Wes Thomas: Difference between revisions
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Thomas joined [[Football League One|League One]] club [[A.F.C. Bournemouth|Bournemouth]] on 9 September, initially on a 93-day loan, with an agreement for the move to be made permanent for a "six-figure fee" when the January 2012 [[transfer window]] opened.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/9244041.Cherries__Bradbury_completes_Thomas_loan_swoop/ |title=Cherries: Bradbury completes Thomas loan swoop |first=Neil |last=Perrett |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=9 September 2011 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> In his second game, Thomas won a penalty, reacted to a rebound off the crossbar to score his first goal for the club, and set up a goal for [[Marc Pugh]] in a 3–1 victory over [[Leyton Orient]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14799476 |title=Leyton Orient 1–3 Bournemouth |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 September 2011 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> He began to develop a partnership with [[Michael Symes]] which both parties and manager [[Lee Bradbury]] thought could become productive.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/9312405.Cherries__Symes_excited_by_Thomas_partnership/ |title=Cherries: Symes excited by Thomas partnership |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=19 October 2011 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> The day after his move to Bournemouth was made permanent, Thomas and Symes each scored in a 2–0 defeat of [[Wycombe Wanderers]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/matchreports/9447140.Cherries__Thomas_spearheads_simple_victory/ |title=Cherries: Thomas spearheads simple victory |first=Neil |last=Perrett |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=2 January 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> Thomas finished the season with an even longer goal drought than he had at Cheltenham; this time he scored only once after January.<ref name=sb1112/> |
Thomas joined [[Football League One|League One]] club [[A.F.C. Bournemouth|Bournemouth]] on 9 September, initially on a 93-day loan, with an agreement for the move to be made permanent for a "six-figure fee" when the January 2012 [[transfer window]] opened.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/9244041.Cherries__Bradbury_completes_Thomas_loan_swoop/ |title=Cherries: Bradbury completes Thomas loan swoop |first=Neil |last=Perrett |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=9 September 2011 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> In his second game, Thomas won a penalty, reacted to a rebound off the crossbar to score his first goal for the club, and set up a goal for [[Marc Pugh]] in a 3–1 victory over [[Leyton Orient]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14799476 |title=Leyton Orient 1–3 Bournemouth |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 September 2011 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> He began to develop a partnership with [[Michael Symes]] which both parties and manager [[Lee Bradbury]] thought could become productive.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/9312405.Cherries__Symes_excited_by_Thomas_partnership/ |title=Cherries: Symes excited by Thomas partnership |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=19 October 2011 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> The day after his move to Bournemouth was made permanent, Thomas and Symes each scored in a 2–0 defeat of [[Wycombe Wanderers]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/matchreports/9447140.Cherries__Thomas_spearheads_simple_victory/ |title=Cherries: Thomas spearheads simple victory |first=Neil |last=Perrett |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=2 January 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> Thomas finished the season with an even longer goal drought than he had at Cheltenham; this time he scored only once after January.<ref name=sb1112/> |
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In the 2013-14 season, which Bournemouth promoted to Championship, Thomas had been linked with League One side [[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Leon Clarke: Swindon Town show interest in Coventry striker|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23600999|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 August 2013|accessdate=3 January 2014}}</ref> But Manager Howe is reluctant to sell Thomas, citing "low on strikers at the moment."<ref>{{cite news|title=Wes Thomas: Bournemouth striker not for sale, says Howe|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23618530|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 August 2013|accessdate=3 January 2014}}</ref> Having only making ten appearance in the season, Thomas is among three players that could leave in the January transfer window<ref>{{cite news|title=AFC Bournemouth: Addison, Thomas and Fogden could make January moves|url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/10911376.AFC_Bournemouth__Addison__Thomas_and_Fogden_could_make_January_moves/|publisher=Bournemouth Echo|date=2 January 2014|accessdate=3 January 2014}}</ref> It also announced that Thomas won't be offered a new contract by the club when the 2013-14 season campaign ended.<ref>{{cite news|title=AFC Bournemouth: Howe confirms Thomas is set for Dean Court exit|url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/10913845.AFC_Bournemouth__Howe_confirms_Thomas_is_set_for_Dean_Court_exit/|publisher=Bournemouth Echo|date=3 January 2014|accessdate=3 January 2014}}</ref> |
