  28. ↑ "Ex-Carlisle Utd man Rory Loy signs for Falkirk". Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  29. ↑ "Plastic fantastic as Falkirk see off Morton". Falkirk Herald. 17 August 2013. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  30. ↑ "Falkirk 5–0 Cowdenbeath". BBC Sport. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  31. ↑ "Falkirk aren't giving up on Championship title challenge, insists Rory Loy". Daily Record. 29 March 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  32. ↑ "MacDonald, Hemmings, Andreu & Loy up for PFA Scotland award". BBC Sport. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  33. ↑ "Cowdenbeath's Kane Hemmings wins PFA's Championship award". BBC Sport. 27 April 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  34. ↑ "LOY SCOOPS AWARDS DOUBLE". Falkirk Official Website. 27 April 2014. Archived from the original on 13 June 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  35. ↑ "Falkirk and Rangers dominate team of the year voting". BBC Sport. 18 April 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  36. ↑ "LOY TAKES THE PLAUDITS". Falkirk Official Website. 16 October 2013. Archived from the original on 13 June 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  37. ↑ "LOY SCOOPS FEBRUARY PLAYER OF THE MONTH". Falkirk Official Website. 7 March 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  38. ↑ "LOY THE WINNER FOR MARCH". Falkirk Official Website. 5 April 2014. Archived from the original on 13 June 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  39. ↑ "FIVE DEALS OFFERED TO BAIRNS". Falkirk Herald. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  40. ↑ "Rory signs pre-contract". Dundee FC. 23 February 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2015.

External links

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