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===Loan Spells=== |
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====Portsmouth (loan)==== |
====Portsmouth (loan)==== |
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The barren spell continued into the following season, amid competition from [[Lewis Grabban]] and Matt Tubbs for a starting spot,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/9883702.Cherries__Thomas_can_emerge_from_goal_slump_insists_boss/ |title=Cherries: Thomas can emerge from goal slump insists boss |first=Ian |last=Wadley |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=21 August 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> and on 28 September, manager [[Paul Groves (footballer)|Paul Groves]] allowed Thomas to leave on a month's loan to fellow League One club [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19758109 |title=Portsmouth sign Wes Thomas from AFC Bournemouth |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 September 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> The next day, he scored a late winner against [[Scunthorpe United]] to give Portsmouth their first home league victory of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/Pompey-2-Scunthorpe-1-3749.aspx |title=Portsmouth 2 Scunthorpe 1 |first=Neil |last=Weld |publisher=Portsmouth F.C |date=29 September 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> He and [[Izale McLeod]] performed well as a strike pairing,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/mcleod-striking-the-right-note-with-thomas-1-4367268 |title=McLeod striking the right note with Thomas |work=Portsmouth News |date=15 October 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> and helped the club to four league wins and a draw in Thomas's first five matches for the club. He was reluctant to return to his parent club if he was not going be played,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/thomas-wary-of-cherries-return-1-4394739 |title=Thomas wary of Cherries return |first=Neil |last=Allen |work=Portsmouth News |date=22 October 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> and [[Michael Appleton]] wanted to keep him at Portsmouth,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/appy-everyone-s-a-winner-if-thomas-stays-at-pompey-1-4392278 |title=Appy: Everyone’s a winner if Thomas stays at Pompey |first=Howard |last=Frost |work=Portsmouth News |date=20 October 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> but newly appointed manager [[Eddie Howe]] recalled him to Bournemouth with the intention of involving him in the squad.<ref name=HoweLeave>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/10066206.Cherries__Thomas_asked_Howe_to_leave/ |title=Cherries: Thomas asked Howe to leave |first=Neil |last=Perrett |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=26 October 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> |
The barren spell continued into the following season, amid competition from [[Lewis Grabban]] and Matt Tubbs for a starting spot,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/9883702.Cherries__Thomas_can_emerge_from_goal_slump_insists_boss/ |title=Cherries: Thomas can emerge from goal slump insists boss |first=Ian |last=Wadley |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=21 August 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> and on 28 September, manager [[Paul Groves (footballer)|Paul Groves]] allowed Thomas to leave on a month's loan to fellow League One club [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19758109 |title=Portsmouth sign Wes Thomas from AFC Bournemouth |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 September 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> The next day, he scored a late winner against [[Scunthorpe United]] to give Portsmouth their first home league victory of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/Pompey-2-Scunthorpe-1-3749.aspx |title=Portsmouth 2 Scunthorpe 1 |first=Neil |last=Weld |publisher=Portsmouth F.C |date=29 September 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> He and [[Izale McLeod]] performed well as a strike pairing,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/mcleod-striking-the-right-note-with-thomas-1-4367268 |title=McLeod striking the right note with Thomas |work=Portsmouth News |date=15 October 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> and helped the club to four league wins and a draw in Thomas's first five matches for the club. He was reluctant to return to his parent club if he was not going be played,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/thomas-wary-of-cherries-return-1-4394739 |title=Thomas wary of Cherries return |first=Neil |last=Allen |work=Portsmouth News |date=22 October 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> and [[Michael Appleton]] wanted to keep him at Portsmouth,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/appy-everyone-s-a-winner-if-thomas-stays-at-pompey-1-4392278 |title=Appy: Everyone’s a winner if Thomas stays at Pompey |first=Howard |last=Frost |work=Portsmouth News |date=20 October 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> but newly appointed manager [[Eddie Howe]] recalled him to Bournemouth with the intention of involving him in the squad.<ref name=HoweLeave>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/10066206.Cherries__Thomas_asked_Howe_to_leave/ |title=Cherries: Thomas asked Howe to leave |first=Neil |last=Perrett |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=26 October 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> |
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Thomas said he thought Groves had not given him enough backing, and hoped for a fresh start under Howe,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/10040849.Cherries__Thomas_sets_his_sights_on_new_start_under_Howe/ |title=Cherries: Thomas sets his sights on new start under Howe |first=Ian |last=Wadley |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=12 November 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> but a few days later he told the manager he wanted to leave.<ref name=HoweLeave/> |
Thomas said he thought Groves had not given him enough backing, and hoped for a fresh start under Howe,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/10040849.Cherries__Thomas_sets_his_sights_on_new_start_under_Howe/ |title=Cherries: Thomas sets his sights on new start under Howe |first=Ian |last=Wadley |work=Bournemouth Echo |date=12 November 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> but a few days later he told the manager he wanted to leave.<ref name=HoweLeave/> |
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===Blackpool (loan)=== |
====Blackpool (loan)==== |
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On 22 November, Thomas followed Michael Appleton to [[Football League Championship|Championship]] club [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]], on loan until 1 January 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20425736 |title=Blackpool sign Bournemouth striker Wes Thomas on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> His first goal came on 1 December in a 4–1 away win at [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4676442/Peterborough-1-Blackpool-4.html |title=Peterborough 1 Blackpool 4 |first=Bob |last=Hayes |work=The Sun |date=1 December 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> Although Appleton wanted him to stay,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20677378 |title=Michael Appleton wants Wes Thomas to stay at Blackpool |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 December 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> Thomas finished his spell at Blackpool with three goals from six games and returned to Bournemouth.<ref name=sb1213/> |
On 22 November, Thomas followed Michael Appleton to [[Football League Championship|Championship]] club [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]], on loan until 1 January 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20425736 |title=Blackpool sign Bournemouth striker Wes Thomas on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> His first goal came on 1 December in a 4–1 away win at [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4676442/Peterborough-1-Blackpool-4.html |title=Peterborough 1 Blackpool 4 |first=Bob |last=Hayes |work=The Sun |date=1 December 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> Although Appleton wanted him to stay,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20677378 |title=Michael Appleton wants Wes Thomas to stay at Blackpool |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 December 2012 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> Thomas finished his spell at Blackpool with three goals from six games and returned to Bournemouth.<ref name=sb1213/> |
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There was considerable interest in the player's services from Championship clubs including [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]], [[Watford F.C.|Watford]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8387478/ |title=Derby and Watford keen on Bournemouth striker Wes Thomas |publisher=Sky Sports |date=9 January 2013 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] and Appleton's latest club, [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8428372/ |title=Burnley have lodged a bid for Bournemouth forward Wes Thomas |publisher=Sky Sports |date=23 January 2013 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> But after three more appearances for Bournemouth, without scoring, Thomas signed for [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] on loan until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21288228 |title=Wes Thomas: Birmingham sign Bournemouth striker on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2013 |accessdate=1 February 2013}}</ref> |
There was considerable interest in the player's services from Championship clubs including [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]], [[Watford F.C.|Watford]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8387478/ |title=Derby and Watford keen on Bournemouth striker Wes Thomas |publisher=Sky Sports |date=9 January 2013 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] and Appleton's latest club, [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8428372/ |title=Burnley have lodged a bid for Bournemouth forward Wes Thomas |publisher=Sky Sports |date=23 January 2013 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> But after three more appearances for Bournemouth, without scoring, Thomas signed for [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] on loan until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21288228 |title=Wes Thomas: Birmingham sign Bournemouth striker on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2013 |accessdate=1 February 2013}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Thomas went straight into the starting eleven, partnering [[Marlon King]], for Birmingham's 2–1 win against [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]] two days later. He played 71 minutes and missed a chance to score on debut, "plant[ing] a shot high and wide of the upright".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/pictures-birmingham-city-2-nottingham-1287836 |title=Birmingham 2 Nottingham Forest 1 |first=Colin |last=Tattum |work=Birmingham Mail |date=2 February 2013 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> |
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Thomas would struggled to make a impact for the club until scoring his first goals in a 3-1 win over [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] on 9 March 2013. The first goal was described as "wrestle-turned two defenders and showed great determination before smashing the ball in from a tight angle on the left".<ref>{{cite news|title=Birmingham City 3 Derby County 1 - Colin Tattum's full time report and picture gallery|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/birmingham-city-3-derby-county-1732637|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=9 March 2013|accessdate=3 January 2014}}</ref> After the match, Manager [[Lee Clark (footballer)|Lee Clark]] praised Thomas performance as "scored two, his hold up play was good and his work ethic is fantastic.".<ref>{{cite news|title=Lee Clark: “We just played with lots more power, more pace and energy."|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lee-clark-praises-birmingham-city-1732750|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=9 March 2013|accessdate=3 January 2014}}</ref> Thomas, himself, expressed desire to stay at Birmingham City on a permanent deal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Birmingham City: Wes Thomas hopes loan becomes permanent|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21755177|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 March 2013|accessdate=3 January 2014}}</ref> Four weeks later, on 6 April 2013, Thomas scored another goal in a 1-1 draw against [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]], as he "never wavered and fired Blues into a 49th-minute lead, swivelling to shoot and score".<ref>{{cite news|title=Birmingham City 1 Millwall 1: Colin Tattum's big match verdict|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/birmingham-city-1-millwall-1-2546631|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=8 April 2013|accessdate=3 January 2014}}</ref> At the end of the 2013-14 season, Thomas's permanent deal to Birmingham City was "‘doable’ due to the transfer fee required" despite Clark's desire to keep Thomas.<ref>{{cite news|title=Clark's hoping to strike a deal with Morrison|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-lee-clark-hoping-3181251|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=27 April 2013|accessdate=3 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Marlon King, Peter Lovenkrands, Darren Ambrose and Hayden Mullins to be shown the door by Blues|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-allow-marlon-king-4010106|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=24 May 2013|accessdate=3 January 2014}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | Thomas went straight into the starting eleven, partnering [[Marlon King]], for Birmingham's 2–1 win against [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]] two days later. He played 71 minutes and missed a chance to score on debut, "plant[ing] a shot high and wide of the upright".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/pictures-birmingham-city-2-nottingham-1287836 |title=Birmingham 2 Nottingham Forest 1 |first=Colin |last=Tattum |work=Birmingham Mail |date=2 February 2013 |accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref> |
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==Career statistics== |
==Career statistics== |
Revision as of 00:56, 4 January 2014
Personal information | |||
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Full name | Wesley Alexander Nevada Thomas[1] | ||
Date of birth | 23 January 1987 | ||
Place of birth | Barking, London, England | ||
Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||
Position(s) | Striker | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Bournemouth | ||
Number | 15 | ||
Youth career | |||
Waltham Forest | |||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2005–2006 | Waltham Forest | 32 | (17) |
2006–2007 | Thurrock | ? | (?) |
2007–2008 | Fisher Athletic | 28 | (17) |
2008–2010 | Dagenham & Redbridge | 27 | (3) |
2008–2009 | → Grays Athletic (loan) | 7 | (2) |
2010 | → Rushden & Diamonds (loan) | 0 | (0) |
2010–2011 | Cheltenham Town | 41 | (18) |
2011–2012 | Crawley Town | 6 | (1) |
2011–2012 | → Bournemouth (loan) | 14 | (7) |
2012– | Bournemouth | 26 | (4) |
2012 | → Portsmouth (loan) | 6 | (3) |
2012–2013 | → Blackpool (loan) | 9 | (3) |
2013 | → Birmingham City (loan) | 11 | (3) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:30, 16 April 2013 (UTC) |
Wesley Alexander Nevada "Wes" Thomas (born 23 January 1987) is an English footballer who plays for Bournemouth.
He began his career in non-league football with various clubs in and around London before making his debut in the Football League for Dagenham & Redbridge in 2008. After loan spells in the Conference with Grays Athletic and Rushden & Diamonds, he spent a season with League Two club Cheltenham Town. He briefly joined Crawley Town before moving into League One with AFC Bournemouth. After one full season at Bournemouth, he went out on loan again, to Portsmouth, Blackpool and Birmingham City.
Career
Thomas previously played for Fisher Athletic, Thurrock and Waltham Forest before making his debut in the Football League with Dagenham & Redbridge.
He joined Conference National club Grays Athletic on loan in December 2008;[2] he made eight appearances and scored twice before his loan ended at the end of January 2009.[3] He joined Rushden & Diamonds in March 2010 on loan until the end of the season,[4] but never appeared for the first team, and was transfer-listed by Dagenham & Redbridge as they restructured the team following their promotion to League One.[5]
Cheltenham Town
In July 2010, Thomas signed a one-year contract with League Two club Cheltenham Town.[6] He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against Gillingham on the opening day of the season,[7] and followed up with two against Crewe Alexandra on his second appearance.[8] The club were keen for Thomas to sign an extended contract – by January 2011 he was top scorer with 12 goals – but the player was reluctant to do so because his pregnant girlfriend wanted to stay close to her London home.[9] He scored regularly until the beginning of March, but produced only one more between then and the end of the season; this still left him as the club's top scorer, with 19 goals.[10] He chose not to re-sign for Cheltenham, instead joining Crawley Town, newly promoted to League Two, on what Cheltenham chairman Paul Baker described as "staggering" wages.[11]
Crawley Town
Thomas signed a two-year contract with Crawley Town. Manager Steve Evans described him as "a natural goalscorer" with pace and good movement who was "still developing" as a player.[12] He made his Crawley debut as a very late substitute on the opening day of the 2011–12 season, and scored in his second game, in a 2–0 win over Macclesfield Town. He was unable to dislodge Tyrone Barnett and Matt Tubbs from the starting eleven,[13] and was unhappy about not playing.[14]
Bournemouth
Thomas joined League One club Bournemouth on 9 September, initially on a 93-day loan, with an agreement for the move to be made permanent for a "six-figure fee" when the January 2012 transfer window opened.[15] In his second game, Thomas won a penalty, reacted to a rebound off the crossbar to score his first goal for the club, and set up a goal for Marc Pugh in a 3–1 victory over Leyton Orient.[16] He began to develop a partnership with Michael Symes which both parties and manager Lee Bradbury thought could become productive.[17] The day after his move to Bournemouth was made permanent, Thomas and Symes each scored in a 2–0 defeat of Wycombe Wanderers.[18] Thomas finished the season with an even longer goal drought than he had at Cheltenham; this time he scored only once after January.[13]
In the 2013-14 season, which Bournemouth promoted to Championship, Thomas had been linked with League One side Swindon Town.[19] But Manager Howe is reluctant to sell Thomas, citing "low on strikers at the moment."[20] Having only making ten appearance in the season, Thomas is among three players that could leave in the January transfer window[21] It also announced that Thomas won't be offered a new contract by the club when the 2013-14 season campaign ended.[22]
Loan Spells
Portsmouth (loan)
The barren spell continued into the following season, amid competition from Lewis Grabban and Matt Tubbs for a starting spot,[23] and on 28 September, manager Paul Groves allowed Thomas to leave on a month's loan to fellow League One club Portsmouth.[24] The next day, he scored a late winner against Scunthorpe United to give Portsmouth their first home league victory of the season.[25] He and Izale McLeod performed well as a strike pairing,[26] and helped the club to four league wins and a draw in Thomas's first five matches for the club. He was reluctant to return to his parent club if he was not going be played,[27] and Michael Appleton wanted to keep him at Portsmouth,[28] but newly appointed manager Eddie Howe recalled him to Bournemouth with the intention of involving him in the squad.[29]
Thomas said he thought Groves had not given him enough backing, and hoped for a fresh start under Howe,[30] but a few days later he told the manager he wanted to leave.[29]
Blackpool (loan)
On 22 November, Thomas followed Michael Appleton to Championship club Blackpool, on loan until 1 January 2013.[31] His first goal came on 1 December in a 4–1 away win at Peterborough United.[32] Although Appleton wanted him to stay,[33] Thomas finished his spell at Blackpool with three goals from six games and returned to Bournemouth.[34]
There was considerable interest in the player's services from Championship clubs including Derby County, Watford,[35] Burnley and Appleton's latest club, Blackburn Rovers.[36] But after three more appearances for Bournemouth, without scoring, Thomas signed for Birmingham City on loan until the end of the season.[37]
Birmingham City (loan)
Thomas went straight into the starting eleven, partnering Marlon King, for Birmingham's 2–1 win against Nottingham Forest two days later. He played 71 minutes and missed a chance to score on debut, "plant[ing] a shot high and wide of the upright".[38]
Thomas would struggled to make a impact for the club until scoring his first goals in a 3-1 win over Derby County on 9 March 2013. The first goal was described as "wrestle-turned two defenders and showed great determination before smashing the ball in from a tight angle on the left".[39] After the match, Manager Lee Clark praised Thomas performance as "scored two, his hold up play was good and his work ethic is fantastic.".[40] Thomas, himself, expressed desire to stay at Birmingham City on a permanent deal.[41] Four weeks later, on 6 April 2013, Thomas scored another goal in a 1-1 draw against Millwall, as he "never wavered and fired Blues into a 49th-minute lead, swivelling to shoot and score".[42] At the end of the 2013-14 season, Thomas's permanent deal to Birmingham City was "‘doable’ due to the transfer fee required" despite Clark's desire to keep Thomas.[43][44]
Career statistics
- Correct up to and including match played 16 April 2013
Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
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Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Dagenham & Redbridge | 2008–09[45] | League Two | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
2009–10[46] | League Two | 23 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1[a] | 0 | 26 | 3 | |
Dagenham & Redbridge total | 28 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 31 | 3 | ||
Grays Athletic (loan) | 2008–09[3] | Conference National | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 8 | 2 |
Rushden & Diamonds (loan) | 2009–10[46] | Conference National | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | |||
Cheltenham Town | 2010–11[10] | League Two | 41 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 19 |
Crawley Town | 2011–12[13] | League Two | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1[a] | 0 | 8 | 1 |
AFC Bournemouth | 2011–12[13] | League One | 36 | 11 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 38 | 11 | ||
2012–13[34] | League One | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | |
AFC Bournemouth total | 42 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 11 | ||
Portsmouth (loan) | 2012–13[34] | League One | 6 | 3 | — | — | 1[a] | 0 | 7 | 3 | ||
Blackpool (loan) | 2012–13[34] | Championship | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 9 | 3 | ||
Birmingham City (loan) | 2012–13[34] | Championship | 11 | 3 | — | — | — | 11 | 3 | |||
Career totals | 150 | 44 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 163 | 45 |
References
- ^ Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2009). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10. Mainstream Publishing. p. 406. ISBN 978-1-84596-474-0.
- ^ "Wes Thomas joins Grays Athletic". Thurrock Gazette. 2 December 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
- ^ a b "Profile: Wes Thomas". AFC Bournemouth. Archived from the original on 7 April 2012.
"FA Trophy first round results". BBC Sport. 17 December 2008. Retrieved 4 February 2013. - ^ "Diamonds take on Thomas". Sky Sports. 25 March 2010. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
- ^ "Daggers squad taking shape". Sky Sports. 3 June 2010. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
- ^ "Cheltenham Town sign Frankie Artus and Wes Thomas". BBC Sport. 1 July 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Gillingham 1–1 Cheltenham". BBC Sport. 7 August 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Robins star keen to kick on". Sky Sports. 17 August 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
- ^ "Thomas torn over Town future". Sky Sports. 17 January 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
- ^ a b "Games played by Wes Thomas in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
- ^ "Baker in awe of Thomas' wages". Sky Sports. 13 June 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Crawley Town sign Wes Thomas and Scott Davies". BBC Sport. 31 May 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ a b c d "Games played by Wes Thomas in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
- ^ "Cherries land Thomas on loan". Sky Sports. 9 September 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ Perrett, Neil (9 September 2011). "Cherries: Bradbury completes Thomas loan swoop". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Leyton Orient 1–3 Bournemouth". BBC Sport. 13 September 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Cherries: Symes excited by Thomas partnership". Bournemouth Echo. 19 October 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ Perrett, Neil (2 January 2012). "Cherries: Thomas spearheads simple victory". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Leon Clarke: Swindon Town show interest in Coventry striker". BBC Sport. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ^ "Wes Thomas: Bournemouth striker not for sale, says Howe". BBC Sport. 8 August 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ^ "AFC Bournemouth: Addison, Thomas and Fogden could make January moves". Bournemouth Echo. 2 January 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ^ "AFC Bournemouth: Howe confirms Thomas is set for Dean Court exit". Bournemouth Echo. 3 January 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ^ Wadley, Ian (21 August 2012). "Cherries: Thomas can emerge from goal slump insists boss". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Portsmouth sign Wes Thomas from AFC Bournemouth". BBC Sport. 28 September 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ Weld, Neil (29 September 2012). "Portsmouth 2 Scunthorpe 1". Portsmouth F.C. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "McLeod striking the right note with Thomas". Portsmouth News. 15 October 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ Allen, Neil (22 October 2012). "Thomas wary of Cherries return". Portsmouth News. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ Frost, Howard (20 October 2012). "Appy: Everyone's a winner if Thomas stays at Pompey". Portsmouth News. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ a b Perrett, Neil (26 October 2012). "Cherries: Thomas asked Howe to leave". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ Wadley, Ian (12 November 2012). "Cherries: Thomas sets his sights on new start under Howe". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Blackpool sign Bournemouth striker Wes Thomas on loan". BBC Sport. 22 November 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ Hayes, Bob (1 December 2012). "Peterborough 1 Blackpool 4". The Sun. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Michael Appleton wants Wes Thomas to stay at Blackpool". BBC Sport. 11 December 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ a b c d e "Games played by Wes Thomas in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 April 2013.
- ^ "Derby and Watford keen on Bournemouth striker Wes Thomas". Sky Sports. 9 January 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Burnley have lodged a bid for Bournemouth forward Wes Thomas". Sky Sports. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Wes Thomas: Birmingham sign Bournemouth striker on loan". BBC Sport. 31 January 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- ^ Tattum, Colin (2 February 2013). "Birmingham 2 Nottingham Forest 1". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Birmingham City 3 Derby County 1 - Colin Tattum's full time report and picture gallery". Birmingham Mail. 9 March 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ^ "Lee Clark: "We just played with lots more power, more pace and energy."". Birmingham Mail. 9 March 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ^ "Birmingham City: Wes Thomas hopes loan becomes permanent". BBC Sport. 12 March 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ^ "Birmingham City 1 Millwall 1: Colin Tattum's big match verdict". Birmingham Mail. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ^ "Clark's hoping to strike a deal with Morrison". Birmingham Mail. 27 April 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ^ "Marlon King, Peter Lovenkrands, Darren Ambrose and Hayden Mullins to be shown the door by Blues". Birmingham Mail. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- ^ "Games played by Wes Thomas in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
- ^ a b "Games played by Wes Thomas in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
External links
- Profile at Dagenham & Redbridge F.C. website
- Wes Thomas player profile at afcb.co.uk
- Wes Thomas at Soccerbase
- Use dmy dates from June 2013
- Living people
- 1987 births
- English footballers
- Association football forwards
- Waltham Forest F.C. players
- Thurrock F.C. players
- Fisher Athletic F.C. players
- Dagenham & Redbridge F.C. players
- Grays Athletic F.C. players
- Rushden & Diamonds F.C. players
- Cheltenham Town F.C. players
- Crawley Town F.C. players
- A.F.C. Bournemouth players
- Portsmouth F.C. players
- Blackpool F.C. players
- Birmingham City F.C. players
- The Football League players
- Football Conference players
- Sportspeople from London
- Black English sportspeople
- People from Barking